Lesson Overview: "Overrated"

Introduction Okay, here we go with Overrated, which is an alternative rock piece in the style of the Foo Fighters. We'll be looking at Taylor Hawkins and Dave Grohl, of course, as guys who play this style really, really well. You'll hear that influence throughout the piece. Also, check out bands like Biffy Clyro; you can hear this style in their music. So, by all means, explore as much as you can and get a feel for the different themes and the energy and passion these musicians bring to this genre.

Introduction Techniques

Power Flams

First thing, let's dive into the intro with some power flams. You probably know by now that I'm a big fan of feeling the introduction before it comes in. By that, I mean I like to count the subdivisions and the time feel before physically coming in with what I need to play.

• Tempo: 1, 2, 3, 4
• Flam Rhythm: 1, 2, 1, 2, 3, 4. Bap, bap, bap, bap, bap, bap.

Really feel that rhythm. Don't just crash in there with those flams (no pun intended), but remember, the very first hit is a crash, which isn't a flam. Think about the groupings: 3, 3, 2, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba, ba before you come in.

• Focus on getting the same volume from each hand with a nice, heavy sound.
• I played that as a rim shot, but you can choose how you want to approach it.

Let me demonstrate that intro section to show you that heavy power flam sound while counting it in.

Practice Tip: Feel free to go over it multiple times to get a solid introduction!

Crash Cymbal Ride Line

Technique Focus

Next, let's talk about the crash cymbal ride line.

• It involves a lot of crashes and bass drums.
• Maintain the pulse and feel those eighth notes underneath with the bass drum. The bass drum plays a relentless rhythm here, so concentrate on timing and the spaces in-between, primarily played on the bass drum.

C Section: Floor Tom Theme

In the C section, we have a theme of riding on the floor tom, which is also something we touched on in another tune called Maiden Voyage.

• We've transitioned from crashing to a totally different theme using unison tom and snare feels as a ride line.
• Ensure that we avoid playing too mechanically , a human feel is essential.

I'd suggest starting by piecing this together on the floor tom and gradually introducing the rhythm. Let's go through this section together:

• Dynamics: Incorporate dynamics for a nice balance of sound.
• Feel free to improvise and get comfortable with the transitions.

Moving into Section D

Hits and Fills

Coming into Section D, we have hits and 16th note fills.

• Decide on your sticking patterns as you come into the hits.
• Sing the rhythm in your head: 1, 2, 3, 4. Bam, bam, bam, bam. Ticket bow, ba t.

You have a few alternatives for stickings. For instance, I often play it as right-left.

• Anticipation: Knowing where you're headed musically is vital. Anticipate the transitions to maintain fluidity.

Conclusion: Final Section E

Big Open Hi-Hat Transition

As we finish, we'll use a big open hi-hat feel:

• Keep it steady, aim for a heavy drive without going off on elaborate fills. Perhaps incorporate additional bass drum notes or brief 8th or 16th note fills, but keep it in the style.

Now, moving back into Section E brings us back to a crash ride with a heavy bass drum presence. Remember:

• You should be prepared for the transitions.
• Keep fills simple: 1, 2, 3, 4. Bam Bam, Dookie tat, doo bop blah blah blah, ticket bop bom bom.

It's essential to maintain a steady feel and know where you're going as you navigate the piece.

Key Takeaways

• Break down the piece into manageable sections.
• Spend ample time practicing each theme until you're comfortable piecing them together.
• Anticipate transitions and focus on the sonic interplay of different ride lines.
• Most importantly, practice improvising sections but aim to perform what's written during the examination.

Good luck with Overrated! Take your time with each section, and everything will fall into place. If you have a teacher, check out the overview and the walkthrough in your gradebook for additional guidance on this piece. See you soon!