Groove (drumming)

In drumming, a groove is a repeated phrase that sets and maintains the rhythm and tempo of the piece.

Grooves and fills are the main components of the music played on a drum kit, and together with basic techniques or rudiments such as flams make up the curriculum for learning to play the drum kit.

To a drummer, a groove is the drumming equivalent of a riff to a guitarist.

Examples

Rock music

  • Cut time
  • Standard rock beat on snare, bass and closed hi-hats

Jazz music

Swing

  • Cooking on the hi-hat
  • Shuffle on the ride cymbal
  • Jazz waltz in 3
  • Stirring with brushes on the snare drum

Latin

  • Bossa Nova
  • Samba

Heavy metal music

  • Blast beat
  • Breakdowns
  • Double bass drum pattern

See also