It doesn't get any simpler than this. And if you cannot learn to do this well, then you shouldn't be sitting at a drum set.

This week's topic is what I refer to as a standard country beat. The kick hits on 1 and 3. The snare on 2 and 4. A 4-beat measure. The high-hat is hit on 1, 2, 3 and 4.

For a righty, you are going to alternate the use of the right-foot and left-hand. Don't turn the metronome on just yet, if this is your first time. Get used to using your limbs in different directions.

right-foot, left-hand, right-foot, left-hand.
kick, snare, kick, snare.

Once you are comfortable with this, bring your right-hand into the mix and hit the high-hat each time you play the kick or snare. Once you have the coordination down, turn on the metronome and practice staying on tempo.

I like to think of my right-hand playing the high-hat as my metronome. No matter what the song is that I am playing with, if my right hand is on the tempo, then the rest of me will have no problems.

This exercise is going to be boring, but it is very important. It's important cannot be understated. I have listened to many a so-called experienced drummer not be able to play such a simple thing in tempo, and it ruins a song.

Play it fast. Play it slow. Count it as 1-2, 1-2, 1-2 if you prefer.

Perfect this basic rhythm and you will be a great drummer.