BY MATT BYRNE
In this lesson I’m going to address two drumming styles that I love to play — punk and hardcore! First try the basic hardcore beat in Ex. 1, and then tackle the variation in Ex. 2. Once you’ve built up a little muscle, check out the straight fast beat (Ex. 3) before moving on to the punk patterns presented in Exs. 4–6.
These beats may seem pretty simple on paper, but if you want an authentic feel, you’re definitely going to work up a sweat. Listen to some of the early ’80s punk and hardcore music that originated in NYC and California for inspiration. And when you’re comfortable playing each exercise with the appropriate energy, I recommend executing a fill around the kit every four bars. Now, get thrashing!
