Play 'Californication' On The Drums | 5 Levels

It might sound outrageous, but no song is too difficult for a beginner drummer to play.

Everything can be simplified – even your favorite tricky tunes.

Whether you’re a new drummer or a pro, you can get through any song if you break it down.

Let’s look at one of the most popular rock songs of the 90s: “Californication” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

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Chapters:

0:00 - Intro
0:47 - Level 1 - Beginner
1:44 - Level 2 - Weekend Warrior
3:27 - Level 3 - The Student
4:29 - Level 4 - Cover Band Drummer
5:51 - Level 5 - Chad Smith
7:55 - Outro
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[MdhLV]

LEVEL 6. Bounce your left foot on the hi-hat pedal with ball of your foot staying on the pedal to slightly open them on 8th notes. Gives it the washy sound. It's something Chad does on alot of RHCP songs like Scar tissue etc.

[melodyh]

Please make more of these videos for us beginners who love bands like RHCP but could never dream of playing their songs! A super simplified version is a fun way for us to practice the basics while grooving along to our favorite songs. thanks!

[drumfanatik]

This is the song I’ve always used to teach my students groove, ghost notes, and drags. Great tune!

[denisanavratilova]

I love these 5 level videos. Thank you!

[Annies_Ink]

I did the 2nd 30 Day drummer and it was amazing! I highly recommend!! Can’t wait until the next one. Domino is an excellent teacher, as you can see! ❤

[withthegroove]

Chad removes the ghost notes in the 3rd and 4th measure of the groove and plays a very driving but nuanced 1 and 3 bass, 2 and 4 snare, building tension, then lets it ease out with the ghost notes returning when the phrase repeats. “If you want these kind of dreams it’s Californication….” builds because of the lack of ghost notes. It’s a subtle nuance but very important to the song.

[stephenbird]

Love this song! Our band just started covering it and it's so much fun to play. Great explanation on the video. Well done making it accessible for everyone!

[serhatt]

This is amazing! I think most drummers start playing drums because of they want to play their favorite song. Drumeo has contents how to break down songs but they must continue doing content like these more as well! Thank you

[Quake]

5:57 - 6:08 I just cant figure out that part, even with Domino's wonderful tips

[KeepCalmAndTravelOn]

Level zero here, never held a drumstick in my life. Still enjoyed the video!

[balinisteanugabriel]

Thank you for these guidelines, I already started by learning drums in the pandemic, but your style also comes with an important improvement. I will continue with your course because things will get bigger and better for my style. Thank you Domino! 🥁👌

[willmcdade]

Just saw them in Melbourne first time seeing them and first proper concert I have ever gone too it was a great experience. Californication has one of my favourite drums tracks on it

[dp_steelandleather]

I love how she moves when she grooves. Great drummer! 🫶

[cmonte]

Such a crazy song on drums, but the explanation in levels is great!

[TJDrumsRHCP]

It's great to see Drumeo paying attention to Chad Smith and his work for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, be it mostly for entry or level drummers. If level 5 is supposed to be equal to the execution of the drums on the record, it's missing a bit of the groove. As others have pointed out, Chad bounces his left foot on the hi-hat to subtily add variance to the sounds of the hi-hat. (Matter of fact, he applies the same technique to the kickdrum sometimes, as you can clearly hear in the drums-only recording of Snow.) He also slowly increases and decreases the tension on the hi-hat in structered ways, for instance to mark every 4 bars, or only right before going into a fill before going into a chorus for example. He also adjusts the dynamics on the hi-hat with his right hand, and especially on Californication he emphasises the quarter notes noticeably less than demonstrated in this video. However this technique of his is sometimes only subtle, and refined over years of playing. It's something that can maybe be explained in a video or comment, but ultimately can only be learned over a long time of practice. I've been focussing on Chad's drumming for years and dedicated my youtube channel to his time with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

[ytcelso]

Domino is
I can listen to and watch her all day.
Awesome!!!

[hansien]

Been watching a few Drumeo videos lately, and it has inspired me to pick up my sticks again. Been like 13 years. Been a bassist since 2010, and hardly touched a drumkit. According to this video I'm around level 4, maybe a bit lower. Like inbetween 3 and 4, but closer to 4. I'd say that's pretty good after 13 years away from the kit. Can't say I've ever been a level 5 drummer. But nice to see I still got the rhythm in me.

[lancevandongen]

A classic. I’ve been a Drumeo member for several years and drummer for a few more. I’m rockin’ the cover band level; can’t get the HH accents to line up yet. Great video, looking forward to more.

[pjfry]

Love these, thanks for making and posting! I think your levels are spot on. I'm a student and was able to get "student" down but not quite able to get "cover band" yet!

[Ki_]

I did and thank you. Btw i am in level 5. And i can say that even though I've not played drums for years and years now. But DRUMEO you have revived, rejuvenated, encouraged and uplifted my spirit to play drums again. Thank you for giving me hope, I'm truly grateful. And i also hope that one day i am worthy enough to play there in the studio.
Love from India ❣️🙏🏼