What's the Hardest Song on the Drums?

I’m really curious to know what you all think are the hardest songs to play on the drums. Drumming is such a fantastic way to express yourself, but I often find myself stumped when it comes to picking challenging pieces to master. Whether it’s complex rhythms, intricate patterns, or just a song that’s known for its intensity, I want to hear your recommendations and opinions!

Why the Challenge?

Playing difficult songs can really help us grow as drummers. It pushes our limits and helps develop our technique. Plus, mastering a tough song is incredibly rewarding! I’ve been diligently practicing, but I still feel like I’m missing out on some of those signature tracks that could really elevate my skills.

Songs to Consider

Here are a few tracks that come to mind that I’ve heard are pretty challenging:

  • “Bleed” by Meshuggah - Known for its polyrhythmic complexities, this song can truly stretch your capabilities.
  • “Painkiller” by Judas Priest - The speed and intensity require precise drumming to keep up with the energy of the song.
  • “Tom Sawyer” by Rush - Neil Peart’s work here is legendary and filled with intricate fills and time signature changes.

What’s on Your List?

What about you? Are there certain songs you’ve found particularly challenging or rewarding? What personal experiences can you share about tackling them? Maybe there are specific techniques or practices that made it easier for you?

Let’s compile a list of these difficult tracks and share tips on how to tackle them together! Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

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One of the hardest songs I’ve tackled on drums is ‘Painkiller’ by Judas Priest. The tempo and relentless double bass sections make it extremely challenging!

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I totally agree, markmiller! The fast tempo combined with the intricate fills is a beast to master.

Don’t forget about ‘Bleed’ by Meshuggah! The polyrhythms and the odd time signatures can really throw you off, making it a technical nightmare.

True, cartersara! The intricate rhythms require not just skill but also an intense focus to stay locked in with the band.

I find ‘Tom Sawyer’ by Rush to be incredibly difficult due to the complex fills and tempo changes. Neil Peart was a genius!

Absolutely! The way he shifts between sections is something every drummer should aspire to. So tricky!

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For me, ‘Rosanna’ by Toto is challenging due to the shuffle feel and those signature breaks. Really tests your groove!

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Yes! That groove is deceptively complex. It’s one of those songs that sounds easy until you try it.

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How about ‘Schism’ by Tool? The time signatures are all over the place, making it a real puzzle to piece together.

Yes! The way they switch up rhythms is mind-blowing. It’s like a workout for your brain and limbs simultaneously!

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Sometimes, I think the hardest song is just one that pushes your personal limits. This could vary for each drummer!

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I’m a huge believer in breaking down complex songs into smaller sections. It makes tackling those tricky parts much easier! Start slow and gradually increase the tempo with a metronome. It works wonders!

Absolutely! I also suggest focusing on one hand or foot at a time to get the movements right before putting it all together. It might feel silly, but it pays off!

Using a metronome is key! I like to start at half speed, then gradually work my way up. Keeping an even tempo will help you maintain control when you speed up.

For sure! I often set small, achievable goals when practicing. This way, you don’t get overwhelmed and can celebrate small victories along the way!

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Drumming can feel like a marathon sometimes! It helps to pace your practice sessions to avoid burnout. Try practicing in shorter, focused bursts—like 20 minutes on, 10 minutes off.

Great advice! I find that mixing up styles during practice keeps things lively. It prevents monotony and engages your brain differently.

Have you guys ever tried playing along with the actual track? It’s super helpful to see where you are in relation to the original! Just remember to isolate those hard sections first.

For sure, but make sure you stay within your limits. Jumping into the deep end too soon can be frustrating and lead to bad habits!