A Drummer in a Can

I needed something beyond pure guitar riffs to flesh out a real hook. Over by the corner, I spotted a dropped metal soda can tab lying flat against the oak grain. I marched over, bent down, and hauled it up by its hollow loop. It was light enough to wield, but when I dropped it onto an overturned ceramic coaster, it made a sharp, snappy 'clink' like a hi-hat. I planted my boots, set the tab down flat, and used the toe of my sneaker to tap out a syncopated tempo across its edge while keeping my guitar ready against my hip. That crisp percussive bite is exactly the counter-beat I've been waiting for.