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Writer's pictureJosh Kastleman

Best First Drum Song for Beginners -Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes, Start Playing Today!



I'll let you in on a little secret, the best first song for beginning drum students is 7 Nation Army by the White Stripes.


You can find the sheet music here:



"Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes is a popular and iconic song that features a distinctive guitar riff played by Jack White. While Meg White's drumming in the song is relatively simple, it plays a crucial role in driving the song's energy and rhythm. If you're interested in playing the drums along to "Seven Nation Army," here are some key points to consider:

  1. Focus on the Beat:

  • The drumming in "Seven Nation Army" follows a straightforward beat. Meg White plays a consistent kick drum pattern that complements the guitar riff.

  • The song has a strong backbeat, emphasizing beats 2 and 4, which gives it a driving and energetic feel.

  1. Snare Drum Technique:

  • Use a snappy and pronounced snare drum sound to emphasize the backbeat.

  • Meg White's style in this song is minimalistic, so avoid overly complicated fills.

  1. Bass Drum Patterns:

  • Pay attention to the bass drum pattern, which is a crucial element in keeping the rhythm. It often follows the guitar riff.

  • The kick drum hits on beats 1 and 3, providing a solid foundation for the song.

  1. Dynamic Control:

  • "Seven Nation Army" has dynamic shifts, especially during the chorus. Be mindful of the dynamics and adjust your playing accordingly.

  • The verse may have a softer feel, while the chorus can be more powerful and intense.

  1. Listen to the Original Recording:

  • It's always helpful to listen to the original recording by The White Stripes to understand the nuances of Meg White's drumming in the song.

  • Pay attention to how the drums interact with the guitar riff and how the dynamics change throughout the track.

  1. Feel the Groove:

  • While the drumming may seem simple, focus on capturing the groove and feel of the song. Meg White's style adds a unique and essential element to the overall sound of "Seven Nation Army."

Remember that playing along to songs is not just about replicating the notes but also about capturing the feel and energy of the original performance. Have fun experimenting with your own interpretation while staying true to the song's essence.


The White Stripes were a rock duo consisting of Jack White and Meg White. Meg White was the drummer and occasional vocalist for the band. Born on December 10, 1974, as Megan Martha White in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, USA, Meg played a crucial role in the minimalist and raw sound that characterized The White Stripes' music.


Meg and Jack White, who was her former husband, formed The White Stripes in 1997. The duo gained widespread recognition for their garage rock sound, characterized by Jack White's guitar riffs and Meg White's straightforward and primal drumming style. Meg's drumming was intentionally simple, often featuring a stripped-down, raw approach that complemented the band's overall aesthetic.

Despite her relatively basic drumming technique, Meg White's contributions were an integral part of The White Stripes' distinctive sound. The band achieved significant success with albums like "White Blood Cells," "Elephant," and "Get Behind Me Satan."


In 2011, The White Stripes officially announced their breakup, and Meg White has maintained a relatively private life since then, with limited public appearances and interviews.



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