Learn to playPull Me Underas made famous by Dream Theateron drums
Pull Me Under features shifting meters, sharp double kick bursts, tight snare accents and busy cymbal work driving complex riffs with precise, powerful dynamics.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind Pull Me Under. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
Pull Me Under
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Intro
After the guitar intro, play on the toms. Fill, and move to a double kick pattern, with the left foot filling in the 1/16 notes.
Intro (pt. 2)
Move into triplet blasts on the double kick. For the next section, play constant 1/16 notes with alternating feet, then finish on snare and pedal hi-hat.
Verse
Move into the verse groove, copying the riff with the kick. Move to the ride, playing a 1/16 note pattern with 1/16 note double kick, and finish with 1/4 note snares.
Interlude
Move to a double time groove with snares on the -& beats. Continue the double time feel after the chorus, then play the blast beat to finish the section.
Chorus
Play a consistent kick rhythm for the chorus on the ride. Return to the intro riff, and play 1/16 notes on the hi-hat. Close out on a guitar solo on open hi-hat.
Outro
In bar 4, play a big fill with alternating hands and feet playing 1/32 notes. Return to the chorus, and close out the song on the riff with fill variations.
Combine and play
Now combine the sections to play the arrangement.
Learn to play
Pull Me Under
with Melodics
Behind the track
Pull Me Under
by Dream Theater
Pull Me Under is built around progressive metal contrasts, shifting between intricate, syncopated riffs and more direct, anthemic sections. The composition balances technical complexity with strong hooks, using odd meters, dynamic stops, and layered arrangements to keep tension high. James LaBrie’s vocal performance is clean, controlled, and melodic, soaring above the dense instrumentation with a wide range that adds emotional lift and accessibility to the song’s heavier, more complex framework.
Tips for learning Pull Me Under on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of Pull Me Under 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.
- Get access to 100s of interactive lessons and popular songs
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FAQs
- Pull Me Under is an advanced level song. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- You will need command of advanced level double kick skills and high level hand dexterity.
- 102 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.