Learning the drums with the right songs can significantly impact a beginner’s experience.
Beginner-friendly songs often have simple beats, allowing new drummers too focus on rhythm, timing, and gradual skill progression.
Really it goes beyond just learning to play; it’s about building essential skills and confidence!
Let’s go over a few examples of the best songs on drums for beginners, highlighting what makes them instructive picks.
Characteristics of Beginner-Friendly Drum Songs
Slow Tempo and Simple Rhythm
Beginners benefit from songs with a slow tempo and straightforward rhythm. This allows them to focus on mastering the basics before delving into more complex patterns.
That said, don’t be discouraged from trying faster-pace songs either. You can slow them down to a comfortable BPM and drill the techniques at will.
Minimal Drum Fills
Songs with minimal drum fills are ideal for beginners. Memorizing many fills can be challenging, and starting with simpler songs helps build confidence and competence.
It is important for beginners to dedicate themselves to learning entire songs instead of just specific sections. So if you do decide to learn a “more advanced “song, it will be a good exercise in understanding song structure!
Familiarity with Popular Genres
Choosing songs from popular genres that beginners enjoy increases motivation. Familiarity with the music makes the learning process more enjoyable.
It does no good learning songs that you find uninspiring! So just keep in mind that there are alternatives to any song that will teach the same techniques!
Top 5 Best Songs on Drums for Beginners
“Back in Black” by AC/DC
Why it’s a Good Pick:
- Simple Beat: “Back in Black” features a straightforward 4/4 beat, making it accessible for beginners. As the tutorial mentions, the beginning two measures are just hi-hats — doesn’t get much easier than that!
- Dynamic Control: While the beat itself is a bit simple, the song offers opportunities to practice controlling volume and intensity. Take it easy at first, and then rock out when you’ve got it down!
- Iconic Drum Intro: The recognizable drum intro provides an engaging starting point for beginners. Best of all, it’s a pretty foundational rock beat, and you can take its rhythm and apply it to other songs and genres.
2. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
Why it’s a Good Pick:
- Repetitive Structure: The repetitive nature of the beat allows for quick learning. There really are only three sections to learn!
- Bass Drum Control: Mastering the distinct bass drum pattern is key to playing this song well. While seemingly straightforward, it can be tricky to play consistently and smoothly. So do practice!
- Transition between Hi-hat and Snare: The song encourages practice in smoothly transitioning between hi-hat and snare hits. There are alternatives in case your arm traveling back and forth is hard and/or tiresome, but it is a handy movement to practice.
3. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Why it’s a Good Pick:
- Groovy Funk is Fun: The song incorporates funky elements, adding a fun and danceable aspect to drumming. While it can be a little trickier than other songs on this list, it’s definitely one with a recognizable beat.
- Varied Drum Patterns: There are a few varied drum patterns compared to other entries on this list. If looking for a bit of a challenge, we think this is an approachable one — with a funky payoff!
- Syncopated Beats: Syncopation is a crucial skill for creating dynamic drum patterns. Practice syncopating the hi-hat patterns to add flair to the song and really lean into its groove!
4. “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
Why it’s a Good Pick:
- Classic 4/4 Beat: This is might be the first song most drummer learn, and despite its popularity, everyone loves it. It’s a great, instantly recognizable song to have in your repertoire.
- Transitioning Between Drum Elements: Practice smooth transitions between different drum components, especially during dynamic changes.
- Precision in Bass Drum Hits: The song’s bass is arguably as if not more recognizable than the drums. So keeping the bass drum hits in check is especially crucial for maintaining the groove.
5. “Wipe Out” by The Surfaris
Why it’s a Good Pick:
- Energetic Beat: This classic surf rock song is pretty fun to play. It’s fast-paced to be sure, but we think once you pick up on the feel, it’ll be a rhythm you jam with all the time.
- Use of Accent Notes: Being able to properly accent different notes and specific beats is a huge accomplishment that speaks to your stick control. Apart from that, you can start to experiment with the accents, offering opportunities for creativity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overwhelming Complexity in Song Choice
Avoid the temptation to choose overly complex songs initially. Starting with simpler tunes allows for a gradual progression in skill.
Ignoring Foundational Techniques
Foundational techniques form the basis of drumming proficiency. Neglecting the basics can hinder overall progress.
So don’t be ashamed to slow the song down! Don’t practice until you get it right, practice until you can’t get it wrong!
Skipping Practice Routines
Consistent practice is key to improvement. We highly recommend learning songs as one part of your routine, but practicing technique is another important one!
If you don’t have a teacher yet, we do highly recommend signing up for drum lessons to have one help you make the perfect practice routine for you!
Best Songs on Drums to Learn: Your Favorites!
In conclusion, the journey of learning the drums is enriched by choosing the right songs.
These are songs with simple and repetitive beats, moderate tempos, and limited use of complex techniques. Plus ones that the drummer likes!
Learning songs is also a good opportunity to explore different genres, try out online resources, and embrace the support of various communities too.
More than anything: have fun making music! The key to learning any instrument is to enjoy the learning process, celebrate achievements, and ultimately play what you like to play.
Want more? Here’s a list to 20 more easy songs on drums!
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