Unlocking Rhythms: Your Ultimate Guide To 'New Sensation' Drum Tabs

Hey music lovers! Ever feel that irresistible urge to bash out the iconic drum beat from INXS's "New Sensation"? Well, you're in luck! This guide is your backstage pass to understanding and mastering the "New Sensation" drum tab. We're going to dive deep into the rhythm, break down the song's structure, and arm you with the knowledge to play along like a pro. Forget complex jargon – we're keeping it real and making sure you can get your groove on.

Decoding the 'New Sensation' Drum Tab: A Beginner's Journey

Alright, first things first: what exactly is a drum tab? Think of it like a map for your drum kit. It's a simplified way of writing down the drum parts in a song, using symbols to represent different drums and their placement within the beat. Don't worry if it sounds intimidating; we'll walk through it step by step. For the "New Sensation" tab, we'll focus on the core elements: the kick drum (bass drum), the snare drum, the hi-hat, and the cymbals. Learning the basic symbols is like learning your ABCs. Once you get the hang of it, reading drum tabs becomes second nature.

Let's break down some common symbols:

• Kick Drum (Bass Drum): Represented by an "X" or "K" on the bottom line of the tab.
• Snare Drum: Usually an "O" or "S" on the second line from the bottom.
• Hi-Hat (closed): A small "x" on the top line.
• Hi-Hat (open): A small "o" on the top line.
• Cymbals: Represented by "C" or a similar symbol, usually on the line above the hi-hat.

Now, let's look at a simple example. Suppose we have a basic four-beat pattern:

  H | x - x - x - x - |
  S | - - - - - - - - |
  K | x - x - x - x - |

Here, the hi-hat (H) plays on every beat, the snare (S) is silent, and the kick drum (K) plays on beats 1 and 3. This is a very simple pattern, but it gives you a taste of how tabs work. The beauty of the "New Sensation" drum tab is in its catchy and memorable rhythm, so understanding the basic symbols is your first step toward musical mastery. You will find that as you practice with the "New Sensation" drum tab, these symbols and rhythms will become easier to recognize.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't get discouraged if it takes a little while to get the hang of reading the tabs and translating them to your drum kit. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of learning. And trust me, once you nail that iconic "New Sensation" beat, you'll feel like a rockstar!

Dissecting the Iconic Beat: The 'New Sensation' Drum Tab Explained

Okay, now let's get into the nitty-gritty of the "New Sensation" drum tab itself. This song has a driving, upbeat tempo that's perfect for dancing, and the drums are a huge part of its energy. We'll examine the core drum pattern, how it fits into the song's structure, and how you can apply this knowledge to other songs. Get ready to tap your feet and get excited because it's time to become the drummer you always dreamed of.

The essential groove in "New Sensation" relies on a few key elements. First, there's the kick drum, which provides the foundation of the rhythm, landing on beats 1 and 3, and sometimes adding little fills. Then, there's the snare, which typically hits on beats 2 and 4, creating that classic backbeat. The hi-hat is often played with closed hi-hat strokes on the off-beats (the "ands"), adding a subtle but crucial layer of complexity to the beat. All of these components work together in a unique way.

Here's a simplified version of the basic "New Sensation" drum beat:

  H | x - x - x - x - |
  S | - - - - - - - - |
  K | x - - x - - - - |

This is a simplified version, but it captures the essence. The kick drum is on beats 1 and 3, the snare on beats 2 and 4, and the hi-hat is played steadily throughout. This rhythm, combined with the other instruments, creates that distinctive "New Sensation" feel. As you advance in your skills, you'll encounter variations such as fills and other rhythmic embellishments that keep the song interesting. Practice with these fundamental elements before you introduce the advanced techniques.

As you practice the tab, pay attention to the song's tempo. "New Sensation" is fast-paced, so accuracy and consistency are key. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Don't be afraid to experiment with different hi-hat patterns or add your own creative fills. The goal is to make the song your own and to have fun in the process.

From Tab to Triumph: Practicing and Perfecting Your 'New Sensation' Drumming

Alright, so you've got the drum tab, you understand the basic symbols, and you know the core rhythm. Awesome! But how do you actually go from reading the tab to playing along with the song? Here's where the real work (and the real fun!) begins. This section is all about practical tips, practice techniques, and strategies to make sure you nail that "New Sensation" drum beat. It's time to strap in and start playing!

First things first: set up your drum kit. Make sure your drums are tuned and ready to go. You want your kit to sound good and feel comfortable. If you're a beginner, don't worry about having a super fancy setup. A basic four-piece kit (kick, snare, hi-hat, and a cymbal) is all you need to get started. You can also use a practice pad to start practicing the basics and work on your technique without disturbing your neighbors!

Next, grab a metronome. A metronome is a crucial tool for any drummer. It helps you keep time and develop a sense of rhythm. Start practicing the "New Sensation" beat at a slow tempo with the metronome, making sure each drum hit lines up with the beat. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. It's better to play slowly and accurately than fast and sloppy. Also, record yourself playing. This is an awesome way to identify areas you need to improve.

Here's a practice routine you can try:

1. Warm-up: Start with simple exercises like single strokes and double strokes on the snare drum. This will help you get your hands and wrists warmed up and ready to play.
2. Practice the basic beat: Using the drum tab, focus on the kick, snare, and hi-hat pattern. Play it slowly and accurately, using the metronome to keep time.
3. Add fills: Once you're comfortable with the basic beat, start incorporating drum fills. Fills are short rhythmic phrases that add interest and excitement to the song. Listen to the original recording of "New Sensation" to hear how the drummer uses fills, and try to replicate them. Check out many "New Sensation" drum tab transcriptions for ideas.
4. Play along with the song: Once you're confident with the basic beat and fills, play along with the song. This is where the magic happens! Focus on keeping time, playing accurately, and matching the energy of the original recording.

Remember, consistency and patience are your best friends. Don't get discouraged if it takes time to master the "New Sensation" drum beat. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun! Every session is a step closer to drumming mastery. Before you know it, you'll be playing along with INXS like a total pro. Keep at it! You got this!

Advanced Drumming: Adding Your Personal Flair to 'New Sensation'

So, you've got the basics down, you can play along to "New Sensation," and you're feeling pretty good about your drumming skills. Awesome! Now it's time to level up and add your unique touch to the song. This is where you can start to get creative, adding fills, variations, and your own personal style. Let's make this song yours. It's all about that personal touch!

One of the best ways to add your flair is by experimenting with drum fills. Fills are short rhythmic phrases used to transition between sections of a song. In "New Sensation," the drummer uses fills at various points in the song, creating excitement and leading to the next section. Listen carefully to the original recording and pay attention to where the drummer uses fills. Then, try to replicate them. There are a variety of fills that you can attempt, from simple snare rolls to more complex patterns involving the toms and cymbals.

Here are a few fill ideas to get you started:

• Snare drum rolls: Roll on the snare drum for a few beats to build tension.
• Tom fills: Use the toms (high tom, mid tom, low tom) to create a descending or ascending pattern.
• Crash cymbal hits: Hit the crash cymbal on the first beat of a new section to create a dramatic effect.
• Combination fills: Combine different elements to create a more complex and interesting fill.

Another way to add your personal touch is by altering the hi-hat patterns. In the basic beat, the hi-hat is usually played on the off-beats. Try experimenting with different hi-hat patterns, such as playing the hi-hat on all the beats (four on the floor), or using a combination of closed and open hi-hats. You can also experiment with different ride cymbal patterns or crash cymbal hits to create different sounds and accents.

As you become more comfortable, you can start to improvise and create your own drum parts. Listen to other drummers and songs for inspiration. Think about the overall feel of the song and how you can use the drums to enhance it. Don't be afraid to experiment and take risks. The key is to find your unique voice and let it shine through your drumming.

Resources and Further Learning for 'New Sensation' Drum Tabs

Alright, you've come a long way, and your drumming skills are improving with every practice session. But the journey doesn't have to end here! There are a ton of resources out there to help you continue learning and mastering the "New Sensation" drum beat. Let's explore some of these resources. After all, the fun never stops, guys!

Online Resources

• Drum Tab Websites: Websites like Ultimate-Guitar.com and Songsterr.com offer numerous drum tabs for "New Sensation" and other songs. These are great resources for finding different transcriptions and learning how other drummers interpret the song. Just be sure to cross-reference to ensure that the tab is accurate.
• YouTube Tutorials: Search YouTube for "New Sensation drum tutorial" or "INXS drum cover." You'll find countless videos of drummers playing the song, breaking down the drum parts, and offering tips and techniques. These videos can be an excellent way to learn visually and hear how the song should sound.
• Drumming Forums and Communities: Online forums and communities are perfect places to ask questions, share tips, and connect with other drummers. You can find forums dedicated to specific genres or drumming techniques, allowing you to get feedback from other musicians.

Books and Courses

• Drumming Method Books: There are many excellent drumming method books for beginners and advanced players. These books cover a wide range of topics, including technique, rudiments, and song breakdowns. Look for books that offer transcriptions of popular songs and exercises for developing your skills.
• Online Drumming Courses: Several websites offer online drumming courses that can help you improve your skills. These courses often include video lessons, exercises, and personalized feedback from experienced instructors. They're a great way to learn at your own pace and receive expert guidance.

Other Tips

• Listen to the original song: The more you listen to "New Sensation," the better you'll understand the drum parts and how they fit into the song. Pay attention to the subtle nuances and accents in the drumming.
• Record yourself playing: Recording yourself allows you to identify areas you need to improve. Listen to your recordings and analyze your playing, focusing on areas like timing, accuracy, and dynamics.
• Practice with other musicians: Playing with other musicians is an excellent way to improve your skills and learn how to interact with other instruments. It is important to know how you can blend in with the song.

Keep practicing, keep exploring, and keep the music flowing! You've got all the tools and resources you need to master the "New Sensation" drum beat and become a confident and skilled drummer. So, go out there, hit those drums, and let your passion for music shine!