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We are going to take a basic beat and modulate it using the different subdivisions. This gives the impression that you are speeding up or slowing down but the actual tempo does not change. Practice these exercises with a metronome to make sure everything lines up correctly. Here is the basic 8th note beat.
Double Time
Now switch to playing 16th notes on the hi hat and move the kick and snare notes. This is the same beat played twice as fast. It may help to write out the16th note count above the notes.

 

Half Time
Now slow the hi hat down to quarter notes and move the kick and snare notes. This is the same beat played half as fast. It will take two measures to complete the beat.

 

Triplets
This is the fun one. Now we will play 8th note triplets on the hi hat and move the kick and snare. This one may feel a little awkward because it’s based on a triple meter rather than a double meter like the previous examples. This is one and a half times faster than the original beat.

 

You can use these modulations to affect the feel of the music you are playing. Start by playing these one at a time and then try to modulate without stopping. Once you are comfortable with that, move your hand to the ride cymbal and play these while marking quarter notes with your foot on the hi hat.
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