Larry Mullen plays drums with the very popular three-piece band, U2. Larry and bassist Adam Clayton lay down a solid foundation for the guitar. U2 is a prime example of a drummer and bass player working together as a unit. The bass drum and bass guitar often play the same rhythmic patterns. While they may be simple quarter- or 8th-note patterns, the rhythms are always driving. The first four examples are taken from the hit album War. On the first example, “Sunday Bloody Sunday,” Larry plays a 16thnote hi-hat rhythm with accents on the snare. This is underscored by a steady quarter-note bass drum. The feeling here is driving, yet relaxed. The rhythm is allowed to “breathe,” as opposed to being played stiffly. Transcription #2 is taken from “Seconds.” The bass drum is not muffled. This open sound, along with a loose, fat sounding snare, gives a fullness to the […]