Learn to playSuperstitionas made famous by Stevie Wonderon drums
The drum beat in 'Superstition' by Stevie Wonder is funky and syncopated, featuring a steady groove with a strong backbeat, tight hi-hat patterns, and dynamic fills, driving the song's rhythm.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind 'Superstition'. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
Superstition
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Intro
Start with 1/4 notes on the kick and the backbeat on the snare. Keep your right hand relaxed as you play the 1/16 note patterns, and maintain a loose swing feel - get into the groove. As you move into the main verse groove, start adding another 1/16 note on the kick, and make the hi-hat pattern consistent.
Verse
Continue the same kick, snare, and hi-hat pattern. Use alternating hands to play the 1/16 note fills on the snare.
Chorus
For the triplet fill in bar 3, use alternating hands to move around the kit, ending with a kick to move into bar 4. At the end of this section, use alternating hands to play the 1/16 note hi-hat fill, opening the hi-hat on the -& and playing the snare with the right hand.
Verse 2
Return to the verse groove. Continue with the alternating hands 1/16 note snare fills - remember to lead with your left when it starts on an -a or -e beat. Move the left hand to the open hi-hat in the last fill before the chorus.
Chorus 2
Start with an open hi-hat variation on the verse groove, dropping the 1/16 note skip beat. For the triplet fill in bar 4, keep the right hand on the low tom and the left hand on the hi tom. The left hand plays the open hi-hat to finish the fill. Return to the open hi-hat verse groove variation to move into the next section.
Outro
Start this section with a paradiddle-like groove on the ride - using the sticking R - L - R - R - L - R - R. Move back to the hi-hat and watch for the fills, including a flam on the snare.
Perform the track
Now combine the sections to perform the full arrangement.
Learn to play
Superstition
with Melodics
Behind the track
Superstition
by Stevie Wonder
'Superstition' by Stevie Wonder features a vibrant and funky musical composition driven by a distinctive clavinet riff, tight drum groove, and a punchy horn section. The rhythm section lays down a syncopated, infectious beat, while the bass provides a solid foundation, enhancing the song's groove.
Stevie Wonder's vocal performance is dynamic and soulful, showcasing his impressive range and expressive delivery. His vocals effortlessly blend with the rhythm, delivering the catchy and memorable lyrics with a mix of intensity and smoothness. The overall composition and performance create an energetic and timeless funk classic.
Tips for learning 'Superstition' on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of 'Superstition' 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 "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder on drums can be challenging due to its intricate and syncopated rhythm. While the basic groove is relatively straightforward, capturing the nuances and groove of the song requires skill and precision. The drummer needs to maintain tight coordination between the kick, snare, and hi-hat while incorporating dynamic fills and accents. Overall, it's not considered easy, but with practice and attention to detail, it's achievable for drummers at an intermediate level and above. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- To play 'Superstition' by Stevie Wonder on drums, you'll need to develop several key skills: - Rhythmic Accuracy: Maintain precise timing, especially with the syncopated rhythms and accents. - Groove and Feel: Capture the funky groove and feel of the song, staying in the pocket and driving the rhythm. - Independence: Develop independence between your limbs to execute the different patterns played by the kick, snare, and hi-hat. - Dynamic Control: Control the volume and intensity of your playing, accentuating certain beats and fills for musical effect. - Fills and Transitions: Execute fills smoothly and seamlessly transition between sections of the song. - Listening Skills: Listen closely to the original recording to capture the nuances of the drum part and the overall feel of the song. - Stamina: Build endurance to sustain the energy and intensity of the song, especially during extended performances. By honing these skills, you'll be better equipped to play 'Superstition' on the drums with accuracy, groove, and style.
- 100 bpm
- 4 / 4
- Eb 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.