Who You Say I Am: Epic Hillsong Worship Drum Cover

Hey drum enthusiasts! Ever felt that powerful surge of emotion when listening to Hillsong Worship's “Who You Say I Am”? Well, I've got something special for you! This article breaks down an epic drum cover, packed with tips, insights, and a step-by-step guide to help you nail this incredible song. Get ready to dive deep into the world of worship drumming, explore the nuances of the track, and learn how to bring your own musicality to this beloved Hillsong anthem. Let’s get started and make some noise!

Decoding the Drumming Essentials: “Who You Say I Am”

Alright, guys, let's break down the core elements of the drumming in “Who You Say I Am.” The song is known for its uplifting and heartfelt nature, and the drums play a crucial role in creating this atmosphere. The drum parts are not overly complex, but they're incredibly effective in driving the song forward and supporting the vocals and melody. The groove typically centers around a solid backbeat on the snare drum (beats 2 and 4), keeping a steady pulse with the kick drum, and using the ride cymbal to create a sense of movement. Consider this a modern worship song that brings both energy and a sense of serenity. Understanding the drum parts allows you to enhance the feel of your musical playing and gives you the tools needed to play along. The drum parts emphasize the song’s rhythm and dynamics, and the energy builds throughout the track. Throughout the song, the drummer may include various fills. These fills often build towards the chorus, increasing the song’s anticipation. The drummer may also make use of crescendos and decrescendos, adjusting the dynamics to match the intensity of the vocals and music. The best approach is to listen to the original track to internalize the drum beats, the rhythm, and the overall feel of the song. Take note of the accents, the dynamics, and the variations throughout the song to start. The main goal here is to learn and to have fun. Remember to play to the song’s feel. Use your creativity to make it your own!

The Groove: Foundation of the Song

At the heart of any great drum cover is the groove. In “Who You Say I Am,” the groove provides a steady foundation that supports the song's message. Generally, the groove involves a straightforward backbeat on the snare drum, often accented by a kick drum on beats 1 and 3, and a ride cymbal maintaining a consistent pattern. This solid groove creates a sense of momentum and allows the other instruments and vocals to shine. It's all about establishing a rhythmic bedrock that’s both engaging and easy to follow. Practicing the groove slowly at first is always a good starting point. This helps you build muscle memory and ensure that your timing is perfect. Remember, the groove is the backbone of the song, so getting it right is essential. Once you've mastered the basic groove, you can start to incorporate variations and fills to add more flavor and your own signature feel.

Dynamics: Adding Depth and Emotion

Dynamics are crucial in worship drumming because they allow you to express the song's emotional depth. In “Who You Say I Am,” there are moments of quiet reflection and powerful declarations. The drummer needs to be able to respond to these changes by adjusting their volume and intensity. Using softer strokes on the snare and cymbals during the verses creates a sense of intimacy, while playing with more force in the chorus will give you a sense of celebration. It's about building and releasing tension to create a moving experience. Experiment with your dynamics, and try different levels of intensity. Using these tools to play along will take you to another level!

Fills: Adding Flavor and Excitement

Fills are short rhythmic phrases that the drummer plays to transition between sections of a song. In “Who You Say I Am,” fills are used to add excitement and to build up anticipation. Some common fill patterns may include eighth-note fills using the snare, tom-toms, and kick drum, or fills with a syncopated feel. The goal here is to make the song more engaging. When learning the song, pay attention to the fills the original drummer uses, and then try to incorporate these into your playing. You can also experiment with your fills to find what works best for you and the song.

Gear Up: The Drum Setup for This Cover

To effectively cover “Who You Say I Am,” you don't need the most expensive drum set. However, a good setup will help you capture the song's energy. Here’s a basic setup that you can tailor to your needs:

• Drums: A standard five-piece drum set (kick, snare, rack toms, floor tom) is perfect. A good snare drum is especially important for the backbeat. If you have an electric drum set, that is perfect as well!
• Cymbals: You’ll need a set of hi-hats, a ride cymbal, and at least one crash cymbal. These cymbals are important because they play a key role in setting the song’s feel.
• Drumsticks: Choose sticks that feel comfortable in your hands and fit the style of music you’re playing. If you’re just starting out, there are tons of options! You want to choose the right tools for your drumming style.
• Other Essentials: A drum throne, a metronome, and some practice space are also necessary. If you have access to a music space, use it to your advantage. Try to practice in a soundproof space!

Step-by-Step Drumming Guide: Covering the Song

Now, let's dive into how to cover “Who You Say I Am,” step by step. I will break down each section of the song so that you can follow along, and I will highlight tips to help you succeed!

Verse 1: Building the Foundation

Start the song with a simple yet solid groove. Usually, this involves a consistent beat on the hi-hats or ride cymbal. The kick drum is steady and the snare drum adds emphasis on beats 2 and 4. Keep the dynamics soft and controlled to match the song's mood.

Chorus: Unleashing the Energy

This is where you bring the energy! Increase the volume and intensity of your playing. The snare drum becomes more prominent, and your kick drum will drive the rhythm. Use your crash cymbals on the first beat of the chorus to mark its arrival. This is one of the most exciting parts of the song, so don’t hesitate to bring your energy.

Verse 2: Adding Variations

In the second verse, you can add slight variations to the groove to keep things interesting. Experiment with different ride cymbal patterns or add a few ghost notes on your snare drum. Remember to maintain the song’s overall feel, while adding your flavor. This can also include building up to the chorus!

Bridge: Dynamics and Fills

The bridge is where you can be most creative. Often, this is the part of the song where the lyrics change and the music moves on. Here, you may introduce a few fills. Try using a tom-tom fill to build up the anticipation for the chorus. Play with dynamics, transitioning from softer to louder as the bridge progresses. Experiment with different drum patterns. Make sure that your drumming enhances the impact of the bridge!

Chorus (Again!): Revitalizing the Chorus

Bring back the full energy of the chorus, but you can also add a few more fills. This can also include your energy and your expression. Let it all out! Make sure the song has the same effect on you as it has on the audience!

Outro: Bringing it Home

As the song comes to an end, slowly decrease your dynamics, and try to incorporate some fills. You can end with a powerful crash on a cymbal. That brings the energy of the song to an end. Make sure it sounds natural and smooth!

Practice Tips: Mastering the Cover

Practice is the key to mastering any drum cover. Here are some effective practice tips that will help you learn to play “Who You Say I Am”:

• Listen to the Song: Listen repeatedly, focusing on the drum parts. This will help you internalize the rhythms and feel of the song.
• Slow Down the Tempo: Use a metronome to practice at a slower tempo. This will allow you to focus on the accuracy of your playing and build up your speed gradually.
• Break It Down: Divide the song into sections (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.) and practice each part separately before putting it all together.
• Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the song. This will give you the chance to listen back and identify any areas that need improvement.
• Use Tutorials: Watch drum tutorials and drum-along videos. These can provide you with a visual guide and help you learn the song more effectively.
• Stay Consistent: Practice regularly, even if it’s only for a short time each day. Consistency is key!

Conclusion: Your Journey Begins Now!

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to covering Hillsong Worship’s “Who You Say I Am” on drums. You now have the tools and insights you need to get started. It's time to grab your sticks, fire up your kit, and start playing! Remember to enjoy the process, and most of all, have fun. If you like what you have read, make sure you share it with your friends and family. Happy drumming!