Play hihat 16ths with HALF the effort

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Fast one-handed 16ths are tough. I feel ya! But there’s a cheat you can use to half your effort.

I’ll show you how to “hack” the process, plus I’ll give you some tips for making your 16ths more smooth & polished. YOU CAN DO THIS!

I believe that ANYONE can learn the drums, and I believe you’re far more capable of becoming a great drummer than you think you are. Don’t sell yourself short! SUBSCRIBE for more Non Glamorous videos that get straight to the point of solving drumming frustration. Stay Non Glamorous, Everyone!

Check out these additional lessons:

Use the Moeller technique on hihat

The simple secret to FAST TRIPLE strokes on the ride

[maksao]

"the funky drummer" James Brown/Clyde Stubblefield... i think that's one of the most notorious tunes when it comes to playing fast 16ths - with it's extended version running for more than 9 minutes... that's definitely my ultimate litmus test ;) great video!

[terrybrodsky]

This video was such a joy to watch. What a great, deep dive into the study of economy of motion. What an engaging exploration of how subtle changes affect the flavor of fill/passage. I can't believe how fast I smashed the subscribe button. Thank you much for this video!

[flddoc]

I’m floored. I’ve always thought he was playing triplets with ghost notes mixed in. The entire album in my opinion is one of the best drumming albums out there. I can do these 16th notes MUCH easier than the triplets with ghosts. Doing smooth, perfectly uniform triplets has been the bane of my drumming existence. BTW, I accomplish fast 16th notes by incorporating the exact movements you’ve demonstrated so well. I call it the “half-assed” Moeller. My forearm moves the 8th notes and playing the “and-a” on the up swing completes quarter measure notes. Took some time but after my body accepted the mechanics I was able to incorporate ghost notes and buzzes as well. I LOVE playing drums. I’ve been able to do so much and yet it’s dwarfed by so much I cannot. I’m always humbled by you. I’m grateful for that because, for me, it’s necessary to be humbled to spur growth. Who “humbles” you? Thanks for all you do for the community.

[ThEBoyd-tslc]

A lot of Sublime songs use quick 16th notes that I've been struggling with. Most of the "40 oz to Freedom" album and Self-titled album. I've been playing alternating RL on the hi-hats and missing a note to hit the snare. It doesn't sound right at all, but this tip might be the answer! Thank you so much for this tip! I can't wait to try it out. Love your videos!

[LuigiCrisci]

I'm struggling a lot with Sultans of Swing by Dire Straits! Your lessons are always so clear and helpful. Thank you!

[farshimelt]

Charlie Watts used to leave out the 2 and 4 on 8th note &16th note Hi-Hat patterns.

[gballmaier]

YOU'RE OVER 200K SUBSCRIPTIONS!!! 👏 👏 👏. Praying for your channel and family. Thanks for the MANY GREAT TIPS. 👍

[jeancorrente]

Don’t Stand So Close to Me the Police Just listen to Stewart Copeland he’s the master

[edglantz]

Interesting! I actually use this technique when I get tired while playing songs like You Wreck Me and Break On Through -- I generally start off playing every 16th but revert to the "missing man" beat once my forearm gets tired (about 2 minutes in). One way I try to disguise the "holidays" is by doing them on the beat when I'm hitting the snare.
Always great stuff, thanks Stephen!

[VintageBoxingTM]

Stephen you’re such a help. Thank you for your videos mate 🙏

[christopherbassett]

Interesting hack- made me think instantly of Charlie Watts who had this unique " stop /start method, on the hi-hat mostly, where he drops a note to play continuous/effortlessly.👄🥁

[miker]

This lesson helped me out a lot thank you very much

[majorpuggington]

This teaching session is fantastic, thank you.

[thbahr]

I think of "Run back into your arms" in the 2009 remastered version by Rod Stewart. Thx for the useful Hacks. Cheers Thomas

[dreamerrt]

I Keep Forgetting by Michael McDonald checks in at 95 bpm. I play the one handed 16th notes way slower than that but I at least have gotten to the point where I can do them slow. That was an accomplishment in and of itself!

[daviddawson]

Thanks for the video. So helpful!! … “In Bloom” by nirvana is 16ths on the hats — and, for me, attempting to learn the song has been a difficult journey. So, again, thanks for the great video!

[dennissandoval]

Never gonna give you up by barry white is a song that when i first tried playing to it i was like, "wow!!! Those 16ths on the hi hat". Super cool.

[redddddrum]

Great video, thanks for sharing so much, i'll work on that for sure !

[christopherbassett]

Ooowhatanite off April Wine -Stand Back ( Gerry Mercer) 2nd record album l ever bought- even stole a Large fireBell from school and mounted it on my Ludwig kit❗️

[.Tapestry]

you're right. this is a super basic, non-glamorous technique that makes a massive difference to the sound. i'd say it sounds _better_ than regular straight 16ths