Today, we discover and explore the possibilities hidden in ghost notes and grace notes. As the name suggests ghost notes and grace notes are not intended to be heard, but add the element of subtlety and finesse. Let’s begin!

What are Ghost Notes?

As the name suggests, ghost notes are notes that are not implied to be heard, but add a subtle element to any groove. Like how one cannot see ghosts but can sometimes feel their presence lurking around, ghost notes on a drum kit add the necessary flavour to the sound but are not loud.

Now, let’s learn how to play ghost notes. For example, in a 4/4 rock groove in 16th notes, try to add a soft ghost note on the “e” and “a” of all quarter notes (1-2-3-4). After you feel comfortable, try to add a kick drum on counts 1, 2, 3 and 4 and you are already halfway there.

Another way to add that element of dynamism to your playing is to follow a ghost note with an accented note on the snare drum. Remember to give enough space between a ghost note and an accented snare drum hit as they have to be played in quick succession. 

Therefore, for beginners, start slow and get used to the idea of ghost notes first before adding the snare drum.

This completes the groove with the kick on 1. Add ghost notes on the “e” and “&” of 1 and “e” and “&” of 3 while you hit the snare drum with an accented note on 2 and 4. This can seem challenging in the beginning. Spend time practising and you can be on your way to becoming a world-class drummer.

What are Grace Notes?

Typically grace notes cannot be described in drum theory as they do not hold a note or time value. Grace notes can also be called as a combination of buzz rolls and ghost notes.

Adding grace notes on count 4 of a 4/4 beat in a 16th note groove can make all the difference. Even a standard groove can sound amazing with a combination of ghost and grace notes. For the next blog post, we learn to apply the rudiments to fills.