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Learn to play Iris on drums | by Goo Goo Dolls

Interactive Drum Sheet Music and Play-Along Tools

Technical details

Song name

Iris

Difficulty

BPM

Time Signature

,

Decade

Genre

,

Drummer name

Mike Malinin

Version

Drum it
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About the drummer

Mike Malinin is best known as the long-time drummer for the Goo Goo Dolls, playing on their most iconic hits. He provided the steady, melodic foundation for some of the biggest adult-contemporary rock songs of the 90s and 2000s. He is a respected figure for students learning drums for his professional, song-first approach.

Drummer style

His style is smooth and supportive, focusing on clean transitions and melodic percussion. Playing drums along to "Iris" involves a focus on the unique 6/8 or 3/4 time signature and building tension for the climax. His work is a staple for melodic drum covers and drum lessons on time signatures.

FAQ

Is Iris suitable for beginners?
Iris is better suited for intermediate to advanced drummers. However, it can be a great long-term goal as your skills improve.
Can I learn Iris if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?
It’s possible to learn Iris 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 Iris?
Yes — to fully play Iris as recorded, a full drum kit is recommended due to the use of multiple toms and cymbals.
How will learning Iris improve my drumming skills?
By learning Iris, you’ll work on coordination between your hands and feet, as well as transitions between grooves and fills.
What skills do I need before learning Iris?
Before learning Iris, it helps to be comfortable with basic grooves, simple fills, and maintaining steady timing.

Technical details

Song name

Iris

Difficulty

Intermediate

BPM

70-79

Time Signature

12/8, 4/4

Decade

1990's

Genre

Pop, Rock

Drummer name

Mike Malinin

Version

Simplified

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