Learn to playCome Togetheras made famous by The Beatleson drums
The drum beat in 'Come Together' by The Beatles features a slow, steady tempo with a distinct groove, marked by syncopated hi-hat, deep tom hits, and a prominent bass drum.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind 'Come Together'. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
Come Together
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Intro
Learn the iconic intro that occurs throughout the song. Lead the 1/16 note triplets with your left hand to ensure smooth movement across the toms. Repeat the riff four times.
Verse
Move into the verse groove, playing 1/8 notes on the low tom, with 1/4 notes on the kick. In the last 2 bars, hit the crash, and play the 1/16 note kick pattern with a slight swing.
Chorus
Lay down a snare backbeat in the chorus for 2 bars, before returning to the intro riff. Vary it up in the last bar, playing a 1/16 note fill in place of the 1/16 note triplets.
Instrumental
Move to a basic groove on the ride for the instrumental, leading with your left hand through the fills as Ringo did.
Verse 2
Return to the verse groove on the low tom. Move into the second chorus, this time laying down 1/4 notes simultaneously on the low tom and kick. Return to the intro riff once more for 4 bars, playing the 1/16 note variation the final time to lead into the outro.
Outro
Return to the instrumental groove for the outro. Watch for the kick incorporated into the fills, and pay close attention to the sticking.
Combine and play
Now combine the sections to play the full arrangement.
Learn to play
Come Together
with Melodics
Behind the track
Come Together
by The Beatles
'Come Together' by The Beatles features a laid-back, bluesy composition with a minimalist yet groovy bassline, subtle guitar riffs, and a steady, syncopated drum beat. John Lennon's vocal performance is distinctive and relaxed, characterized by a deep, almost murmuring tone that complements the song's mysterious and slightly psychedelic vibe. The vocal delivery, combined with the instrumental arrangement, creates a unique, moody atmosphere that has become iconic.
Tips for learning 'Come Together' on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of 'Come Together' 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 'Come Together' by The Beatles on the drums is generally considered approachable for drummers with some experience, but it does require attention to detail to capture the feel of Ringo Starr's performance. The beat is slow and steady, but the syncopation and groove are essential to getting it right. Key elements include the prominent bass drum pattern, the nuanced hi-hat work, and the deep, deliberate tom hits. While not overly complex, mastering the subtle nuances and maintaining a consistent groove can be challenging for beginners. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- To play 'Come Together' by The Beatles on drums, you should develop the following skills: - Steady Timing: The tempo is slow and requires precise timing to maintain the groove. - Syncopation: Ability to play off-beat rhythms, especially with the hi-hat and bass drum. - Groove and Feel: Capturing the laid-back, slightly behind-the-beat feel that Ringo Starr is known for. - Dynamic Control: Managing the volume and intensity of your playing, particularly on the hi-hat and toms, to create the song's distinctive texture. - Coordination: Coordinating between the hands and feet to play the intricate bass drum patterns alongside the snare and hi-hat. - Consistency: Keeping the beat steady and consistent throughout the song without rushing or dragging. - Attention to Detail: Mimicking the nuances in Ringo Starr’s playing, such as ghost notes on the snare and slight variations in the pattern. Practicing these skills will help you play 'Come Together' authentically and effectively on the drums.
- 84 bpm
- 4 / 4
- D 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.