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How To Play The Tom Sawyer Drum Beat

Mike Michalkow  /  UPDATED Aug 22, 2022

***Click here for the sheet music!***

In today’s lesson I want to show you Neil Peart’s world-famous groove from the song “Tom Sawyer” by Rush! This is a drum beat that I often get asked a lot about, and that I LOVE to play. And I think you’ll enjoy playing it too!

There’s a lot to focus on. It’s a challenging song with tons of dynamics and intricacies, so be patient. Start simple, stick with it, and you’ll have it down soon enough!


Mike Michalkow has been teaching drums and percussion for more than 20 years, having studied under master drummers Dom Famularo, Jim Chapin, Chuck Silverman, Thomas Lang, John “JR” Robinson, Peter Magadini, and Virgil Donati. He has a wealth of experience to draw from, having played in various original and cover bands, working on a popular cruise line as the orchestra drummer, and recording with songwriters and bands with styles ranging from prog-rock, Latin, jazz, blues, pop, folk, and celtic to country, metal, and R&B. Mike’s comprehensive teaching methods have helped thousands of drummers around the world reach their goals through his best-selling training packs including The Drumming System, Jazz Drumming System, Latin Drumming System, Moeller Method Secrets, and Total Rock Drummer.

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