Learn to playTwist and Shoutas made famous by The Beatleson drums
The drum beat in The Beatles' "Twist and Shout" features a driving 4/4 rhythm with energetic snare hits on the 2 and 4, complemented by steady bass drum and occasional fills.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind Twist and Shout. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
Twist and Shout
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Intro
Pick up on beat 3-& with a 1/16 note triplet on the snare. Move to a groove using both hands on the snare, playing the backbeat on beats 2, 2-&, and 4. Watch for the triplet fills in every second bar.
Chorus
Move to the ride for the chorus. Watch for the evolving kick pattern throughout, and the fills in bars 8 and 16.
Break
Move to the hi-hat for the break, watching for the snare variation in bar 6. Move to the ride after 8 bars, and build up in the last 2 bars to lead into the last chorus.
Chorus 2
Hit the crash and return to the chorus groove on the ride. Watch for the fills in bars 4 and 8. Finish this section with an 1/8 note buildup on kick, snare, and ride.
Outro
Alternate between bars of groove and buildup, before returning to the offbeat groove from the break. Finish with a bar of 1/4 note triplets, and flam before the final crash.
Combine and play
Combine the sections to play the full arrangement.
Learn to play
Twist and Shout
with Melodics
Behind the track
Twist and Shout
by The Beatles
"Twist and Shout" by The Beatles features a dynamic rock 'n' roll composition with an infectious chord progression, energetic tempo, and driving rhythm. The arrangement is built around a classic I-IV-V chord progression, giving it a straightforward yet powerful structure. The guitars and bass provide a solid rhythmic foundation, while the drums keep a lively and consistent beat.
The vocal performance is notably raw and passionate, with John Lennon's raspy, powerful lead vocals delivering an intense and emotive quality. The harmonies from Paul McCartney and George Harrison add to the song's vibrant and exuberant feel. The overall sound is both polished and spontaneous, capturing the excitement and energy of the band's early years.
Tips for learning Twist and Shout on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of 'Twist and Shout' 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 "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles on drums is relatively easy for those with basic drumming skills. The song's drum pattern primarily involves a steady 4/4 beat with consistent snare hits on the 2 and 4 counts, and a straightforward bass drum rhythm. While the tempo is fast and energetic, the simplicity of the beat makes it accessible for beginners. The key challenge lies in maintaining the high energy and precise timing throughout the song. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- To play "Twist and Shout" by The Beatles on drums, you need a solid grasp of basic drumming techniques, including maintaining a steady 4/4 beat and executing consistent snare hits on the 2 and 4 counts. Proficiency in playing a steady bass drum rhythm and the ability to incorporate simple yet energetic fills are also essential. Additionally, good timing and the ability to keep up with the song's fast tempo are crucial for capturing its lively and dynamic feel.
- 127 bpm
- 4/4
- F Major
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