Master the Drum Grooves of Harry Styles' Sunflower with Derek Sattazahn

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Getting Started with the Song
3. Breakdown of the Groove Orientation
   • 3.1. Half-Time Feel
   • 3.2. Variation in the Groove
4. Fills in the Song
   • 4.1. Tom Fill
   • 4.2. Snare Fill
   • 4.3. Quarter Note Triplet Fill
5. Samba-Latin Type Groove
6. Breakdown of the Song Structure
7. Additional Tips and Techniques
8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
9. Conclusion
10. Resources

How to Play "Sunflower" by Harry Styles: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

The tutorial video you've been waiting for is finally here! In this tutorial, I'll guide you through every step of playing "Sunflower" by Harry Styles on the drums. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced drummer, you'll find this tutorial helpful in mastering the song.

1. Introduction

Before we dive into the details, let me introduce myself. I'm Derek, and I've received numerous requests to cover "Sunflower" by Harry Styles. Although I haven't uploaded a cover of this song on my page, I learned it specifically for the person who requested it. So, without further ado, let's get started!

2. Getting Started with the Song

To begin, let's break down the song into two main parts that are crucial for its groove orientation. "Sunflower" has a fairly simple and straightforward groove, with minimal fills. So, let's start from the top and take it step by step.

3. Breakdown of the Groove Orientation

The groove orientation throughout the song is a half-time feel. During normal time, you'll play the hi-hat, but the kick and snare land on beats one and three, giving it that half-time vibe. Here's how it sounds:

(music notation)

Let's slow it down to help you grasp the rhythm:

(music notation - slowed down)

As you can see, it follows the pattern of one, three, one, and three. Practice it slowly until you feel comfortable with the groove.

3.1. Half-Time Feel

One important aspect of the groove is maintaining the half-time feel. Focus on emphasizing the kick and snare on beats one and three while keeping the hi-hat playing in normal time. This creates the unique groove of "Sunflower."

3.2. Variation in the Groove

Throughout the song, there are slight variations in the groove. While the main pattern remains the same, Harry Styles occasionally adds fills to add flavor to the song. Let's take a look at these fills in the next section.

4. Fills in the Song

Fills are an essential part of any drum performance, and "Sunflower" has a few notable ones. Let's break them down one by one.

4.1. Tom Fill

In the beginning, there's a fill that utilizes sixteenth notes and involves the toms. It sounds like this:

(music notation)

4.2. Snare Fill

Harry Styles also incorporates the snare drum into one of the fills. The pattern remains the same as the previous fill, but this time, focus on the snare instead of the toms. It will sound like this:

(music notation)

4.3. Quarter Note Triplet Fill

Another fill that adds a unique flair to the song is the quarter note triplet fill. This fill is played around the toms and gives a Latin-inspired vibe. The pattern is as follows:

(music notation)

To get the hang of this fill, begin by playing it on the snare drum. Once you've mastered the timing, move it around the kit.

Now that we've covered the fills, let's move on to the Samba-Latin type groove that follows.

5. Samba-Latin Type Groove

After the fills, there's a transition into a Samba-Latin type groove. The pattern is fairly straightforward and goes like this:

(music notation)

Practice this groove until you feel comfortable with the Latin rhythm. It is crucial for capturing the essence of the song.

6. Breakdown of the Song Structure

Now that you've learned the main grooves and fills, let's analyze the overall song structure. Pay attention to the parts where beats are briefly cut out and then reintroduced. These nuances add texture to the song. Apart from that, the main grooves and fills we've covered will guide you through the rest of the song.

7. Additional Tips and Techniques

Here are a few additional tips and techniques to enhance your performance of "Sunflower":

• Practice with a metronome to improve your timing.
• Experiment with dynamics to add depth to your playing.
• Pay attention to Harry Styles' interpretation of the song and try to capture his style.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I ensure that my hi-hat and kick/snare hits align for the half-time feel? A: Practice slowly and focus on counting the beats. Once you get comfortable with the pattern, gradually increase the tempo.

Q: Can I incorporate my own fills into the song? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment and add your own fills to make the song your own.

Q: Are there any specific drumming techniques I should know for this song? A: While there are no complex techniques required, it's important to practice playing consistently and maintaining a steady groove.

9. Conclusion

Congratulations! You've learned how to play "Sunflower" by Harry Styles on the drums. With practice and dedication, you'll be able to master the groove, fills, and overall structure of the song. Keep up the great work and remember to have fun while playing!

10. Resources

For additional resources and further drumming tutorials, feel free to visit:

• [Website URL 1]
• [Website URL 2]
• [Website URL 3]
• [Website URL 4]
• [Website URL 5]