How to Play La Bamba on the Drums
Learn how to play this classic Rock and Roll drum beat
This Is The La Bamba Drum Lesson
Here we will learn how to play La Bamba on the drums.
We are looking at the Ritchie Valens version from 1958. Originally this was a Mexican folk song but Ritchie brought it to the masses in the midst of the rock and roll era.
His heritage was Mexican and he wasn’t sure initially about fusing this traditional song with the new rock style. But of course he did it and it was a huge success.
The rock rhythm was provided by Earl palmer who was pivotal in the evolution and emergence of what is known as the rock drum beat.
However, in La bamba he is using an interesting Latin infused ride bell pattern.
It is this element that makes the La Bamba drum beat deceptively tricky to learn.
On these old recordings it is not always easy to distinguish exactly what the bass drum is playing. Therefore one option is outlined in this drum lesson but you are also advised to simplify it if necessary.
We will break each component down slowly so you can build this up no matter what level of drumming you are at.
And once you’ve got it down you will be glad you put the work in because it’s a really fun beat to play.
Watch the video below and then scroll down to grab the free sheet music so you can learn how to play La Bamba on the drums.
Click to access the sheet music
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