Larnell Lewis Hears 'Enter Sandman' For The First Time

Larnell's "I'll Take More Volume" Merch:

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0:00 - Introduction
Remember the first time you heard "Enter Sandman" by Metallica?

Or maybe you've never heard the song at all.

It's one of the most popular metal tracks of all time, but those outside the metal or rock world might not recognize it.

The last time Larnell Lewis came out to Drumeo, we challenged him to write a drum part - on the spot - to a song he'd never heard before (click here to watch) and he blew everyone away.

This time, Larnell wanted to try a style he's not known for playing: metal!

If you want to see a fusion drummer try to play one of the most popular metal songs of all time, don't miss this video (you can skip to 9.33 if you just want to watch Larnell play).

01:08 - Active listening
When learning a song, he practices active listening, which includes looking for these things:

Song form: How many measures are in each section?
Tone: How does the song feel? Is it aggressive or calm?
Specifics: Any shots you should look out for?

Larnell takes an analytical approach and breaks down all the details, noticing patterns and themes and how the different instruments play off each other. Because of this, he can already hum the chorus' melody and drum part after only hearing the song once, and remembers most of the structure as well.

09:33 - Performance
While he's known for his great drumming skills, he also has excellent listening skills and a strong memory. Larnell knows what to prioritize when learning, so he's able to learn quickly. You can learn how to do it too!

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[TheBrothersMurph]

Larnell: "That half time will get ya"
Me, not a musician, never played drums in my life: "He's right that half time will get ya, people don't realize that."

[atomknight]

"I'll take more volume" is the correct thing to say when listening to Metallica. He really is a natural

[sbcguitarist]

I wish that Drumeo had Larnell do this song with their current format, with him listening to a drumless part and coming up with it himself.

[razerbladerobertson]

I dont speak Drum but the ability for this man to make me appreciate the intricacies of a song Ive heard a million times but never understood at this level baffle me. Kudos monsieur.

[godstriker]

Larnell, 9 hours into listening through Metallica's discography: "Still open hi-hats, okay."

[Jo-idzm]

He claims he’s not metal but then goes right ahead and says: “I’ll take more volume”. That’s a pretty metal way to say a pretty metal thing.

[psfilmsbob]

Can we get Larnell back for the drumless track version like the later videos? I need to see him just make up something and still somehow nail it precisely.

[vleisge]

That's the most chill version of metal drumming ever. He's unbelievably talented.

[Max]

First thought: why is this on my feed?
Second thought: who hasnt heard enter sandman?
Third thought: 17 minutes well spent

[rickroll]

Fascinating to hear Sandman broken down by a musician while in the ‘listening’ phase....I’ve been ‘listening’ for 50 years, and I’m still just in the ‘that’s cool’ level of critical analysis.

[taylormcc]

"Let me know in the comments how I'm doing"

Dude, I've been listening to this song for like 30 years and I'm still not 100% on the lyrics and you want me to let you know how you're doing? You're doing great, Larnell. Just fabulous.

[marcelomoreira]

I'm 49 and I've never heard of someone who has not heard that song before. Being able to play it after listening to it ONCE is no short of MAGIC - what a GIGANTIC talent! Larnell is a legend!

[Me-wkdz]

Important to understand, his ability to do this isn't just "Talent". It's the result of A LOT of training, education, and experience. He has knowledge about song structures and tendencies via music theory that most people don't, and is able to use that knowledge to understand a song much faster than an untrained person could.

[nathanfairbairn]

Damn, this is one intensely likeable dude (and an obviously world class musician).

[leo_bingham]

Hearing him remark about so many hits being on the upbeat I’m reminded of how Flemming Rasmussen asked Lars Ulrich why he always started on an upbeat and Lars’ response was “What the fuck is an upbeat?”

[mads.]

Being a drummer and seeing all these comments of non drummers loving this channel makes me so damn happy ❤

[LaughtersHouse]

He analyzed that like I plan out my trips around buffet tables.

[wurzella]

It's like he's not learning a particular song, he's completely dissecting Lars' drumming style in his head in a few minutes and ends up just knowing what will come next in the tune. Amazing.

[danieldiaz]

My favorite part of these videos are how all these world-class drummers are always so nervous and think they’re bombing/disrespecting the original song, and then they just nail it with a little of their own flavor every time. So much talent and experience, so fun to watch. Love these

[cienciadedados]

I don’t play drums, I don’t listen to Metallica, I don’t understand most of what he’s saying, yet, that’s probably the third time I’m watching. Dude is so talented and charismatic.