Transcriptions
Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.
Boston's "Foreplay/Long Time" drummer Sib Hashian
Written in 1969 by Tom Scholz, “Foreplay/Long Time” was the first song recorded by Boston. Initially recorded with the band’s original drummer, Jim Masdea, the studio insisted on replacing him, leading Tom to recruit Sib Hashian. For the recording, Sib was tasked…
Dennis Chambers’ solo from John Scofield’s “Pick Hits”
Dennis Chambers’ solo on “Pick Hits” from the live recording of the same name is the “soup du jour” this month. I consider Dennis to be on the Mount Rushmore of drummers—a rare group who revolutionized how the rest of…
Green Day’s “Before The Lobotomy” drummer Tre Cool
“Before the Lobotomy,” the fifth track on Green Day’s 21st Century Breakdown, showcases the talent of brilliant punk drummer Tré Cool (Frank Edwin Wright III.) We chose this track because of its simple, yet powerful, odd time signature groove that…
TONY WILLIAMS : FRED
Few musicians reach such iconic status that their first name alone—Billy, Vinnie, Dennis—is enough to identify them. Tony Williams, one of the earliest drummers to achieve this, stands out among them. His influence on drumming is profound, impacting not only…
James Brown: The Funky Drummer, Clyde Stubblefield Transcription by Marc Atkinson
When Tower of Power asked, “What is Hip?” Clyde Stubblefield answered! Grooves don’t get much hipper than this. Recorded in 1969, released in 1970, and again on CD in 1986, “The Funky Drummer” from the album In The Jungle Groove…
“Under A Glass Moon” Transcription by Marc Atkinson
“Under a Glass Moon” is a progressive metal track by Dream Theater featuring drummer Mike Portnoy. Released in 1992, it’s a standout track from their second studio album, Images and Words. The song highlights Dream Theater’s musical prowess and boasts…
“Two Bass Hit” Transcription by Marc Atkinson
This month’s transcription delves into the timeless classic “Two Bass Hit” from the brilliant Miles Davis album, Milestones. Tony Williams once called Milestones, “The perfect jazz record.” With each instrument brimming with musicality, it’s no surprise that icons like Miles,…
“Smells Like Teen Spirit” - Transcription by Marc Atkinson
This month’s transcription dives into the opening track from the iconic Nirvana album Nevermind, spotlighting the incredible drumming of Dave Grohl. It’s a masterclass on how to drive a band. Once the drums kick in the energy is relentless with…
"The Magician" - Transcription by Marc Atkinson
Experience a timeless performance by Lenny White and Return To Forever, true pioneers of fusion music. Highlighted from the album Romantic Warrior, this month’s featured transcription is “The Magician.” Recorded in 1976 and penned by Stanley Clarke, the performance captures…
"The Deathless Horsie"
Recorded live at the Odeon Hammersmith in London England on February 19th, 1979, Frank Zappa’s “The Deathless Horsie” was the show opener and appeared on the recording Shut Up ‘n Play Yer Guitar. Vinnie Colaiuta’s drumming is an unbelievable display…
