Play virtual drums

Learn your first drum beat

Listen to the four-bar example. Keep eighth notes on the closed hi-hat, add bass drum on beats 1 and 3, and snare on 2 and 4. Start with one part, then add the others. Completing playback means you listened to the example; it does not score your playing.

1. Count “1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and.” Play the closed hi-hat on every number and every “and.” Keep the spaces even.
2. Keep the hi-hat going and add bass drum on 1 and 3. On a real kit, use the bass drum pedal; on the browser kit, tap its pad.
3. Add snare on 2 and 4. When parts line up in the chart, play them together. Slow down or practice one part separately if coordination feels difficult.

Printable first-beat practice sheet

Meet the drum kit

The bass drum gives the low pulse, the snare answers it, and the hi-hat keeps time. Toms move a fill around the kit; crash and ride cymbals add different textures. Close the hi-hat with its closed pad or pedal to cut off its open sound. This browser kit uses the same instrument sounds as the practice app.