Learn to playCherub Rockas made famous by Smashing Pumpkinson drums
The "Cherub Rock" drum beat features powerful, driving rhythms with consistent kick-snare patterns and dynamic hi-hat accents, creating an intense, energetic foundation for the song.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind Cherub Rock. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
Cherub Rock
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Intro (pt. 1)
Start by following the guitar riff with double stops on the ride and snare, with kicks in between. Move to the crash after 4 bars, and finish this section with a "bucket of fish" fill (1/16 note triplets moving from snare to hi tom to low tom then kick, using alternating hands).
Intro (pt. 2)
Move to the main groove on the ride now. Watch for the snare flam in bar 2 followed by a flam between hi tom and low tom in the next bar. Finish this section with a 1/16 note snare fill using alternating hands to lead into the verse.
Verse
For the verse, move to a 3 bar repeating pattern, starting on the open hi-hat. Repeat the snare and tom flam fills from the intro in bars 2 and 3, moving to the ride in the third bar. Finish this section with the 1/16 note snare fill from the intro.
Chorus (pt. 1)
Begin the chorus with a fill using alternating hands around the kit starting on beat 3-e. Continue the groove on the ride, watching for the tom flams. Finish this section with some fast 1/32 note kicks - you may want to use Practice Mode to get these up to speed.
Chorus (pt. 2)
For the second half of the chorus, move to a 2 bar repeating phrase, playing hits on the snare and crash on beats 4 and 4-& in the first bar, and tom flams in the second. After four repeats, change up the flams, moving from snare to hi tom to low tom, and move into the double stop intro riff before the solo.
Solo
Reprise the snare to toms flams from the intro, flipping the order to start on the toms. After 6 bars, play the fill from the beginning of the chorus, then a new fill starting on beat 3-e, and playing a double stop followed by flams on the snare then toms.
Chorus 2
The second chorus is very similar to the first - watch for the fill variation when it comes to the 1/32 note kicks (adding tom flams), and the final bar of this section, using syncopated snare flams and finishing with a "bucket of fish" fill from the intro.
Outro
Return to the intro groove. After 4 bars, move to the snare, using alternating hands to play 1/32 notes, while maintaining an 1/8 note pulse on the kick. Finish with double stops on the kick and crash.
Play the song
Now combine the sections to play the full arrangement.
Learn to play
Cherub Rock
with Melodics
Behind the track
Cherub Rock
by Smashing Pumpkins
"Cherub Rock" blends alternative rock with grunge, characterized by roaring guitar riffs, dynamic shifts, and a layered production. Billy Corgan's vocal performance is raw and emotive, conveying both aggression and introspection, perfectly complementing the song's powerful instrumentation.
Tips for learning Cherub Rock on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of 'Cherub Rock' 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 the drums for "Cherub Rock" can be quite challenging due to its fast tempo and intricate patterns. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out, making it easier to start learning and gradually mastering the beat.
- Basic Rhythm Understanding: Ability to count and play foundational rock rhythms. Hand Coordination: Independent control of each hand for complex patterns. Foot Coordination: Effective use of the bass drum pedal in sync with fast-paced hand movements. Timing: Ability to maintain a consistent, quick tempo. Dynamics Control: Play with varying intensity to match the song’s dynamic shifts. Endurance: Maintain energy levels throughout the song's duration. Listening Skills: Ability to pick up and replicate nuanced drum fills and accents. Patience & Practice: Consistent practice to refine technique and build confidence.
- 86 bpm
- 4/4
- 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.