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Learn to play Ain't No Sunshine on drums | by Bill Withers

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Technical details

Song name

Ain't No Sunshine

Difficulty

BPM

Time Signature

Decade

Genre

Drummer name

Al Jackson Jr.

Version

About the drummer

Al Jackson Jr., known as "The Human Timekeeper," was a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s and the backbone of the Stax sound. He provided the soulful, steady beat for "Ain't No Sunshine," setting the standard for R&B drumming. For anyone learning drums, studying his restraint and feel is highly beneficial.

Drummer style

His style is defined by a heavy, immovable pocket and a deep, resonant snare sound. Playing drums with his steady pulse teaches the importance of consistency over complexity. His soulful grooves are often the subject of drum lessons on rhythm and soul, and they are excellent for recording atmospheric drum covers.

FAQ

Is Ain't No Sunshine suitable for beginners?
Yes. Ain't No Sunshine is beginner-friendly and helps you develop core drumming skills like keeping time, playing consistent grooves, and understanding song structure.
Can I learn Ain't No Sunshine if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?
It’s possible to learn Ain't No Sunshine by ear, especially if you break it into sections. Over time, you’ll also improve your ability to read drum notation.
Do I need a full drum kit to play Ain't No Sunshine?
No — you don’t need a full drum kit to play Ain't No Sunshine. A basic setup (kick, snare, hi-hat) is enough to get started.
How will learning Ain't No Sunshine improve my drumming skills?
Learning Ain't No Sunshine will improve your timing, coordination, and overall groove. It’s a great way to build control and feel while playing along with a real song.
What skills do I need before learning Ain't No Sunshine?
You don’t need much experience to start learning Ain't No Sunshine. Basic timing and a simple understanding of drum beats will be enough.

Technical details

Song name

Ain't No Sunshine

Difficulty

Easy

BPM

70-79

Time Signature

4/4

Decade

1970's

Genre

Blues, Soul

Drummer name

Al Jackson Jr.

Version

Simplified

Learn to play

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