Ever wondered which songs could skyrocket your drumming skills, while also leaving you inspired by some insanely awesome drum parts? Today, I’m sharing a list of drumming songs that not only match your ability level but also push you forward in your drumming journey. Stick around, because you’re about to discover songs that will elevate your playing and keep you hooked on the drums!
Hey there, developing drummers! Whether you’re just starting out or you’re already a seasoned player, choosing the right songs to learn is crucial for building a strong drumming foundation. In today’s video, we’re diving into some beginner friendly song recommendations that are not only fun to play but will help you develop and enhance your skills based on where you are in your drumming journey. These picks will inspire you, challenge you, and give you a well-rounded understanding of some different rock drumming styles.
Learn Some Basic Rock Songs.
Alright, let’s jump into the heart of it. The best drumming songs are the ones that match your skill level, while also inspiring you to push a little further. First up, for beginners or those looking for a great introduction to rock and swing, start with, ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ by procol harum. This song gives you a straight 8th rock beat at a slow tempo and then introduces triplet, or swing-style fills. It’s perfect for feeling the difference between rock and swing styles – two fundamental foundational styles in drumming. Then move onto the following songs.
- Boulevard of Broken Dreams – Green Day.
A straightforward rock song with a steady beat that helps beginners lock in with the bass and guitar. The beat is an eight note rock beat. The second beat in the rock drumming foundation book. - All Right Now – Free.
A great mid-tempo rock song with clear, simple beats that are great for beginners to practice consistency and dynamics. The right hand is a quarter note rock beat. The first beat in the rock drumming foundation book. - Sweet Home Alabama – Lynyrd Skynyrd.
This song’s simple yet groovy beat is perfect for beginners, helping them master timing and working on coordination between the kick, snare, and hi-hat. Another eight note rock beat that uses the open hi-hat on the last eighth note in various places. - Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door – Bob Dylan/Guns N’ Roses.
This song features a laid-back groove that’s easy to follow and perfect for building confidence in a slow, medium tempo context. This is more complex than the previous songs and so may require you to have completed the rock drumming foundation and development books. Or similar titles, or course lessons.
Once you have mastered those simpler rock style beats. You may want to progress onto more complex tunes such as the ones listed next. But just about every song from the 80s and 90s is a straight ahead rock style beat. It’s just a matter of finding songs that you can keep the beat to for the full length of the songs. So, start with slower songs that you like. To be honest, I stopped listening to chart music when rappers became the norm. That kind of music never appealed to me. But if it appeals to you. Just press play and get into the music as soon as you can. Just so long as you first count a few bars to get to know where the 1 is. When you can count 4 consistently, get into the playing and enjoy yourself. Make some mistakes and put in the practice. Both listening, rudimental, coordination, and then a little writing drum charts too. Write your own drum guides to your favorite songs. These can be simple or complex. I will be creating a video on this soon so keep your eye on the channel.
- Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty.
The simple, straight-ahead rhythm in this song is perfect for beginners focusing on maintaining a steady tempo and clean transitions. - Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams.
This iconic rock track is built around a solid beat that’s simple enough for beginners while keeping things interesting with occasional fills. - Learn to Fly – Foo Fighters.
A clean, basic rock beat at a moderate tempo that’s ideal for beginners learning to play tight and consistent rhythms. - Free Fallin’ – Tom Petty.
The simple, straight-ahead rhythm in this song is perfect for beginners focusing on maintaining a steady tempo and clean transitions. - Every Breath You Take – The Police.
A clean, medium-tempo rock groove that gives beginners a great opportunity to work on hi-hat precision and flow. - Michael Jackson’s, Beat It, is a great song to add here! I placed this in 10th spot because it is so iconic and requires a solid, tight base to start practicing it. It features a straightforward, driving rock beat that’s perfect for beginners. The song’s tempo and steady groove, combined with iconic rock elements (thanks to Eddie Van Halen’s guitar solo), make it a fun and engaging track for new drummers to learn. It helps improve timing and coordination, while keeping things interesting with its energetic and relentless beat.
Well, that’s it.
These songs are all designed to help new drummers get comfortable with basic beats, develop timing, and to begin work on their basic rhythm and coordination.
More Advanced Music.
Now, if you’re advancing and ready for something a little more challenging, learning odd timing can really open up your drumming world. I highly recommend listening to Bill Bruford, a true master of complex yet accessible rhythms. Start with albums like, Feels Good to Me or One of a Kind. Bruford’s ability to make complex rhythms feel natural will give you a new perspective on your playing.
For something even more experimental, check out anything Frank Zappa recorded with Terry Bozzio. Bozzio’s drumming is intricate, creative, and pushes the boundaries of what you can do on the kit.
The Frank Zappa album, Joes Garage also has some nice tunes to play along to. Even the beginner can give these a try.
And if you’re looking for a pop-rock influence, The Police’s album Regatta De Blanc is a must-listen. Their drummer, Stewart Copeland, brings a reggae-Latin fusion feel that’s both simple yet effective, and at the same time, complex. You’ll have to figure that one out for yourself. – it’s perfect for developing your groove.
One of my all-time favorite drummers? Dave Weckl. Island Magic from his ‘Next Step’ video is a masterclass in contemporary drumming. Weckl, along with Chick Corea, transformed modern music with their unique style, and ‘Got a Match,’ from the Chick Corea Electric Band album is another must-listen if you want to be blown away. This kind of music will give you something to aim for at the very least.
Learn To Swing With The Best.
Lastly, I can’t talk about legendary drumming without mentioning Buddy Rich. The Buddy Rich Collection, is an excellent starting point if you want to hear mind-blowing drumming. His speed, technique, and flair are unmatched, and his live performances, like The Man from Planet Jazz, will leave you in awe.
I’ve also got to mention some contemporary rock, like Gino Vannelli’s Brother to Brother album. The drumming on this record is phenomenal and will inspire you to experiment with your own playing.
These drummers and songs are not just great listening material, but are also key to expanding your drumming knowledge and ability. Whether you’re into rock, jazz, or something in between, there’s something here to help you grow.
What Next.
So, there you have it! Songs and drummers that will challenge, inspire, and help you become a better player. But we’re not done yet – the drumming journey is a long and exciting one. Up next, we’re diving into a common question for many drummers – what do those numbers on drumsticks mean? You won’t want to miss it, so click on the next post, and let’s keep this journey going!
