Top 5 Songs Every Beginner Drummer Should Learn.
Learning to play the drums is an exciting journey, filled with rhythm, energy, and the joy of making music. For beginners, it’s essential to start with songs that are not only fun but also help build fundamental drumming skills. Here are the top five songs that every beginner drummer should learn. These tracks are perfect for developing your timing, coordination, and understanding of basic rhythms.
1. “We Will Rock You” by Queen
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
"We Will Rock You" is an anthem that has transcended generations, and its iconic stomp-stomp-clap beat is recognized worldwide. This song is a fantastic starting point for beginners because of its simplicity and repetition. The beat is straightforward, allowing new drummers to focus on consistency and timing without the complexity of rapid fills or intricate patterns.
Skills You’ll Learn:
Basic Rhythm and Timing: The steady quarter-note pulse helps you develop a strong sense of timing.
Coordination: You’ll learn to coordinate your feet and hands as you replicate the stomp-stomp-clap pattern.
Tip: Practice playing along with the track, and when it feels comfortable add in an 8th note hi-hat pattern for a challenge.
2. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
“Billie Jean” features one of the most recognizable drum beats in pop music history. The groove, laid down by the legendary drummer Ndugu Chancler, is simple yet incredibly effective. The song’s beat is repetitive, which is ideal for beginners looking to master a steady groove.
Skills You’ll Learn:
Steady Groove: The repetitive nature of the beat helps you focus on playing consistently and with a solid groove.
Hi-Hat Technique: The closed hi-hat pattern is an excellent way to practice control and precision.
Tip: This song can be quite fast for beginners so practice slowly first, with a metronome, and gradually increase the tempo.
3. “Back in Black” by AC/DC
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
Phil Rudd’s drumming on “Back in Black” is the epitome of rock-solid playing. The beats are straightforward and easy to follow, making this song a staple for beginner drummers. The emphasis on playing with power and precision is key, and mastering this track will set you up with a solid foundation in rock drumming.
Skills You’ll Learn:
Consistency and Power: The steady rock beat demands precision and power, teaching you to hit with confidence.
Snare and Bass Coordination: You’ll learn how to sync up your snare and bass drum hits to create a tight, punchy rhythm.
Tip: Try to learn this song by ear rather than notation, the syncopated stabs can be tricky to understand as notation when you’re just starting out. Learning it by ear will help you recognise different parts of the kit within the song.
4. “Yellow” by Coldplay
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
“Yellow” by Coldplay is a beautiful, atmospheric song with a simple yet effective drum part. The drumming is subtle, focusing on creating a steady pulse that supports the song's dreamy feel. For beginners, this track offers a chance to work on dynamics and playing with a light touch, which are crucial skills for more nuanced drumming.
Skills You’ll Learn:
Dynamics: The soft, consistent beat of “Yellow” helps you practice controlling your volume and intensity, essential for playing more expressive music.
Timing and Feel: The song’s relaxed tempo allows you to focus on keeping a steady rhythm, helping you develop a strong internal clock.
Hi-Hat Control: The use of the hi-hat to create a gentle, ticking rhythm will improve your precision and control.
Tip: Focus on the transition of your lead hand voicing. Transitioning from closed hi-hat to open, then to the ride can often throw a beginner off the time. Practice slowly without the song if you find this difficult.
5. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
Why It’s Great for Beginners:
“Seven Nation Army” is driven by a simple yet powerful beat that’s easy for beginners to pick up. Meg White’s drumming style is minimalist, making this song an excellent choice for those new to the drums. The straightforward beat allows you to lock into the groove and focus on playing with energy and precision.
Skills You’ll Learn:
Straightforward Rock Beat: The simple beat helps you build confidence and master the basics of rock drumming.
Energy and Drive: The powerful, driving rhythm will teach you how to play with intensity and maintain a steady tempo.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to hit hard. Drums are meant to be struck and this song is a good place to start seeing the limits of the power you have as a drummer.
Conclusion
These five songs are perfect for beginner drummers who want to build a strong foundation in rhythm, timing, and coordination. Each track offers unique lessons that will help you grow as a musician, all while having fun and playing along to some of the most iconic songs in music history.
Whether you’re playing along with these tracks or jamming out on your own, remember that practice is key. Take your time, focus on consistency, and most importantly, enjoy the process of making music!
Take Your Drumming to the Next Level!
Are you ready to take your drumming skills to new heights? Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your technique, my personalized drum lessons are designed to help you reach your goals. With a focus on foundational skills, personalized guidance, and plenty of encouragement, my lessons will have you playing your favourite songs with confidence in no time.
And don’t forget—I post daily blogs with tips, tricks, and guides like this one, so be sure to check back regularly for more drumming advice!
Until tomorrow,