{"id":52926,"date":"2025-05-09T11:05:05","date_gmt":"2025-05-09T18:05:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/?p=52926"},"modified":"2025-05-09T11:13:03","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T18:13:03","slug":"gear-breakdown-chad-smith-wu-tang","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/gear-breakdown-chad-smith-wu-tang\/","title":{"rendered":"Gear Breakdown: Chad Smith Plays &#8220;Wu-Tang Clan Ain&#8217;t Nuthing Ta F&#8217;Wit&#8221;"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>How the Chili Peppers\u2019 groove master tackled a hip-hop classic<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>When Chad Smith gets behind a kit, you expect explosive energy, unapologetic swagger, and pocket so deep it might swallow time itself. In this Drumeo YouTube video, Chad takes on his and Tom Morello&#8217;s version of the Wu-Tang Clan\u2019s iconic \u201cWu-Tang Clan Ain&#8217;t Nuthing Ta F&#8217;Wit,\u201d unleashing pure funk fury over the gritty textures of East Coast hip-hop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Chad Smith Plays &quot;Wu\u2010Tang Clan Ain\u2019t Nuthing Ta F\u2019 Wit&quot;\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jZaEAzvkO5k?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>And he didn\u2019t come lightly equipped\u2014banging away on the same beast of a <a href=\"#kit\">kit<\/a>, <a href=\"#snare\">snare<\/a> and <a href=\"#cymbals\">cymbals<\/a> he used in the viral <em>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HMBRjo33cUE\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HMBRjo33cUE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Chad Smith Hears Thirty Seconds <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HMBRjo33cUE\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HMBRjo33cUE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">to<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HMBRjo33cUE\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/HMBRjo33cUE\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> Mars<\/a>\u201d<\/em> Drumeo YouTube video. Let\u2019s take a look at the gear breakdown of what he used to lay down this cross-genre masterpiece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kit\">\ud83e\udd41 The Drum Kit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>DW Stainless Steel Series<\/strong><br>This is a thunderous, punchy, almost industrial-sounding kit\u2014perfect for Chad\u2019s heavy-hitting approach. Stainless steel shells deliver a powerful, focused tone with surprisingly musical overtones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>22\u201d x 18\u201d Bass Drum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>12\u201d x 8\u201d Rack Tom<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>14\u201d x 12\u201d Floor Tom<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>16\u201d x 14\u201d Floor Tom<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This setup allows Chad to navigate grooves with both agility and depth, from tight funk rolls to open, bombastic fills. This stainless kit is not currently available at Sweetwater, but we have an alternative for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83d\udd01&nbsp;Alternative 1: DW Collector\u2019s Series Maple Kit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it works:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While not stainless, the DW Collector\u2019s Series Maple is DW\u2019s flagship line\u2014offering the same handcrafted build quality, aggressive tone, and presence. Maple shells have a warm, punchy sound with lots of projection, which suits Chad\u2019s style well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Suggested configuration:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>22\u201d x 18\u201d Bass Drum<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>10\u201d x 8\u201d Rack Tom<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>12&#8243; x 9&#8243; Rack Tom<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>14&#8243; x 12&#8243; Floor Tom<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>16\u201d x 14\u201d Floor Tom<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\uded2 <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/aOP09W\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DW&nbsp;Collector&#8217;s Series 5-piece Shell Pack<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/dw_satin_oil_set_ebony_2up2down.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"snare\">\ud83e\udd41 Snare Drum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Yamaha Oak Custom 14\u201d x 7\u201d Snare<\/strong><br>This snare is no joke. The oak shell provides a sharp, dry crack with a solid low-end thump\u2014ideal for ghost notes, backbeats, and everything in between. Chad drives this snare like it owes him money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>\ud83d\udd01&nbsp;Alternative Snare: Yamaha Recording Custom Stainless Steel 14\u201d x 7\u201d Snare Drum<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why it works:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While Chad used a Yamaha Oak Custom snare, which is unavailable on Sweetwater, this stainless steel model from Yamaha\u2019s Recording Custom series is a fitting substitute. Built with input from Steve Gadd, the 1.2mm stainless shell delivers a bright, articulate crack with a deep-bodied resonance\u2014perfect for aggressive backbeats or crisp, funky ghost notes. Its 14&#215;7 size matches the original spec, giving it similar depth and authority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\ud83d\uded2 <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/LKgQ1Z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yamaha&nbsp;Recording Custom Stainless Steel Snare<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/yamaha_recording_custom_14x7_st.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cymbals\">\ud83d\udece Cymbals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Paiste 2002 Big Beat Series + Signature Add-ons<\/strong><br>Chad\u2019s cymbal selection is as bold and expansive as his playing. He blends vintage character with massive modern tone, favoring large cymbals that shimmer with clarity and cut like a katana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/GKEvkk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">15\u201d 2002 Big Beat Hi-Hats<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/paiste_15_2002_black_big_beat_hi_hat.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>) \u2013 Dark, fat, and responsive<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>2002 Big Beat Crashes \u2013 Musical but powerful\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/zxR7vM\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">19\u201d<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/paiste_19_2002_black_big_beat_cymbal.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/6y7J1r\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">20\u201d<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/paiste_20_2002_black_big_beat_cymbal.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/dOemJK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">22\u201d<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/paiste_22_2002_black_big_beat_cymbal.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/JKBxda\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">24\u201d Formula 602 Modern Essentials Ride<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/paiste_22_602_mod._essentials_ride.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">22&#8243; Europe<\/a>) \u2013 Defined, washy, and rich in overtones<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/LKgQ3Y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">12\u201d Signature Splash<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/paiste_line12_splash.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>) \u2013 Bright and fast<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/GKEv3L\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">38\u201d Symphonic Gong<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/paiste_32_symphonic_gong.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">32&#8243; Europe<\/a>) \u2013 Why? Because Chad Smith, that\u2019s why.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83e\udde0 Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Chad\u2019s approach to \u201cWu-Tang Clan Ain&#8217;t Nuthing Ta F&#8217;Wit\u201d is a masterclass in musical adaptability\u2014bringing the rawness of funk rock into hip-hop territory without losing authenticity. His gear, particularly the stainless steel DW shells and oversized Paiste cymbals, gives him the explosive headroom and nuanced control to float between laid-back and aggressive at will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/06102702\/2023-03-30-Chad-Smith-KIT-118-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-52930\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/06102702\/2023-03-30-Chad-Smith-KIT-118-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/06102702\/2023-03-30-Chad-Smith-KIT-118-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/06102702\/2023-03-30-Chad-Smith-KIT-118-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/06102702\/2023-03-30-Chad-Smith-KIT-118-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/06102702\/2023-03-30-Chad-Smith-KIT-118-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Feeling inspired to channel some of Chad\u2019s swagger? You can find this gear at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/LKgQrL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sweetwater<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomannmusic.com\/?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thomann<\/a>&nbsp;if you are overseas. If this video lit a spark to start drumming (or sharpen your chops), take the next step and try&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/trial?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=&amp;utm_term=drumeo&amp;utm_campaign=chadsmithwutang\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Drumeo, free for 7 Days.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>*This article contains affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission from the product seller if you make a purchase. For more info, check out our<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/privacy#affiliate-disclosure\"><em>&nbsp;privacy page.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How the Chili Peppers\u2019 groove master tackled a hip-hop classic When Chad Smith gets behind a kit, you expect explosive energy, unapologetic swagger, and pocket so deep it might swallow time itself. In this Drumeo YouTube video, Chad takes on his and Tom Morello&#8217;s version of the Wu-Tang Clan\u2019s iconic \u201cWu-Tang Clan Ain&#8217;t Nuthing Ta [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":174,"featured_media":52929,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4019,4020],"tags":[4098,4093,4082,4100,4099],"class_list":["post-52926","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-drummers","category-gear","tag-chad-smith","tag-drumeo-youtube","tag-gear-breakdown","tag-red-hot-chili-peppers","tag-wu-tang-clan"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52926","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/174"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52926"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52926\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52944,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52926\/revisions\/52944"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52929"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52926"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52926"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52926"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}