The 20 Most Recognizable Drum Beats
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- Get 1000+ full song breakdowns inside Drumeo Edge:
► www.Drumeo.com/trial/ (Free Trial)
0:00 - Introduction
There are certain songs that you can recognize instantly. Think of Slash’s guitar riff at the beginning of “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, the bass line in Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”, or the lyric “Is this the real life?” sung by Freddie Mercury in Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody”. These are all songs that you and millions of other music fans around the world can recognize within seconds just by listening to a guitar part or lyric.
Since the Swing Era in the 1930s when the drum set started becoming an integral part of popular music, drummers have been playing and creating drum grooves that are just as recognizable as any of the melodic examples mentioned above. Here, we’re going to showcase the top 20 most recognizable drum beats in history.
20. “Billion Dollar Babies” - Alice Cooper (0:44)
19. “Take Five” - Dave Brubeck Quartet (3:41)
18. “Crazy Train” - Ozzy Osbourne (5:01)
17. “Tom Sawyer” - Rush (7:23)
16. “The Ballroom Blitz” - Sweet (9:44)
15. “We’re Not Gonna Take It” - Twisted Sister (11:41)
14. “Sing, Sing, Sing” - Benny Goodman (13:50)
13. “Hot For Teacher” - Van Halen (15:31)
12. “Cissy Strut” - The Meters (18:04)
11. “Funky Drummer” - James Brown (19:23)
10. “Fool In The Rain” - Led Zeppelin (21:42)
9. “Superstition” - Stevie Wonder (23:58)
8. “Walk This Way” - Aerosmith (26:27)
7. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” - U2 (27:56)
6. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” - Nirvana (30:15)
5. “50 Ways To Leave Your Lover” - Paul Simon (32:08)
4. “Wipe Out” - The Surfaris (34:32)
3. “Come Together” - The Beatles (36:37)
2. “Rosanna” - Toto (38:34)
1. “We Will Rock You” - Queen (41:41)
That concludes our list of the Top 20 Most Recognizable Drum Beats! Do you agree? Are there other grooves that you think should’ve made the list? You can find transcriptions for these beats (alongside some interesting factoids for you drum history buffs) at the following Drumeo Beat article: www.drumeo.com/beat/the-20-mo....
And did you know that Drumeo members get full note-for-note transcriptions of each song (and hundreds of other songs)? If you want to dive deeper into the playing of these legendary drummers, head on over to www.drumeo.com!
Follow Brandon Toews
►Facebook: / brandon.toews.drums
►Instagram: / brandon.toews
Follow us:
►The Drumeo Beat: www.drumeo.com/beat/
►Facebook: / drumeo
►Instagram: / drumeoofficial
#drums #drumbeats #drumlesson
![[UNCUT] รัฐสั่งหยุดปล่อยคลื่น! แต่หยุดพลังปะทุ “น้องหญิง” ไม่ได้ I คนดังนั่งเคลียร์](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RmQh47eIiV0/mqdefault.jpg)
Thanks for checking it out, everyone!
Great chops Brandon! Disappointed you didn't do the cymbal and snare accents in Hot for Teacher ;(
Alway a pleasure to watch vids from drumeo, so informative and well structured. I have learnt so, so much from the channel and saved to much money on lessons. I don't need them when I got you guys. Keep up the good work. Much love from UK. 🇬🇧❤️
@@davetourle4250 - Appreciate it, Dave! Thank you for supporting and checking out the videos :).
@Brandon Toews Great Chops
@@gabrielbeyt6267 - Thank you!
we all know that the most iconic drum beat is the phub intro....
so you mean this Drumeo video?
th-cam.com/video/k8sTPNNh6hM/w-d-xo.html
@@landonpeckham7752 😂😂😂
Its basically the rosanna shuffle 38:38
That’s how I learned it double notes on a single pedal bass drum
Brother, is that you?
Fool in the Rain will always be the best song I've ever learned. It taught me ghost notes, opening the hi hat, syncopation, triplets and everything else. It holds a special place in my heart.
If you can play that clean, you'll impress any other drummer out there. Joe Bloggs off the street wouldn't give it the proper appreciation
@@Cuzjudd Exactly
@@Strider258 good work man, you've inspired me to learn it properly now
@@Cuzjudd Glad I could help!
@@Strider258 my stupid hi hat stand is broken haha 😢 I think it's the clutch
The first two bars of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” will get the attention on any party anywhere in the world. Simplest beat, yet so recognizable
Its just a standard rock beat, it’s true this beat is recognised by a lot of people, but the same beat was used in thousands of songs before that one. I’d say beat it should of been on the list though.
Edit: check this out th-cam.com/video/KbX-VIpK994/w-d-xo.html
@@theswiftdragon1504 it's more about the sound of the drums themselves, that Snare is synonymous with Sugarfoot Moffet
@@skullyjones3548 Even tho the drums in the recorded song are played by Leon "Ndugu" Chancler, Jonathan only played this song on live tours like the Victory Tour or the HIStory Tour.
Not when I play it, but I'm no sugarfoot.
@@skullyjones3548 CRACK!, that guy ha the tightest sounding snare, and his chokes are simply flawless, remind me of Aldridge.
Without a doubt, the most important groove I have learned in the last 30 years is Take 5. Even if you are not a jazz drummer, taking the time to learn this very strange beat, will improve your independence immensely. It is frustrating at the start, because your mind has to free itself from at least 2 of your appendages, if not 3. But after a couple weeks - at least for me - one can start injecting fills that you never would have thought possible. This one groove has made me a much better drummer. I practice it every time I sit down at my set. Thank you Brandon.
My most iconic drum groove is played near the end of the song. That song, "In the Air Tonight". People wait the entire song just for that moment.
Intro to I Don't Care Anymore is maybe more in line with the list.
Alex Van Halen’s “Hot For Teacher” groove is derived from Billy Cobham’s “Quadrant “. The groove was also played by Simon Phillips on Jeff Beck’s “ Space Boogie” with part of it played in 7/4 time. It’s been used a lot since “Hot For Teacher” including Steve Vai’s “The Audience Is Listening “ and Joe Satriani’s “Satch Boogie”. Steve Morse’s “ Cruise Missle” is also worth a listen. Great stuff . Thanks for posting this awesome video.
I've noticed if I start playing Cruise Missle, like 80% of the time the guitar player will start playing the Hot For Teacher intro. Then I just switch of course and enjoy the ride :)
The iconic groove in the tune “Ballroom Blitz” was created by one of the most accomplished and underrated drummers in rock history. The incomparable, Mick Tucker.
Exactly, and he didn't even give him a mention.
Not to mention the fact that he was self taught as well
When 10% of the top grooves are based on the Purdie Shuffle, you should give some props to Bernard.
Run to the Hill’s/Hallowed Be Thy Name - Iron Maiden
Amen Brother by The Winstons at 1:24 was and is sampled so often, definitely deserving of a spot
At first I was like: "Oh, a 45 min video, that's a bit too much probably".
Now I'm like: "That... was so accurate, well made and entertaining that I'd like a Part 2 asap".
Thank you, Nea!
Crap I didn’t realize it was 45 min until I finished watching it and saw this comment
Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make this compilation. I really enjoyed hearing some drum grooves that I thought I played right, but I wasn’t. You didn’t include some of “my” favourites but that is okay because I learned a lot of what you did show.
Your ride cymbal sound on the take five is so silky smooth and beautiful.
Thank you and Drumeo for sharing.
Thanks for the comment, appreciate it! :)
The "Amen" break is the most iconic drum groove.
Yes I was waiting and looking for someone to say this.
@@abdelilhmanflores haha same here!
Same. A whole entire genre of electronic music with a unique scene to go with it came about from this beat.
I was about to say that! Most sampled beat in history
Steve Miller Band's "Take the Money and Run" also has an instantly recognizable groove.
“When The Levee Breaks” isn’t on this list!? Great choices.... but.... man!
It's only the most sampled drum beat ever. ;)
because while its a great beat, its only fun to play if you got the sound to go along with it.. i once played it in an underground parking garage. that was cool.
or immigrant song!
The whole top 20 could be filled with John Bonham drum beats :)
@@henry5617 people recognize that, even when I play it on a djembe.
I previously learned all these beats from Wipe Out as a 10-year-old challenge to a 70-year-old practicing to perfect the Gadd and Stubblefield. Though I disagree that that the Queen beat is worthwhile, I love your clarity and friendly non-jive attitude that tends to plague so many online drummers. Great work. Interesting choices.
I think you could consider:
My Sharona - The Knack
The Number of the Beast - Iron Maiden
I Want You to Want Me - Cheap Trick
Those are great!
Or “Where Eagles Dare” by Iron Maiden
I was surprised that Motörhead's "Overkill" was not included - probably the most recognizable drum intro in metal.
All great stuff - thank you! It wasn’t just the intro or beat idiosyncrasies, though, but rather the start-to-finish creative artistry of Joe Morello, that’s made ’Take Five’ a worldwide favorite for so many audiences for so many (60+) years.
Hal Blaine’s intro on the song Mary Mary by the Monkees. Later sampled by Run-DMC. Iconic groove.
Great Job Brandon !I enjoyed this immensely and pretty much agree with your selections . A lot of fun, Thanks !
Great selections as a drum teacher,these are some of my go to beats,fills to teach
Great topic and instruction!!...loved this...played most of these and nice to see them broken down👍👍
Nice job, I realize how much time this took getting all the bpm's and notations. Thank you.
I agree with all of them. The 3 that pop in my head however that didn't get mentioned, are the beginning of the Steve Miller Band song "Take the money and Run" and Led Zeppelin's
" When the levee breaks" . Maybe John Robinson on Michael Jackson's "Beat It" Pretty simple groove, but a really recognizable.
Thank you for taking the time!!
Led Zep could probably fill a top 20 list all their own. John Bonham was incredible.
Blur Song 2 is up there for me, straight forward but instantly gets you going. Great video BTW, hope there will be a follow up!
Thank you. I'm a session drummer and I can't ever seem to get my friends to understand. I love that u put the written music up. I have to read those but only to get my expected beat. U make it easy for others to see that drumming isn't just bang bang.
Thank you buddy and u are a great drummer, hope to be as good as you are. I'm only 68 years old so don't have much time to improve. ..lol thanks buddy.
PS. My first real tune to session was Stone in Love. Did it for a commercial
This video answered a lot of questions I had for most of the songs you played. THANK YOU!!! Ballroom Blitz...Trying to play with the second note being a left hand snare and then trying to keep it going in that same fashion, LR, LR...after one round, my hands decide to do something completely different. I was always taught to start a roll with the right hand and now I really need to concentrate real hard to play that song. I almost have it down, after 35 years of drumming...LOL.
Interesting - but more than a bit surprised that I didn't hear Bonham's intro to "When The Levee Breaks".
One drum beat I never see recognized anywhere is Sonne by Rammstein. So simple, yet so effective.
That's a cool one! Thanks for the suggestion 🥁
Thought you would have said Du Hast, way more iconic. And even simpler
What about Billie Jean by Michael Jackson?
Like Ex-files from Backyard Babies
Great breakdown and explanation, thanks for sharing.
Really enjoyed watching this!! thanks!
For Led Zeppelin, I can't believe you didn't pick, "Good times, bad times". The triplet kicks are absolutely legendary and extremely distinctive as it hadn't been heard before.
For me criminal is also not includng When The Levee Breaks. One of most sampled drums .
Good times and levee are both incredibly recognizable. Could easily all be top 5
Great job Brandon!
The problem for many drummers for the Ballroom Blitz intro will be landing the kick on the left-hand in bars three and four. I've played 'Sing Sing Sing' with a Big band (but the accents shown on my chart were simpler) and I play 'Take Five' quite often. 'Cissy Strut' has thus far eluded me! 'Superstition' always seems to have tempo problems. 'You're not playing it fast enough' or 'it's too fast' - even though the two might indeed have the same tempo! :) I've learnt '50 Ways' a few different ways - but less than 50. 'Come Together' - yes some controversy! :) Rosanna's a challenge. Although simple I've never used tom-toms for the Queen track!
Only criticism: The hi-hats were too low in the mix (for me).
Cheers!
I find it so SO hard playing any beat slowed down.....
You did fantastic Brother, Great job dude. 👍👍
man, that was a lot of work put into a single video. absolute fire!!
I'm stunned that the intro of Paradise City by Guns 'n Roses didn't make your list. Another very simple one but so iconic and recognisable.
I was actually messing around with "Run to Hills" one day and by complete accident stumbled upon "March of the Pigs"...I love both of those. I also love "Churub Rock" and "Bullet with Butterfly Wings"...I think Jimmy Chamberlin is so underrated! *(Cool pics tho 🥁😎)*
Enjoyed that! Quite a few I hadn’t heard before too.
I really appreciate your hard work done to make such a wonderful video which is definitely must watch for beginners.Thanks for this tutorial ❤️👏👏✌️👍👍🙏🙏🙏
15:33
For the record, the HfT groove is lifted from Billy Cobham's "Quadrant 4"- 1973
this-
th-cam.com/video/unxshBHfVsY/w-d-xo.html
Very cool video! Great job you covered some iconic drum intros you got Ringo Star in there, but you forgot about Keith Moon!
Thanks for sharing these really great drum beats with us mortals. Lovely. Am going for it right away.
Lot of helpful content here. Much appreciated.
I started playing drums because of U2!!! Really influenced my early style, melodic, airy, but powerful, before I started taking a lot of lessons and fixing all my bad habits.
11 should be the break from "Amen Brother" by The Winstons as THAT is the most sampled grrove that inspired a whole genre.
Correct! It was the B side of "Color Him Father" which was released in may 1969 almost a full year before "Funky Drummer"
Such great choices! A walk down drumming memory lane. Thank you!
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@BrandonToews One more shout out... happy that Rosanna got recognized so high on the list. I can't think of any more rewarding for putting in the work to play smoothly -- especially that full-on ghost note version!
Very impressive teaching! Thanks so much!
A second Neil Pearl groove is needed: his signature ride bell triplets beat used on so many Rush songs that you don’t hear anywhere else.
I know it’s a finite list but honorable mention needs to go to Nicko McBrain for Where Eagles Dare. Iconic drum introduction and amazing groove, not only the fast single pedal triplet but the double snare!
Hi..loved the exposé..clear ,joyful precise..bravo..
Thanks drumeo, surely the most professional drum channel on youtube!
I'm surprised you had nothing from Stewart Copeland from the police. One of my favourite drummers.
What song would you choose matey? Oh hey it's you lol
@@Cuzjudd probably walking on the moon, the cymbal work is just so amazing.
@@davetourle4250 Nice. Have you ever played a Copeland song absolutely note for note?
@@Cuzjudd I've tried, but he is so technical, and I'm not that good. Lol
@@davetourle4250 I don't think I've ever seen a cover band do a Police song coz not many drummers can pull off Copey's exquisate reggae feel
These are some great choices! I would have probably included “Run to the Hills” by Maiden in my own list.
Excellent choice. I think that is a drummer that does not get the credit he deserves.
Wow, you are such a great teacher. I love your presentation. Loved all your artist selections. I am way older than you and have been a drummer since way before you were born, but always eager to learn. You made me interested in getting restarted. I would like you to present some of Max Roach techniques. Probably a small audience would appreciate it but maybe you could try it to see.- Bill
very very good workshop !!!! Thank you !
The Beatles Ticket to Ride is a great groove. Add it to Part Two. Thanks for doing this. A lot of work and prep.
My personal addition would be the intro to "Rock 'n Roll" by Led Zeppelin. Also I have to commend you for putting together a top drum groove list without adding In the Air Tonight to it.
Nice selection!
That was awesome! Thank you !
I'm missing The Winstons` Gregory C. Coleman playing the Amen Break
Great video, indeed everyone has their own preferences, I can think of two more that could be in there by the great Ginger Baker, Sunshine of Your Love and In a White Room.
Thank you for this lesson. Few beats from the list ends up to my work-on-list!
Fantastic analysis, thanks.
Where's "When the Levee Breaks"?
Would also include Steve Miller's "Take the Money and Run". Absolutely iconic.
I hasten to say, this was a delight! My respects for your musicianship and your pedagogy,
Many thanks and great respects.
Great video. I enjoyed it very much. Thanks.
Brandon,this was awesome brother!
Thank you!
John Bonham. He's the real Slim Shady... All you others are just... Imitating.
Yeah he was good but he want ginger baker.
@@Thenorthsace ... you're right. Ginger Baker never added any scales to the rudiments scale. So perhaps that statement should be... Ginger Baker is no John Bonham. Which is why I said... Bonham is the real Shady. Don't get me wrong... Ginger Baker is great. So was Bill Ward. Very highly competent drummer. But there's only one... La Beasto!
Great work!!
So happy you put Rush in there. He's an amazing drummer
Toxicity - System of a Down
One day I'll learn the tom and snare pattern note for note lol
Chop suey?
Very interesting video, very informative! I'd love to see you break down the live version of Phil Collins' I Don't Care Anymore!
Another great one.
So many Phil Collins' songs that could have made the cut. "in The Air Tonight" fill (and beat) is amazing.
Such a amazing job, man!
Thanks a lot!
You have the best job in the entire world! Great job!
Agreed! :D
36:45 I knew that one when you said "tea towels".
Don’t think I’ve ever clicked on a video faster in my life. Love from Ireland 🇮🇪
Cheers from 🇨🇦
Same :D a lot of fun with learning, this channel do really good job!
@@qooras826 Yeah I know right
Oyyyy what’s the craic?
@@brengeldelacruz8866 yup yup
Great list.... thanks for this.
Awesome video thank you!!! 👍
"When The Levee Breaks"???
What about "you could be mine" by GnR?
Oh yis, that intro is orgasmic
Awesome job Brandon! I would add The Pretenders' Middle of the Road.
Great video, good selection.
Great job Brandon! Alot of fun!
I would of used of these instead...
" Over the Mountain " Blizzard of Oz
" Bullet the Blue Sky " U2
" Space Boogie " Jeff Beck
" Empire in the Sky " Tony MacAlpine
" Where Eagles Dare " Iron Maiden
" The Prisoner " Iron Maiden
" Welcome Home " King Diamond
"Rock N Roll" Intro Led Zeppelin
"Where Eagles Dare" Intro Iron Maiden
"Hard to Handle" Black Crowes
It's amazing how different the two different versions of the Rosanna groove sound, considering the relatively minor ``actual' difference
I loved it! Thank you
My talented friend, and drumming brother, you really have found a great educator niche to, that you are really starting to flourish in. I THINK IT'S TIME U GOT A RAISE OVER THERE AT THE DRUMEO COMMUNITY. Great job, young man. Bless you!
As a recognisable drum groove Don't Bring Me Down by ELO takes some beating. I know it's not technically demanding at all, and is in fact a loop from On The Run Again, but very very recognisable
Great video. I would have loved to see Steve Smith’s groove on “Don’t Stop Believin’” - love the interplay between toms and ride cymbal.
Good job! It's amazing to see how you picked out my favorite Drum Beats -except for one: Billy Cobham, "Stratus". Highly recommended.
Appreciate this video. Just got my Alesis strike pro se and I'm gonna spend time following this video. Thank you for the content. :)
Awesome!
I know this list just has one song by each artist, but I feel like Bonham has like at least 6. I think every drummer learned at least When the levee breaks, Rock and roll, dyer maker, and the already mentioned fool in the rain.
Obviously Queen had to be #1 but thank you for putting Porcaro at #2 ! Such an under-known drummer who deserved better. Always doing right by the music. And Gadd in here too, so many great things to choose from.
Personally, I've been a Peart fan all my life, and Tom Sawyer is so iconic.
I don't envy the challenge you faced, but I think you picked some great grooves.
I could not agree more, Jeff Porcaro is probably the most underrated of highly rated drummers (if that makes any sense). I have always said the greatest musicians are session musicians and Toto proves it. Most rock drummer lists tend to put Porcaro in the 20s to 40s in rank but I truly think he is a top 10 or top 5 drummer of all time. He was taken way too soon.
Remember the reality show Rock Star? One time they opened the episode with one contestant singing We Will Rock You… no introduction, cold open, just the drums laying it down. I literally got up off the couch.
Nicely done!
Very surprised not to hear Immigrant groove, and absolutely agree to hear We will rock you on the 1st position!
I'd maybe add billie jean groove. Yeah, it's simple, but you need to be precise to keep it in the pocket actually.
Great video!
Yeah, Billie Jean is definitely legendary groove
Great suggestions here! This list could've easily been a top 50 list!
@@BrandonToews Absolutely!) Very hard to choose, for sure.
@@BrandonToews you could make it a series
Ha. I was waiting all vid for We Will Rock You, and it was appropriately numero uno. Vid endorsed!
Great grooves and the drum mix wow (pause)... Amazing.😎
Brandon excellent lesson as usual. If the criteria are recognizable and iconic drum grooves I can't think of many I could add. Maybe Kate Bush Running Up That Hill. The groove takes practice to play as it is constant all the way through the song. I have seen two versions. One with the lead hand on the tom and the other with both hands.