16th notes are also called semiquavers. You can fit 16 sixteenth notes into one bar. There are then four notes for each beat, just like the 3 basic rudiments we covered earlier. For 16th notes we count "1 e & a" (pronounced "one e and ah"). Practice these from 60 - 150 BPM.

Examples are at 80 BPM.

9a.

9b.

9c.

9d.

9e.

9f.

Now add the bass drum on all quarter notes.

9g.

9h.

9i.

9j.

9k.

9l.

Now play the 16th notes on the hi-hats with your right hand. Add bass drum and snare drum and you have a sixteenth note hi-hat groove. These grooves don't go very fast as they have so many notes with one hand. Practice these from 60 - 90 BPM.

Examples are at 70 BPM

10a.

10b.

10c.

10d.

Now we put 16ths and 8ths in the one bar. Aim to alternate hands as much as possible. Try doing each bar twice, once RH start once LH start. Practice these exercises from 60 to 160 BPM.

10e.

10f.

10g.

10h.

10i.

10j.

Now add the bass drum again to feel the pulse. Once again, play the exercises starting with each hand. Aim to be comfortable with each hand playing at the same time with the bass drum. Practice these exercise from 60 - 160 BPM.

10k.

10l.

10m.

10n.

10o.

10p.

Now put both hands on the hi-hats for another 16th note hi-hat groove. This groove can be sped up to a faster tempo as it uses both hands for the 16th notes. Practice these grooves from 60 to 160 BPM.

Examples are at 90 BPM.

10q.

10r.

10s.

10t.

10u.

10v.

Combine the 16th note grooves and rhythms to make some four bar combinations. The rhythms in the fourth bar of each exercise are known as fills. Start at 60 BPM and have fun.

10w.

10x.

10y.