Wipe Out Drum beat by The Surfaris

Wipe Out Drum Beat

The Wipe Out drum beat is one of the most exciting and iconic rhythms in rock history. From the first bar this beat grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, learning this rhythm improves your technique and endurance.

TIPS:

• Practise the 1/16th notes slowly on the floor tom at first
• Then add the bass drum
• Finaly follow the counting and add the accents- then play fast!

The Wipe Out beat became famous through The Surfaris’ 1963 instrumental hit Wipe Out. It’s known for its fast tom rolls and explosive energy. If you want to build speed and control on the drums, this is the perfect place to start.

Even though it sounds intense, the Wipe Out drum beat is built from basic drumming elements. With consistent practice, anyone can learn to play it with confidence.

Why the Wipe Out Beat Is So Popular

The Wipe Out beat is legendary for a few good reasons:

• It’s energetic and fun to play.

• It improves hand speed and coordination.

• It’s instantly recognizable.

From drum solos to soundtracks, this beat has stood the test of time. Drummers across generations still use it to warm up or show off their chops.

And the best part? It’s easier than you think.

Breaking Down the Wipe Out Drum Beat

The Wipe Out beat is built around continuous 16th-note triplets. These fast notes are played around the toms and snare in a repeating pattern. Here’s how it breaks down:

1. 1/16th notes on the Floor Tom
   Keep the notes even. Use wrist motion, not arm strength.

2. Build Endurance
   The Wipe Out beat goes for many bars without pause. Practice building your stamina.

3. Add Accents
   Add the accented notes at a slow tempo. This gives the rhythm its drive and feel.

4. Move Around the Kit
   After mastering the Floor Tom, try moving the beat around the drum kit. For example: floor tom, rack tom, snare—then repeat.

Start slow and clean. Speed will come with time and repetition.

Tips for Mastering the Beat

Learning a fast pattern like this requires patience. Here are a few tips that make the process smoother:

• Use a Metronome
  Always practice with a metronome. Begin at a slow tempo and gradually increase it.

• Stay Relaxed
  Tension kills speed. Keep your hands and arms loose to avoid fatigue.

• Focus on Even Notes
  1/16th notes must sound smooth. Uneven notes ruin the flow.

• Record Yourself
  Listening back helps you catch timing issues.

• Practice Daily
  Even 10–15 minutes a day can bring real progress.

With time, the rhythm will feel natural and fun to play.

How to Add Style to the Wipe Out Beat

Once you’ve nailed the basic pattern, it’s time to get creative. Here’s how you can personalize the Wipe Out drum beat:

• Use Different Dynamics
  Try playing the unaccented notes as grace notes to accentuate the feel.

• Switch Stickings
  Try different sticking patterns like RLRR  LRLL or LRLR. LRLR.

• Play with Orchestration
  Move the beat around the kit. Experiment with cymbals, snare, and toms.

• Add a Kick Drum Pulse
  Play eighth notes on the kick while playing the 1/16ths.

These small changes make your version of Wipe Out more unique and expressive.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Like any fast pattern, the Wipe Out drum beat can trip up new players. Here are some common issues and how to fix them:

• Dragging 1/16ths
  Use a metronome to keep the feel steady. At slow tempos count “1e&a, 2e&a, 3e&a, 4e&a…” out loud.

• Tensing Up
  Shake out your hands if you start to feel stiff. Take short breaks if needed.

• Losing Form at Speed
  Slow down and focus on clean execution before pushing the tempo.

• Overplaying the Accents
  Keep accents strong but not overwhelming. Balance is key.

Avoiding these mistakes early makes progress much smoother.

Why Every Drummer Should Learn This Beat

So, why is the Wipe Out drum beat such a big deal? Because it teaches key drumming skills in a fun way:

• Speed and Endurance: Builds strength in both hands.

• Coordination: Helps develop limb independence when you add the kick.

• Timing and Control: Improves precision and rhythm awareness.

• Musicality: Encourages dynamic playing and groove development.

You’ll not only sound good—you’ll feel good while playing it.

Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at jams and gigs. The energy is infectious!

Final Thoughts

The Wipe Out drum beat is a rite of passage for drummers. It’s fast, fun, and full of energy. Learning this rhythm sharpens your timing, boosts your stamina, and gives you a performance-ready solo to show off anytime.

Stick with it, play often, and most importantly—enjoy the ride.