Travis Barker Drum Cover: How To Master His Style

Hey guys! Ever been completely blown away by Travis Barker's insane drumming skills? I know I have! He's an absolute legend, and so many drummers (including myself) aspire to play with even a fraction of his energy and precision. So, you want to learn how to nail a Travis Barker drum cover? Let's dive deep into what makes his style so unique and how you can start incorporating those elements into your own playing. We're going to break down his signature moves, discuss the gear he uses (because, let's be honest, the gear definitely plays a part!), and explore some popular Travis Barker drum covers that you can try your hand at. Get ready to unleash your inner rock star!

Understanding Travis Barker's Signature Style

Okay, before you even think about sitting behind a drum kit, you need to understand what makes Travis Barker so, well, Travis Barker. It's not just about hitting the drums hard (though he definitely does that!). It's about a combination of factors that all come together to create his unique sound. First, let's talk about his influences. Barker comes from a background steeped in punk rock, hip-hop, and even a little bit of jazz. You can hear all of these influences in his playing, whether it's the fast-paced, aggressive drumming of punk, the intricate rhythms of hip-hop, or the improvisational flair of jazz. He's not afraid to experiment and blend genres, which is a huge part of what makes him so innovative.

Next up, his technical skills are absolutely top-notch. He has incredible speed, precision, and control. He can play incredibly fast fills without sacrificing accuracy, and he knows exactly when to lay back and create a groove. But even more than that, he has an unbelievable sense of dynamics. He understands how to use the volume of his playing to create drama and excitement. He's not just playing loud all the time; he's using dynamics to tell a story with his drums. He’s got crazy stamina. Playing like Travis Barker is physically demanding. Just watch any live performance and you'll see him sweating and exerting himself. You need to build up your endurance if you want to keep up with his energy. This means practicing regularly, even when you don't feel like it. It also means taking care of your body by eating healthy and getting enough sleep. Trust me, your drums (and your body) will thank you.

His showmanship is another key element. Travis Barker is a performer, plain and simple. He's not just sitting behind the drums; he's putting on a show. He's energetic, expressive, and he knows how to connect with the audience. This is something that's often overlooked, but it's a crucial part of what makes him so captivating. You might not be playing in front of thousands of people (yet!), but you can still bring that same energy and passion to your playing. Put on a show for yourself, for your bandmates, or even for your cat! The point is to have fun and let your personality shine through.

Finally, let's talk about his gear. While skill is paramount, Travis Barker uses specific equipment that contributes to his signature sound. He typically plays on Orange County Drum & Percussion (OCDP) kits, known for their bright, punchy sound. He uses a variety of snare drums, often choosing models with a high crack and sensitivity. His cymbals are usually Zildjian, and he favors A Customs and Avedis series for their versatility and shimmer. The specifics might change, but this setup forms the foundation of his powerful sound. However, don't think you need to run out and buy all new gear right away. Start with what you have and focus on developing your technique. You can always upgrade your equipment later as you progress.

Essential Techniques for Nailing a Travis Barker Drum Cover

Alright, now for the fun part! Let's get into some specific techniques that Travis Barker frequently uses in his drumming. These are some of the key ingredients in the Barker sauce, so mastering them will help you get closer to his sound. First, we're talking about blast beats. Blast beats are a staple of punk and metal drumming, and Travis Barker is no stranger to them. A blast beat is basically a very fast, continuous stream of notes played between the bass drum, snare drum, and cymbals. It creates a dense, chaotic sound that's perfect for adding intensity to a song. They're not easy to master, but with practice, you can get them up to speed. Start slow and focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm. Use a metronome to help you stay in time, and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable.

Drum fills are Travis Barker's bread and butter. He's known for his creative and explosive drum fills, which often incorporate a variety of different techniques. He often uses single-stroke rolls, double-stroke rolls, paradiddles, and flams. He also likes to incorporate different accents and dynamics into his fills to make them more interesting. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. Listen to Travis Barker's fills and try to dissect what he's doing. Pay attention to the rhythms, the dynamics, and the techniques he's using. Then, try to incorporate those elements into your own playing. You should be able to recognize his trademark snare rolls ending in a crash! That is something he does in almost every song.

Pay attention to your rimshots. Travis Barker is a big fan of rimshots, which are created by hitting the rim and head of the snare drum simultaneously. This creates a loud, cracking sound that adds a lot of punch to the drumming. It takes some practice to get the hang of it, but it's well worth the effort. Experiment with different angles and amounts of pressure to find the sweet spot. You'll know you're doing it right when you get that satisfying crack. It's also important to make sure you're not hitting the rim too hard, as this can damage your drum. It is a good way to add some dynamics and accents to his beats. He uses it frequently and it adds a level of aggression and accentuation to his drumming.

Don't forget the importance of ghost notes. Ghost notes are very quiet notes played on the snare drum, usually in between the main beats. They add a subtle rhythmic complexity to the drumming and can create a cool, syncopated feel. It is very subtle and hard to hear in a mix, but it adds another layer to Travis Barker's drumming style. Try incorporating ghost notes into your beats and fills to add some extra flavor. Focus on playing them very quietly and consistently. They should be felt more than heard. Try experimenting with different placements of ghost notes to see how they affect the overall feel of the groove.

Recommended Travis Barker Drum Covers to Learn

Okay, so you've got the basics down. Now it's time to put your skills to the test! Here are a few Travis Barker drum covers that are great for learning and practicing his style. Of course, we have to start with Blink-182. Any Blink song is a good starting point, but some are easier than others. "What's My Age Again?" is a classic that's relatively straightforward but still has plenty of Barker's signature fills. "First Date" is another good choice, with a catchy beat and some fun drum fills. Pay attention to his hi-hat work in this song, as it's a good example of his syncopated style. For something a little more challenging, try "Feeling This". This song has a faster tempo and more complex drum fills, but it's a great workout for your skills.

Box Car Racer is another project of his you can get into. "I Feel So" is a great example of his drumming in a more alternative rock context. The song features a driving beat and some powerful fills. Pay attention to his use of dynamics in this song, as it's a key element of the overall sound.

If you really want to challenge yourself, try a cover from +44. "When Your Heart Stops Beating" is a high-energy song with fast tempos and intricate drum patterns. This is a good choice if you want to push your speed and endurance to the limit. He does a lot of fast hi-hat work in this song, so be prepared to work on your wrist technique. You can branch out to his collaborations. Travis Barker has collaborated with a wide variety of artists, from hip-hop to pop to country. This gives you a chance to explore his drumming in different genres. For example, you could try covering a song he did with Machine Gun Kelly or a track he played on for a pop artist. This will help you develop your versatility and adaptability as a drummer.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering the Travis Barker Sound

So, you're on your way to becoming a Travis Barker drumming master! But before you go off and start shredding, here are a few more tips and tricks to help you along the way. Practice with a metronome. This is absolutely essential for developing good timing and consistency. Even if you think you have good timing, practicing with a metronome will help you identify areas where you can improve. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. Record yourself playing. This is a great way to identify areas where you need to improve. It can be hard to hear your mistakes while you're playing, but when you listen back to a recording, they'll become much more apparent.

Watch Travis Barker play live. This is a great way to see his techniques in action and get a feel for his energy and showmanship. There are plenty of Travis Barker live performances on YouTube, so you can easily find some to watch. Pay attention to his hand and foot movements, his facial expressions, and his interactions with the audience. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your own voice. While it's great to learn from Travis Barker, it's important to develop your own unique style. Don't just try to copy everything he does; use his techniques as a starting point and then add your own personal touches. Listen to a wide variety of music. This will help you broaden your musical horizons and develop a more well-rounded understanding of drumming. Don't just listen to punk rock; listen to jazz, hip-hop, Latin music, and everything in between. The more music you listen to, the more ideas you'll have for your own playing. Take lessons from a qualified drum teacher. A good teacher can help you identify your weaknesses and develop a plan to improve. They can also teach you new techniques and help you develop your musicality.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Travis Barker!

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to mastering the Travis Barker drumming style. It's a journey that takes time, dedication, and a whole lot of practice, but the rewards are well worth the effort. You're not just learning to play drums; you're learning to express yourself with passion, energy, and creativity. Remember to focus on the fundamentals, practice regularly, and never stop learning. Embrace the challenge, push your limits, and most importantly, have fun! And who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one inspiring other drummers to learn your style. Now get out there and start drumming like Travis Barker! Good luck, have fun, and keep rockin'!