04 · Rhythm · Build a 16-Step Beat
Build a 16-Step Beat
Same four beats as before — now each beat has four positions. Count 1 e & a, 2 e & a…
Learn
Four positions per beat
A 4/4 bar still has four beats. Sixteenth notes split each beat into four equal steps, so there are 16 steps in the bar.
More steps don’t change the tempo. The beat stays the same speed; you just get finer places to put hits.
Each step only places a drum hit — it doesn’t control how long the sound rings. An open hat rings out naturally, and a later hat can cut it short.
Explore
Your 16-step loop
The example keeps kick on 1 and 3 and snare on 2 and 4, then adds hits on the in-between spots: a kick on 1 a, hats on 2 e and 4 e, a snare pickup on 4 a and an open hat on 4 &. Edit anything.
16-step example loaded · Stopped
Scroll the grid sideways to see all 16 steps.
Practice · Production Rep
Build this exact beat
- Kick on beats 1 and 3
- Snare on beats 2 and 4
- Closed hi-hat on all 16 steps
- No open hi-hats
Empty pattern · Stopped
Scroll the grid sideways to see all 16 steps.
In your DAW: set the piano-roll grid to 1/16 and you’ll see the same 16 slots in one bar.