The Iconic Drumming Behind "Don't Stop Believin'" | Journey Song Breakdown
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Published 2022-07-11
“I conceived the idea of the drum parts as a melodic accompaniment,” Steve says, noting that he’d record the rehearsals and take the ideas home to develop them further. He even started playing open-handed so he could execute the parts he was hearing in his head.
In this video, you’re not only going to learn how Steve wrote the drum part, but you’ll see him play through the whole song – and use the actual 24″ Zildjian Ping Ride he played on the original track!
Here are some tips for any drummer covering “Don’t Stop Believin'”:
· The most prominent voice on the kit is the bass drum, so really power those hits when you play four on the floor;
· Don’t play rimshots. The song’s producer wanted Steve to hit dead center on the drum;
· Go light on the hi-hats. Use the tip of the stick, not the shoulder;
· Nail those bell hits!
Lesson Index:
0:00 – Introduction & Ride Cymbal
1:56 – Technique Tips (Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Hi-Hats)
3:08 – Drum Part Breakdown (The 4 Sections)
4:08 – The Ride Cymbal
5:48 – Steve Performs "Don't Stop Believin'"
8:48 – Outro Solo
9:50 – Outro & The Art Of Drum Soloing
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All Comments (21)
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Wow. He brought the original ride cymbal. That's cool as hell.
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Hard to believe that Steve Smith himself gives us a lesson on how to play the song. Back in the day when I was learning to play drums, you'd listen to the record over and over and over again for hours just to figure out what they were doing. What a world we live in... and thank you Steve Smith for putting out this video.
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It's impossible not to love Steve. So humble and generous by doing this.
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The most famous ride cymbal in history
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Talk about "serving the song" at the highest level... Steve developed the skill of open hand playing with a melodic right hand just for the song. As a result, we have the one of the most iconic grooves in history!
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The ride bell pattern in the chorus makes the song so much better. Just a little thing where the drummer elevates the music with his own unique contribution. It's lovely.
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Mr. Smith is one of the most underrated and underappreciated drummers. It blows my mind, because he is such a technical genius on the kit. God bless you, Mr. Smith! BTW.....I LOVED the incredible quads and the awesome touch he added with the gong.
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Steve is one of Peart's favorites drummers. Enough said.
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I used to struggle to play this song all the time as a youngin' lol. There's a life lesson with him learning to play open handed because he knew it suited the song, which he also knew was awesome. He didn't take the easy way and it paid off. All these years later, most of us know Steve Smith mainly because of this track! It's a lesson to apply to all things in life.
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Even HE struggled to nail that bell every time. Nearly impossible. What a cool, original part. Such a musical drummer. One of my fave drum tracks of all time!
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Legendary drum composition from a legendary drummer
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That 'ping' sound was the cherry on top of this wonderful song. It makes you visualize stars shining in the night sky or those city lights gleaming whenever it sounds.
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Steve Smith is definitely one of the most iconic drummers in the history of modern music. Such a great talent !!!
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Mr. Steve Smith is one of the best drummers I have ever seen. The complexity of his drum beats is amazing. I got to spend some time with him once in Arlington Texas. He was giving a clinic at Lamar High School for the percussionists. I was asked to pick him up at the hotel and bring him back. That night after the gig, I got to have a beer with him and chat. A class act of a human. What a musician he is! This drum beat sounds simple in the recording but when you tear it apart, wow! That bell in there makes it very difficult indeed. Thank you for this video. Very informative. Long live Journey!
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Nobody in the history of the world would have come up with this brilliant drum part if they were given this song. It's just way too good......
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I'm a guitar player and even I thoroughly enjoyed this video:) Man what a creative guy, he doesn't overplay, all all those beats spread out in all the right places make that song so special:)
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I fuckin' love Steve Smith! One of the most creative, well rounded, and versatile drummers on the planet. such a brilliant and iconic drum part. plus, seeing and hearing that original ping ride cymbal used on the escape album, definitely gave me chills, to say the least.
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I remember trying to figure this part out when I was a kid and the album had just been released. Like "Tom Sawyer," it's far more challenging to play correctly than one might think. Steve has been a hero of mine for decades. A living legend and bona fide master of the instrument. He just keeps getting better and better.
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That ride sounds so good. Love it on the Journey albums.
