Learning to play the drums can be a thrilling journey, especially when diving into the energetic and powerful world of metal music. For beginners, choosing the right songs to practice is crucial to building confidence and developing essential drumming skills. This article presents ten of the easiest metal songs to play on drums for beginners, providing a mix of iconic tracks that are not only manageable but also incredibly fun to play.
10 Easiest Metal Songs to Play on Drums for Beginners
1. “Breaking the Law” by Judas Priest
“Breaking the Law” is a classic metal anthem with a straightforward drum pattern that is perfect for beginners. The song’s tempo is moderate, and the beats are repetitive, making it easy to follow along. Key elements to focus on include the steady hi-hat rhythm and the basic snare and bass drum hits.
Key Points:
Moderate tempo
Simple and repetitive drum pattern
Focus on hi-hat rhythm and basic snare/bass hits
2. “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath
“Iron Man” features one of the most recognizable riffs in metal history. The drum part, played by Bill Ward, is relatively simple, with a steady beat and minimal fills. The slow tempo allows beginners to comfortably keep up and focus on timing and consistency.
Key Points:
Iconic and recognizable
Slow tempo
Emphasis on timing and consistency
3. “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
“Enter Sandman” is a staple in the metal genre and a great song for beginner drummers. Lars Ulrich’s drumming on this track is not overly complex, with a strong backbeat and a few fills that are easy to grasp. The song’s moderate tempo and repetitive patterns make it an excellent choice for those just starting out.
Key Points:
Strong backbeat
Moderate tempo
Easy-to-grasp fills
4. “Walk” by Pantera
“Walk” by Pantera is known for its groove and simplicity. Vinnie Paul’s drumming focuses on a solid groove with a powerful kick and snare combination. The tempo is slow, and the patterns are repetitive, making it a great song for beginners to practice their timing and groove.
Key Points:
Solid groove
Powerful kick and snare combination
Slow tempo
5. “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC
While not strictly metal, “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC is often played alongside metal tracks and provides an excellent starting point for beginners. Phil Rudd’s drumming is straightforward, with a strong emphasis on the backbeat and a consistent tempo. This song helps drummers build a solid foundation in rock drumming.
Key Points:
Straightforward drumming
Emphasis on backbeat
Consistent tempo
6. “Symphony of Destruction” by Megadeth
“Symphony of Destruction” features a steady rhythm and simple fills, making it ideal for novice drummers. Nick Menza’s drumming on this track is methodical, allowing beginners to follow along easily and develop their sense of timing and coordination.
Key Points:
Steady rhythm
Simple fills
Develops timing and coordination
7. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple
“Smoke on the Water” is another iconic song that crosses into the metal territory. Ian Paice’s drumming is straightforward, with a consistent beat and minimal fills. The tempo is moderate, allowing beginners to focus on maintaining a steady rhythm.
Key Points:
Iconic and recognizable
Consistent beat
Moderate tempo
8. “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath
“Paranoid” is a fast-paced song with a relatively simple drum pattern. Bill Ward’s drumming is energetic yet manageable for beginners, focusing on a steady beat and basic fills. The song’s tempo encourages drummers to build speed and stamina.
Key Points:
Fast-paced
Simple drum pattern
Builds speed and stamina
9. “For Whom the Bell Tolls” by Metallica
Another Metallica classic, “For Whom the Bell Tolls,” features straightforward drumming by Lars Ulrich. The tempo is moderate, and the drum patterns are repetitive, making it easy for beginners to follow along. The song also helps develop double bass drumming techniques.
Key Points:
Straightforward drumming
Moderate tempo
Develops double bass drumming techniques
10. “Livin’ After Midnight” by Judas Priest
“Livin’ After Midnight” is a fun and upbeat song with simple drumming patterns. Dave Holland’s drumming is easy to follow, with a steady beat and minimal fills. The song’s tempo is moderate, providing beginners with a manageable challenge to develop their skills.
Key Points:
Fun and upbeat
Simple drumming patterns
Moderate tempo
Tips for Beginner Drummers
1. Focus on Timing and Consistency
Maintaining a steady beat is crucial in drumming. Beginners should practice with a metronome to develop their sense of timing and consistency.
2. Start Slow and Gradually Increase Speed
When learning a new song, start at a slower tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the patterns.
3. Practice Basic Rudiments
Rudiments are the building blocks of drumming. Practicing rudiments such as single strokes, double strokes, and paradiddles can improve hand coordination and control.
4. Listen to the Songs
Listening to the songs repeatedly helps internalize the rhythm and structure. Pay attention to the drumming patterns and try to replicate them.
5. Use Drum Tabs and Sheet Music
Drum tabs and sheet music can provide a visual guide to the drumming patterns. Use these resources to aid in your practice and learning.
6. Watch Tutorials and Play-Along Videos
Many drummers share tutorials and play-along videos online. These can be valuable resources for learning new songs and techniques.
7. Practice Regularly
Consistent practice is key to improvement. Set aside regular practice time to develop your skills and build muscle memory.
See Also: 18 Best Metal Songs for Working Out
Conclusion
Playing metal drums as a beginner can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The ten songs listed above are perfect for novice drummers, offering a range of tempos and patterns that are manageable yet challenging enough to promote skill development. By focusing on timing, consistency, and regular practice, beginners can quickly build a solid foundation in metal drumming. Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of learning and mastering new songs!
