Travis Barker Style Drum Cover Tutorial: Get Low Sound

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 55 views

Hey guys! Ever wondered how to nail that iconic Travis Barker drum sound and style, especially the vibe from his drumming on "Low"? You've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will break down the key elements you need to master to create your own awesome drum cover that captures the energy and essence of Travis Barker's playing. We'll dive deep into everything from the gear he uses to the techniques that make his drumming so distinctive. So, grab your sticks, warm up those wrists, and let's get started!

Understanding Travis Barker's Drum Sound

Before we jump into playing "Low" or any other Travis Barker track, it's crucial to understand what makes his sound so unique. It’s not just about hitting the drums hard (although that's definitely part of it!). It’s a combination of his gear choices, tuning preferences, playing style, and overall musicality.

The Gear: Travis Barker is known for his signature Orange County Drum & Percussion (OCDP) kits, often featuring bright colors and custom configurations. He typically uses a shallower snare drum, which gives his snare sound a crisp, cracking tone. His cymbals are usually Zildjian, including A Customs and Avedis series, known for their bright and cutting sound. While you don't need to run out and buy a whole new kit, understanding the characteristics of his gear will help you make informed decisions about your own setup. Think about things like the type of wood your drums are made from, the heads you're using, and the weight and size of your cymbals.
Tuning: Travis often tunes his drums relatively high, particularly his snare drum. This contributes to the characteristic “crack” that is so prominent in his playing. Experiment with different tunings on your own kit to find the sweet spots that give you a similar sound. Start by tuning the resonant head (the bottom head) a little tighter than the batter head (the head you hit). This will give you more sustain and a brighter tone. Then, gradually tighten the batter head until you achieve the desired pitch and feel. Don't be afraid to experiment! Tuning is a very personal thing, and what works for one drummer might not work for another.
Playing Style: Travis Barker's playing style is characterized by his aggressive, energetic approach. He hits hard, uses a lot of rim shots (where you hit the rim and head simultaneously), and incorporates complex, fast fills. He also has a great sense of groove and pocket, meaning he plays with a strong sense of time and feel. We'll break down some of these techniques in more detail later, but for now, just keep in mind that his style is all about power, precision, and passion.
The Vibe: Beyond the technical aspects, Travis Barker's sound is infused with his personality and musicality. He's a punk rock drummer at heart, and that energy comes through in his playing. He's also incredibly creative and always pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the drums. To truly capture his sound, you need to not only replicate his techniques but also embrace his spirit and attitude. Listen closely to his playing, pay attention to the nuances, and try to internalize his musical sensibilities. This is what will ultimately take your playing to the next level.

By understanding these elements, you can start to get closer to replicating his sound. Remember, it's not about copying him exactly, but about learning from him and incorporating his techniques into your own playing.

Breaking Down "Low": Key Drumming Elements

Now, let's focus on the specific drumming elements in "Low." This song is a great example of Travis Barker's signature style, showcasing his energetic grooves, fast fills, and creative use of dynamics. To really nail the drum cover, we need to break down the song into its key components:

The Main Groove: The main groove in "Low" is relatively straightforward but incredibly powerful. It features a driving kick drum pattern, a consistent snare backbeat, and open hi-hats that create a sense of urgency and energy. Pay close attention to the timing and feel of the groove. It's not just about playing the notes; it's about locking in with the bass and creating a solid foundation for the song. Practice playing the groove slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and consistency. Once you feel comfortable, gradually increase the tempo until you reach the original speed of the song. You can also try playing along with the original track to get a better feel for the groove.
The Fills: Travis Barker is known for his fast, intricate fills, and "Low" is no exception. The fills in this song are often based around single strokes and paradiddles, played at a rapid pace across the toms and snare. Don't be intimidated by the speed; with practice and patience, you can learn to play these fills cleanly and accurately. Start by breaking the fills down into smaller sections. Identify the basic patterns and practice them slowly until you have them memorized. Then, gradually increase the speed and string the sections together. Use a metronome to help you stay in time and develop your consistency.
Dynamics: One of the things that makes Travis Barker's drumming so exciting is his dynamic playing. He's not afraid to play loud and aggressive, but he also knows when to pull back and create contrast. In "Low," he uses dynamics to build tension and release, making the song more engaging and impactful. Pay attention to the dynamic variations in the song and try to replicate them in your drum cover. Experiment with different striking techniques to achieve different volumes and tones. For example, you can play closer to the center of the drumhead for a louder, more resonant sound, or closer to the edge for a quieter, more focused sound.
Signature Touches: Beyond the basic grooves and fills, Travis Barker adds his own signature touches to the song. These might include ghost notes on the snare, rim shots, or cymbal crashes placed in unexpected places. These little details add character and personality to his playing and help to make it instantly recognizable. Listen closely to the song and try to identify these signature touches. Then, incorporate them into your own drum cover. Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own personal flair as well. The goal is not to copy Travis Barker exactly, but to learn from him and develop your own unique style.

By dissecting these elements, you can start to understand how Travis Barker constructs his drum parts and how you can apply similar techniques to your own playing. Remember, it's all about practice, patience, and attention to detail.

Gear and Tuning for the "Low" Sound

As we mentioned earlier, gear and tuning play a significant role in achieving a particular drum sound. While you don't need to have the exact same setup as Travis Barker to get a similar sound, understanding his preferences and how they contribute to his sound is essential. Here’s a closer look at the gear and tuning aspects for nailing the "Low" sound:

Drums: As previously stated, Travis Barker often uses OCDP kits. These drums are known for their bright, resonant sound. If you don't have an OCDP kit, don't worry! You can still achieve a similar sound with other drum brands. Look for drums made from maple or birch, as these woods tend to have a brighter tone. The sizes of the drums also matter. Travis Barker typically uses shallower snare drums, which give him that crisp, cracking sound. Consider using a snare drum that is 13 or 14 inches in diameter and 5 or 5.5 inches deep. For the toms, he often uses smaller sizes, such as 10-inch and 12-inch rack toms and a 16-inch floor tom. This configuration allows for faster fills and a more articulate sound.
Snare Drum Tuning: Getting the snare drum sound right is crucial for replicating Travis Barker's style. As mentioned before, he tunes his snare relatively high. Start by tightening the resonant head slightly higher than the batter head. Then, gradually tighten the batter head until you achieve a crisp, cracking sound. You should be able to hear a clear fundamental pitch with a good amount of sustain. Experiment with different tunings to find the sweet spot for your snare drum. Every snare drum is different, so what works for one drum might not work for another.
Cymbals: Travis Barker uses Zildjian cymbals, including A Customs and Avedis series. These cymbals are known for their bright, cutting sound, which is perfect for punk rock and pop-punk music. He often uses a combination of crashes, rides, and hi-hats, including 14-inch A Custom hi-hats, 18-inch and 19-inch A Custom crashes, and a 22-inch A Custom ride. If you don't have Zildjian cymbals, you can still achieve a similar sound with other brands. Look for cymbals that are relatively thin and bright. This will give you a crisp, cutting sound that will cut through the mix.
Drumheads: The type of drumheads you use can also significantly impact your sound. Travis Barker often uses coated drumheads on his snare drum and clear drumheads on his toms. Coated drumheads tend to have a warmer, more controlled sound, while clear drumheads have a brighter, more resonant sound. Experiment with different drumheads to find the combination that works best for your drums and your playing style.

By paying attention to these gear and tuning considerations, you can significantly improve your chances of achieving that iconic Travis Barker sound. Remember, it's not just about having the right gear; it's also about knowing how to use it to get the sound you want.

Techniques for Mastering Travis Barker's Style

Beyond gear and tuning, mastering Travis Barker's drumming style requires developing specific techniques. His playing is characterized by speed, power, precision, and a distinctive flair. Here are some key techniques to focus on:

Single Stroke Rolls: Travis Barker is a master of the single stroke roll. This technique involves alternating strokes between your hands (RLRLRLRL) at a fast and consistent tempo. It's the foundation for many of his fills and fast patterns. Practice your single stroke rolls regularly, focusing on evenness, speed, and control. Use a metronome to help you develop your timing and consistency. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you improve. You can also practice playing single stroke rolls on different surfaces, such as a practice pad or your legs, to develop your muscle memory.
Paradiddles: Paradiddles (RLLR LRLL) are another essential rudiment for drummers looking to emulate Travis Barker's style. They're versatile patterns that can be used in fills, grooves, and solos. Practice your paradiddles in various ways, such as accenting different notes, playing them at different speeds, and incorporating them into your fills. You can also try creating your own variations of the paradiddle by changing the sticking or adding extra notes.
Double Bass Drum Technique: While "Low" doesn't heavily feature double bass, Travis Barker is well-known for his double bass drumming skills. Developing your double bass technique will allow you to play more complex and powerful grooves and fills. There are several different techniques for playing double bass, such as the heel-toe technique and the swivel technique. Experiment with different techniques to find the one that works best for you. Start slowly and gradually increase the speed as you improve. Use a metronome to help you develop your timing and consistency.
Rim Shots: Rim shots are a crucial element of Travis Barker's snare drum sound. They involve hitting the rim and the head of the snare drum simultaneously, producing a loud, cracking sound. Practice your rim shots to get a consistent and powerful sound. You'll need to develop a good technique for hitting the rim and the head at the same time. Experiment with different angles and positions to find what works best for you.
Ghost Notes: Ghost notes are very quiet notes played on the snare drum, often between the backbeats. They add a subtle rhythmic complexity to your playing and are a signature element of Travis Barker's style. Practice incorporating ghost notes into your grooves and fills. Start by playing them very softly and gradually increase the volume until you can hear them clearly. Experiment with different placements of ghost notes to find what sounds best.

By mastering these techniques, you'll be well on your way to capturing the essence of Travis Barker's drumming style. Remember, it takes time and dedication to develop these skills, so be patient with yourself and keep practicing!

Putting It All Together: Creating Your Drum Cover

Alright guys, you've learned about Travis Barker's sound, dissected the drumming in "Low," explored gear and tuning considerations, and practiced essential techniques. Now it's time to put it all together and create your own drum cover! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Listen to the Song: The first step is to listen to "Low" repeatedly and pay close attention to Travis Barker's drumming. Focus on the grooves, fills, dynamics, and overall feel of the song. Try to internalize the drum part and understand how it fits within the context of the music.
Transcribe the Drum Part: Once you have a good understanding of the song, try to transcribe the drum part. This means writing out the drum part on paper or in a drum notation software program. This will help you to visualize the drum part and identify the key elements. If you're not comfortable transcribing by ear, you can find drum transcriptions online.
Practice the Individual Sections: Break the song down into smaller sections and practice each section individually. Focus on getting the grooves and fills right before you try to play the entire song from beginning to end. Use a metronome to help you develop your timing and consistency.
Play Along with the Song: Once you can play the individual sections comfortably, try playing along with the song. This will help you to develop your feel for the song and lock in with the other instruments. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo until you can play along with the original recording.
Record Your Drum Cover: When you feel confident with your playing, it's time to record your drum cover. You can use a variety of recording equipment, from simple microphones and an audio interface to a more elaborate studio setup. Experiment with different microphone placements to find the sound that you like best.
Mix and Master Your Recording: After you've recorded your drum cover, you'll need to mix and master the recording. This involves adjusting the levels of the different tracks, adding effects, and making the overall sound polished and professional. If you're not familiar with mixing and mastering, there are many resources available online and in libraries.
Share Your Drum Cover: Finally, it's time to share your drum cover with the world! You can upload it to YouTube, Vimeo, or other video-sharing platforms. You can also share it on social media and with your friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Creating a drum cover in the style of Travis Barker, especially for a song like "Low," is a challenging but rewarding experience. It requires a deep understanding of his playing style, his gear and tuning preferences, and the essential techniques he uses. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can improve your drumming skills and create a drum cover that captures the energy and excitement of Travis Barker's playing. Remember, practice is key, so keep drumming and never stop learning! Good luck, and have fun!