Learn to playAnother One Bites The Dustas made famous by Queenon drums
A syncopated rock beat with a driving bass drum, steady hi-hat, and snappy snare, creating a funky groove that propels the song's iconic bass line.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind Another One Bites The Dust. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
Another One Bites The Dust
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Step 1 - Learn the iconic groove
Start by learning the basic groove, with a four to the floor kick pattern (1/4 notes).
Step 2 - Learn the fill
The fill occurs at the end of each four bar groove phrase here for you to practice. Starting with the left hand, use alternating hands on the snare, starting on beat 3-e, and ending with a kick on beat 4-e before returning to the closed hi-hat. Remember to use Practice Mode if you need to slow it down.
Step 3 - Combine to play 'Another One Bites the Dust' in full
Now combine the groove and fill to play the whole track. The fill occurs three times in the arrangement. Watch for the break in the bridge, and keep it funky.
Learn to play
Another One Bites The Dust
with Melodics
Behind the track
Another One Bites the Dust
by Queen
Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust" is a spare, funk-inspired song featuring a strong bass line, a tight rhythm section, and subtle guitar accents. Hand claps, delicate synth textures, and a steady, syncopated percussion beat form the foundation of the song's groove. The dynamic and authoritative vocal performance by Freddie Mercury propels the song's upbeat and contagious atmosphere with a blend of soulful intensity and rhythmic accuracy. The song's unique personality and timeless appeal are enhanced by the lyrics, which are delivered with attitude and swagger.
Tips for learning Another One Bites The Dust on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of 'Another One Bites The Dust' individually for precision mastery. With Melodics, you can slow the pace of the song and work up to full speed.
Tip 2: Review your performance
Identify growth areas: Listen to playback of your performance to learn where you need to develop your timing, technique & rhythm. Melodics provides instant feedback on your performance.
Tip 3: Practice makes perfect
Stay consistent: With regular, focused practice you'll see rapid progress when learning the song. Even a short session each day will make a huge difference.
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FAQs
- Playing "Another One Bites The Dust" on drums can be relatively easy for intermediate drummers due to its straightforward and repetitive beat. The main challenge lies in maintaining a steady tempo and precise timing, especially with the syncopated bass drum pattern. The key elements include a steady hi-hat, consistent snare hits on beats 2 and 4, and a driving bass drum that follows the song's iconic bass line. While the beat is not overly complex, achieving the tight, funky groove requires attention to detail and good coordination between the limbs. Beginners might find it slightly challenging but manageable with practice. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- To play "Another One Bites The Dust" on drums, you need to have the following skills: Basic Rock Beat: Understanding and being able to play a basic rock beat with a steady tempo. Syncopation: Ability to play syncopated rhythms, especially with the bass drum, to match the groove of the song. Hi-Hat Control: Keeping a consistent hi-hat pattern, usually played in eighth notes, and possibly incorporating open and closed hi-hat techniques. Snare Drum Timing: Consistently hitting the snare drum on beats 2 and 4 (the backbeat) with a strong and even stroke. Coordination: Coordinating all four limbs to maintain the groove, especially the interplay between the bass drum and hi-hat. Dynamics: Playing with appropriate dynamics to keep the groove tight and funky, ensuring that the drums support the overall feel of the song. Tempo Control: Maintaining a steady tempo throughout the song, which is crucial for keeping the groove consistent. Endurance: Being able to play the repetitive pattern throughout the song without losing timing or energy. With these skills, you'll be well-equipped to tackle "Another One Bites The Dust" and capture its iconic groove.
- 110 bpm
- 4/4
- F# minor
- New songs are released every week on Melodics! And we love to take requests - the best place for this is within our Discord community where you can also connect with other music learners around the world. Check out https://melodics.com/info/community.