How do I count a rest note in drum music?

by Michael
((Texas))

I am just beginning to play the drums. I am struggling to understand how to count a rest in a measure. For example in a 4/4 measure, lets say the first note in the measure is a quarter note, the second note is a quarter REST, the third note is a quarter note, and the last note is a quarter REST.

I was told to count a measure like this by saying out loud ONE,REST,THREE,REST. By saying REST during the measure it throws me off completely and I lose my count on what number I was on. Is there any other way to count the rests in a measure so that I don't get confused and lose my count.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

ANSWER

Hi, Michael--

It is actually very simple--just count ONE TWO THREE FOUR and don't play on the rests.

Have you checked out our Almost Free Drum Tabs?

These are quality drum tab presented in traditional notation. They are guaranteed accurate and easy to read.

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Best Wishes,
Lynne