Learn to playCan't Stopas made famous by Red Hot Chili Pepperson drums
Energetic and driving, the drum beat of "Can't Stop" by Red Hot Chili Peppers features a steady kick-snare pattern with rapid hi-hat strikes and dynamic fills.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind Can't Stop. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
Can't Stop
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Intro
Start with a buildup between low tom and snare. Keep your hands relaxed and locked in together, building the dynamic level over 8 bars.
Verse
After 4 bars of guitar riff, come in with the groove. Bounce your left hand to play the quick snares at the end of each phrase. Watch for the delayed crash happening on beat 1-& in the middle of this section, and play a fill around the toms to lead into the chorus.
Chorus
Move to the open hi-hat for the chorus, playing crashes on beats 1 and 2-& of every bar. Use the left then right hand to play the crashes in the middle of this section.
Bridge
Move to a stripped back, basic groove in the bridge, watching for the crash on beat 2 in the middle of this section, and finish with a big flam fill moving from snare to hi tom.
Outro
After a guitar interlude, come in with a syncopated 1/16 note fill - follow the sticking closely here, using left hand on the -e and -a beats. This outro section reprises the verse groove with some fill variations. Be sure to use Practice Mode to slow this section down and go into detail.
Perform the track
Now combine the sections to play the whole track.
Learn to play
Can't Stop
with Melodics
Behind the track
Can't Stop
by Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Can't Stop" by Red Hot Chili Peppers showcases a dynamic musical composition with a funky bassline, tight drum grooves, and vibrant guitar riffs. The song's structure alternates between punchy verses and anthemic choruses, creating a compelling blend of rhythmic and melodic elements. Anthony Kiedis delivers an energetic vocal performance with rapid-fire verses and catchy, melodic choruses, complementing the band's powerful and cohesive sound. The overall vibe is upbeat, infectious, and full of the band's signature funk-rock flair.
Tips for learning Can't Stop on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of 'Can't Stop' 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.
- Get access to 100s of interactive lessons and popular songs
- Instant feedback on your performance and tracking of your progress
- The fun and effective way to stick to your drum kit
Other popular songs available in Melodics
Sunshine Of Your Love - Cream
Cream’s Sunshine of Your Love blends blues and rock, featuring Eric Clapton’s iconic guitar riff and a mellow, soulful groove.
Another One Bites The Dust - Queen
A funky, bass-driven hit with a killer groove, fierce attitude, and unforgettable rhythm.
Eye of the Tiger - Survivor
Iconic powerful anthem with intense guitar riffs and a driving beat.
FAQs
- Playing "Can't Stop" on drums can be challenging, especially for beginners. The song features a steady and fast-paced rhythm with intricate hi-hat patterns, syncopated kick-snare combinations, and dynamic fills that require good timing and coordination. While it may be approachable for intermediate drummers with some experience, mastering the nuances and maintaining the song's energy and groove can be demanding. Practicing slowly and gradually increasing speed can help in learning the song effectively. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- To play "Can't Stop" by Red Hot Chili Peppers on drums, you'll need to develop several key skills: Basic Rock Beats: Understanding standard rock rhythms, particularly the kick-snare pattern, is essential. Hi-Hat Techniques: Ability to play rapid and steady 16th notes on the hi-hat with consistent timing. Syncopation: Comfort with syncopated rhythms, especially in combining kick and snare patterns. Dynamic Control: Skill in playing dynamically, varying the volume and intensity of your drumming to match the song's energy. Drum Fills: Proficiency in executing quick and precise drum fills that fit seamlessly into the beat. Coordination and Independence: Ability to coordinate all four limbs independently, especially for playing complex rhythms involving the kick, snare, and hi-hat simultaneously. Consistency and Stamina: Maintaining a steady tempo and high energy throughout the song, which requires physical endurance and consistent playing. Practice with Metronome: Practicing with a metronome to develop tight timing and rhythm accuracy. By focusing on these skills, you'll be better prepared to tackle the drum parts in "Can't Stop."
- 91.5 bpm
- 4/4
- E 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.