Drum Shorts: The Beatles – Come Together (Drum Groove Transcription)

The Drum Shorts series, dedicated to the most iconic drum grooves and fills, returns to the blog and social media every quarter! This time, we will analyze a memorable and influential drum beat that shaped the history of modern drumming.

Introduction

“Come Together” is the opening track from The Beatles’ iconic album Abbey Road (1969). The song was primarily written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon-McCartney partnership, showcasing a unique blend of rock and blues. “Come Together” was initially conceived as a song for Timothy Leary’s 1969 campaign for governor of California against Ronald Reagan. John Lennon wrote it based on Leary’s campaign slogan, “Come together, join the party.” However, the song evolved beyond its political origins into a more abstract composition with vivid imagery and cryptic lyrics, making it one of The Beatles’ most distinctive tracks. Ringo Starr’s drum part is particularly noteworthy, with a creative beat that, even more than 50 years later, resonates as new and innovative! The recording occurred over several days in July 1969 at EMI Studios, with George Martin as producer. Ringo’s expressive drumming complements Lennon’s lead vocals and Paul McCartney’s bass line.

the beatles come together drum transcription

Ringo Starr has indeed expressed a particular fondness for “Come Together.” In a 2021 interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, when asked to choose one song to listen to for the rest of his life, Ringo stated, “Come Together. There’s lots of other favorites but, I mean, if you want one, Come Together can’t be bad.”^[1]
He reflected on the track’s success, mentioning, “I just think it worked perfectly with the band and the song and John [Lennon] being John. I loved that moment.”^[1]
Producer George Martin highlighted the collaborative nature of the song’s development, noting how each member brought something unique. Ringo crafted a drum beat that perfectly complemented it, reflecting the band’s dynamic synergy in the studio. This creative process exemplifies the artistic perspective of The Beatles and the innovation that defined their work during the recording sessions.^[2]

Drum Groove

Ringo Starr’s drumming style on “Come Together” is distinctively characterized by its unorthodox approach compared to other Beatles songs. He employs a swampy groove featuring a unique combination of cymbals and toms, creating a laid-back, rhythmically complex drum sound. His use of a melodic pattern on the toms contributes to the song’s texture, showcasing his ability to blend melody with rhythm, which was innovative for rock music. The hi-hat and tom patterns reflect his left-handedness, further enhancing the uniqueness of the groove.

ringo starr come together drum transcription

Analyzing in depth the groove, we have the alternation of ride cymbal, hi-hat, and toms.

On the first beat, the ride cymbal is in unison with the bass drum and an overdubbed maraca part.
The hi-hat on the second beat consists of a four-stroke ruff, starting with the left hand and accenting the last note.
The tom phrasing is the remarkable aspect of this groove, consisting of a 16th-note triplet pattern using a left-handed sticking. It starts on the third beat with the first tom (the last note on the second tom), followed on the fourth beat by a four-stroke ruff that alternates the first tom and floor tom, accenting the last note.
In addition, a maraca and handclap part is overdubbed onto the recording in unison with the ride cymbal and bass drum.

The tom sound is notably muffled, achieved using minimal drumhead tension and placing towels or cloths on the drumheads. This technique creates a dampened, controlled tone that complements the groove’s laid-back, percussive feel, allowing the notes to blend smoothly into the overall texture of the song without overwhelming the other instruments. The muffled toms contribute to the track’s deep, resonant sound, providing a unique rhythmic foundation that enhances the quality of the song.

That’s a groove most drummers play wrongly, erroneously using a right-handed sticking and a straightforward tom pattern. Listen closely to the recording following the transcription and pay attention to every detail; take your time to master this timeless drum beat!

the beatles ringo starr drum groove transcription

Ringo Starr’s contributions to “Come Together” exemplify how a drummer can elevate a song through expressive playing, influencing generations of drummers to prioritize musicality and groove over technical prowess.

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