How to Use Ghost Notes Creatively in Drum Grooves – Drum Practice Routine (Part 27)
Ghost notes are the secret sauce of a killer groove. These subtle, low-volume snare hits may be quiet — but they bring your drumming to life by adding texture, depth, and dynamics.
In Part 27 of our Drum Practice Routine Series, we’ll explore how to play and apply ghost notes creatively within your grooves to develop feel, finesse, and musicality — even in basic beats.
🥁 What Are Ghost Notes?
Ghost notes are played very softly, usually on the snare drum. They’re not meant to stand out, but rather to enhance the groove between backbeats.
✅ Adds depth and groove
✅ Improves dynamic control
✅ Makes your playing sound more professional
✅ Found in funk, R&B, rock, gospel, and more
🎯 30-Minute Routine – Ghost Note Groove Development
1. Ghost Note Grid (10 min)
Play a standard 8th-note hi-hat groove
Backbeat on 2 & 4
Add ghost notes on “e” and “a” of each beat (light taps)
🎯 Focus on hand control — ghost notes should barely be audible
2. Alternating Accents & Ghost Notes (5 min)
RLRL sticking on snare
Accent every 4th note
Ghost the rest
🔗 Related: Part 4 – Dynamic Control & Volume Balance
3. Groove Variations with Ghost Notes (10 min)
Try these combos:
Groove A:
Ghost notes on “a” of 1 & “e” of 3
Backbeats on 2 & 4
Groove B:
Ghost notes only in bar 2 of every 2-bar phrase
🎯 Record yourself — listen to how ghost notes shape the feel
4. Ghost Note Improvisation (5 min)
Play a basic groove
Improvise ghost note placement between hi-hat and kick
🎯 Add space and breathe — don’t overplay
💡 Teaching Tip:
The key to ghost notes is restraint. If you can barely hear them — you’re doing it right.
📍 In-Home Drum Lessons Available In:
Redondo Beach
Torrance
Gardena
Manhattan Beach
Palos Verdes
Want to take your groove to the next level? Book an in-home lesson and get hands-on guidance with ghost notes and dynamics.
📞 Contact Info:
IN-HOME DRUM LESSONS BY DAVID MONTOYA
📞 310-502-4413
🌐 WWW.DRUMLESSONSINHOME.COM
