Danny Carey Pneuma Polymeter | Study The Greats

In this episode of Study The Greats, we'll be analyzing Danny Carey's polymetric breakdown from his live performance of the song "Pneuma" by Tool.

#abbdrums #dannycarey #pneuma

[rookiemonster_m]

So in summary, he is playing 4 different rhythm patterns, one with each of his limb. That is just absolutely mind blowing.

[kevkeisha]

What is not explained in this video, is that Danny's mathematical patterns are actually conjuring rain deities for Maynard's vineyard. The tightening of the pattern signifies their arrival!

[MrFabritzzio]

This kind of content could save humanity

[FaqUrNwoBS]

you drummers are insane. how you can separate all your limbs I'll never understand. major props

[veryforeign]

I have basically no clue about drumming apart from a layman's appreciation, so this was all Greek to me. But watching it made me realise more profoundly what sorcery Danny is doing on this track. So, thank you for that! You were amazing.

[Tognar]

DYNAMICS are one of Danny Carey's least discussed Jedi powers.

[dallasfreeman]

My main take away from watching Danny play is that some people are better at their jobs than others and there’s just not anything anyone else can do about it

[UnspecifiedHandle]

Not a drummer, but I did notice Danny Carey also varies how hard he's hitting at certain times in addition to the polymeter. It just adds another layer to what I can't comprehend. I was so happy when this cam footage came out. It just shows me what a living legend he truly is.

[JesterNR]

Best comment I've heard on the subject of this song, and specifically the middle section here:

"So on the little "solo" around the middle of the song the math gets insanely complex.
His right hand is playing the triplets on FIVE different drums, his left is playing quadruplets, his hihat is going in 3s and 4s and his kick drum is keeping the overall beat of the song. (I think)
On top of this, he is also counting the bars, and taking away some of the toms on both (but mostly his right) hands while playing up to the crescendo towards the end of the section, so in his head he is keeping count of 4 different rhythms plus one count. FIVE DIFFERENT COUNTS!


He could play a fifth rhythm, but he'd need to be naked."

[ShawnaleahSunshine]

I am a brand new drummer. I am literally still learning the language and how to hold my sticks. Tool is the reason I decided to finally learn. There's an push inside that I can't ignore so here we are. This breakdown was really great and you are really easy to listen to.

[chrisnichter]

And in the midst of all that drumming Danny is doing. He changes how hard he hits" accents " "dynamics " drums throughout these rhythms to Create another rhythm. It's insane and I doubt it can be duplicated by anyone.

[efethebadman]

I don’t drum, just wanted to comment that this was a really well put together video, the host is brilliant.

[nickpovy]

i'm very familiar with this polymeter but the idea of gradually subtracting the amount of drums in the orchestration is not something I would have thought of, very cool.

[JonSudano]

This man is gorgeous. I'm not gay but damn, I know a beautiful man when I see one.

[stephanstanzione]

really happy this wasn't an April Fools video lol

[wukong]

3:13 is drenched in Motherland. The Marriage of African, Indian, and middle Eastern percussions made up a bulk of Danny's work and fits amazing with the rest of the band.

[Tzeeensh]

"It's harder than it seems"
Bruh, I didn't even noticed the measures pattern was changing to begin with.

[brianetheredge]

Outstanding analysis. Most of us hear those polyrhythms and go, "OMG, Danny is a god and I'll never get there, " but you took it apart and provided a path forward. You even developed an overarching observation on Danny's playing and demystified it a little...even the greatest are all just human, ya know.

Excellent, skilled pedagogy...upvote and thanks!

[juanfrancisco]

Hey, Austin. I hardly ever comment on YouTube but I really wanted to thank you for this video, man. I'm a big fan of Danny and you've done a great job, as usual. Keep it up! Greetings from Argentina.

[terraflops]

This video made me understand how awesome Dany Carey is, I watched other reaction videos but this is by far the best as it shows just how hard and complicated the drumming is. TOOL is the best band on earth.