Train Train by Blackfoot is a great way to improve you ability to transition from Hi-Hats to Ride Cymbal quickly and repeatedly. This song also challenges students to keep the same overall timing of the song while changing the timing of the right hand from eighth notes to sixteenth notes. Notice how the entire song is fairly repetitive and but yet very driving and engaging. This type of repetition is just what is needed for students to really start feeling comfortable with all the change ups in this song.
The other unique part of this song is that most of the fills end with a crash on the count of four, where as most fills end with a crash on the count of one. This throws students off at first but once they get the hang of it, it is a lot of fun. This opens their minds to new concepts of how to go about creating their own drum fills that don't follow conventional thinking.
The drums have an essential role in the overall feel and sound of the song. Notice in the beginning after the harmonica solo intro the drums come in with a single stroke roll giving it the feeling of a train moving down the track. It is a awesome way to portray the emotion and give a picture in the mind of the listener.
Please reach out if you are looking to take in person/private lessons or take lessons virtually online through Zoom. Josh teaches in both ways and you could be learning a song like this in no time!
playing along with songs is a great way to develop your drumming skills and sense of timing. Here are some general steps:
Listen to the Song: Start by listening to the song multiple times. Pay attention to the drum parts, the overall feel, and any specific drumming techniques used.
Identify the Basic Beat: Figure out the basic beat or groove of the song. Identify the kick drum pattern, snare drum accents, and any hi-hat or cymbal work. "Train, Train" has a distinct Southern rock feel, so focus on a solid, driving rhythm.
Break Down Sections: Divide the song into sections (intro, verse, chorus, bridge, etc.). Analyze each section separately to understand any variations in the drumming pattern.
Practice Each Section: Practice each section individually until you feel comfortable playing the drum parts. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more confident.
Play Along with the Song: Once you're comfortable with each section, play along with the actual song. Use the original recording or a backing track to keep yourself in time with the music.
Refine and Experiment: Pay attention to nuances in the drumming, such as fills and accents. Feel free to experiment with your own fills or variations once you've mastered the basic structure.
Record Yourself: Record yourself playing along with the song. This can help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress over time.
Remember, it's okay to modify certain parts to suit your style or skill level. The key is to enjoy the process and have fun playing along with the music.
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