With explosive swagger and razor-sharp precision, Matt Helders doesn’t just drive Arctic Monkeys’ sound — he defines it.
On “R U Mine,” his playing is a perfect storm of attitude and groove. The snare cracks like a whip, the toms growl with grit, and his cymbal work? Controlled chaos. Helders blends indie rock urgency with hip-hop swagger, anchoring the tune with power, finesse, and just enough recklessness to keep it exciting.
Here’s the gear breakdown of the kit, snare, cymbals, heads and hardware that Matt Helders used in the Drumeo YouTube video, giving this track its unmistakable punch.
Matt used a Ludwig Classic Oak in a sleek Black Satin finish for this performance. This kit is known for its loud, focused tone and deep low-end — perfect for stadium-ready rock like “R U Mine.”
🎯 Shop the Ludwig Classic Oak (Europe)
Matt’s snare of choice is the Ludwig Raw CopperPhonic 14” x 6.5” — a beast of a drum that delivers a dry, throaty backbeat with plenty of body and minimal overtones. It’s a favorite among rock drummers for its raw look and authoritative tone.
🎯 Shop the Ludwig CopperPhonic Snare (Europe)
Helders sticks with the warm, dark tones of Zildjian K cymbals — ideal for his blend of aggression and control. These cymbals respond quickly and wash out smoothly, giving his grooves a smoky edge without overpowering the mix.
🎯 Shop the K Custom Session Hats (Europe)
🎯 Shop the 18” K Sweet Crash (Europe)
🎯 Shop the 19” K Sweet Crash (Europe)
🎯 Shop the 22” K Light Ride (Europe)
Matt keeps things streamlined with DW 6000 Series flat-based hardware — lightweight, classic-looking, and road-ready. His drumheads of choice bring punch, clarity, and control across the board:
🎯 Shop DW 6000 Hardware (Europe)
🎯 Shop Remo Heads (Europe)
Matt Helders doesn’t just keep time — he owns it.
His drumming on “R U Mine” is a crash course in style, swagger, and substance. Every groove is deliberate. Every fill, fierce. And every gear choice reflects his raw, powerful, and unmistakably British approach to modern rock drumming. Whether it’s the thunder of the Ludwig Classic Oak, the crack of the CopperPhonic snare, or the dark shimmer of his Zildjian K cymbals, this setup is designed to cut through with confidence and character.
If you’re looking to channel your inner Helders, this gear will get you halfway there — the rest is all attitude.
Want to play like Matt? You can find this gear at Sweetwater or Thomann if you are overseas. If this video lit a spark to start drumming (or sharpen your chops), take the next step and try Drumeo, free for 7 Days.
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Drumeo Team - We're professional, award-winning drummers and drum teachers, coaches, recording artists, and content specialists who are passionate about drums and helping drummers around the world. This post was written and/or edited by Brandon Toews, Jared Falk, Dave Atkinson, or another pro on our team (which has a combined 1000+ years of drumming experience). Are you looking for inspiration, education, and support to take your playing to the next level? Join the Drumeo community today!
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