What is a 4 on the floor drum beat?
The four-on-the-floor beat is a common time rhythm pattern that sounds four consecutive quarter notes within a measure of 4/4 music. Sometimes called four-to-the-floor, this beat is played on the bass drum of a drum kit, which explains the “on the floor” phrase.
Why is it called 4 on the floor?
This was popularized in the disco music of the 1970s and the term four-on-the-floor was widely used in that era: it originated with the pedal-operated, drum-kit bass drum. Sometimes the term is used to refer to a 4/4 uniform drumming pattern for any drum. A form of four-on-the-floor is also used in jazz drumming.
What is a 4 4 beat?
4/4 means there are 4 beats in each measure and a quarter note receives one count. 2/4 means there are 2 beats in each measure and a quarter note receives one count. 2/2 means there are 2 beats in each measure and a half note receives one count.
What beat does the snare go on?
In most genres, the snare is found on beats 2 and 4 (the backbeat), providing a sense of push and forward motion. However, it can be displaced, and extra hits introduced, to create variations and syncopated beats.
What is a four on the floor beat?
As previously stated, the defining characteristic of the four on the floor beat is the uniform 1, 2, 3, 4 pattern on the bass drum. This is usually combined with upbeats being accented on the hi-hat cymbals.
What is a 4/4 beat pattern?
The beat itself is characterized by a uniformly accented beat in 4/4 time, with the bass drum being hit on every beat (a simple 1, 2, 3, 4) in common time. It is a fairly simple rhythm pattern and was popularized during the 1970s, with the rise of disco.
Why is the four on the floor drum pattern important?
This rhythmic pattern is the very bedrock of many popular styles of music. As a working drummer, it’s important to embrace this style, even if it’s not the most exciting thing to play. Drummers of the 80s who used electronic drum kits in groups like Dead Or Alive or Depeche Mode heavily relied on four on the floor.
What is a four-on-the-floor disco beat?
From 70’s disco hits such as “I Will Survive” and “Turn the Beat Around,” and 80’s rock classics such as “Miss You” and “Another Brick In The Wall,” to modern hits by Maroon Five and Lady Gaga, and even musical guru Frank Zappa, the four-on-the-floor disco beat is an essential groove that all drummers need to have a firm grasp of.