Introduction to Accents
Using Quarters & Eighths on the Snare
Lesson Introduction
Accents are played louder than other notes. They add dynamics to your playing, once you have mastered accents your playing will have a great deal of character and style. In this lesson we introduce accents using the snare drum. Initially we will learn how to play quarter notes on the snare then we add complexity by playing eighth notes and the Hi Hat.
Exercise 1 (Quarter Notes)
Using a single stroke roll (R L R L) play each section individually 20 times as per video.
- Exercise 1: Accent on 1 (other notes play quieter)
- Exercise 2: Accent on 2 ..
- Exercise 3: Accent on 3 ..
- Exercise 4: Accent on 4 ..
Watch Video
This video demonstrates accents played on all beats
Exercise 2 (Eighth Notes)
Using a single stroke roll (R L R L) play each section individually 20 times as per video.
- Try to Play Hats with foot on 1 & 3
- Exercise 1: Accent on 1 (other notes play quieter)
- Exercise 2: Accent on 2 ..
- Exercise 3: Accent on 3 ..
- Exercise 4: Accent on 4 ..
Watch Video
This video demonstrates accents played on all beats
Playing Tips
- All of the above can be played with or without a drum kit. Simply tapping your feet and hands is a great way to get to know the feel of the beat playing in time with the audio files.
- Initially play these exercises using a single stroke roll as found in the Percussive Arts Society Rudiments.
Conclusion
With this lesson you learn’t how to play accents on the snare drum using Quarter notes and eighth notes. Accents can be a lot of fun and add a lot of character to your playing. Next time you listen to music, see if you can find accents the drummer is playing.
Next Steps
Try playing these accents using Stick Control, in particular the first three pages Single Beat Combinations, Pages (5-7).
Conclusion
Take the next step for this lesson and check out our lesson on Accents Using Stick Control.
Music Using Accents
Who Are You.. – Blake Shelton
She’s Gotta Be (Intro) – Keith Urban
The Hard Way – Keith Urban