Bounce Like a Roo: Underdog Electronic Music School’s Flappy 16th Note Techno Trick

Oskar from Underdog Electronic Music School kicks things off by introducing us to the concept of ‘flappy’ 16th notes—a name that’s as fun as it sounds. These aren’t just any old rhythmic fillers; they’re the sneaky little accents that can turn a straight-laced techno beat into a groove monster. If you’ve ever wondered why some tracks make you move like you’ve just stepped on a stray Lego, it’s probably down to these cheeky notes.

He reckons these flappy 16ths are essential for that hypnotic, side-to-side energy in techno. Forget playing it safe with just the downbeats—embracing these weaker, off-kilter moments is where the real bounce lives. Oskar’s approach is as laid-back as a Sunday arvo BBQ, but don’t be fooled: there’s serious groove science at play here.

Next up, Oskar breaks down the pecking order of beats in a one-bar loop. He’s got a knack for making music theory feel less like homework and more like a game of backyard cricket. The strongest beats are your trusty downbeats, followed by upbeats, and then—lurking in the shadows—those weak 16th notes.

But here’s the kicker: it’s these so-called weaklings that pack a surprising punch when you start accenting them. Whether you’re slapping a hi-hat, tom, or some mid percussion on those spots, you’ll find your groove gets a whole lot more interesting. It’s a bit like discovering the quiet kid at the party is actually the best dancer once the lights go down.

Oskar doesn’t just talk the talk—he gets you counting along, school-style. He slows things down and challenges you to feel those 16th notes, stripping away the kick and upbeats until you’re left with the bare bones of the groove. It’s a bit like peeling back the layers of an onion, but with less crying and more head-nodding.

By isolating and accenting different 16th notes, you start to hear how each tweak changes the groove’s feel. The exercise is simple but surprisingly effective, and it’s the kind of hands-on trick that’ll have you rethinking your next drum pattern. If you want to get the full vibe, you’ll have to watch Oskar’s hand gestures and listen to the subtle shifts—some things just don’t translate to text, mate.

Now for the juicy bit: Oskar drops some real-world examples to show how these techniques work in actual tracks. He points out how adding flappy 16ths to a hi-hat line can suddenly make a groove feel alive, like someone just spiked the punch at a bush doof. Even short audio snippets are enough to get your foot tapping.

He highlights how focusing on these side-to-side accents gives the rhythm a hypnotic pull, especially when the bassline and hats lock in together. Sometimes, it’s just one or two of those weak 16ths getting the spotlight, creating a groove that’s lopsided in the best possible way. It’s the kind of syncopation that makes your body move before your brain even catches up.

Oskar’s not shy about admitting the limitations of YouTube’s copyright police, so you only get a taste of the magic. But trust me, the full effect is something you need to hear for yourself—no written review can capture the way these grooves hit your guts on a big system.