Recommended practice songs for intermediate drummers: a collection of tracks to develop expressiveness and performance skills

Guns For Handstwenty one pilots

twenty one pilots: Guns For Hands [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

The global rock band twenty one pilots’ song “Guns For Hands” became hugely popular worldwide as a track with very cool drums.

On YouTube, there are many videos covering the drum part of this song.

The rhythm pattern is very simple, so with a bit of practice even beginners should be able to play it.

When practicing, try using the YouTube cover videos as a reference.

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Saitō Ayumu

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Charonnegoto

Negoto – Charon [Official Music Video]

This song features a four-on-the-floor beat with a variety of fills.

If you’re unsure what kinds of fills to use or when to insert them, give this a try.

While it can be a bit challenging to memorize, it includes phrases—especially in the B section—that are diverse, easy to play, yet look complex and cool.

Highly recommended.

End the worldHarukamirai

Harukamirai – End the World (Official Video)

It’s a song whose earnest, straightforward, and passionate message really hits you in the heart! In line with that message, the arrangement throughout is strikingly straight and simple, making it easy to work on.

It’s built around a straight 8-beat; until you get used to the speed, practice slowly and gradually bring the tempo closer to the original—that’s the recommended approach.

Also, the snare rhythm that comes in like a marching drum is the most distinctive feature of the drum part in this track.

Be mindful of your stick control and keep practicing so the rhythm doesn’t fall apart!

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Hane Keisuke

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A Place for the Soulmakaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Place for the Soul” MV

Known by the abbreviation “Makaen,” Macaroni Enpitsu is a four-piece rock band popular for its emotional lyrics and complex yet pop-leaning arrangements.

This is their second major-label single.

Written specifically for Nissan’s Sakura commercial, the song’s floating, go-out-and-explore feel fits the ad perfectly.

While the drum parts alone aren’t overly difficult—such as the fill that moves from a snare roll into rapid hits, or the breaks that appear during the stabs in the latter half—be careful in the ensemble, as it’s easy to fall out of sync with the other parts.

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Hoshino Takashi

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GibbsShiina Ringo

Shiina Ringo – Gibbs

Singer-songwriter Ringo Sheena has led the J-pop scene from the front with a one-of-a-kind musicality that hasn’t changed since her debut.

Her fifth single, “Gips,” is an emotional number with lyrics and melodies that evoke a sense of melancholy.

Outside of the chorus and the interlude, live drums are scarcely used and the tempo is relaxed, so the playing difficulty itself isn’t high.

However, be careful: keeping time is quite challenging, as you suddenly have to lock into the ensemble at the chorus.

The key to avoiding drifting from the other parts is to maintain a solid sense of rhythm even in sections without drums.

Why not give it a try with your band?

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Hoshino Takashi

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