Learn to playIn The Air Tonightas made famous by Phil Collinson drums
The drum beat in "In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins is iconic, featuring a haunting, atmospheric groove with a dramatic buildup, characterized by its powerful tom fills and distinctive gated reverb effect on the drums.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind In The Air Tonight. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
In The Air Tonight
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Step 1 - Learn the iconic intro groove
Start by learning the 4 bar repeating groove. Listen to the bassline and lock in.
Step 2 - Learn the legendary ‘In The Air Tonight’ Drum Fill
Work on the legendary opening fill. Phil's drum kit originally comprised 6 toms, so it has been adapted here for 3.
After 3 bars of rest, play double stops between the hi and mid toms, then the mid and low toms, followed by single strokes on the low tom. Watch for the kick filling the gaps here. Repeat the 4 bar pattern, including the fill, another two times to practice.
Step 3 - Learn the second fill
The second fill starts on beat 4 of the fourth bar of groove. Use alternating hands to play 1/16 notes, crossing the barline back into the first bar, finishing with double stops on the snare and low tom on beats 2 and 2-&. Practice this fill twice.
Step 4 - Learn the third fill
The third fill starts on beat 4-& of the fourth bar. Follow the syncopated rhythm from hi to mid toms, again crossing the barline and finishing on beats 2 and 2-&, this time with single strokes on the low tom and snare. Practice this fill twice.
Step 5 - Learn the last fill
This fill borrows the syncopated rhythm from the third fill - starting on beat 4-& - but changes up the drums - watch for the tricky sticking moving from snare to hi tom, then snare to mid tom, and finishes with the double stops from the second fill on the snare and low tom on beats 2 and 2-& of the next bar. Practice this fill twice.
Step 6 - Play the song in full
Now, combine the fills to perform the full arrangement. There are 15 bars of intro before the first fill occurs. Remember to use Practice Mode to slow down and repeat any tricky bits.
Learn to play
In The Air Tonight
with Melodics
Behind the track
In The Air Tonight
by Phil Collins
Phil Collins' "In the Air Tonight" has a haunting, atmospheric musical arrangement that is fueled by a recognisable percussion beat and simple accompaniment. With minimalist verses giving way to a strong chorus distinguished by its unique synthesiser and guitar riffs, the song progressively develops tension.
Phil Collins sings with a feeling of urgency and vulnerability that is passionate and heartfelt. His vocal spans from quiet murmurs to forceful screams, perfectly encapsulating the song's themes of catharsis and betrayal. "In The Air Tonight" is a timeless classic due to its ambient composition, sparse orchestration, and Collins' emotive vocals.
Tips for learning In The Air Tonight on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of 'In The Air Tonight' 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 "In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins on drums is not particularly difficult in terms of technical complexity, but it requires a specific approach to capture the song's unique feel and style. Here are some considerations: Iconic Drum Pattern: The most recognizable aspect of the song is the drum pattern, especially the famous tom fill. While the fill itself is not complex, playing it with the right timing and feel is crucial. Minimalistic Approach: The song is driven by a minimalist drum part with a focus on space and atmosphere. This requires a good sense of timing and control over dynamics. Subtle Dynamics: The drumming in the song is relatively quiet and restrained, with a gradual buildup throughout. Maintaining the right balance and dynamics is key. Tom-Tom Work: There are several tom-tom fills in the song, including the iconic fill before the chorus. Practicing these fills and getting them to sound smooth and powerful is important. Groove and Feel: Capturing the song's groove and feel, including the laid-back tempo and atmospheric vibe, is essential for an authentic performance. Overall, while the technical aspects of "In The Air Tonight" are not overly challenging, achieving the right feel, dynamics, and timing are crucial to doing justice to this iconic drum part. It requires a good understanding of the song's structure and a nuanced approach to performance. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- To play "In The Air Tonight" by Phil Collins on drums, you'll need to develop the following skills: Timing and Feel: The song is driven by a steady, atmospheric groove with a laid-back tempo. You'll need good timing and a feel for the song's unique atmosphere. Tom-Tom Technique: The iconic drum fill in the song features tom-tom drums prominently. You should practice smooth and powerful tom fills. Controlled Dynamics: The drumming is minimalist and controlled, with subtle dynamics. You should be able to play quietly and build up gradually to match the song's structure. Hi-Hat and Ride Cymbal Patterns: There are various patterns on the hi-hat and ride cymbal throughout the song. These patterns should be played with control and consistency. Ghost Notes: There are subtle ghost notes in the snare drum part. You should practice playing these quietly to maintain the groove. Listening and Musicality: Actively listening to the song and understanding its structure, dynamics, and nuances are crucial for an authentic performance. Tom-Tom Fills: Besides the iconic fill, there are other tom-tom fills in the song. Practice these fills to execute them smoothly and accurately. Subtle Changes in Dynamics: The dynamics in the song change subtly. You should be able to play dynamically and adjust your playing accordingly. Groove and Pocket: Maintain a steady groove and play in the pocket throughout the song to keep the feel of the song. Overall Control and Technique: You should have good overall drumming technique, including hand and foot coordination, to effectively play the song. Practicing these skills will help you play "In The Air Tonight" on drums with the right feel and style, capturing the essence of this iconic track.
- 95 bpm
- 4 / 4
- D Minor
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