Reggae emerged from Jamaica in the 1960s, evolving from ska and rocksteady. After Jamaica gained independence in 1962, musicians created this distinctive rhythm as a voice for the nation. The drum pattern centers on the "one drop" technique—leaving the first beat empty while emphasizing the third beat with a snare rim-click and bass drum. This sparse, laid-back groove became the foundation of roots reggae, pioneered by Carlton Barrett (Bob Marley\'s drummer) and others. Tempo typically ranges from 60-110 BPM, with the genre using 4/4 time. Key instruments include drums, bass guitar (often playing melodic, syncopated lines), guitar or keyboard playing offbeat "skank" chords, and horns. Reggae rhythms span three main styles: one-drop (empty first beat), rockers (steady eighth-note bass), and steppers (four-on-the-floor bass). The style influenced dub, dancehall, hip-hop, and artists like The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and No Doubt.