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Learn to play Smoke On The Water on drums | by Deep Purple

Interactive Drum Sheet Music and Play-Along Tools

Technical details

Song name

Smoke On The Water

Difficulty

BPM

Time Signature

Decade

Genre

Drummer name

Ian Paice

Version

Drum it
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About the drummer

Ian Paice is the legendary drummer for Deep Purple and the only constant member of the band's history. Known for his incredible speed and single-stroke rolls, he is a pioneer of hard rock and heavy metal drumming. Every student learning drums for rock must study his technical mastery.

Drummer style

His style is a mix of high-speed technicality and a swinging jazz-influenced rock groove. When playing drums to "Smoke on the Water," focus on the steady, driving snare and the iconic fills that punctuate the riff. His work is a cornerstone of classic rock drum lessons and drum covers.

FAQ

Is Smoke On The Water suitable for beginners?
Smoke On The Water is better suited for intermediate to advanced drummers. However, it can be a great long-term goal as your skills improve.
Can I learn Smoke On The Water if I’m not very confident reading drum notation?
Smoke On The Water is more notation-heavy, but it’s also a great opportunity to improve your reading skills while learning it step by step.
Do I need a full drum kit to play Smoke On The Water?
You don’t need everything to start. Focus on the groove first, and add more elements as your setup allows.
How will learning Smoke On The Water improve my drumming skills?
By learning Smoke On The Water, 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 Smoke On The Water?
Even if you’re still developing these skills, you can learn Smoke On The Water step by step by slowing it down and practicing in sections.

Technical details

Song name

Smoke On The Water

Difficulty

Intermediate

BPM

110-119

Time Signature

4/4

Decade

1970's

Genre

Hard Rock

Drummer name

Ian Paice

Version

Simplified

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