For over 100 years, this cross-genre rhythm has been one of the most universal beats, second only to the downbeat!
🎶 Jazz first introduced it on the hi-hat, Blues moved it to the snare, and soon, Rock ‘n Roll took it even further, influencing classic rock, disco, pop, EDM, and hip-hop.
🌑🌕🌑🌕 Today’s rhythm highlights the backbeat on beats 2 and 4.
Many people instinctively clap on 1 and 3, but it’s the backbeat (2 and 4) that brings the laid back groove.
Check out this clever move by Harry Connick Jr., who gets the crowd to clap on 2 and 4 without them changing anything! Feel how the energy shifts.
Example Songs with a Backbeat:
- September – Earth, Wind & Fire: The kick drum starts on the front beat (1 and 3) at 8 seconds, then moves to the backbeat (2 and 4) on the snare at 12 seconds. Listen here
- Queen Bee – Taj Mahal: Notice the backbeat on the kick drum in this reggae tune. Listen here
Try It Yourself: Pick a song you’re working on in 4/4 time.
- Record yourself playing and clap along on 1 & 3 (the front beat) for 4 measures.
- Then clap on 2 & 4 (the backbeat) for 4 measures. Feel the difference in groove.
No song? Just pull up one of your favorites and give it a try!
Oh, and today just happens to be Day 11 of the moon cycle (🌔 waxing gibbous), 11/11 (November 11), and I started writing this at 11:11. 🤷♂️ Coincidence or something meaningful?
Wishing you a special day.
If you’d like instant access to all the moon rhythms click here
