Learn to playTodayas made famous by Smashing Pumpkinson drums
The drum beat for Today features a paradiddle-inspired 1/16 note pattern between kick and snare, with pulsing 1/8 note hi-hat, and powerful fills between snare and low tom.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind Today. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
Today
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Intro
Come in on the ride after the guitar intro, with pedal hi-hat in tandem. Play a 2 bar repeating pattern with variations, and finish on low tom and snare.
Verse 1
Play another 2 bar pattern with variations, playing the open hi-hat and kick together on beat 3-a every second bar. Finish with the build up again, adding pedal hi-hat.
Chorus
Return to the intro groove for the chorus, with new variations.
Post-chorus
Continue the groove through the post-chorus section. Finish with a longer buildup on snare and low tom to lead into the bridge.
Bridge
Play the tom and snare buildup every 2 bars in this section.
Outro
Return to the chorus groove for the outro, and finish on a crash.
Combine and play
Now combine the sections to play the full arrangement.
Learn to play
Today
with Melodics
Behind the track
Today
by Smashing Pumpkins
Today by Smashing Pumpkins begins with a lead guitar riff inspired by an icecream truck jingle, before contrasting wall-of-sound layers of fuzzed out guitar enter along with the pounding drum beat. The mid tempo song moves between chilled out verses and dense choruses, with vocalist and songwriter Billy Corgan's vocal as a supple layer on top of it all.
Corgan's delivery alternates between the sweet, dream like delivery of the verses and the menacing sneer and pseudo-wailing of the choruses, perfectly complementing the melody, lyrics, and contrasting with the instrumental beneath.
Tips for learning Today on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of 'Today' 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
- Today is an advanced level song. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- You will need command of the pedal hi-hat, as well as intermediate kick and snare 1/16 note independence.
- 83 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.