If you’re a drummer or a fan interested in recreating the iconic sound of Deftones’ “Be Quiet and Drive Far Away,” this guide is for you. We’ll explore the essential drum parts, techniques, gear choices, and tips to help you nail the feel and atmosphere of this atmospheric alternative metal track. Whether you’re a beginner aiming to learn the song or an experienced drummer seeking insight into its nuances, this listicle provides concrete details to elevate your performance.
1. Understanding the Song’s Drum Style and Feel
Deftones’ “Be Quiet and Drive Far Away” features a drumming style characterized by its spacious, atmospheric approach combined with subtle but impactful fills. The drummer, Abe Cunningham, employs a mix of soft hi-hat work, sparse snare hits, and deliberate cymbal washes to create a haunting, immersive mood. Recognizing this dynamic helps drummers replicate the song’s emotional depth rather than just the notes, emphasizing restraint over flashiness.
2. Recreating the Intro and Verse Groove
The intro and verse sections rely on a laid-back, almost hypnotic groove centered around a steady ride cymbal pattern with minimal kick drum activity. Abe Cunningham uses a soft touch on the snare, often opting for rim clicks or ghost notes to add texture without overpowering the atmosphere. Paying attention to the subtle dynamics and timing ensures your rhythm captures the song’s somber and reflective tone.
3. Mastering the Use of Cymbals for Atmosphere
One of the most distinctive features of the track is its use of cymbals to build an ambient soundscape. Cunningham employs large crash and ride cymbals with gentle, sustained hits, often blending them with reverb-heavy effects. To replicate this, choose cymbals with a darker tone and experiment with playing close to the edge for a wash of sound, adding effects like plate reverb to mimic the song’s spacious feel.
4. Playing the Chorus with Power and Restraint
During the chorus, the drumming becomes slightly more pronounced but still maintains restraint. The kick drum emphasizes a steady pulse, while the snare remains soft, with occasional fills that are simple yet effective. Incorporate ghost notes on the snare and use dynamic control to transition smoothly from the verse to chorus, preserving the song’s emotional intensity without overwhelming the mix.
5. Incorporating Dynamics and Silence
The song’s impact heavily relies on dynamic shifts and moments of silence. Cunningham effectively uses pauses and softer passages to create tension. As a drummer, focus on controlling your volume and timing to emphasize these moments, making the loud parts feel more powerful and the quiet parts more haunting. This contrast is key to conveying the song’s mood.
6. Techniques for Achieving the Song’s Drum Tone
To get as close as possible to the recording, consider your drum tuning and mic placement. Cunningham’s drums have a deep, resonant tone with a slightly muffled quality, achieved through tuning and damping. Use pillow damping inside the bass drum and muffling gels on the snare. Additionally, recording with close mics on the drums and ambient mics capturing cymbals will help you replicate the layered sound.
7. Choosing the Right Drums and Cymbals
While Cunningham played Yamaha drums, you can approximate the sound with similar gear. Opt for a deep bass drum (22-24”), a 12” rack tom, a 16” floor tom, and a 14” snare with a darker, warm tone. For cymbals, select a dark ride (like a Zildjian K Custom or Meinl Byzance) and large crash cymbals with a mellow decay. The goal is to create a rich, atmospheric palette that supports the song’s mood.
8. Practicing the Song’s Dynamics and Timing
Precise timing and dynamic control are vital. Practice with a metronome set to a slow tempo (around 70 BPM) and focus on maintaining the subtle dynamics that define the track. Slow practice allows you to internalize the groove and develop the control needed to play softly yet rhythmically compellingly. Gradually increase the tempo once comfortable to match the song’s feel.
9. Using Effects and Processing to Enhance Your Drums
Recording or performing live, consider using reverb, delay, or subtle compression to emulate the song’s spacious quality. Applying a plate reverb to the snare and cymbals can add depth, while a gentle compressor on the overall drum mix can help maintain a balanced sound. Experiment with EQ to boost low-end resonance and tame harsh frequencies for authenticity.
10. Tips for Live Performance and Cover Versions
When performing live, focus on capturing the song’s mood through dynamics rather than exact note-for-note replication. Use a light touch on cymbals and avoid overplaying. For covers, consider programming a simple drum machine or pad to help maintain the subtle nuances, especially if your kit isn’t acoustically capable of producing the same atmospheric sounds as the original recording.
How to Choose
Choosing the right equipment and techniques depends on your goals—whether you want authenticity, a similar mood, or a personal interpretation. Prioritize drum tuning, cymbal selection, and dynamics control over gear specs. Listening closely to the original track and practicing the subtle nuances will guide you in making choices that best match the song’s atmospheric style.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What key drumming techniques are essential for this song? Focus on ghost notes, dynamic control, and subtle cymbal work to replicate the atmospheric feel.
- Can I use electronic drums to cover this song? Yes, but opt for pads with expressive velocity sensitivity and effects to emulate cymbals and reverb for authenticity.
- What tempo should I practice at? Start around 70 BPM, matching the original, and adjust as needed for comfort and feel.
- How important are cymbals in achieving the song’s mood? Extremely important; they create the ambient soundscape that defines the track’s atmosphere.
- Should I focus more on the technical accuracy or emotional expression? Both are vital. Emphasize emotional expression through dynamics and subtlety, supported by technical precision.
- Are there any specific Yamaha drums Cunningham used that I should look for? He primarily used Yamaha Recording Custom drums, known for their deep, warm tone and durability, ideal for this style.
Final Thoughts
Recreating the drums of “Be Quiet and Drive Far Away” by Deftones is less about technical complexity and more about capturing the mood through subtlety, dynamics, and atmosphere. Focus on controlled playing, thoughtful cymbal use, and proper tuning to bring out the song’s haunting quality. With patience and attention to detail, you can perform a drum part that honors the original while adding your personal touch, making the song come alive on your kit.
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