How to Count 1/16 Notes on Drums
- 1). Count “1” and then “e” and then “&” and then “a.” The "a" in "1 e & a" is pronounced like "ah." These sounds represent the four counts in each quarter note. Incorporate the "e & a" instead of counting numbers with more than one syllable to avoid confusion about the number of beats.
- 2). Repeat this for each count of the measure, replacing “1” with the correct count. Thus a 4/4 measure is counted: “1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a.”
- 3). Turn on a metronome to a moderate tempo, such as 60 beats per minute.
- 4). Count 16th notes along with the click. The metronome makes one click for each count. Thus, count “1 e & a” for each click; space each part out evenly between clicks, changing the “1” to correspond with the appropriate count in the measure.
- 5). Practice repeatedly until you are comfortable continually counting 16th notes; this helps you master counting 16th notes on drums.