Few drummers have shaped modern music as subtly yet profoundly as Ringo Starr. As the rhythmic anchor of The Beatles, Ringo's unique drumming style and understated genius played a crucial role in defining the sound of a generation, and many generations to come. While he may not have been the flashiest player, his approach to rhythm, feel, and musicality is what made him one of the most influential drummers in history.
We will explore Ringo Starr’s drumming style, famous fills, gear setup, and his lasting influence on music. We will also go through how we at Melodics can help discover how to play like Ringo.
Ringo Starr’s contribution to drumming goes beyond the music itself. He brought a fresh sensibility to the role of a drummer, one that always prioritised musicality and feel over technical showmanship. Here are four reasons why Ringo's drumming stands out.
Ringo wasn’t interested in stealing the spotlight—his playing was always in service of the song. This restraint became his signature, allowing Beatles tracks to shine without clutter. From the shuffle groove in All My Loving to the steady pulse of Let It Be, Ringo always knew exactly just what to play—and what not to. As producer George Martin once said, “Ringo never overplayed. He always played the right thing at the right time.” Paul McCartney also praised his “steady and solid” drumming, calling it “the magic glue” of the band.
Ringo is naturally left-handed but learned to play on a right-handed kit, which contributed to his unique feel and phrasing. His fills often have a quirky, slightly delayed flow that feels human and natural. Listen to the tom work in Rain or the iconic fill at 3:34 in A Day in the Life—both are classic examples of his off-kilter but deeply musical style.
Ringo’s drumming was remarkably consistent—not in a robotic way, but in a deeply musical, grounded sense. His backbeat was dependable and warm, offering a solid foundation that allowed Lennon, McCartney, and Harrison to soar melodically. Songs like Come Together showcase his ability to lock in and carry a groove with hypnotic calm. Drummers like Steve Smith and musicologists like Jim Irvin have noted the “effortless feel” of Ringo’s timing and groove.
Beyond rhythm and technique, Ringo's playing had heart. His grooves weren’t just timekeeping tools; they reflected the mood and meaning of each song. In Something, his soft, unobtrusive cymbal work enhances the tenderness. In Helter Skelter, the consistency of his work throughout echo the song's ferocity. George Harrison once said that Ringo was “the best drummer in the world for The Beatles,” precisely because he could interpret the emotion of every track.
For examples, check out this awesome compilation of Ringo’s chops live:
Before Ringo joined The Beatles, drumming in rock and pop was often swing-focused. Ringo brought a unique touch: informed by his roots in skiffle, country, blues, and early rock 'n' roll. Growing up in Liverpool, where many American records arrived in Britain first before being sent around the country played a huge part in shaping his influences as well as the ‘Mersey Beat’ scene as a whole. His time with Rory Storm and the Hurricanes gave him practical live experience, and he drew inspiration from drummers like Cozy Cole, DJ Fontana, and Gene Krupa.
If you can hear over the screaming girls, check out this performance of Ringo's influence DJ Fontana playing with Elvis:
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Ringo played in a way that left space. His parts were often singable—you could hum them like a melody. This simplicity made his grooves not only memorable but emotionally resonant. A song like Tomorrow Never Knows demonstrates how he could turn basic beats into something uniquely expressive. (Imagine a brief audio snippet or visual notation of his groove on Tomorrow Never Knows here—it’s as melodic as the vocal line.)
Ringo’s fills were never textbook. They often began and ended in odd places, breaking conventional bar lines. But this is what gave them life. His work on The End and Strawberry Fields Forever are prime examples. A transcription snippet of Strawberry Fields would show how his fills anticipate and resolve phrases unconventionally, yet musically.
Ringo helped popularise the use of matched grip drum sticks in rock settings, which was a big part of why his fills were so unconventional. It is important to note, Ringo is often accredited with ‘creating’ the matched grip but it was jazz drummers who first popularised the technique (Is matched grip right for you? Check out our article to find out!). More notably, he experimented with low drum tunings and muffling—using tea towels on snares and toms during sessions like Abbey Road—an approach developed alongside engineers like Geoff Emerick and Glyn Johns.
If you want to read more about the in studio innovation of these engineers, make sure to check out our article on Glyn Johns!
Ringo’s Ludwig drum kit became almost as iconic as The Beatles themselves. That black oyster pearl finish? Instantly recognisable. But it wasn’t just for looks.
Ringo played the Ludwig Oyster Black Pearl Downbeat kit almost exclusively after The Beatles' breakthrough. The tight tuning of his toms and snares gave his recordings a punchy, warm tone that defined The Beatles’ drum sound from I Want to Hold Your Hand to The End. He paired this with Zildjian cymbals, favouring a crisp hi-hat and mellow ride.
Unlike modern kits with 3 or more toms, Ringo’s setup was minimalist: usually just a rack and floor tom accompanying his kit. This simplicity allowed for more deliberate choices. Each stroke mattered, and he made them count.
Working with engineers like Geoff Emerick and producers like George Martin, Ringo was part of numerous studio innovations—from tea towels on toms to backward tape loops and reverb chambers. Beatles sessions for Tomorrow Never Knows and Come Together showcased these techniques. Emerick often credited Ringo’s open-mindedness and touch for making these sonic experiments successful.
Beyond The Beatles, Ringo has had a long and vibrant solo career, working with an incredible roster of artists.
It goes without saying—Ringo was the rhythmic core of a band that transformed modern music. He played on nearly every Beatles track except a handful (like Back in the U.S.S.R., where McCartney filled in). From the explosive Twist and Shout to the hypnotic Tomorrow Never Knows, Ringo left a lasting mark.
Post-Beatles, Ringo launched a successful solo career with hits like Photograph and It Don’t Come Easy. His All-Starr Band project brought together musical legends like Joe Walsh, Sheila E., Steve Lukather, and Gregg Rolie to celebrate collaboration and performance.
Ringo has lent his drumming to records by John Lennon (Instant Karma!), George Harrison (All Things Must Pass), and Paul McCartney (Flaming Pie). He’s also worked with artists like Tom Petty, Harry Nilsson, The Band, and Eric Clapton. His adaptability and groove have made him a sought-after and reliable studio drummer.
Emulating Ringo isn’t about copying—it’s about absorbing his sensibilities.
Practice playing for the music, not for technical shows. Learn to feel when to lay back, when to push, when to leave space and when to sit right in the pocket.
Don’t underestimate the power of a simple beat. Work on perfecting the basics and playing them with consistency and musicality.
Try odd phrasing. Start your fills on the "and" of 3 instead of beat 4. Let go of symmetry. Study songs like Rain and The End for inspiration.
Experiment with lower tunings and muffled heads. Get to know how your drums respond to touch, and test out different dampening techniques.
At Melodics, we help drummers grow not just in speed or complexity—but in feel, expression, and musical intuition. Just like Ringo did.
Melodics is the only drum lesson app that tracks performance & progress. With interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and fun challenges, you can explore drumming in a way that’s exciting, structured, and deeply rewarding. Our goal? To be your guide as you unlock your musical potential. And if Ringo inspires you, there’s no better place to start.
Practice the Ringo way.With heart, groove, and intention. Start your journey with Melodics today.
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Come Together
As made famous by The Beatles
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