Top 5
Best 5 Advanced Songs For The Drums
May
Drumming is an art form that demands both technical proficiency and creative expression. For those who have dedicated themselves to mastering the craft, the pursuit of new challenges and unique opportunities to showcase their skills is a constant driving force. In this blog post, we will explore the top 5 advanced songs for the drums that offer a chance to test your ability and take your playing to the next level. These songs represent some of the most challenging and complex pieces of music for the drums, and mastering them requires a high degree of precision, coordination, and timing. If you’re up for the challenge, the sheet music for all of these songs is available through our online store, so you can start learning and honing your skills today. Let’s dive in and discover the intricacies of these advanced drumming pieces.
Tom Sawyer by Rush
Drum sheet music is available for purchase here
Tom Sawyer is a classic rock song by Rush, and a timeless masterpiece that has left an indelible mark on the world of music. From its intricate rhythms to its complex time signatures, this track demands a high level of coordination and timing from the drummer.
The man responsible for the iconic drumming on this track is none other than the legendary Neil Peart, widely considered one of the greatest drummers of all time. Peart’s unique style, which incorporated intricate fills, odd time signatures, and precise footwork, has influenced generations of drummers and made him a true icon in the world of music.
It’s no surprise that Tom Sawyer is often cited as one of the most challenging songs for drummers to master, requiring a high degree of technical skill and musicality. However, the rewards for mastering this track are immeasurable, as it offers a glimpse into the mind of a true musical genius and showcases the power and artistry of the drums.
In short, Tom Sawyer is a testament to the enduring legacy of Rush and Neil Peart, and a must-learn for any serious drummer looking to take their skills to the next level.
Nightmare by Avenged Sevenfold
Drum sheet music is available for purchase here
Avenged Sevenfold have become one of the most commercially successful bands in the genre, with numerous chart-topping albums and sold-out tours. Nightmare features blistering drumming that requires both speed and precision from the drummer. Mike Portnoy, who recoded the drums on “Nightmare”, was hired after the passing of The Rev, Avenged Sevenfold’s late drummer and founding member. However it was actually The Rev who came up with most of the drum parts for the entire albums, and it was up to Portnoy to strike the balance between preserving The Rev’s style of playing and adding his own signature to the drums parts. Both The Rev’s and Portnoy’s style of drumming included heavy use of double bass, blast beats, and blazing fills, which became an essential part of the band’s distinctive sound. Portnoy’s drumming on Nightmare helped making it one of their most intense and memorable tracks.
Schism by Tool
Drum sheet music is available for purchase here
Schism is a progressive rock masterpiece by Tool, a band known for their innovative and complex approach to music. This track, in particular, stands out for its unique time signature of 5/8 + 7/8 and intricate drumming that demands a high degree of technical skill and precision.
At the heart of the song’s rhythmic complexity is Danny Carey, the man behind the kit and one of the most respected and innovative drummers in modern music. Carey’s style is a true reflection of his creativity and musicality, incorporating polyrhythms, odd time signatures, and intricate fills that have earned him a reputation as a master of his craft.
What makes Schism even more impressive is how seamlessly Carey weaves his drumming into the intricate structure of the song. From the opening riff to the haunting vocals, the drums are an integral part of the song’s dynamic interplay and complex textures.
For aspiring drummers looking to challenge themselves, Schism is a must-learn track that offers a glimpse into the mind of a true musical genius. And for those who are already familiar with the song, it serves as a reminder of Danny Carey’s unique talent and his ability to push the boundaries of what is possible on the drums.
Duality by Slipknot
Drum sheet music is available for purchase here
Duality is a heavy metal anthem by Slipknot, a band renowned for their electrifying live shows and unapologetically aggressive sound. The song itself is a showcase of the band’s signature style, featuring quick double pedal drumming and a syncopated snare pattern that demands stamina and endurance from the drummer.
At the heart of this thunderous sound is Joey Jordison, the man behind the kit and one of the most iconic drummers in the band’s discography. Jordison’s style is a perfect complement to Slipknot’s high-energy sound, incorporating double bass, blast beats, and fills that perfectly capture the band’s unrelenting energy and intensity.
What sets Duality apart from other heavy metal tracks is how the drums perfectly integrate with the rest of the instrumentation, adding to the song’s overall impact and power. Jordison’s drumming is a key element of the song’s dynamic interplay, accentuating the guitar riffs and adding an extra layer of excitement to the chorus.
For drummers looking to push their skills to the limit, Duality is a must-learn track that offers a glimpse into the intense and adrenaline-fueled world of Slipknot. And for fans of heavy metal music, it’s a reminder of the incredible talent of Joey Jordison and his contribution to the band’s legacy.
Dance of Eternity by Dream Theater
Drum sheet music is available for purchase here
Dance of Eternity is a progressive metal epic by Dream Theater, a band that has set the bar for technical proficiency and musical virtuosity in modern music. The track itself is a testament to the band’s talent, featuring a dizzying array of time signatures and complex drumming patterns that make it one of the most challenging pieces of music for the drums.
At the center of this intricate and complex sound is Mike Portnoy, the man behind the kit and one of the founding members of the band. Portnoy is a true legend in the world of drumming, and his style is a perfect match for the band’s technical prowess and musical ambition. Incorporating complex rhythms, odd time signatures, and intricate fills, Portnoy’s drumming has inspired countless drummers and helped to define the sound of an entire generation.
What sets Dance of Eternity apart from other progressive metal tracks is how the drums serve as the driving force behind the song’s intricate interplay and complex structure. Portnoy’s drumming is the anchor of the track, providing the foundation upon which the rest of the instrumentation can build and explore.
For drummers looking to challenge themselves and push their skills to the limit, Dance of Eternity is a must-learn track that offers a glimpse into the technical mastery and musical innovation of Dream Theater. And for fans of progressive metal, it’s a reminder of the incredible talent of Mike Portnoy and his lasting contribution to the band’s legacy.
Conclusion
These top 5 advanced songs for the drums represent a challenging and rewarding experience for drummers looking to push their skills to the limit. From Rush’s Tom Sawyer to Dream Theater’s Dance of Eternity, these songs demand a high level of precision, coordination, and timing. Each song is a showcase of the drummer’s unique style and musicality, from Neil Peart’s intricate fills on Tom Sawyer to Mike Portnoy’s technical virtuosity on Dance of Eternity. If you’re ready to take your drumming to the next level, the sheet music for all of these songs is available through our online store. With dedication and practice, you can master these advanced drumming pieces and join the ranks of the world’s most skilled drummers.
