Learn to playPyramid Songas made famous by Radioheadon drums
The drum beat in "Pyramid Song" by Radiohead features an unconventional, flowing rhythm with a mix of time signatures, creating a hypnotic and ethereal feel.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind Pyramid Song. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
Pyramid Song
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Learn the drum intro
After 4 bars, come in with hits on the ride, preceded by gentle double strokes on the snare. Listen to the piano riff carefully to get the timing. Follow this up with a triplet fill moving from snare to hi tom and back, starting with the left hand and using alternating strokes.
Learn the main groove
Now move into the main groove section, comprising an 8 bar repeating pattern. In bar 4, use the sticking R - L - R - R - L - L (paradiddlediddle) to play the triplet phrase between ride and snare. For the fill in bar 8, lead with your right hand and alternate strokes from snare, to hi tom, to low tom, ending with your left hand playing the final snare in the fill.
Learn the outro
The outro section uses the fills from the previous section, but in slightly different places, so be on your toes and pay attention to the phrasing as the song winds down.
Combine and play
Now combine the three sections to play the full arrangement.
Learn to play
Pyramid Song
with Melodics
Behind the track
Pyramid Song
by Radiohead
"Pyramid Song" by Radiohead is a hauntingly beautiful piece characterized by its complex rhythm, melancholic atmosphere, and ethereal vocal delivery. The musical composition is built around a looping piano motif in an unconventional time signature that creates a floating, almost disorienting feeling. The use of string arrangements and subtle electronic elements further enhances the song's otherworldly quality.
Thom Yorke's vocal performance is both haunting and emotional, conveying a sense of longing and introspection. His voice glides effortlessly over the intricate piano lines, adding to the song's ethereal and introspective mood. The lyrics, which touch on themes of existential reflection and transcendence, are delivered with a poignant and haunting sincerity, making "Pyramid Song" a deeply moving and immersive listening experience.
Tips for learning Pyramid Song on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of 'Pyramid Song' 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
- Instant feedback on your performance and tracking of your progress
- The fun and effective way to stick to your drum kit
Other popular songs available in Melodics
Easy - Commodores
Lay back with this breezy swung groove from Lionel and the gang.
Running Up That Hill - Kate Bush
Get those toms galloping up that hill with this viral cult classic hit.
Chop Suey - System of a Down
Move between half, regular and double time in this heavy rock hit.
FAQs
- Playing "Pyramid Song" by Radiohead on drums is not considered easy due to its unconventional time signature and intricate rhythmic patterns. The song's rhythm is famously complex, often interpreted as being in 4/4 but with polyrhythms that make it feel like it's in a different time signature, such as 3/4 or 5/4. This creates a floating, syncopated feel that can be challenging for drummers to master. The drummer needs to have a strong sense of timing and the ability to stay locked into the song's unique groove while complementing the piano and vocal lines. It requires careful listening and practice to understand the song's structure and to play it fluidly. Advanced techniques and a good grasp of complex rhythms are essential for drummers attempting to play "Pyramid Song" accurately. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- Understanding Complex Rhythms: - Polyrhythms: Playing multiple rhythms simultaneously. - Time Signatures: Comfort with unconventional time signatures. Coordination and Independence: - Hand-Foot Independence: Playing different patterns with hands and feet. - Syncopation: Emphasizing off-beats or weaker beats. Listening and Adaptability: - Active Listening: Understanding the interaction between drums and other instruments. - Adaptability: Adjusting your playing dynamically to fit the song’s mood. Technical Proficiency: - Control and Precision: Playing with intentionality and fitting within the rhythmic framework. - Dynamic Range: Playing softly and loudly as required. Practice and Repetition: - Consistent Practice: Developing muscle memory and familiarity. - Slow Practice: Mastering rhythms slowly before increasing the tempo. By focusing on these areas, you'll build the necessary skills to play "Pyramid Song" on drums effectively.
- 108 bpm
- 4/4. Check out this video to understand its unique rhythm: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/d51s8grRbiA
- A 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.