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Drumeo has posted a new clip featuring Soundgarden drummer Matt Cameron. This time, the two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer deep dives into his playing on the iconic “Spoonman” — one of the band’s most famous songs and a staple of the grunge era.
Cameron’s snare plays a large role in his rhythmic work on the track, and begins the Drumeo session by swapping in the original Keplinger five-inch snare he used on the original recording. It was the first Keplinger Cameron purchased in 1986.
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“I haven’t played it in years,” he says, immediately giving it a workout during the song’s 7/4 intro section as he begins his full playthrough, which precedes a more in-depth analysis with Drumeo host Brandon Toews.
“I just basically follow all of the guitar parts and accented the spots that I felt were important to bring out rhythmically,” says Cameron of the intro.
The verses also have some odd time signature juggling between 7/4 and 4/4, giving the groove a recognizable shimmy.
“The break is a bar of four, so we do the 7/4 part, plus a bar of four,” Cameron elaborated, “so it sounds a little odd. But that’s how it goes.”
Regarding the chorus, Toews points out that the song “levels out.”
“A typical 4/4 kind of groove where I’m essentially just following the guitar and the bass,” Cameron says.
If he’s pocketed in the chorus, the song’s percussion solo gives him a chance to break out, with Cameron describing it as a “whole different section unto itself.” This is also the portion of the song that features spoon solos from the titular “Spoonman,” the Seattle street performer Artis the Spoonman, who inspired the song.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking to pick up the drums or improve your skills — and even view full lessons from Cameron on other Soundgarden songs — Drumeo is offering a 30-day free trial for new members. Check out the video featuring Cameron breaking down “Spoonman” below.
English (US) · 