What Drum Starts Most Reggae Music?

For many people, the drum is the heart and soul of reggae music. But what drum, specifically, is most often used to start off a reggae tune?

Introduction

Reggae music is a genre of music that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term “reggae” is often used to refer to Jamaican music in general, but it can also be used to refer specifically to the genre of music that developed from ska and rocksteady. Reggae is characterized by a laid-back, relaxed feel and is often associated with the Rastafarian movement.

One of the most distinctive elements of reggae music is the drum beat, which is typically provided by a drums called a “djembe.” The djembe is a African drum that has been adapted for use in reggae music. It has a unique sound that helps to create the signature laid-back feel of reggae.

The Four-On-The-Floor Beat

The four-on-the-floor beat is the most common drum beat in reggae music. It is typically played on a drum set with four drums: a bass drum, two tom-toms, and a snare drum. The four-on-the-floor beat is also sometimes played on a conga drum.

The four-on-the-floor beat is very simple: the bass drum is played on every beat, while the snare drum and tom-toms are played on the off beats. This gives the music its characteristic “skank” sound. The four-on-the-floor beat can be varied in many different ways, but the basic pattern remains the same.

The four-on-the-floor beat is used in many other genres of music, including rock, pop, and disco. It is also sometimes used in jazz and Latin music.

The One-Drop Rhythm

The one-drop rhythm is a reggae style drum beat. The “one-drop” refers to the dragging of the snare drum on the first and third beat of each measure. This backbeat can be played on either the left or right side, but is usually played on the right.

This rhythm gets its name from its similarity to the sound of a single drop of water falling into a pool of water. It is sometimes also called the “skank,” because it sounds like the guitar strumming pattern known as a ska (or skank).

The one-drop rhythm can be traced back to 1960s Jamaica, where it became popular in mento and rocksteady music. It was later adopted by reggae musicians, who used it to create their own unique sound. The one-drop is now considered an essential part of reggae music, and is often used in other genres as well, such as ska, dub, and dancehall.

The Steppers Rhythm

The Steppers Rhythm is often used to start off a Reggae song. It is a very simple pattern that is easy to play and sounds great when accompanied by other instruments. The Steppers Rhythm is usually played on the hi-hat, but can also be played on the ride cymbal or snare drum.

The Rockers Rhythm

The Rockers Rhythm is the most commonly used drumbeat in reggae music. It was created by Leroy Sibbles, the bass player for The Heptones, and became popular in the 1970s. The Rockers Rhythm is usually played on the drumset with a four-on-the-floor kick drum pattern, a snare on the 2 and 4, and a hi-hat on the offbeats. The cymbal crashes usually happen on beats 1 and 3.

Conclusion

When it comes to reggae music, the most important thing is the drum. The drum is what starts the music and gives it its unique sound. without the drum, reggae would not be the same.