Play "Chop Suey" On The Drums | 5 Levels
0:00 - Introduction
Most drummers have tried to play System of a Down's "Chop Suey" at some point. While it has some tricky parts, any drummer can play the song - even a beginner! In this video, Dave will show you five levels of Chop Suey, starting from a simplified version and ending with how John Dolmayan actually plays it.
If you already know how to play the song, you'll be able to find out which level you're at!
You can download the sheet music here: bit.ly/3jNfHJl
00:54 - Level 1: "Let me get through this song"
If you're a beginner and can play a basic beat to a metronome, you can still play along to this song! Focus on playing in time, hitting the transitions, and keeping a solid quarter note pulse happening. In the big intro tom section, you'll simplify the parts and just play quarter notes on the toms. Make sure you don't flam the notes. In the build just before the main riff, you'll play 8th notes on the floor tom and end with the snare on the 4. The main riff is a basic rock beat! Play the bass drum on 1 and 3, the snare on the 2 and 4, and keep your hi-hats nice and washy.
03:46 - Level 2: The weekend warrior
Maybe you jam with your friends every other weekend and you've decided to learn this song. You aren't ready to do the full thing yet, but your buddies really want to do it. Add in 8th notes to approximate the descending tom pattern in the intro. The build is the same as level 1, but you'll play the snare shot on the 'and' of 4. Give the main riff an 8th note hi-hat groove and add in some more bass drum.
06:00 - Level 3: "I've played this on Rock Band"
Let's say you know the song really well and can follow along pretty closely, but it's still out of your comfort zone. Add in more 16th notes on the toms, and 8th notes on the bass drum to line up with the build. In the main riff, you can play the pickup after the backbeat on the snare now - not just on the 2 and 4.
07:56 - Level 4: "My cover band plays this"
You're in a band and actually play this song at your rehearsal space or shows. You've spent time trying to get the parts pretty close, with the only difference being that you're anchoring yourself on the floor tom and not playing the extra 8th note. The build now has two toms - beefy. The main groove in level 4 is the part on the album.
09:38 - Level 5: John Dolmayan
Now you're playing what System of a Down's drummer was playing, and you should be sounding close to the album. If you're on a five piece kit, you'll need one extra tom to play the intro just like Dolmayan. also an extra 8th note on the end of 4 to keep tom feel happening. You'll play the build just like in level 4, but you'll put a flam on the snare at the end. In the main riff, the 8th notes on the hi-hat are key, putting accents on the quarter note pulse.
Even if you can't identify what level you're at, hopefully this is encouraging if you're a beginner. You can still have fun and get through the song at any level!
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Пікірлер: 371
Chop Suey is such a great song to learn for beginners. Not because it's easy or overly simple, but because there's so much variety between the verse, chorus, bridge, and outro, and it's all very approachable. It's a great "goal song" to set if you're just learning how to play.
@DrumeoOfficial
3 жыл бұрын
Agree 100%!
@donteat_ricin
9 ай бұрын
second reply 😈
@user-go7hi1yr1t
8 ай бұрын
Цбх
@ariamcfiction
7 ай бұрын
That's why it's called Chop Suey 😊
@MS-dz1di
5 ай бұрын
I still don't feel ready. Playing since end of august now😮
Me never having ever touched drumsticks... 1 minute into this video: got it...
@G.of.J.
3 жыл бұрын
exactly lollll
@bonesmama1273
3 жыл бұрын
Best comment of the week 👏🏼😂😂🙌🏼
@insertmetalusernamehere
3 жыл бұрын
How many times have I said that and got on my kit and said yep...don't got it lol
@AbuYusha01
3 жыл бұрын
@@insertmetalusernamehere precisely lool. Looks easy but is NOT.
@lobbyrobby
2 ай бұрын
@@insertmetalusernamehereI just watched a drum cover of a different song about 10 times. It's a fairly easy song. I was counting along the whole time and even air drumming. I went to my kit and immediately I was off tempo haha. I really need to start practicing with a metronome
"I learned this on rock band" - story of my life
CHOPS.....UEY!!! 🥁This was awesome Dave!
@DrumeoOfficial
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Alejandro!
@laurabrown6085
3 жыл бұрын
In Modern Living Room Everyone Using "SoundProof Curtains" That Stops Outside Noise by 80% (25 Db) Tested. Check Here: livesoundproof.com/best-soundproof-curtains/
@cusswordsayer3558
3 жыл бұрын
@@DrumeoOfficial check out rat salad by Black Sabbath, Bill Ward gives John Bohnham a run for his money
Are you guys planning on doing more of these “level” videos? As a music instructor I really try to encourage my drum students to approach new songs like this.
@JoeDaveycrockettsoundlabs
3 жыл бұрын
Just a follow up. For real though! I’ve incorporated this mentality and it’s great for cultivating a students desire to “play”. This is great for my more technically minded students. The ones that have a hard time not playing what is in a page.
@mcswizz9609
11 ай бұрын
Yea, these videos have been heavily used by me as a beginner. I hope they do continue
i am 32, havent played drums since i was 17, i miss it. and this is giving me the hope to dust everything off and give it a shot. thank you
I'm currently on level 0 which is randomly hitting your desk with your hand/fist but not remotely in time.
@IamRanJos
9 ай бұрын
Lol
@aqimjulayhi8798
8 ай бұрын
I’m on level 0.5, my foot is tapping too
Ok now Dave needs to go over the rest of the song and play it all the way through. Also, Toxicity
Do you have a "I can hold a stick" level for playing this song?
@pccoder
3 жыл бұрын
lol
@hugodogobob
3 жыл бұрын
That's the first level. Just slow it down until you can do it. I'm assuming him saying practice it before playing to the song is basically saying slow with metronome until it's up to speed to play to the song. You'll get it in no time, every drummer starts off from 0.
@nathanmonahan6157
3 жыл бұрын
hugo is right man, and only way to start a song is by swinging the stick. don't rush yourself, find your own pace. but most important, do not be discouraged. If you set your mind to it, not only can you do it, you WILL do it. Good luck brother.
always amazed at the community this channel has made. i'm also impressed at the refrain to just go into muscle memory and play "the song". shows a lot of profession and you really analyze and break it down into simpler pieces to add from.
Nice job! I love the fact that you can simplify a beat and still play along with a song, for that reason alone I think drums are the best instrument to learn🤘🥁
This is one of the most powerful things, to be able to play a song as per you. You know your basics are right when you can do this.
Drumeo edge student here...today it struck me that not only is the content coming from drumeo fantastic (e.g. quality and quantity), but another reason it is so successful in bringing me (and I'm sure many other students) back is the overall attitude and presentation of their instructors. Thanks drumeo staff and instructors! The hard work and care you put in shows! I'm saving up my money to become a lifetime member next time it comes around!
I LOVE these 5 levels videos! Love them! Allows me to approach the songs at a level that's doable while having a FT job and 2 kids.
i love how you make different difficulties. would have loved stuff like this when i started playing 15 years ago, keep it up!
This is such a good format - would love this for many more songs!
This was a great lesson I remember when I was a beginner 😂.
@DrumeoOfficial
3 жыл бұрын
Definitely takes me back as well.
Great Video and tutorial. Im a level 4.5, dont play this in my covers band but when we don't have rehearsals (especially now) its something to go back to and have fun with. More videos like this please!🤟
Just discovered this video and I love the concept! Playing in cover bands there were (admittedly) quite a few songs where I simplified beats to get the song down. Over time, I usually improved the pattern to get nearer to the actual recording. Best results came when I had enthusiasm for the song and was prepared to work at it.
The 5 level videos are may favorite, even when I know how to play the song at a lvl 4 and up, I always start at 1 and work my way up. Great song too, thanks for the help getting up to level 5!
Great video lesson. I love the multi levelled approach.
This is an amazing series (if I recall correctly, there was a video of covering Smells like teen Spirit in the similar structure). Please keep making more!
The levels are a cool idea, hope you guys do more of these videos like this
Duuuude, your energy is infectious.
this fills me with a serj of energy. thank u
the level stuff is awesome! Gives me new insight to my teaching
this '5 levels' videos are so amazing, teaching method is so helpful and fun, and tho i'm a beginner he is making me feel like i'm professional hahah bc of his energy i guess, pls make more of these videos !!!
Great breakdown!! I love this format from an educational standpoint!!
@DrumeoOfficial
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
Im not a drummer but i think i'm a pro at this song in my head now
Studied soad for quite a few songs for multiple coverbands. The songs I learned I think I am at a 4.75 to 4.90, and that is how far you're gonna get as a coverdrummer. That last touch is being there in the writing, and thus feelingproces...
Wow!! As a beginner this is mental!! Thanks!!!💪🏼👏🏼💪🏼👏🏼
I really needed this!!
Would love to see more videos like this with the 5 different levels!
So helpful! Love being able to play this as a beginner!
I love this video This is just what I need as as beginner. Please make more :)
Awesome 👏 This is really helpful!!
Nice seeing you drumming again, Dave.
This was awesome! Do more of these how to play covers at different levels videos.
One of the First songs I learned on drums, Great starting song. And yes Air drumming actually helps! I don't own a kit myself but learned how to play just by listening and get the Movements in the Air.
@Compendyum
2 жыл бұрын
It's close to a handfull of nothing since you need time to master your balance with the sticks.
Great Approach! Thanks!
This video is really awesome. Learning levels of playing this song teally shows how well you can build up. Currently i am still at Air Drum status until after the kitchen remodel.
I LOVE these videos!!!
I had the same feeling with fortunate son, you can play it very easily, but if you expand it with some tam and cymbal variations it becomes crazy good to play :D
@DrumeoOfficial
3 жыл бұрын
Too true!
@mylovelyman2
3 жыл бұрын
Love the track! Get it on Drumeo!!!!
I played it high on Rock Band. 🤙🏾😂
Nice lesson! Thanks!
Best ever! Great "How To" Dave!
I’m a mix of three and four and I’ve been drumming for like three months maybe it’s just because I love this song so much
This was awesome!!! Thank you @Drumeo!
@DrumeoOfficial
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Michael!
more of these these are great!
That's strange, I started to learn Chop Suey in the Drumeo Songs-section a few days ago. So thank you!
@DrumeoOfficial
3 жыл бұрын
Ha, good timing!
@Crusuma
3 жыл бұрын
@@DrumeoOfficial perfect :)
Liked the lesson. Hoping to see more of 5 levels
I can already tell this videos gonna be sick
@DrumeoOfficial
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Ben!
This is a very great and easy video to follow for beginners like myself
That drum kit sounds great
YEAH, Dave! My man showin’ off the SkiillzZz
Epic as usual
@DrumeoOfficial
3 жыл бұрын
🙏
Wow, this is soo useful
* never held drumsticks * Me: Level 5 it is
nice work, thanks! what are those things on your drum head, triggers or muffling system? anyway really enjoy the breakdown, peace
Yes!! The lesson that I'd looking for is here now.Chop Suey by SOAD (System Of A Down), one of my favourite nu-metal songs..Thanks Drumeo! Greetings from Malaysia.Hope you can invite our Malaysian drummers to your platform to share with the world on how and what they play..Arthur Kam and John Ashley Thomas can be your selection..Stay safe and sound from COVID-19
I'd love to see more like this
Impressive ! 🔥
Great work! I like it, cause everyone can start at its level and move to the next if he feels ready. I have a question to Level 4. Its possible u play different to the shown tabs? Its starts on 1 with HT,LT,BD and on 3 its HT, but the tab shows LT, or?
Really cool!
I am a mix between 3 and 4 live this song and love the content
I improvise every song with Nicko s touch❤
LOVE these 5 levels vids! Thank you! Can you do Green Day Longview? Thank you again!
Thank you so much!
I love the rock rythm in the last step
This is my first venture into percussion but I’ve alwayssss wanted to try drums. I don’t have a kit but I do have sticks and I’m gonna start practicing:)) I do play guitar and some keyboard and I’m a vocalist. This is just for fun:)
Hey brother! Awesome lesson Could you please tell me the Paiste model & size of your cymbals on this? Thanks
Dave is cool!
Awesome!
I love the drums and System Of A Down favs I totally rock and mastered this on airdrums. 😕♿🇺🇸 great tutorial.
@DrumeoOfficial
3 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
nice video. i hope you can have a "5 levels" playlist in the channel. kudos!
Is Drumeo now using Tama??? That’s good stuff right there!!!
@TheMoirLabel
3 жыл бұрын
No idea. But those toms are slappin’
🔥🔥 chops
Can you do a video on Applying rudiments to the drumset and applying doubles?
I'm somewhere between Level 4 and 5. This song has always been an easy one for me to play ever since i first tried to play it. I just kinda noticed how easy it felt and then i just played it enough to really nail it down
Figured out I'm a solid 3.5 on this song, although, now that I have seen the tom pattern for the intro, I believe I can make a 4 pretty easily!!
@DrumeoOfficial
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome, Jackie!
Nice
Waw.. amazing 🥁🙏
Once again Drumeo THANK YOU! Really love the Paiste cymbals, why why why did I buy Zildjian uuuugh
Hal Lenard books has this song with a few others listed out note for note. If I'm not mistaken, this songs in 12/8.
For only 2 months of playing and playing a "level" 4 I feel pretty good about myself now
Getting a drum set tommorow, might be getting a bit too exited, ive been watching a lot of these videos
Damn... i miss playing drums.
This makes me want to fulfill my lifelong dream on learning and playing drums . Thanks for the awesome content! Any recommendations on a starter electronic drum set ?
@LightKeyPiano
3 жыл бұрын
Hi Eric, Depends on your budget but I would advise on a Roland Kit for sure. The TD-1 is the basic model but you can upgrade parts as you progress as a drummer. However the TD-17 is an awesome kit if you have the funds. Hope you can make your dream happen!
@erich1804
3 жыл бұрын
@@LightKeyPiano thank you ! I've been going back and forth with different kits lol trying to do more research than my usual impulsive self 😂🤣
W A K E U P !
@drummerboyarnold3174
3 жыл бұрын
Hello linkin park..you play drums as well
@alejandromayorga8614
3 жыл бұрын
LP!
@danielnikitin6536
3 жыл бұрын
Grab a brush and put a little makeup
chop suey is one of the first songs I learned when I was getting hardcore into drums I'd say now im right in between 4 and 5
When are you bringing John Dolmayan!! Greatest of our era
Awesome
Hehe. It had become a little monotonous going through the Drumeo Method. This has gotten me excited again. Something new to work on!
nice
Ok good, I don´t have to be ashamed. As a former player in SOAD tribute band I play it at lvl. 5. What a relief :)
This was the very first song i ever learned. I still remember how frustrating it was to learn that first beat.
Wow, that sounds super easy! I'm gonna try that now. Oh and what is a "snare"?
I see these drum mics on many of the Drumeo vids. Can you tell me what brand and model they are?
Hey Drumeo! What software do you guys use to remove the drum track?
I’d love to see Slipknot’s Nero Forte played at different levels.
@VoidR
3 жыл бұрын
LOL The levels would be "Weinberg" and "everyone else"