A rimshot is a technique where the stick strikes the head and the rim of a snare drum at the same time, producing a sharp, strong sound. It has much clearer definition than a normal snare hit.
The basic idea
Because its presence is so large, using it in the chorus or on a hard-hitting beat creates an accent. Using it constantly through a whole song can make things sound stiff.
Playing and programming it
Alternate between normal snare hits and rimshots, placing the rimshot only on the beats where you want an accent. In sample libraries, select the dedicated note or articulation.
How it differs from related terms
A rimshot is the sound of hitting the rim and the head together. It is different from a rim click, where only the rim is struck lightly.
Just changing how you hit the same snare lets you shape the sense of power in each section.
