Office Rhythms: 12 Simple Drum Solos for Coworkers The modern workplace can be a high-stress environment, often lacking a rhythm beyond the frantic typing of keyboards and the buzz of notifications. However, bringing a little musicality into the day can boost morale, foster team bonding, and turn a dull afternoon into a creative break. You do not need a full drum kit to create a compelling beat; your desk, stationary, and a bit of creativity are all that is required. Here are twelve simple, engaging drum solos designed to be performed with coworkers using only everyday office items, designed to add some percussion to your productivity.
1. The Desk-Top BreakdownUtilize the hard surface of your desk for a deep, resonant sound. Using your bare hands, create a 4/4 beat alternating between a heavy palm hit in the center (bass) and tapping your fingertips near the edge (snare). Start slow to build tension, then gradually increase the tempo, ending with a quick, rapid-fire roll across the desk surface.
2. The Pen and Pencil PercussionGrab two pens or pencils. Use the wooden end of one on the edge of a plastic recycling bin, and the clicking end of the other on a metal stapler. This creates a high-pitched, complex rhythm. Alternate between clicking the pens together and hitting the surfaces, creating a fast-paced, industrial-sounding solo.
3. The Keyboard Kick-BackWith your keyboard off or unplugged, use the spacebar as a kick drum (thump with your palm) and the edge of the keyboard as a snare (tap with your fingers). This creates a tight, rhythmic, and subtle pattern that is excellent for a quick, in-chair performance during a low-energy meeting.
4. The Stapler ShuffleA metal stapler is an underrated percussion instrument. Open it halfway and tap the top metal part against the base, then use a pen to tap the side. This produces a “hi-hat” style clicking sound mixed with a “snare” snap, perfect for a fast-paced, jazzy solo.
5. The Coffee Mug MamboUsing a ceramic mug, tap the bottom gently with a pen, then tap the side, followed by bringing your hand down on the desk. The contrast between the high-pitched mug sound and the low-pitched desk hit offers a simple, three-part rhythmic structure.
6. The Binder BeatdownTake a sturdy three-ring binder and tap the center with your palms for a thudding sound, then strike the metal rings with pens for a piercing high note. A fast, rhythmic cadence on the rings followed by a sharp palm hit creates a high-energy, memorable sound.
7. The Mouse Pad MarchThe mouse pad provides a muted, soft sound, while the mouse itself can act as a shaker. Tap the pad with flat hands, then click the mouse in a rapid pattern, creating a subtle, rhythmic, and almost electronic-sounding solo.
8. The Drawer DrumPull out your desk drawer and use it as a makeshift cajón. Use your palms on the front face of the drawer for a deep bass sound, and tap on the edge for a snare sound. This is great for a full-body, energetic beat.
9. The Scissors SessionHold a pair of scissors and use the blades to create a clicking sound (snare), then open them up and hit the desktop with them for a sharp metallic sound. A rapid, clicking solo is surprisingly rhythmic and fun.
10. The Ruler RhythmPlace a plastic ruler halfway off your desk. Snap the end of the ruler with your finger, creating a “boing” bass sound, and follow it up with a quick tapping pattern on the desk. This adds a funny, pitched sound to your percussion routine.
11. The Paper Clip PolyrhythmUse a box of paper clips as a shaker. Shake it on the beat, and with your other hand, hit a coffee tin or pencil holder. The combination of the shaking noise and the metallic hit is an excellent, fast-paced rhythm.
12. The Chair ChatterSit in a rolling chair and tap your feet on the floor (bass) while tapping the armrests with your hands (snare). As you increase in tempo, you can even rock back and forth, adding a unique, resonant, low-pitched sound to your office solo.
These twelve simple, desk-based drum solos are not meant to disrupt the workday, but rather to break up the monotony. They require no special equipment, just a willingness to find rhythm in the ordinary. By embracing the sounds of the office, you and your coworkers can turn any space into a, however fleeting, musical masterpiece. Trying out these rhythms is an easy way to build camaraderie, reduce stress, and, most importantly, have a little fun while getting things done.
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