Travis Barker has made a significant mark in the drumming world, renowned for his energetic, precise, and innovative playing style. His work with bands like blink – 182 has influenced a generation of drummers. If you aspire to play drums like Travis Barker, this guide will walk you through the key aspects of his technique, style, and the steps you can take to develop your skills.
Understanding Travis Barker’s Style
High – Energy and Precision
Travis Barker’s drumming is characterized by an incredibly high – energy level. He plays with a speed and intensity that is both exciting and captivating. Whether it’s the rapid fire of his double – bass drumming or the intricate patterns on the snare and toms, every beat is delivered with precision. For example, in blink – 182’s song “All the Small Things,” the driving rhythm and the quick fills showcase his ability to maintain a high – tempo while keeping the beats tight.
Blending of Genres
Barker doesn’t limit himself to one genre. He seamlessly blends elements of punk rock, pop – punk, hip – hop, and even jazz in his drumming. This genre – bending approach gives his playing a unique flavor. In some of his collaborations with hip – hop artists, you can hear the influence of classic hip – hop breakbeats combined with his signature punk – style aggression. This blend allows him to create a sound that stands out in different musical contexts.
Use of Unconventional Techniques
Travis Barker is known for using some unconventional techniques. He often incorporates rimshots in unexpected places, adding an extra layer of texture to his beats. Rimshots are when you hit the edge (rim) of the snare drum along with the drumhead. He also uses a lot of cross – sticking, where the drumstick crosses over the center of the snare drum to hit the other side. These techniques give his drumming a more complex and interesting sound.
Fundamental Drumming Skills
Mastering the Basics
Basic Strokes: There are several basic strokes in drumming that you need to master. The single stroke, where you hit the drumhead with one stick in a downward motion, is the most fundamental. Practice single strokes on the snare drum, starting slowly and gradually increasing the speed while maintaining a consistent sound. The double stroke, where you hit the drumhead twice in quick succession with the same stick, is another important stroke. Travis Barker uses double strokes extensively in his fast – paced fills. Work on getting the two hits to sound as even as possible.
Developing Coordination: Coordination between your hands and feet is crucial in drumming. Start by practicing simple patterns, such as playing a steady beat on the bass drum with your foot while playing a rhythm on the snare drum with your hands. You can use a metronome to keep a steady tempo. As you get more comfortable, add in the hi – hat and tom – toms to create more complex patterns. This coordination will be the foundation for playing Travis Barker’s more intricate drum parts.
Building Speed and Endurance
Speed Exercises: To achieve Travis Barker’s high – speed drumming, you need to do specific speed exercises. One such exercise is the single – stroke roll. Start with a single stroke on one stick, then quickly alternate between the two sticks, increasing the speed as you go. Another exercise is the double – stroke roll, where you start with a double stroke on one stick and then alternate. These rolls help improve your hand speed and dexterity. Practice these exercises regularly, but don’t sacrifice accuracy for speed. It’s better to start slow and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable.
Endurance Training: Drumming at a high – energy level for extended periods requires good endurance. You can build endurance by practicing long, continuous drum solos or by playing through entire songs without stopping. Start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as your muscles get stronger. Make sure to take breaks to avoid fatigue and prevent injuries.
Advanced Drumming Techniques
Double – Bass Drumming
Travis Barker is a master of double – bass drumming. To play like him, you need to invest time in learning this technique. Start by practicing simple double – bass patterns on a practice pad or your bass drum. Use a pedal with a double – bass attachment (if you have a single – pedal setup) or a double – bass pedal. A common pattern to start with is the alternating heel – toe technique, where you alternate between using the heel and toe of your foot to hit the pedal. Practice this pattern slowly, focusing on getting a clean, even sound from each stroke. As you get better, you can start incorporating more complex patterns, such as triplets or syncopated rhythms.
Advanced Fills and Solos
Fills: Fills are an important part of Travis Barker’s drumming style. They add excitement and variety to the music. To create fills like Barker, start by learning some basic fill patterns. For example, a common fill is to play a roll on the snare drum and then move up the toms in a descending or ascending order. You can also incorporate rimshots, cross – sticking, and other techniques into your fills. Watch videos of Travis Barker’s performances to study his fill patterns and try to replicate them. As you get more comfortable, start creating your own unique fills by combining different techniques and patterns.
Solos: Solos are a chance for drummers to showcase their skills. Travis Barker’s solos are known for their speed, creativity, and energy. When practicing solos, start by improvising over a simple chord progression or a drum loop. Experiment with different techniques, such as double – bass drumming, rolls, and complex hand – foot coordination patterns. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try new things. Record yourself playing solos and listen back to identify areas where you can improve.
Musicality and Creativity
Playing to the Song
Travis Barker always plays in the context of the song. He understands the importance of supporting the melody, rhythm, and overall feel of the music. When you’re learning to play drums, listen carefully to the songs you’re playing along with. Pay attention to the tempo, the dynamics (loud and soft parts), and the emotional tone of the music. Adjust your drumming to fit the song. For example, in a slow, emotional song, you might use softer strokes and fewer fills, while in a fast – paced, energetic song, you can let loose with more aggressive playing.
Adding Your Own Flair
While learning to play like Travis Barker, it’s also important to add your own personality and creativity to your drumming. Don’t just copy his style blindly. Take the techniques and ideas you’ve learned from him and adapt them to your own musical taste. You can experiment with different drum sounds, such as using different types of cymbals or tuning your drums in a unique way. You can also create your own signature fills and patterns that reflect your individuality as a drummer.
Practice and Learning Resources
Regular Practice Schedule
Consistent practice is key to improving your drumming skills. Set aside a regular time each day or week to practice. Start with short, focused practice sessions and gradually increase the duration as you get more comfortable. Make sure to include a variety of exercises, from basic technique drills to playing along with songs. Practice regularly, and you’ll see significant improvement over time.
Online Tutorials and Videos
There are many online resources available for drummers looking to learn from Travis Barker. YouTube has countless videos of his performances, as well as tutorials by other drummers breaking down his techniques. Watch these videos to study his playing style, technique, and the way he approaches different songs. Some drumming websites also offer in – depth lessons and courses on playing like Travis Barker. These resources can provide valuable insights and guidance as you learn.
Drumming Workshops and Lessons
If possible, consider attending drumming workshops or taking private lessons from a professional drummer. A teacher can provide personalized feedback, correct your technique, and help you progress faster. They can also introduce you to new concepts and ideas that you might not have discovered on your own. Workshops often offer a great opportunity to learn from other drummers and get inspired.
Conclusion
Playing drums like Travis Barker is an exciting goal that requires dedication, practice, and a willingness to learn. By mastering the fundamental drumming skills, developing advanced techniques, understanding musicality, and using the right practice resources, you can start to incorporate elements of his style into your playing. Remember, it’s not just about copying his technique, but also about adding your own creativity and personality to create a unique drumming style. Keep practicing, stay inspired, and enjoy the journey of becoming a better drummer.
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