The Genius Of TOOL’s “Pneuma” (Danny Carey)

“Pneuma” is a TOOL masterpiece that highlights Danny Carey’s drumming from start to finish. It’s a perfect example of how he blends acoustic and electronic elements seamlessly, using rhythm not just to support the song, but to shape how we experience it.

Featured on TOOL’s long-awaited 2019 album ‘Fear Inoculum’, “Pneuma” quickly became a fan favorite thanks to its slow build, deep lyrical themes, and complex rhythmic structure. At nearly 12 minutes long, the song evolves constantly, and it’s Carey’s dynamic, ever-shifting drum performance that drives that evolution.

Join Drumeo’s Brandon Toews as he breaks down Danny Carey’s legendary drumming on “Pneuma.” From the odd-time grooves in the verse to the layered polyrhythms in the instrumental and the explosive fills in the post-chorus, this track is a progressive drumming masterclass that continues to inspire and challenge drummers around the world.

Learn How To Play “Pneuma” On The Drums (60 Minute Lesson)!
► https://www.drumeo.com/trial-yt?vid=BJ671Q0jrLU

Gear Breakdown:
►https://www.drumeo.com/beat/gear-breakdown-genius-of-pneuma/

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Chapters:

00:00 - Intro
01:21 - What Does “Pneuma” Mean?
01:59 - Danny Carey’s Drumming Philosophy
02:43 - Breaking Down The Intro Section
03:44 - The Rhythmic Foundation
04:28 - The “Pneuma” Code (Time Signatures)
06:17 - Learn How To Play “Pneuma” On The Drums
06:47 - Breaking Down The Verse & Chorus (Hi-Hat Grooves)
08:21 - Breaking Down The Post-Chorus & Drum Fills
09:11 - The Trippy Interlude
10:23 - Adding Electronics To The Main Groove
11:52 - The Polymetric Instrumental (!)
15:48 - How To Practice Rhythmic Cycles Like Danny Carey (Challenge)
16:53 - Triplets & 16th Notes At The Same Time?
17:27 - Incorporating More Time Signatures
18:38 - Exploring Danny Carey’s Drum Kit
22:35 - Drumming With Centered Hi-Hats
23:32 - Why “Pneuma” Matters To Drummers
27:33 - Outro

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