Lecture Notes on Dennis Chambers' Approach to Learning a Song

Introduction

• Speaker: Dennis Chambers
• Topic: Learning process when hearing a song for the first time
• Featured Song: "Schism" by Tool

Initial Thoughts

• Challenges with this type of analysis
• Reflection on personal music style preferences
• Nostalgic connection to the song from younger days

Listening Process

1. Initial Listening

   • First listen to understand the song's style
   • Identify the time signature

2. Time Signature Analysis

   • Song drifts in and out of varying time signatures:
     • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
     • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
   • Bridge shifts to:
     • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
     • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 4, 6

3. Bass Line Consideration

   • Noted difficulty in hearing the bass clearly
   • Importance of understanding bass to play the song accurately

Performance Insights

• Dennis Chambers' performance is a unique interpretation of "Schism"
• Emphasis on the funky sound in drumming
• Encouragement to explore his funk drumming course on Drumeo for deeper insights

Performance Highlights

• Notable lyrics from the song:
  • "We send to love our souls and emotions"
  • "Crippled in our communication"
  • "No fault to blame"
• Acknowledgement of challenges and improvisation in the performance
  • Played intuitively due to absence of isolated tracks

Resources for Learning "Schism"

• Full note-for-note transcription available on Drumeo
• Interactive player for looping and slowing down parts
• Opportunity for a 7-day free trial of Drumeo to learn the song

Conclusion

• Encouragement to engage with the music and learn through available resources
• Reflection on the uniqueness of Dennis Chambers performing a Tool song