Learn to playJuicy Fruitas made famous by Mtumeon drums
The drum beat in "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume is a laid-back groove with syncopated hi-hats, a steady kick drum, and occasional snare fills, exuding funk and soul.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind Juicy Fruit. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
Juicy Fruit
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Learn the groove
Using an open handed sticking, lay down the basic foundation for the 2 bar repeating groove here, skipping the kick on beat 3 in the second bar. Use this time to really lock into using the left hand to play the hi-hat.
Add the 1/16 kick
Now add 1/16 note kicks on beat 2-e in both bars. Remember to use Practice Mode to slow it down and get the kicks steady and even.
Add the rim
Note: the rim sample is mapped to the hi tom here.
Add a 1/16 note with the right hand on beat 2-a on the rim in both bars.
Add the mid tom
Now add the mid tom to the pattern. In bar 2, play 1/8 notes on the mid tom starting on beat 3. These occur straight after the rim so make sure you move smoothly from one drum to the other.
Combine and play
Now hold the full 2 bar repeating groove for 16 bars to play the full arrangement.
Learn to play
Juicy Fruit
with Melodics
Behind the track
Juicy Fruit
by Mtune
"Juicy Fruit" by Mtume showcases a seductive blend of R&B, funk, and soul. Its composition features smooth synths, funky basslines, and a groovy drumbeat, creating an irresistible vibe. Tawatha Agee's sultry vocals complement the music, delivering captivating melodies and sensual lyrics with effortless charm. Overall, it's a timeless classic that epitomizes the essence of 80s R&B.
Tips for learning Juicy Fruit on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of 'Juicy Fruit' 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
- The drum pattern in "Juicy Fruit" by Mtume is not overly complex, but it does require a good sense of groove and timing to capture its laid-back feel accurately. The syncopated hi-hats and occasional snare fills add some flair, but overall, it's a manageable beat for intermediate drummers. With practice, aspiring drummers can master it and enjoy playing along with this iconic R&B track. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- To play "Juicy Fruit" on drums, you'll need several skills: 1. Groove and Timing: The song has a laid-back groove, so being able to maintain a steady rhythm and feel the pocket is crucial. 2. Syncopation: The hi-hats have syncopated rhythms, meaning they emphasize off-beats, so being comfortable with syncopation is important. 3. Independence: There are occasional snare fills and variations while keeping the hi-hats and kick drum going, so independence between your limbs is necessary. 4. Dynamic Control: The song's dynamics shift subtly, so being able to control the volume of your hits to match the song's intensity is essential. 5. Listening Skills: Pay attention to the nuances of the original recording to capture its feel accurately. With practice and attention to these skills, you'll be able to play "Juicy Fruit" with confidence and groove.
- 96 bpm
- 4 / 4
- E major
- 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.