Hey everyone! Below is a list of 10 songs that every drummer should learn at some point in their musical journey. As drummers, it’s important that we can keep time and serve the music that we’re performing. These tunes are of different genres, so learning them can help strengthen your versatility. Key into elements such as musical phrasing, dynamics, and sonic sounds. Being versatile is useful in becoming well rounded enough to get through many types of playing situations. Diving deep into one style of drumming is very valuable, but don’t be afraid to branch out. Just because you’re a Rock drummer doesn’t mean you should shy away from Jazz! Learn to take inspiration from different sources to help build your unique sound and keep your creativity fresh.
Here they are, in no particular order:
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Seven Nation Army
Beginner drummers will have a great time learning this song. It’s simple and won’t take long to master, which can get you feeling accomplished and inspired to learn more songs!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY
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Sing, Sing, Sing - Benny Goodman
This is a classic Big Band Jazz song, featuring a fun floor tom break on the drums. Big Band drumming requires taking on special responsibilities, such as leading the ensemble, holding down solid swing time, setting up fills before phrases, and interpreting melodic phrases on the drums. This song will call your attention to all of that and more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r2S1I_ien6A
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Wipe Out - Sufaris
Let’s be real here, you should mainly learn this song for the pure sake of being able to play it! There’s going to be a day where someone (who probably isn’t a drummer or musician) wants to hear you play it. It’s a fun and easy tune, so might as well have it in your repertoire!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p13yZAjhU0M
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Fool In The Rain - Led Zepplin
This song features a half time shuffle feel, inspired by the “Purdie Shuffle”, a groove by drummer Bernard Purdie. While you’re at it, learn many more songs that feature John Bonham. He’s one of the best drummers of all time!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cdz8mXyWbk
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50 Ways To Leave Your Lover - Paul Simon
This song features an iconic drum part from Steve Gadd, one of the world’s most legendary drummers. It’s unique because it’s mostly linear, and goes against common patterns. It sounds simple, but it won’t be easy! Learn this one to challenge yourself and open your mind to new creative possibilities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABXtWqmArUU
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Come Together - The Beatles
This is a classic Beatles tune that features crashes and tom fills in the intro break. It’s enjoyable to play this song, it’s not too challenging to learn for beginners, and it’s another common tune that is useful to have in your vocabulary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45cYwDMibGo
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Girl From Ipanema
Bossa Nova is a standard groove that every drummer should know, and this song is a good one to get apply it to. It’s also a common song that is called during jazz jam sessions, if you ever find yourself at one.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJkxFhFRFDA
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Take Five - Dave Brubeck
If you’re an intermediate drummer who wants to explore odd time jazz feels, this is a great tune to get you started. It’s in 5/4, and breaks down into phrases of 3+2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmDDOFXSgAs
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Smells Like Teen Spirit
Dave Grohl is an icon that has shaped modern rock drumming, and this song has great sounding and widely applicable fills and grooves. Every drummer should know this song!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTWKbfoikeg
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Funky Drummer - James Brown
Iconic drummer Clyde Stubblefield is the drummer on this track, and it’s one of the most sampled grooves of all time. Focus on getting each note tight in the right space, keeping ghost notes at low dynamics, and having a great feel. Practicing and listening to the recording will help greatly!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5DTznu-9v0
This list is by no means inclusive of every great drum song, but I hope you came across some songs that inspire your creativity and growth! Here are a few of my favorite world class drummers that you should check out as well:
Phil Collins
Danny Carey
Buddy Rich
Tony Williams
Steve Jordan
Kenny Aronoff
Chris Coleman
Dennis Chambers
Aaron Sterling
Chad Smith
Eric Moore
?uestlove
Cindy Blackman
Terri Lyne Carrington
Chris Dave
JR Robinson
Thanks for sharing this!
Christian!
I'm just rolling through the Forum and I seem to find you everywhere I am... Same facebook page, here, Carnival... anything else I should join?
We are in sync! Love it bro! How are things in Brazil! We should link up sometime!
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