Learn to playDon't Look Back in Angeras made famous by Oasison drums
The drum beat for "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis is steady and straightforward, featuring a classic rock rhythm with a driving snare on 2 and 4 and subtle hi-hat accents.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind Don't Look Back in Anger. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
Don't Look Back in Anger
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Verse
Start with a fill in bar 4 and head into the verse groove, with syncopated snares - watch for the doubles. End with a variation on the fill leading into the chorus.
Pre-chorus
Move to the low tom and put the syncopated notes on the hi tom. In bar 7, move to the ride, and play the fill again to lead into the chorus.
Chorus
Stay on the ride for the chorus, with fills in bars 4 and 8.
Guitar solo
Start the guitar solo over the pre-chorus tom groove. Return to the ride, playing a fill variation with a snare double, and finish with a triplet fill using alternating hands.
Outro
Return to the chorus groove, adding big fills every 4 bars - watch for the triplets and 1/32 notes. Finish with a crash to end the song.
Combine and play
Now combine the sections to play the full arrangement.
Learn to play
Don't Look Back in Anger
with Melodics
Behind the track
Don't Look Back in Anger
by Oasis
"Don't Look Back in Anger" features a melodic rock composition with strong influences from classic rock bands like The Beatles. It opens with a piano riff reminiscent of John Lennon’s style, followed by layered guitars, a steady rhythm section, and soaring chord progressions that create a warm, anthemic feel. The arrangement builds dynamically, with a full, sing-along chorus and emotionally resonant bridge, emphasizing unity and catharsis.
Liam Gallagher's brother, Noel Gallagher, takes the lead vocal, delivering a heartfelt, unpretentious performance. His tone is raw yet controlled, with a slightly raspy quality that conveys vulnerability and determination. The vocal melody is simple but powerful, highlighting the reflective and optimistic lyrics. Backing harmonies in the chorus add depth and a communal feel to the performance.
Tips for learning Don't Look Back in Anger on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of 'Don't Look Back in Anger' 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
- Don't Look Back in Anger is an advanced level song. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- You will need command of triplets and 1/16 note syncopation.
- 81 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.