35 Easy Drumming Songs for Beginners
You’ve always longed to pick up the sticks, but you know drumming isn’t easy. You’d love to start with a few simpler tunes before working your way up to the big leagues, but where do you even begin?
This is a question many drummers have had, which inspired us to put together this guide. We’ve handpicked the best songs in the history of music to present 35 easy drumming songs for beginners.
These tunes range from classics to contemporaries, so there’s sure to be something on this list that you’re eager to play today!
1. “We Will Rock You” by Queen
| Release Date | 1977 |
| Genre/Style | Arena rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 81 |
We start the list with a truly iconic track, “We Will Rock You” by Queen. While almost every track in the Queen catalog is a classic, we picked this one because it’s simple for any drummer to pick up and play.
Unless you live under a rock, you’ve heard this song, probably many times. You don’t even necessarily need to be a Queen fan to know it; “We Will Rock You” is simply that pervasive. The main riff doesn’t take too much finessing on drums to bang it out, and the song is short to boot.
Here’s the drum tab so you can learn the song today!
2. “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple
| Release Date | 1972 |
| Genre/Style | Rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 116 |
A classic song with an easy enough tempo that beginners shouldn’t feel too intimidated by is the track “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple. This is another one of those highly pervasive tunes that most people know even if they don’t own a single Deep Purple record.
Although the guitar riff gets all the acclaim, this song really comes to life due to the inclusion of the drums. The steady pacing of the drums throughout should be simple enough to match, even without a lot of experience.
That said, you might need some extended practice to get those fills right! Start learning with these drum tabs.
3. “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath
| Release Date | 1970 |
| Genre/Style | Metal, rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 148 |
You’ll impress all your friends and fellow music aficionados when you begin hammering out “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath on the drums. This is another one of those classic rock tunes that sounds harder than it is, but that’s the guitar part.
You’re not even required to drum throughout the whole song, so if you’re having a hard time building up your stamina behind the kit, the breaks in this song will be much appreciated. You’ll have the energy required for the fills and will be eager to hit the hi-hats with aplomb.
Check out the drum tab for “Iron Man” here.
4. “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
| Release Date | 1974 |
| Genre/Style | Rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 98 |
The fast pace and complex guitar work of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama” might make you think this song is best saved for the drumming pros, but beginners can totally play it too! The drum part isn’t hard, just fast.
Consistent practice will help you get through this tune because it’s also a bit longer at almost five minutes. It’s okay to take the song part by part, learning it in one-minute or two-minute increments until you can play it in full.
Why don’t you begin today by following along with the tabs here?
5. “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC
| Release Date | 1979 |
| Genre/Style | Hard rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 116 |
The first of two AC/DC tracks we recommend for all you classic rock lovers out there, “Highway to Hell” is even more fun to bang along to on the sticks than it is to listen to on a pair of headphones! You can truly let your inner drummer shine.
The moderate tempo of this song does require some good stamina, so practice with a few slower songs on our list before you graduate to this one. You can also slow down the pace until you master it, then pick the tempo back up.
Here are the drum tabs so you can begin learning “Highway to Hell” right away.
6. “Back in Black” by AC/DC
| Release Date | 1980 |
| Genre/Style | Hard rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 94 |
Once you’ve gotten comfortable playing “Highway to Hell,” it’s time to add another AC/DC track to your repertoire, “Back in Black.” You can even start with this one since it’s somewhat slower-paced than “Highway to Hell.”
You’ll get the opportunity to play some truly pounding, booming drums on this track, which is fun and rewarding. They just don’t make rock songs like this anymore, so learning with the classics is truly the best way to expand on your drum skills.
If you want drum tabs, you know we got ‘em. Here’s the link for you.
7. “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes
| Release Date | 2003 |
| Genre/Style | Garage rock, alternative rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 146 |
Do you always feel like your drum work gets outshined by the other instruments on a track? If so, then you need to try learning “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes. This song is all drums (okay, and bass, too), so you’ll finally have your chance to stand out and be heard!
“Seven Nation Army” is another of those tunes that, despite a lot newer than the other songs we’ve had on the list so far, is widely known. Your friends will recognize it the moment you begin hitting away at the drums.
You can follow along with the drum tabs here.
8. “The Joker” by Steve Miller Band
| Release Date | 1973 |
| Genre/Style | Classic rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 82 |
How about a softer, melodic tune to cut your teeth to? The Steve Miller Band song “The Joker” keeps a tempo no faster than 82 beats per minute, so even if you’re brand-spankin new to drumming, you shouldn’t struggle to keep up.
This classic song is under four minutes long, so it’s a good one for building up your stamina. It also doesn’t go too wild when the solo starts, so you can expect a consistent pace all the way through. It truly is a beginner-friendly tune that sounds so impressive once you master it.
If you’re ready to begin playing “The Joker” today, this drum tab will help you learn it.
9. “Wipeout” by The Surfaris
| Release Date | 1963 |
| Genre/Style | Surf rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 155 |
One of those songs that everybody knows, “Wipeout” by The Surfaris has pounding tribal drums that convey the sense of urgency throughout the song. Now you can get behind the kit and convey that same sense of urgency with your drumming!
This tune requires a lot of smacking on the drums, and although you should do so with finesse, as you’re just getting a feel for the instrument, whatever you can do is fine. We would suggest playing at a slower tempo at first, as this song is as fast as it is short (which is to say very!).
The drum fills are especially killer, so don’t beat yourself up if you can’t play them right away. Keep at it and you’ll get there! In the meantime, start with these drum tabs.
10. “Bad Moon Rising” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
| Release Date | 1969 |
| Genre/Style | Rock, folk |
| Tempo (BPM) | 179 |
The pinnacle of classic rock, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Bad Moon Rising” is a song you’ve probably always wanted to play but assumed it was too hard. The guitar parts might be complex, but the steady drumming throughout isn’t so bad. You can learn it if you practice!
Although the drumming is consistent and fast, the song clocks in at under two and a half minutes long. It’s the perfect tune for building up your drumming stamina so you can sit behind the kit and hold a beat for minutes and minutes at a time.
Practice along with the tabs here.
11. “Johnny B. Goode” by Chuck Berry
| Release Date | 1958 |
| Genre/Style | Rock and roll |
| Tempo (BPM) | 168 |
The happy-sounding “Johnny B. Goode” from Chuck Berry is the oldest song on our list and one of the most beloved for certain. Now you too can go back to the roots of the rock genre by learning to play this song on drums.
It’s truly simpler than you would have imagined. This guitar-led song gets its punch from the drums, so you’ll contribute an important ingredient if you’re working on this one with a cover band to play live.
Check out the drum tabs right here.
12. “Rock and Roll All Nite” by KISS
| Release Date | 1975 |
| Genre/Style | Hard rock, arena rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 145 |
Do you dream of playing rock songs on drums that will get the people on their feet and cheering up a storm? That’s just the kind of vibe “Rock and Roll All Nite” by KISS delivers. This song, like a few others on the list, sounds more complex on drums than it is.
You will have to learn some drum fills, but they’re not overly tough. The more endurance you have on the kit, the easier you’ll find it to give this song the high-energy delivery it requires. Feel free to break the tune into chunks or play it at a slower tempo as you get started.
This tab will help you master “Rock and Roll All Nite” in no time!
13. “All the Small Things” by Blink-182
| Release Date | 1999 |
| Genre/Style | Pop rock, alternative rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 149 |
How about a more modern tune, like 1999’s Blink-182 smash hit, “All the Small Things?” You can show off your punk side with this boisterous tune, which really relies on drums to drive that punk flavor home.
It’s a faster song at 149 BPM, but the drums aren’t too complex. You’ll vacillate between a tribal beat and pounding punk drums, so the tune stays interesting from the first second your part kicks until the very end.
The mid-paced break in the middle will help gear you up for the high-octane conclusion, so the song has good pacing. Get your sticks and begin playing today with these drum tabs.
14. “Basket Case” by Green Day
| Release Date | 1994 |
| Genre/Style | Punk rock, alternative |
| Tempo (BPM) | 170 |
Continue leaning into your punk side with some Green Day! “Basket Case” is a great tune for beginners, even though you probably wouldn’t think so. The reason? The song has a big break so you’re not drumming the whole time.
You’ll sit out the whole first verse for the most part, with your part only roaring to life come the chorus. Then it’s all you for the rest of the song, which doesn’t go so long that you’ll be panting out of breath by the time it’s over.
Learn the song here with some handy tabs.
15. “When I Come Around” by Green Day
| Release Date | 1994 |
| Genre/Style | Punk rock, alternative |
| Tempo (BPM) | 98 |
If you’re looking for a Green Day tune that’s a little easier to play, try “When I Come Around.” It’s much slower than “Basket Case” by comparison, but you’ll still get the chance to do some pretty seriously impressive drum work ala Tre Cool.
This upbeat-sounding tune is best learned by taking it in pieces and then putting it all together to comprise a song. You’ll master each part and feel confident whether you’re playing this ‘90s tune in your garage or on a stage.
Of course, it all begins with the right knowledge. We’ve got the drum tabs for you right here so you can play along with the greats.
16. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
| Release Date | 1991 |
| Genre/Style | Grunge rock, alternative |
| Tempo (BPM) | 132 |
Arguably the penultimate ‘90s rock song, “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana is a tune that’s endured to this day. It’s fuzzy, filthy, and the true definition of what grunge rock was at the time, so who wouldn’t want to learn how to play it?
Dave Grohl is a drum god, but once you get behind the kit and follow in his footsteps, you’ll realize that playing “Smells Like Teen Spirit” isn’t as difficult as you had originally anticipated. You have to put a lot of oomph behind the song to make it sound convincing, and you’ll have to build up endurance to play a nearly five-minute song in one go.
The above video of Grohl smashing along to the drums in this song over 20 years later is cool to watch. You can then emulate his playing with these tabs.
17. “Come As You Are” by Nirvana
| Release Date | 1991 |
| Genre/Style | Grunge rock, alternative |
| Tempo (BPM) | 120 |
Next in our assortment of Nirvana drum songs that are beginner-friendly is “Come As You Are.” This song might not push as hard as a track like “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” but the drums never take a break.
Unlike “Teen Spirit,” “Come As You Are” has a chill, consistent pace. You’ll get to pound out some drum fills during the chorus, and you’ll alternate between maintaining the beat and dominating it, but that’s part of what makes this song so incredibly fun and rewarding to play.
This drum tab will help you get started. Get ready to play your best!
18. “In Bloom” by Nirvana
| Release Date | 1991 |
| Genre/Style | Grunge rock, alternative |
| Tempo (BPM) | 157 |
Continue to expand your music chops and your catalog by adding another Nirvana song to the list, “In Bloom.” This melancholy tune sounds deceptively simple since it’s not as blisteringly paced as other Nirvana songs, but like most Nirvana songs, it relies a lot on the drums.
The video tutorial above will show you how to slow it down, break the tune down into manageable chunks (since it’s almost five minutes long), and learn it one bit at a time. Before you know it, you’ll have no problem getting through this song!
Play along with the drum tab here and watch your skills improve.
19. “Lithium” by Nirvana
| Release Date | 1991 |
| Genre/Style | Grunge rock, alternative |
| Tempo (BPM) | 123 |
Let’s wrap up this selection of Nirvana songs to play on drums with “Lithium,” another ultra-popular song in Nirvana’s catalog that’s worth sitting down and learning to play. You can harken back to the ‘90s and feel like a rock star when you get behind the kit and replicate Dave Grohl’s signature sound.
The up-and-down style of the drums that lightens during the verses and then picks up like mad when the chorus hits make this song fun to learn and will keep you on your toes as you practice. It will be such an amazing feeling once you master it!
You can get started with the drum tabs here.
20. “My Own Worst Enemy” by Lit
| Release Date | 1999 |
| Genre/Style | Pop rock, alternative, rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 104 |
Moving away from Nirvana now, “My Own Worst Enemy” by Lit is a fun song to play whether you just want to get better at drums, form a cover band, or even evolve into writing your own material someday.
This song sounds fast, but the BPM of the drums isn’t too terribly speedy, especially if you’ve already practiced along with the other songs on this list so far. The upbeat feeling of the song will have you eager to practice this one again and again until you can play it in your sleep.
You can begin learning it by following along with these handy drum tabs.
21. “The Middle” by Jimmy Eat World
| Release Date | 2001 |
| Genre/Style | Alternative rock, rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 162 |
When Jimmy Eat World released “The Middle” in 2001, it took the world by storm. All these years later and it’s still fondly remembered as an affirmative song about self-acceptance. Well, for that and it’s phenomenal drum work, which you can replicate even if you’re very new to drums. Yes, we mean it!
The 162 BPM pace might seem intimidating, but the drum rhythm isn’t overly challenging. You can focus on keeping up with the pace of the song and varying your playing during the choruses to keep yourself entertained and expand your skills.
We’ve got the drum tabs for you right here.
22. “I Will Follow” by U2
| Release Date | 1980 |
| Genre/Style | Alternative rock, rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 155 |
How about some U2? Regarded by many as the best rock band of the last 40 years if not all time, U2 has an assorted discography. Many of their songs aren’t too tricky to play on drums either, including the band’s top hit, “I Will Follow.”
Once you take away the sped-up guitar, you’ll realize you have a drum part that’s consistent, yes, but hard to play? Not particularly. If you learn how to play drums by banging along to U2 tunes, you may just find that your skills are a cut above.
This drum tab will make it easy to figure out how this song is done.
23. “Vertigo” by U2
| Release Date | 2004 |
| Genre/Style | Rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 144 |
Fast-forwarding a bit into U2’s catalog, “Vertigo” is an excellent song to learn on drums. You’ll show off to everyone you know whenever you play it, you’ll develop inimitable skills, and you’ll get to learn one of the best songs U2 has ever made. It’s a win-win-win!
To play like Larry Mullen Jr., practice, practice, practice. You’ll realize that once you strip away the rest of the instrumentation, the drums of this song are challenging but not impossible to play by any means.
Once you get familiar with this one, you’ll want to play it all the time. Get started by learning the drum tabs.
24. “Where The Streets Have No Name” by U2
| Release Date | 1987 |
| Genre/Style | Alternative rock, rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 126 |
Now it’s time for some classic U2. “Where The Streets Have No Name” shows off the shimmering instrumentation that U2 became known for. The drums keep up with the smooth guitar riffs and keep pounding along to Bono’s impassioned vocals during the verses before picking up more during the chorus.
As a whole, the drums are fast but consistent, so once you’ve learned to play a bit of the song, you can pretty much drum along to the entire thing. Practice it in bits and pieces so you can build your stamina more and more before you finally sit down to triumphantly play “Where the Streets Have No Name.”
Learn with these drum tabs.
25. “Sunday Bloody Sunday” by U2
| Release Date | 1983 |
| Genre/Style | Alternative rock, rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 100 |
The last U2 song we recommend for beginner drummers is one of the tunes that put the band on the map, “Sunday Bloody Sunday.” It has the slowest pacing of all the U2 songs we’ve looked at, which might surprise you given its lively tone.
The drums are fun to play, as you’ll get into a cool rhythm that belies the seriousness and solemnity of this tune. With the mostly understated guitar, your drums will have a chance to shine as they guide the song across nearly five minutes.
Get ready to play with these drum tabs.
26. “Clocks” by Coldplay
| Release Date | 2002 |
| Genre/Style | Alternative, pop |
| Tempo (BPM) | 131 |
Let’s go more modern still with a band that’s paved the way for today’s music, Coldplay. The band’s hit single (and arguably most popular song) “Clocks” has lush piano that captures the ear, but the drums are in the mix too, and they’re not that difficult to learn.
Your drum work will stand out a lot in the verses when the piano disappears. The drums give the song more beauty and keep it marching forward. The consistent pacing of the drums means you can learn this song today (or in a few days or weeks) despite its pacing of 131 BPM.
First, you’ll need the tabs here.
27. “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay
| Release Date | 2008 |
| Genre/Style | Alternative, pop |
| Tempo (BPM) | 138 |
The mid-tempo “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay with its riches-to-rags lyrics and triumphant-sounding music is another great song to add to your list as you learn the drums. It has a high tempo, but you’re drumming sparingly for the first bit of the song so you can save your energy for when it’s needed.
The lively, consistent drum line comes booming during the chorus but doesn’t change up so much that you’ll get confused learning it. That makes this song attainable for newbies even though it’s certainly long.
Check out the drum tabs for “Viva La Vida” right here.
28. “Yellow” by Coldplay
| Release Date | 2000 |
| Genre/Style | Alternative, pop |
| Tempo (BPM) | 173 |
No list of Coldplay songs would be complete without discussing “Yellow,” as it’s one of the group’s most popular tunes. However, that’s not why we’re including the track here. Instead, we’re mentioning it because it’s easy to play on drums, which might contribute to its popularity!
Although this song doesn’t go nearly as hard as many of the others we’ve discussed so far (and have yet to talk about!), it does get surprisingly heavy during the intro. You’ll continue to enjoy yourself as you play the moderate verses and kick things back up a notch during the chorus.
Start practicing right away with drum tabs here.
29. “Paradise” by Coldplay
| Release Date | 2011 |
| Genre/Style | Alternative, pop |
| Tempo (BPM) | 140 |
The electronic stylings of the Coldplay song “Paradise” shows how much the group grew its musical influence over the years. Don’t worry though, the drumming is about as straightforward as can be, which is why this tune earned a rightful spot on this list. You should be able to figure this one out quickly.
You get some drum fills too, proving that although some Coldplay songs sound simple on the surface, there’s a lot more depth going on behind the scenes. You’ll have a rewarding challenge in front of you should you choose to learn these songs, which makes the satisfaction of mastering the tune that much sweeter.
If you’re ready to get playing, here are the drum tabs for “Paradise.”
30. “Fix You” by Coldplay
| Release Date | 2005 |
| Genre/Style | Alternative, pop |
| Tempo (BPM) | 138 |
The somber-sounding, slow-paced “Fix You” is the last Coldplay song we’ll look at on this list. You will spend a lot of time sitting on your hands (but not literally, as you’re going to need them), as your part doesn’t come in until the two-minute, 30-second mark of this four-and-a-half-minute song.
You’ll have to follow along and be ready to jump right in, as your drum part is instrumental in transitioning the song to its more optimistic-sounding conclusion. It’s not a hard drum part, but it is impactful, and you should have a blast experimenting with the subtle-to-loud dynamic.
Get started with these drum tabs.
31. “Somebody Told Me” by The Killers
| Release Date | 2004 |
| Genre/Style | Rock, alternative |
| Tempo (BPM) | 138 |
How about a tonal shift as we move onto a more alternative group, The Killers? The band’s classic hit “Somebody Told Me” from debut album Hot Fuss is part of what introduced this great group to the masses, and now you can play it on drums!
This song wouldn’t be the same without the pulsating drums. Once you sit down on the kit and get started, you’ll realize this song has a fast-paced drum rhythm but one that beginners can play with some practice and dedication.
These tabs will set you on the right path to mastering “Somebody Told Me.”
32. “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers
| Release Date | 2004 |
| Genre/Style | Rock, alternative |
| Tempo (BPM) | 148 |
Once you learn how to play “Somebody Told Me,” you can graduate to the next Killers song on this list, “Mr. Brightside,” also off 2004’s Hot Fuss. This song is faster-paced and requires moderately more skill while still being geared toward beginners.
If you find that the 148-BPM pace of the song is too fast for you, you know what to do. Slow the song down, understand what you’re playing, and then practice gradually picking up the pace until you can play the tune at the correct tempo.
If you’re looking for drum tabs, we’ve got ‘em right here.
33. “When You Were Young” by The Killers
| Release Date | 2006 |
| Genre/Style | Rock, alternative |
| Tempo (BPM) | 130 |
How about one more Killers song? “When You Were Young” is the slowest of the three but has some real oomph to it when you get to sit behind the kit. If you’ve practiced with the other two Killers songs we’ve recommended, this one will come easily to you.
Even if it’s the first of the three you play from this alternative rock band, you shouldn’t find it too challenging. You’ll put your stamina to the test as you play nonstop for nearly four minutes, but that will become easier the more you do it. You just have to keep at it!
We have tabs here so you can master the song in no time.
34. “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon
| Release Date | 2008 |
| Genre/Style | Rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 153 |
It was impossible to be around in the late 2000s and not hear “Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon, whether that was on the radio, in television shows, online, or just about anywhere, really. Now that it’s been a while, why not revisit this instant classic by learning to play it on drums?
The song has a pure rock drum line that will ignite your spirits. The tempo is fast, so you can always split the song by verses and choruses, practicing bit by bit, or reduce the tempo and learn to play it slower. When you’re ready, you can speed it up.
The tabs are available here so you can get learning.
35. “Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon
| Release Date | 2008 |
| Genre/Style | Rock |
| Tempo (BPM) | 137 |
The last song we recommend drummers learn to master their craft also comes from Kings of Leon, this time “Use Somebody.” If you found “Sex on Fire” a little too fast to start with, this equally popular ballad should be up your alley.
It has a slower pace, and the drummer gets significant breaks, as the drums kick in during the verses to underscore the drama and passion of the song. You won’t need a master’s stamina right out of the gate so you can take your time developing your endurance on the kit.
We’ve got tabs for you right here.
