Music Lesson: "Indecisive" - A Pop Punk Tune

Let's check out Indecisive, which is a pop punk tune in the style of Blink 182 and Sum 41. If you want to explore some great pop punk or punk pop drumming, check out Travis Barker from Blink 182.

Travis Barker's Style

• Energetic style
• Great conviction and energy
• Creative performances

I recommend checking out Travis to get a feel for this kind of drumming. I didn't go as crazy as Travis might on this track, just for demonstration purposes. However, listening to the material of Blink 182 gives you a good feel for the overall style and for Travis's interpretation.

---

Overview of the Chart

There's a lot going on here, with multiple sections. Let's discuss:

• The sound we need from various groove sections
• Developing the material
• A very short solo section

While I can't cover the entire tune, I'll highlight the most important aspects to watch out for when you prepare.

Key Points:

1. Tempo:

   • The piece has a fast tempo, making it physically demanding.
   • Ensure you're ready physically, as it is technically challenging.

2. Practice Technique:

   • Start gradually, maybe 4, 8, or 16 bars.
   • Build up to longer periods since maintaining timekeeping can be strenuous.

3. Setting Up:

   • Set the time before the track comes in.
   • You enter with four aggressive snare hits.

Count In:

• "1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4."
• Feel those eighth notes: "1 and 2 and 3 and 4."

---

Grooves

For the grooves, we have open hi-hats, tighter hi-hats, and a ride cymbal section, all played with quarter notes.

Practicing Grooves:

• Move between different sounds for practice.
• Use a metronome set at 155 BPM to maintain tempo.
• Focus on groove without pressure, sit on the rhythm for as long as needed.

Section Changes:

• Anticipate the changes between sections.
• Be geographically aware of your position on the drum kit.

Flam Pattern

At the end of the C section, we have a flam pattern. It's common in this style to use this kind of power flam.

Tips on Power Flams:

• Both notes should be played at the same volume.
• Be careful to maintain a flam, not an unison.

Rim Shots:

• I performed using a rim shot, but it's not essential.

Listen for the Difference:

• Non-rimshotted flams vs. rimshot flams.

---

Development Section

In the development section:

• Use a tighter hi-hat feel.
• Optionally move to the ride cymbal while maintaining the same feel.
• Avoid getting too busy; introduce additional bass drum notes or very short fills.

Transition to Ride Cymbals:

Know you will transition to ride cymbals in the development section.

Stepped Hi-Hat:

• Focus on a firm press, avoiding a trashy sound.
• Maintain contact with the pedal to ensure good connection.

---

Solo Section

For the short solo section:

• Use unisons effectively with melodic stabs.
• Keep it simple; less is more.

Note Values:

Focus on eighth notes, eighth note triplets, and 16th notes if you wish. Remember the fast tempo and avoid overplaying.

---

Conclusion of the Piece

Toward the end:

• There's a nice open hi-hat feel leading into a floor tom rhythm with a four-on-the-floor bass drum, ending with a cymbal choke.

Final Tips:

• Work slowly and focus on the rhythm in the last four bars.
• Maintain control and avoid flams when playing in unison.

After finishing the section:

• Utilize a very short fill for the cymbal choke. Decide whether to use one hand for the hit and the other to choke.

---

General Advice

For "Indecisive":

• Think about physical techniques, stamina, energy, and conviction.
• Be aware of your spatial awareness on the drum kit.
• Stay in style; don't go crazy.

As always, speak with your teacher, check out relevant materials, and best of luck with Indecisive. I'll see you soon!