Learn to playToxicityas made famous by System Of A Downon drums
The drum beat in Toxicity by System Of A Down is intense and complex, with rapid fills, syncopated rhythms, and heavy double bass. It drives the song's chaotic, dynamic energy.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind Toxicity. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
Toxicity
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Intro
After the guitar intro, alternate between 2 bars of fill and 2 bars of groove. Watch for the 1/32 notes in the first fill, and observe the stickings carefully throughout.
Verse
Move to the hi-hat for the verse. Watch for the syncopated ghost notes on the snare, accenting the last one every 4 bars. Build up on the open hi-hat into the chorus.
Chorus
Repeat the structure of the intro here, following the fills and stickings carefully.
Bridge
The guitar riff metrically modulates in the beginning of the section. Mirror the riff with the crash, snare and kick, and follow it as it changes after 4 bars, and returns again.
Chorus 2
Kick off the last chorus with a different fill, felt in 4/4 time. Then play the chorus as usual.
Outro
Return to the bridge feel, and finish with a half time feel, and fill leading into the crash.
Combine and play
Combine the sections to play the full arrangement.
Learn to play
Toxicity
with Melodics
Behind the track
Toxicity
by System Of A Down
The musical composition of Toxicity by System Of A Down is intricate and dynamic, blending elements of alternative metal, progressive rock, and Armenian folk influences. The song moves through aggressive, fast-paced sections with syncopated guitar riffs, and into slower, hauntingly melodic passages that bring tension and release. The drums are highly complex, switching between off-kilter rhythms and explosive fills that enhance the chaotic feel.
Vocalist Serj Tankian delivers a highly expressive performance, ranging from haunting, almost chant-like verses to intense, shouted choruses. His vocals are both melodic and unhinged, combining with lyrics that reflect social and existential themes, adding layers of intensity and emotion. Tankian’s shifts in tone—from restrained to frenzied—mirror the song’s structure, emphasizing its powerful contrast between aggression and introspection.
Tips for learning Toxicity on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of Toxicity 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
- Toxicity is an advanced song on the drums. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- To play Toxicity you need understanding of the 6/8 time signature, and advanced dexterity around the kit.
- 118 bpm.
- 6/8.
- 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.