Breaking Down Steve Smith's Most Iconic Drum Part

Steve Smith, former drummer of Journey and member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, breaks down, explains and demonstrates the iconic drum parts he played on the original recording of "Don't Stop Believin'".

“I conceived the idea of the drum parts as a melodic accompaniment,” Steve says, noting that he’d record the rehearsals and take the ideas home to develop them further. He even started playing open-handed so he could execute the parts he was hearing in his head.

In this video, you’re not only going to learn how Steve wrote the drum part, but you’ll see him play through the whole song – and use the actual 24″ Zildjian Ping Ride he played on the original track!

Here are some tips for any drummer covering “Don’t Stop Believin'”:

· The most prominent voice on the kit is the bass drum, so really power those hits when you play four on the floor;
· Don’t play rimshots. The song’s producer wanted Steve to hit dead center on the drum;
· Go light on the hi-hats. Use the tip of the stick, not the shoulder;
· Nail those bell hits!

Lesson Index:
0:00 – Introduction & Ride Cymbal
1:56 – Technique Tips (Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Hi-Hats)
3:08 – Drum Part Breakdown (The 4 Sections)
4:08 – The Ride Cymbal
5:48 – Steve Performs "Don't Stop Believin'"
8:48 – Outro Solo
9:50 – Outro & The Art Of Drum Soloing

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