{"id":49639,"date":"2023-12-21T08:37:26","date_gmt":"2023-12-21T16:37:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/?p=49639"},"modified":"2024-07-05T15:34:17","modified_gmt":"2024-07-05T22:34:17","slug":"hardest-drumming-songs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/hardest-drumming-songs\/","title":{"rendered":"The 10 Hardest Drumming Songs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Some drummers make things look easy, and some make it sound difficult. But some songs &#8211;  regardless of genre or era &#8211; are just hard to play! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are ten challenging tracks by ten great drummers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><nav><ol><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#1-led-zeppelin-fool-in-the-rain-john-bonham\">Led Zeppelin &#8211; &#8220;Fool In The Rain&#8221; (John Bonham)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#2-frank-zappa-the-black-page-1-terry-bozzio\">Frank Zappa &#8211; &#8220;The Black Page #1&#8221; (Terry Bozzio)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#3-paul-simon-50-ways-to-leave-your-lover-steve-gadd\">Paul Simon &#8211; &#8220;50 Ways To Leave Your Lover&#8221; (Steve Gadd)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#4-meshuggah-bleed-tomas-haake\">Meshuggah &#8211; &#8220;Bleed&#8221; (Tomas Haake)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#5-nile-lashed-to-the-slave-stick-george-kollias\">Nile &#8211; &#8220;Lashed To The Slave Stick&#8221; (George Kollias)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#6-rush-la-villa-strangiato-neil-peart\">Rush &#8211; &#8220;La Villa Strangiato&#8221; (Neil Peart)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#7-deep-purple-burn-ian-paice\">Deep Purple &#8211; &#8220;Burn&#8221; (Ian Paice)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#8-dream-theater-the-dance-of-eternity-mike-portnoy\">Dream Theater &#8211; &#8220;The Dance of Eternity&#8221; (Mike Portnoy)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#9-the-buddy-rich-big-band-birdland-buddy-rich\">The Buddy Rich Big Band &#8211; Birdland (Buddy Rich)<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#10-the-surfaris-wipe-out-ron-wilson\">The Surfaris &#8211; &#8220;Wipe Out&#8221; (Ron Wilson)<\/a><\/li><\/ol><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-led-zeppelin-fool-in-the-rain-john-bonham\">1. Led Zeppelin &#8211; &#8220;Fool In The Rain&#8221; (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/john-bonham-drum-genius\/\">John Bonham<\/a>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fool in the Rain (Remaster)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/I57nIP0vc44?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>This famous half-time shuffle has a lot of nuance. The busy right-hand pattern opens the hi-hats at the end of the first triplet, which can feel like it interrupts the flow when playing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ghost notes on the snare and the double on the kick going over the bar line add the inimitable Bonham flair, but it still sits beautifully behind the beat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"913\" height=\"265\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165930\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195925.png\" alt=\"fool in the rain by led zeppelin - drum notation\" class=\"wp-image-49770\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165930\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195925.png 913w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165930\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195925-300x87.png 300w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165930\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195925-768x223.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 913px) 100vw, 913px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The intro of &#8220;Fool In The Rain&#8221; by Led Zeppelin<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-frank-zappa-the-black-page-1-terry-bozzio\">2. Frank Zappa &#8211; &#8220;The Black Page #1&#8221; (Terry Bozzio)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The Black Page #1\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/hPTNn2bx47w?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>Zappa deliberately wrote this song to be complicated &#8211; &#8220;the black page&#8221; means the intimidating amount of notes on the music sheet. The piece has shifting time signatures and syncopated rhythms and fills with unconventional accents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The nested tuplets at the end of the track give the drum part a phrasing that is incredibly specific and only subtly different from playing straight 32nd notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are the first few bars:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/app\/uploads\/2023\/12\/e1-frank-zappa-the-black-page-1-1.svg\" alt=\"the black page drum notation\" class=\"wp-image-50478\" style=\"aspect-ratio:3.061224489795918;width:840px;height:auto\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&#8220;The Black Page #1&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-paul-simon-50-ways-to-leave-your-lover-steve-gadd\">3. Paul Simon &#8211; &#8220;50 Ways To Leave Your Lover&#8221; (Steve Gadd)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Paul Simon with Steve Gadd - 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover (Live From Philadelphia).flv\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Ou70vvjE8k4?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>This 16th-note pattern is played between the left foot and hand on the hi-hat, with a light touch on the snare and repeating military-style snare rolls. Gadd plays it open-handed, but even if you master the sticking, you could spend a lifetime trying to get that feel right!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"927\" height=\"442\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165451\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195447.png\" alt=\"50 ways to leave your lover by paul simon - drum notation\" class=\"wp-image-49765\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165451\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195447.png 927w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165451\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195447-300x143.png 300w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165451\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195447-768x366.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 927px) 100vw, 927px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Part of verse 2, &#8220;50 Ways To Leave Your Lover&#8221; by Paul Simon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-meshuggah-bleed-tomas-haake\">4. Meshuggah &#8211; &#8220;Bleed&#8221; (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/meshuggah-tomas-haake-genius\/\">Tomas Haake<\/a>)<\/h3>\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=\"Meshuggah - Bleed - Tomas Haake - Wincent Drumsticks\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/bAJ1WTGNISk?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>This track is famously tough on the feet, and metal drummers love to challenge each other to play it. The herta pattern on the double kick is set against the straight beat on the hands, which has a polyrhythmic feel as the bass drum notes move across the bar line. The track is relentless at over seven minutes long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are a few variations of the pattern within the song, which get progressively more challenging. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"919\" height=\"591\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165235\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195230.png\" alt=\"bleed meshuggah drum notation\" class=\"wp-image-49762\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165235\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195230.png 919w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165235\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195230-300x193.png 300w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165235\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195230-768x494.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 919px) 100vw, 919px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The intro of &#8220;Bleed&#8221; by Meshuggah<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The double-time hits on the snare with voicing on the right hand between the cymbals around the <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/bAJ1WTGNISk?si=4k_SKRLusS46if2v&amp;t=90\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1:30<\/a> mark and again at the end of the track is exceptional coordination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"926\" height=\"510\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165657\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195651.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-49767\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165657\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195651.png 926w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165657\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195651-300x165.png 300w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165657\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195651-768x423.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 926px) 100vw, 926px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Don&#8217;t let the snare throw you off here!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<p><iframe class=\"email-form-include-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-nile-lashed-to-the-slave-stick-george-kollias\">5. Nile &#8211; &#8220;Lashed To The Slave Stick&#8221; (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/george-kollias-its-not-a-competition\/\">George Kollias<\/a>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Nile - Lashed to the Slave Stick (HQ)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZD3dimKaJtA?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>The sheer speed of the entire track makes it a great drum take. The snare has some exciting phrasing throughout, while the constant, unrelenting <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/george-kollias-interview-drumeo-gab-podcast-212\/\">double kick<\/a> work provides the foundation for the rest of the part. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And at 2:40, while playing a ridiculously intense blast beat, Kollias matches the guitar part on the cymbals. It&#8217;s a staggering display of coordination, technique, and creativity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/app\/uploads\/2023\/12\/e2-nile-lashed-to-the-slave-stick-1.svg\" alt=\"nile lashed to the slave stick drum notation\" class=\"wp-image-50480\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.2066666666666668;width:842px;height:auto\" title=\"\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&#8220;Lashed To The Slave Stick&#8221; by Nile<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-rush-la-villa-strangiato-neil-peart\">6. Rush &#8211; &#8220;La Villa Strangiato&#8221; (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/neil-peart-genius\/\">Neil Peart<\/a>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Rush - La Villa Strangiato at Pinkpop 1979\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/78D00dYOBrM?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>This 9-minute epic has many sections, with Peart easing between feels effortlessly. There are intricate 16th note hi-hat accents and a trademark <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/single-paradiddle\/\">paradiddle<\/a> pattern on the ride. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"929\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165049\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195044.png\" alt=\"rush la villa strangiato drum notation\" class=\"wp-image-49760\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165049\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195044.png 929w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165049\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195044-300x131.png 300w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04165049\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-195044-768x335.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 929px) 100vw, 929px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Part of the Strangiato Theme in Rush&#8217;s &#8220;La Villa Strangiato&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Still, the varying styled <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/single-stroke-roll\/\">single stroke<\/a> fills around the six-minute mark are a masterful way to change sections, especially the last one going over the bar line to turn the beat around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-deep-purple-burn-ian-paice\">7. Deep Purple &#8211; &#8220;Burn&#8221; (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/top-20-rock-drummers\/#ian-paice-deep-purple\">Ian Paice<\/a>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Burn (2002 Remaster)\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/ZQGstnfTmAk?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>When recording this song, Ian Paice deliberately overplayed it because he was bored! Throughout the verses, he laid down a ferocious series of single stroke and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/5-underrated-rudiments\/\">rudimental fills<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"914\" height=\"439\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04164703\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-194659.png\" alt=\"deep purple burn drum notation\" class=\"wp-image-49758\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04164703\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-194659.png 914w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04164703\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-194659-300x144.png 300w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04164703\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-194659-768x369.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 914px) 100vw, 914px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Verse 1 of &#8220;Burn&#8221; by Deep Purple<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The blistering speed, power, and variation make this extremely tough to get right. This was Paice playing freely and fooling around, and he produced that recording, which shows what a phenomenal player he is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-dream-theater-the-dance-of-eternity-mike-portnoy\">8. Dream Theater &#8211; &#8220;The Dance of Eternity&#8221; (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/mike-portnoy\/\">Mike Portnoy<\/a>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Scene Seven: I. The Dance of Eternity\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/eYCYGpu0OxM?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>Simply playing a straight beat and keeping time would be impressive on this complicated track. But with over 100 time signature changes in a song that clocks in at just over six minutes, it&#8217;s the part as a whole that is remarkable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"921\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04164542\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-194537.png\" alt=\"the dance of eternity by dream theater - drum notation\" class=\"wp-image-49756\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04164542\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-194537.png 921w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04164542\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-194537-300x128.png 300w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04164542\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-194537-768x327.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 921px) 100vw, 921px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">One section from &#8220;The Dance Of Eternity&#8221; by Dream Theater<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The drumming is inventive with powerful fills, and the orchestration around the kit is entirely in sync with the rest of the band.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9-the-buddy-rich-big-band-birdland-buddy-rich\">9. The Buddy Rich Big Band &#8211; Birdland (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/how-to-drum-like-buddy-rich-greyson-nekrutman\/\">Buddy Rich<\/a>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Birdland\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/N6L_ooPyOsE?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>The hi-hats at the beginning of this song fill so much space; to create that much atmosphere using dynamics on one part of the kit is magnificent playing. Buddy then does it again on the snare around 4:40, accenting a constant roll with beautiful control. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"100\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/app\/uploads\/2023\/12\/buddy-rich-bird-land.svg\" alt=\"birdland buddy rich drum notation\" class=\"wp-image-50475\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1.8066666666666666;width:841px;height:auto\" title=\"\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Some typically intricate orchestrations, Buddy&#8217;s brilliant fills, and various beats make this a classic big-band drum track; it&#8217;s a fantastic combination of great feel and excellent technique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"10-the-surfaris-wipe-out-ron-wilson\">10. The Surfaris &#8211; &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/the-worlds-longest-drum-fill-on-ice\/\">Wipe Out<\/a>&#8221; (Ron Wilson)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"NEW \ud83d\udcc0 Wipe Out - The Surfaris {DES Stereo} 1963\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/m4IfxAQ4TqQ?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>It would be easy to overlook this track in a list with such technical songs, but the high volume, high energy 16th-note single stroke rolls that make up the drum solo sections are a benchmark for many drummers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"917\" height=\"175\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04164202\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-194151.png\" alt=\"&quot;wipe out&quot; by the surfaris drum notation\" class=\"wp-image-49752\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04164202\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-194151.png 917w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04164202\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-194151-300x57.png 300w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/04164202\/Screenshot-2023-12-04-194151-768x147.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 917px) 100vw, 917px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The main rhythm in &#8220;Wipe Out&#8221; by The Surfaris<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s also where many players let the timing slide, switching between the fills and beats. It may be a simple part, but it requires precision and endurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Did we miss any songs?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There you have it: ten of the best! What does your list of toughest drum songs look like?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These drummers have nailed something that many others would find impossible to play, but remember: they might find other songs on this list tough to get right. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Could George Kollias make it feel like Steve Gadd? Could John Bonham have played in Nile? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even someone great might not be able to play the way you play. While all the tracks require outstanding skills attained through hard work and hours of practice, they all have a unique voice at their heart. Each song is hard for different reasons, be it feel, technique, or maybe the arrangement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There&#8217;s always something we can be working on to improve. The next time you practice, what will you focus on?<\/p>\n\n\n<p><iframe class=\"email-form-include-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/weeklyemail\" frameborder=\"none\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><em>Edited by<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/authors\/#sam-landa\"><em> Sam Landa<\/em><\/a><em>, Content Marketing Manager at Drumeo<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>These are some of the hardest drumming songs to learn &#8211; and some may surprise you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":174,"featured_media":51782,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4016],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-49639","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-songs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49639","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=49639"}],"version-history":[{"count":41,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49639\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52073,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/49639\/revisions\/52073"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51782"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=49639"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=49639"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=49639"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}