Unleash Your Inner Peter Criss: A Totally Unqualified Guide to Rocking Out "Detroit Rock City" on Drums
Ever feel the urge to channel your inner rock god and blast out Kiss's anthem, "Detroit Rock City"? Yeah, us too. But the path to shredding drums like Peter Criss himself can seem a little daunting. Fear not, fellow air drummers (and hopefully, actual drummers too!), because this totally unqualified guide is here to turn you into a KISS army of one.
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| How To Play Detroit Rock City On Drums |
Gear Up, But Maybe Not Like Gene Simmons
First things first, you'll need some essential supplies. Now, you don't need to go full-on fire-breathing demon for this (although, points for commitment). Here's the basic kit:
- A drum set: Shocking, we know. But hey, gotta start somewhere! Electric kits work too, especially if you live in an apartment and don't want to anger your neighbors (too much).
- Drumsticks: Preferably two, unless you're feeling particularly ambidextrous. Chopsticks in a pinch? Sure, why not! Just remember, splinters aren't rock and roll.
- The song: Duh. Blast "Detroit Rock City" on repeat until you can practically hear it in your sleep (which might happen anyway).
Pro tip: Wear comfy clothes. You'll be flailing those limbs like a possessed windmill, and trust us, sweat happens.
Tip: Absorb, don’t just glance.
The Beatdown: It's All About the Feel (and a Little Math)
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. The main beat in "Detroit Rock City" is all about that steady hi-hat pulse on the eighth notes. Think of it like a heartbeat – relentless and driving. Here's a simplified breakdown:
Hi-hat: Play a closed hi-hat on every eighth note (think "chick, chick, chick, chick"). This is your foundation.
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Bass drum: Keep it simple with a bass drum on beats one and three. Solid but not boring!
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Snare drum: This is where things get spicy. We'll throw in some snare hits on beats two and four to add some punch. Bonus points: Peter Criss likes to add ghost notes (super light snare hits) in between for that signature swing.
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Remember: This is a basic framework. Listen to the song closely and try to mimic the fills and variations Criss throws in. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your own groove!
Beyond the Basics: Conquering those Tricky Parts
Alright, so you've got the main beat down. But what about those fancy fills and tricky triplet sections? Here's where things get interesting (and maybe a little frustrating).
QuickTip: Ask yourself what the author is trying to say.
- Slow is Smooth: Don't try to be a hero. Start slow, really slow, and focus on getting each limb moving independently. Speed will come with practice.
- Practice Makes Progress (Eventually): Isolating specific sections and working on them individually can be a huge help. Master the fills before trying to tackle the whole song.
- Find a Buddy (or Trusty Pillow): Having a friend jam along with you on guitar or bass can be super motivating, But hey, if you're flying solo, a pillow makes a surprisingly good (and quiet) drum substitute.
Remember: It's all about having fun! Embrace your inner rockstar, crank up the volume, and let loose. Even if you sound more like a toddler having a tantrum at first, keep practicing. Before you know it, you'll be rocking out "Detroit Rock City" like a seasoned pro (or at least a convincing air drummer).
How-To FAQ for the Aspiring Peter Criss:
- How to hold the drumsticks? There are two main grips (matched and traditional). Experiment and see what feels most comfortable.
- How to play ghost notes? These are super light snare hits played very close to the rim. Focus on a light touch and keeping the sound quiet compared to your regular snare hits.
- How to play triplets? Triplets are three notes played evenly within a single beat. Think of it as squeezing three eighth notes into the space of one.
- How to learn fills? Slow down the song and break the fill down note by note. Practice each part individually until you can play it smoothly, then gradually increase the speed.
- How to not annoy my neighbors? Practice pads are your friend! These are quieter alternatives to a full drum set that allow you to
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