How to easily play Everybody's changing drum (Easy version)? 

In this modified version of “Everybody's Changing“, the main goal was to simplify the drums so that a beginner drummer could quickly get to grips with the song. For this, certain adjustments have been made.

Everybody's changing drum: Simplified hi-hat openings

First of all, in the choruses, the opening of the hi-hat takes place on each eighth note. This means that you will have to use your left foot to beat the time while correctly timing your right hand. It is important to note that you need to slightly anticipate the opening of the hi-hat, because if you open it at exactly the same time as you play it with your right hand, the opening effect will not occur.

In this simplified version, we have decided to only keep the opening of the hi-hat on the last eighth note of the measure (Hi-hat opening – Ex 1 to 3). This was done to make the piece more accessible if you are a beginner. Additionally, the sixteenth note on the bass drum (between the “and” of beat 2 and beat 3) has been removed. Therefore, you will play the first binary rhythm throughout the piece with some hi-hat openings.

Everybody's changing drum: Simple fills

Fills, those moments when the drums play more intensely, have also been simplified. Now they start with a sixteenth note on the “and” of the 4th beat (Breaks 1). Focus on maintaining consistent consistency in your playing. It is essential that you feel comfortable with this version before moving to a higher level.

The overall goal of these changes is to make the song more accessible to beginning drummers while retaining its characteristic essence and rhythm. Don't hesitate to practice regularly and progress at your own pace before taking on new challenges by working on the more complex versions.

How to play everybody's changing drum more simply (Simplified version)?

Everybody's changing drum: Many hi-hat openings

In this version of “Everybody's Changing”, we decided to keep the hi-hat openings and fills from the original version. However, to prepare yourself to play them, I advise you to first work on the tutorial entitled “Your first hi-hat openings – Exercise 9 to 12”. This tutorial will help you master techniques needed to execute hi-hat openings accurately.

Everybody's changing drum: Simple fills

Next, I recommend that you practice some binary music theory exercises, especially those involving combinations of sixteenth notes and eighth notes. This will allow you to strengthen your understanding and ability to play in this specific rhythm.

Everybody's changing drum: No bass drum mishap

The sixteenth note on the bass drum has been removed from this version to allow you to focus more on the precision of your hi-hat openings. It is essential to develop precise coordination between your feet and hands before moving on to more advanced levels.

The goal here is to familiarize yourself with the movement of your feet and hands, making sure you are comfortable with these fundamental techniques before moving on to more complex challenges. Don’t hesitate to practice regularly and progress at your own pace. Once you feel comfortable with this version, you can then consider taking it to the next level and exploring new variations and techniques.

The important thing is to work gradually and not skip steps. By acquiring a solid technical foundation and good coordination, you will be able to play the piece with confidence and precision. Good practice and good progress in your musical learning!

How to play everybody's changing drum (Original version)?

Everybody's changing drum: Offbeat bass drum

In the original version of “Everybody's Changing”, we are going to repeat the previous version, but this time adding the sixteenth note to the bass drum. It occurs between the “and” of the 2nd beat and the 3rd beat (sixteenth notes bass drum – Exercise 4). This addition can disrupt your precision in executing hi-hat openings, at least at first.

To help you overcome this challenge, I advise you to start by isolating your feet. This means that you should only concentrate on moving your feet without playing your hands at the same time. By focusing exclusively on the movements of your feet, you will be able to work on the precision of your hi-hat openings.

Once you feel comfortable with the movement of your feet and have developed some precision, you can gradually add your hands. Integrates hi-hat openings with sixteenth notes to the bass drum, ensuring both elements are in synchronized and accurate.

Everybody's changing drum: Tips

Remember that regular practice and patience are essential to mastering these techniques. It's normal to have some difficulty at first, but with time and perseverance, you will be able to coordinate your hands and feet smoothly.

I also recommend working using a metronome to help you maintain consistency in your playing. Start at a slower tempo and gradually increase the speed as you feel more comfortable.