The Sixteenth Note
This is a sixteenth note. It lasts for one quarter of a beat. There are four sixteenth notes in one beat. There are 16 sixteenth notes in one bar of * time.
The following example contains a bar of sixteenth notes played on the snare drum. Use alternate sticking (RLRL and then LRLR) and remember to count out loud as you play. Once you have control of the example, try playing it with one hand only (RRRR and then LLLL). Although this is less common with sixteenth notes, it is used in more advanced drumming and is therefore worth mastering.
Now try moving between quarter notes, eighth notes and sixteenth notes. Keep the tempo consistent throughout regardless of the type of note being played.
Here are two more examples which should help you become familiar with sixteenth notes. Play each one starting with the right hand and then the left hand.
As well as alternating, this example could also be played using one hand on each particular drum - RRRR LLLL etc and LLLL RRRR etc.
Now try playing some short fills using sixteenth notes, as demonstrated in the following examples.
This example makes use of a whole bar sixteenth note fill. Take it slowly at first and practice alternating between the fill and the basic beat.
