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Writer's pictureJosh Kastleman

Mastering the Drums: Back in Black for Beginner Drummers

In the Drum Studios of Josh Kastleman we learn all types of drum songs. One of our beginner drum song "staples", so to speak, is Back In Black by AC/DC.


"Back in Black" is a classic rock song, known for its powerful and iconic drumming. Playing the drums to this song is an exciting and energetic experience. Here are some key elements to consider when playing the drums to "Back in Black":

  1. The Groove: The drumming in "Back in Black" has a straightforward yet driving groove. The song is in 4/4 time, and the drumming provides a steady foundation for the entire track. The primary groove consists of a powerful backbeat with a heavy emphasis on the snare drum and kick drum.

  2. The Intro: The song opens with a distinctive drum intro played by Phil Rudd, AC/DC's drummer at the time. It's essential to capture the feel of this intro, which includes quick snare hits and bass drum accents. This part sets the tone for the entire song.

  3. Hi-Hat and Ride Cymbal: The hi-hat is used to provide a steady, driving rhythm throughout the song. The hi-hat plays a crucial role in maintaining the groove.

  4. Dynamics: "Back in Black" features dynamic drumming, with parts that shift between louder and softer sections. Pay attention to the dynamics to bring out the song's energy and intensity.

  5. Fills: While the main groove is relatively simple, there are some well-placed drum fills that add excitement to the song. These fills typically involve the snare drum, toms, and crashes. Listen to the original recording to get a sense of where the fills occur.

  6. The Bridge: The bridge of the song has a different feel and is characterized by the use of cowbell. This section provides a nice contrast to the rest of the song.

  7. Timing: Timing is critical when playing "Back in Black." It's important to maintain a steady tempo and stay in sync with the rest of the band. The song has a strong and consistent pulse.

  8. Repetition: The song is known for its repeated riff and drum pattern, which creates a powerful and memorable rock feel. Embrace the repetitive nature of the song to keep the energy up.

When learning to play "Back in Black" on the drums, it's helpful to listen to the original recording multiple times to internalize the drum parts and the overall feel of the song. You can find drum notation and tutorials online to help you learn the specific drumming patterns. Practice regularly to build the muscle memory needed to perform the song with precision and energy. Playing this classic rock track can be a great way to develop your drumming skills and enjoy the powerful sound of AC/DC.


Here is an example of one of our students playing Back In Black in studio.


If you would like to see drum students play more songs you can visit our YouTube channel:


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