Most reggae drum patterns heavily emphasize the third beat. In the traditional 4/4 time signature (meaning there are four beats in a measure and a quarter-note receives one beat), the first beat is often not played, and the third beat receives the most prominence. This pattern differs greatly from rock-and-roll patterns, where beats two and four receive the heaviest weight. Reggae drummers can play straight or with a swingy jazz feel; the triplets or swing is a bit looser, and the straight beat is used more for rock songs. Unlike rock music, drum fills in reggae music rarely end in a cymbal crash.
The "One Drop" is perhaps the most common reggae drum pattern. In this pattern, the third beat is emphasized by playing the snare and bass drum together, and beat one is not played. Carlton Barrett of the Wailers is often credited with creating this beat. Barrett also used a triplet rhythm on the hi-hat with this beat, which you can hear in many songs by the Wailers.
In the "Steppers" beat, the bass drum gives four driving quarter notes, one on each beat. Each beat receives equal emphasis. This beat is also known as "four on the floor." The "Rockers" beat also accents the third beat as in most reggae music, and it also stresses beat one, usually with a kick drum sound.
Reggae drummers tend to use a standard drum kit. Some drummers use a timbale or second snare drum, and the snare drum is usually set to a high pitch. Learning reggae drums after having played rock music can be difficult, because you have to emphasize beat three, which is different from rock-and-roll beats. Feel free to experiment with different patterns, but keep in mind the accent on beat three. Reggae percussionists also tend to use auxillary instrumentation to add to the overall sound; such instruments include shakers, claves, bongos, congas and cowbells.