Learn to playThe Trooperas made famous by Iron Maidenon drums
Galloping triplet drums drive The Trooper with rapid snare hits, tight kicks, and nonstop momentum that mirrors a charging rhythm throughout the song pushing it on.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind The Trooper. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
The Trooper
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Intro
Play the triplet fills in the beginning, then fill into the main groove. Split the kick pattern between R and L feet.
Verse
Play variations on the triplet fills for the beginning of the verse, then return to the groove on the ride.
Chorus
Play the short chorus section, followed by a longer instrumental section with fill variations.
Verse 2
Play the groove through the verse this time, watching for the fill variations.
Outro
Return to the chorus for the first part of the outro, before ending on the triplet fill stops, and one last fill across the toms.
Combine and play
Now combine the sections to play the full arrangement.
Learn to play
The Trooper
with Melodics
Behind the track
The Trooper
by Iron Maiden
The Trooper features a fast, galloping composition built on dual-guitar harmonies, urgent riffs, and a driving rhythm section that keeps the song in constant motion. The structure is tight and energetic, with melodic lead lines weaving around the iconic gallop pattern to create a sense of forward charge.
Bruce Dickinson’s vocal performance is powerful and dramatic, marked by sharp phrasing, sustained high notes, and a commanding tone that matches the song’s intensity. His delivery cuts through the mix with clarity and urgency, adding a heroic, narrative edge that elevates the track’s storytelling and overall impact.
Tips for learning The Trooper on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of The Trooper 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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Chop Suey - System of a Down
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FAQs
- The Trooper is an advanced level song. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- You will need double kick skills, and the ability to play fast single stroke four and paradiddle rudiments.
- 154 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.