Learn to playUse Somebodyas made famous by Kings of Leonon drums
The drum beat in "Use Somebody" drives with steady intensity, featuring crisp snare hits, pulsating kick drum, and dynamic cymbal work, adding power to the anthemic sound.
With our step-by-step drum lesson you can recreate the beat behind Use Somebody. We’ve broken down the main sections of the song and will take you through each part beat by beat, with video demonstrations.
Use Somebody
Drums Tutorial - Step by Step
Chorus
Play a 2 bar repeating groove, riding 1/8 notes on the crash. Watch for the variation in bar 8 which occurs again in bar 12.
Verse
Move to the hi-hat for the verse, and switch up the kick and snare pattern. Watch for the extra kick on beat 3-& in bar 4.
Pre-chorus
Build up with 1/8 notes on the low tom. Using alternating hands, begin the fill on beat 4-a in bar 7. You may want to use Practice Mode to slow it down and get into the details here.
Chorus 2
Change up the chorus groove here, similar to the verse groove but riding on the crash. Use alternating hands, playing 1/16 notes and moving from the crash to the snare in bar 8.
Bridge
Hit the crash and move to the low tom for the bridge, playing another 2 bar repeating pattern - pay attention to the kicks. In bar 8, play another fill, repeating the low - hi - low - kick - snare motif three times (cutting off the last snare).
Outro
Return to the Chorus 2 groove. Play a fill in bar 4, alternating hands to play the 1/16 notes and pairing the kick and crash together. Watch for the similar fill in bar 12.
Combine and play
Now combine the sections to play the full arrangement.
Learn to play
Use Somebody
with Melodics
Behind the track
Use Somebody
by Kings of Leon
The musical composition of "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon is characterized by its anthemic guitar riffs, pulsating rhythm section, and soaring melodies, creating an emotionally charged atmosphere. Caleb Followill's vocals are impassioned and raw, conveying a sense of longing and vulnerability that resonates deeply with listeners, while the composition builds to an electrifying crescendo, delivering a powerful emotional punch.
Tips for learning Use Somebody on drums
Tip 1: Slow it down
Break it down: Tackle each section of 'Use Somebody' 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
- Mastering the drum part for "Use Somebody" demands precision and finesse. Its dynamic interplay between snare, kick, and cymbals, coupled with nuanced fills, presents a challenge that requires meticulous attention to detail and a keen sense of timing. Yet, conquering its intensity and energy promises a deeply rewarding accomplishment for any drummer daring to tackle its complexities. Fortunately, there are beginner versions of the song available on Melodics to check out!
- To effectively play "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon on drums, you'll need a combination of essential skills. Firstly, rhythmic precision is crucial for maintaining the song's driving beat and dynamic changes. Solid control over dynamics is necessary to accentuate the song's powerful moments while keeping softer sections appropriately subdued. Additionally, a strong sense of timing is essential for executing the fills and transitions seamlessly. Versatility in playing various drum elements such as snare, kick, and cymbals is vital for replicating the song's intricate patterns accurately. Lastly, endurance is key, as sustaining the energy and intensity throughout the track requires stamina and focus. With mastery of these skills, you can effectively capture the essence of "Use Somebody" on the drums.
- 139
- 4/4
- C Major
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