"Come Together" was released in 1969 as the opening track on The Beatles' iconic Abbey Road album, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing its place as one of rock's most recognizable songs. Written by John Lennon, the track has been covered countless times and remains a staple of classic rock radio more than five decades after its release.
Ringo Starr's drumming on "Come Together" is a masterclass in restrained, groove-focused playing, built around a slow, swampy feel at 83 BPM that locks in perfectly with the song's dark, hypnotic bassline. His use of space and dynamics rather than complexity is what makes this performance so memorable and widely studied by drummers of all levels.
Unique Drumming Characteristics
- Signature swung, shuffled hi-hat pattern that drives the laid-back groove throughout the verses
- Sparse snare placement emphasizing the backbeat with deliberate ghost notes and subtle dynamics
- Bass drum pattern that closely mirrors and reinforces Paul McCartney's bass guitar line
- Minimalist fills that prioritize feel and pocket over technical flash
- Consistent 4/4 time signature maintained with a relaxed, behind-the-beat pocket feel
Skills You'll Develop
- Playing in the pocket and developing a slow, controlled groove at moderate tempos
- Coordinating bass drum patterns with melodic basslines to create rhythmic cohesion
- Applying dynamic restraint and using silence effectively within a groove
- Executing subtle hi-hat variations and swung eighth-note patterns
- Building confidence with minimalist drumming that serves the song over showmanship
Drumscore
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