Breaking Down 5 Iconic Neil Peart Licks

0:00 - Introduction
A lot's happened this past year.

But it's more important than ever to remember our heroes. And Neil Peart's brilliant contributions to the drumming world (and music) inspired generations of drummers to pick up sticks for the first time.

So join us today -- on the 1 year anniversary of Neil's passing -- and revisit five of his most iconic drum licks. Even if you don't have a massive kit like Neil Peart, you can still learn his parts -- you just might need to get creative with where you place the hits.

Ash Pearson takes you through some of his favorite Neil Peart licks and shows you how to play each of them (notation included).

1. 0:31 - "Tom Sawyer"
This is the break in the middle of the song, and it's one of the most epic drum fills of all time. It's fun to air drum, and it's even more fun to play on an actual drum set!

2. 02:45 - "The Spirit Of Radio"
Be prepared for lots of syncopation in this one.

3. 05:29 - Neil Peart Signature Beat
You can find this beat throughout Rush's catalog, from "The Spirit Of Radio" to "La Villa Strangiato". This fun, afro-cuban-inspired lick has become synonymous with Peart and has found its way into many other drummers' repertoire.

4. 08:31 - "By-Tor And The Snow Dog"
There's so much epic tom stuff in this track (from Neil's first record with the band). It mostly consists of single strokes and moving to the toms with the right hand.

5. 12:52 - "Natural Science"
Peart does a lot of variations on this groove section in 7/8.

What are your favorite Rush licks/Neil Peart moments? Let us know in the comments!

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#drums #neilpeart #rush

[DrumeoOfficial]

This video wasn't supposed to have ads but there's a clip from a popular song featured in the video and the publisher automatically monetized it. We were very intentionally trying NOT to monetize a video dedicated to Neil on the anniversary of his passing and are working to clear it up. Thanks for your understanding 🙏
UPDATE: That section has been muted, and you shouldn't be seeing any ads anymore. Thanks again!

[lloydgriffiths]

This guy absolutely nailed this lesson - drum sound is on point too! Cymbals, plays with such conviction, love the love for Neil and the songs!

[alsatia]

That By-tor section has always blown my mind!

[pitpride]

Miss him still. Your did him justice! Thank you!

[groovewithpassiondrumlesso]

Thank-you for paying tribute to “The Professor” Ash. I’ve been listening to and air drumming to Rush since 1977. R.I.P. Neil. The Drumming World misses you.

[diegopeart]

Very nice lesson. As a Rush tribute drummer, I have to constantly go over these points and this helps a lot. Long live Rush! R.I.P. Neil!

[Tooncesthecatwhodrives]

After watching this video, i realized how genius Neil really was. His drum fills absolutely kicked ass and this guy totally kept up, great job to both drummers, R.I.P neil.

[stopjockin]

Fark BRO!

Top Notch lesson!

Way to break down all Neil's fills!

I wish I grew up now instead of in the 70's and 80's, as we had absolutely NO teaching methods to learn new songs and the fills that are in those songs. We had to literally spend hours listening to records or tapes, slowing them down and trying to decipher the fills on our own!

Although I have not played since I was 18 years old, I still miss playing to this day, now 54 years old.

You rock brother!

007

[raitoxote]

I LOVED this video. You can tell his love for Rush and Neil by the look on his face. Really inspiring and educational video.

[ShellacScrubber]

One of my favourite Neil moments is the variations in the 13/8 section in Jacobs ladder.
You have ridiculously good sounding toms, by the way !

[zachary]

Seeing it transcribed, I realized that Tom Sawyer fill was even crazier than I though. Amazing. And great playing!!

Edit: this is the greatest thing. RIP The Professor. Thank you so much for sharing! Love the infectious respect for Neil!!

[brodieyake]

The footage of Neil performing "Tom Sawyer" was filmed in Saratoga Springs on July 23, 2010. It was the third and final Rush performance I ever saw, and still holds up as the best show by any band I've ever seen. Neil is a legend among legends.

[Cosmic_Sunrise]

Rush is my all-time favorite band. You do Neil some serious justice. Your drums are SPOT ON for the 70s Rush drum sound. Thank you for everything about this phenomenal video!

[isopropyltoxicity]

That signature beat is in natural science, yyz, spirit of radio, la villa strangiato, red barchetta, and subdivisions just to name a few

[jrsmoots]

Striking those toms like the Professor did. Beautiful!

[xYAuronYx]

It shows through Neil Peart's riffs the fun time he had while creating them. I feel like they almost have a "child-like" flair to them, AND are technically advanced at the same time.
Amazing stuff, thanks Ash and Drumeo for the lesson!

[zacharineemi]

RIP Neil, you're my drum hero when I was on my high school years til today. Hope you still rocking on with good guys out there. Love you so much, Sir Neil, and Thank you for sharing his legendary licks, Drumeo.

[Highcastle_of_Tone]

Fantastic job and a great tribute to The Professor.

[cvn]

Can't believe it has been a year. Amazing everything that 2020 took away from us. Thank you for this video. Started taking lessons three years ago at 49. Never had the time or money and Neil was a big reason why I always wanted to give it a try.

[HeavyMetalJimbo]

So many great songs and drum parts from this man, I hope there will be more lessons like this. Thank you Neil Peart for all of your drumming contributions! Rest In Power!