How to Make 'UK Jazz' Drum Beats

Learn how to make a groove inspired by the captivating rhythms of new UK Jazz, using a music theory hack from “Free My Skin” by London collective Steam Down. Subtitles/CC available.

SETUP
The theory hack in this lesson is from the new single “Free My Skin” by the inspirational London collective, Steam Down. But, the music in this lesson (which you’ll hear at the end of the video), is actually our music that we wrote using their theory. On that note, we could definitely make lessons on their melodies, chords and bass as well, cos there’s so much interesting theory going on in those, but this lesson is all about rhythm, so we’ll focus on their drum groove. Right, so start by setting your tempo to 146 BPM, then make two bars of 4/4, with your grid set to 1/16 notes.

INTRO

STEP 1. FOUR-ON-THE-FLOOR (ALMOST)
The driving force behind this awesome groove is an almost four-on-the-floor pattern on the kick. The drummer plays beat 1, 3 and 4, but not beat 2. This creates a super dancey groove, but leaves space for something more interesting.

STEP 2. MORE SYNCOPATION!
Next, in that space left open by not playing a kick on beat 2, the drummer plays a couple syncopated snare hits on beats 1a and 2+. Then in the second bar, there’s even more syncopation, as there are three syncopated snare hits on beats 1a, 2e and 2a.

STEP 3. IRREGULAR HATS
Now, there’s only one rule when it comes to the hats in this groove: don’t play beat 2. By leaving that beat totally open, the drummer ensures that the super funky groove created from all those syncopated snares is not watered down, cos this is Steam Down, not water down! Also, by having some rests on the hats, it creates an irregular pattern, which keeps the groove unpredictable. And lastly, there’s a 1/32 note thrown in for extra spice.

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ABOUT
Hack Music Theory is a pioneering method for making great music that stands out, so you can move and grow your audience! Taught by award-winning music lecturer Ray Harmony and his protégé wife Kate Harmony, from their home studio in Vancouver, Canada. Ray has been teaching music theory for 24 years, and along the way he's made music with Serj Tankian (System Of A Down), Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine), Steven Wilson (Porcupine Tree), Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad), Ihsahn (Emperor), Kool Keith (Ultramagnetic MCs), Madchild (Swollen Members) and many more! Hack Music Theory teaches relevant and instantly-usable music theory for producers, DAW users, and all other music makers (songwriters, singers, guitarists, bassists, drummers, etc.) in all genres, from EDM to R&B, pop to hip-hop, reggae to rock, electronic to metal (and yes, we djefinitely djent!).

MUSIC

COPYRIGHT
© 2019 Revolution Harmony
Revolution Harmony is Ray Harmony & Kate Harmony
All content (script & music) in video by Revolution Harmony

[travismorpak]

This was a great tutorial. I would love to see more tutorials in this style of music. I listen to so many artists like this and didn’t realize it was an actual scene happening in The UK. Thanks for this.

[FrenchAudio]

Starting to play with one of my old bands again. I've always had the most fun playing with them, but also the most stressful time. I'm hoping it goes well, but it's really nice to see you guys in my feed, I used to watch your videos when we were on the road, or in a town for a little bit, and I absolutely adore how you cover everything from Periphery to Steam Down, it really is awesome!! Keep it up, you're both amazing!!

[artificialnemesis]

I'd really love to see you guys try explaining some stuff behind The Dillinger Escape Plan. Extremely wild and chaotic music but subtle and emotional when it needs to be. Tons of songs with catchy writing like Milk Lizard, or even ballad like electronic pieces as heard on the title track of "Dissociation". I think it'd make for an awesome lesson from you guys.

[nikaapo]

Hi Ray and Kate.
Love your videos. Could you come back to theory basis and make a series with each episode exploring a mode (construction, melody, harmony) and each chord so that we can get familiar with their sound?

[Strafuzz]

What is that lovely plant in the background?

[HAZARDOUS]

Thanks so much, this is a really great lesson!

[johncostopoulos]

GREAT TUTORIAL!! EUCHARISTO PARA POLY!!!!

[Tutybanana]

Very nice and short explanation on the Beat. For a Future Video i'd like to see the Artist Iglooghost

[muhammadrezahaghiri]

Hello!
I enjoyed this lesson a lot! I actually do not like the new jazz music that much, but discovering new artists and techniques is always good. At least, now I have a better knowledge on rhythm.
Have a great time! \m/

[dhruv]

Hii I am new to this channel, can you please make a tutorial on how to make vocal melodies for pop punk music. Thanks

[Justin_the_Analog_IC_architect]

Interesting aren't they?! Lots of incredibly interesting stuff going on.

[nandakoryaaa]

Hi Kate & Ray! Nice groove! Are you on Mondays now?

[davidhawley]

So, they basically moved the rhythm to the bass?

[spencerrobinson]

Eyo! Dont think I've heard of too many tunes in 146, that's pretty unique. Would you guys consider doing a video on either Frank Zappa or Conlon Nancarrow at some point? It'd be really cool to learn how to apply some of the more mathematical/intricate techniques. Or more stuff on serialism because serialism is super rad