Bill Bruford's Iconic Beelzebub Groove | Study The Greats

In this episode of Study The Greats, you will learn how to play 3 different versions of Bill Bruford's iconic 9/8 drum groove from the song, "Beelzebub." Get the transcriptions, check out my playthrough video, and listen to the original recordings from the links below!
Download The Transcriptions
www.abbdrums.com/bill-bruford
My Playthrough Video
• Bill Bruford - "Beelze...
Original Version (1978)
• Beelzebub
Earthworks Version (2002)
• Beelzebub
My Studio Gear
www.amazon.com/shop/abbdrums
Official Merch Store
teespring.com/stores/abbdrums
Follow on Insta @abbdrums
/ abbdrums
Video Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:00 Groove 1 Lesson
02:26 Groove 1 Demo
03:06 Groove 2 Lesson
04:01 Groove 2 Demo
04:41 Groove 3 Lesson
05:09 Groove 3 Demo
05:50 Outro
#abbdrums #billbruford #beelzebub

[@abbdrums]

Hope you guys dig this one! Here's my playthrough video in case you missed it. → kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2nTZ6abaJyWgtU

[@effersidd1412]

Found my "When In Doubt, Roll"...thanks for the inspiration!

[@oliverroque0822]

hi,it s kinda off but can u please breakdown this 4:08 fill in this vid kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX-ynWOdp9R0d8k thanks a lot!

[@rachelraja1032]

hi Austin. thanks for the workout videos. I find them very helpful. Did you ever get a chance to watch the Musicians Institute master class of, I think Beezlebub, he breaks down what he plays. its very interesting, but you know I believe the key to all that beautiful drumming is coordination. simple as that. then learning the difficult polyrythms. thanks for introducing me to another great drummer and for being a great teacher yourself. Well, I'm off to practice on my little Donner pad, tchüss! 👋😎

[@hitrozhop]

Hope you doing well! Please come back.

[@SaintNine]

​@@effersidd1412I've got a signed copy (I took it to a talk he gave at Muswell Hill Library, promoting his newly released autobiography in 2013! Never met anyone who had it before 👍🏻

[@daviddebuhr8995]

Where did you go dude! I always look forward to your Study the Greats!

[@lincolnmmitchell]

So great to see Bill Buford getting some love. He's been a huge influence on me over the years. From his amazing work with YES,/King Crimson and his early adoption electronic drums he is indeed a pioneer!

[@drummerdude9832]

Austin Burcham is one of the top three instructors on the net. It's one thing being a great drummer, and a completely different skill being a great drummer AND instructor. Austin has mastered both -- plus stellar communication skills.

[@TorqueBow]

I am SO HAPPY every time you upload a STG. It’s like a holiday every time lol

[@andyrnunn]

My Heart Declares a Holiday?

[@aakkoin]

I'm so happy everytime you get an STD

[@houdinididiit]

Growing up in the 70s and 80s - Bruford was always and still is one of my favorite drummers. He broke the mold in so many ways. A perfect balance between rock, jazz and uncompromising creativity. There will never be another like him. Thank you for this!

[@paulbrighton3303]

Not joking. I learned this song in 1979 when I was 17. We had to put our finger on the turntable to slow it down. My friend Chris lived in William Shatner’s old house and we used to skip school, smoke, and jam to Yes , Genesis and Rush. We usually had friends there hanging out with us and watching. I learned how to play drums by scrutinizing all of it and being determined to play 3-4 hours a day, even after school. Beelzebub was by far one of the most difficult songs to wrap our 17 year-old brains around. Wish we had this video back then!

[@eddyviolette5292]

That snare sounds freakin fantastic.

[@ER-me1ii]

Bill is the premiere prog golden age drummer. I count myself as being very lucky to have seen him perform live in so many different configurations. Missed him with the original yes and Crimson but I did see him with UK, every 80’s and later Crim tour, the 3 tours he did as a bandleader and very special acoustic duet performance with Patrick Moraz. The good old days.

[@mikec7176]

Bill Bruford was a big Influence in my drumming, and THIS song was a big one for me to learn to play, it took me a while, but once I had it down pat, it was an attention getter whenever I played it for someone! Talk about a confidence booster!! I met Bruford at a clinic he gave at Sam Ash in King Of Prussia PA, years ago, What a cool dude!!👍🥁👍

[@mattnelson7120]

Hey Austin, This is my first youtube comment in several years. Just wanted to take a second to say thanks. Your 'Study the Greats' series is SUPER awesome - very clearly presented info for people of all skill levels. Thanks for all you do and keep it comin'!

[@bs_art3625]

This is awesome, I noticed you haven’t posted much for awhile, and I hope you’re doing ok and start up again. These videos are pure gold.

[@MDNDrums]

So glad to see this series back. This is the best educational drum series on KZbin by far, Austin is the 🐐

[@nixneato]

Just pure awesomeness, kudos for this episode Austin!

[@qphive]

Austin, you alright buddy? It’s been years since a video has been posted and your content was excellent!

[@joeyburgio6569]

bruford was the man. my main drum influence

[@michaelfraters4650]

Your videos and analysis are always appreciated and top notch! It’s takes a great player to not only dissect this stuff but play it and present it the way you do. Please keep it up!

[@fred5759]

Love the sound of your snare, great groove, nicely played.

[@ChristopherDillman]

So brilliant you posted this and delivered such a clear and concise breakdown. One of my favorite tracks from Bruford, and all great albums. Showing the album covers is a nice touch. 🤙

[@Marleyaagaard]

Thank you Austin. Study the Greats series really lights up my day and apprecate your work!

[@JulioSMacedo]

I miss these “study the greats” too much man… please come back

[@billpeart]

Thanks so much. Waited for years for someone to do some Bruford. Great work my friend!!!

[@exitthelemming145]

Fantastic content that treats some pretty esoteric metric concepts in a refreshingly straight forward, easy to understand and down to earth manner. Kudos

[@kharnation]

Austin please come back 😢

[@mikec7176]

Well done my man!! I was very inspired by Brufords playing back in the day, and this is one of my favorite beats to play!!👍🥁👍

[@harseybaber]

Thank you for this great stuff! Also, your snare sound is one of the best I've ever heard.

[@druhmah]

I have been missing these videos, thanks for the post!

[@nickfili9409]

Oh, man, WELL DONE! Your gift for transcription is amazing, great ears! I know what I'm doing for the next couple of days... THANK YOU!

[@letello]

Great video, thanks for sharing. By the way the sound of your snare is fantastic. Congrats.

[@armusic5720]

This series is so good! Thanks again Austin !

[@ricardomendez681]

Excellent job of yours, as usual. There's a lot that could be developed off of that groove. Thanks a lot for this lesson.

[@BrandonScottDrums]

Dude, you've got the lighting and camera settings dialed... Just curious what Camera/Lens you're using? I think its time for me to upgrade to a full frame... But also been thinking about the BlackMagic Pocket 6k... Not sure if you're tech savvy, but you must be given how good this looks... Love the educational content as always man!! ALMOST TO 100K!!!

[@abbdrums]

Man, my camera body is just a Canon 80D which is pretty old and not that great compared to what's out there now. The lens is the Sigma 18-35 f1.8 which accounts for most of the quality and look. I've been using this same rig for years but I got obsessed with lighting and color correction for a couple months last year and completely changed my approach. Went down the rabbit hole for sure haha. I'm sure the Blackmagic is great but I'm eyeing the Canon cinema cams, like the C70. All that stuff is so freaking expensive though... not sure I'll ever get around to making that kind of investment but it's nice to dream lol

[@afqt80]

@@abbdrums You don't need to spend on all those expensive equipment. Your channel is already mind blowing.

[@MrAlainpoudrier]

Always so poised and calm Austin. Just love all three versions of the 9/8 and prefer yours......of course. Fabulous!

[@erikpors9775]

I am not a drummer but I really enjoy your detailed explanations of the drum parts especially this one, one of my all time favorite albums!

[@FernandoCuadro]

Finally some buford love!! We want more!!!

[@russellmorgan6703]

Excellent demonstration. Very clear

[@JewCastleDrummer]

missed the series !

[@brdrake765]

Dang dude!! Love your videos. Love the calmness of your voice too!!

[@rod-drummer7262]

Great job, thanks for sharing !! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@natelivingston5528]

These videos are great Austin. I am coming away learning a lot thanks.

[@nostrabox]

Love your videos! Awesome work!

[@henrywalinda9099]

Excellent lessons,thank you!

[@dylangatenby9928]

Hey Austin, you’re a great teacher and a great drummer too! Enjoyed the Bill Bruford video and the Buddy Rich video you did!!

[@afterimage289]

I remember being 15 hearing this tune for the first time. Amazing stuff. Definitely a very original groove.

[@jedfearon]

You are a fantastic player, a cool guy and a solid teacher. Nice job!

[@jimhardiman3836]

Snare sounds great! That second example sounds like a Garibaldi groove.

[@musopaul5407]

Really enjoy your videos; very clear, well-thought out presentations of grooves and concepts at all levels. So much better and more informative than so much stuff out there. I transcribed this piece when I was at Berklee in the 80s (all of it, not just the drum part). Took me a week of very late nights! Didn't realise there's a later version with a different groove - thought you were playing it wrong. My apologies. Well played and keep up the great educational work you're doing.

[@tdrum21]

👌🏽. Very nice. Dig the groove. Thanks for this

[@matthewpullicinomusic]

You're back. STG was my fave drum series on KZbin!

[@ronschwolsky1626]

Bruford is one of my all-time favorite drummer. You'd pretty damn awesome too! Cool vid.

[@AnthonyIanni]

Solid. I was in high school when this came out. Still have the vinyl. I about flipped my wig when I heard this! Plus come on, Jeff Berlin and Alan Holdsworth. Kapow!

[@patrickmcginn4435]

You managed to get a very similar sounding rimshot to Bruford's. So distinctive of his playing. Well done.

[@meekoloco]

Great breakdown and playing, as always! I like your variation really well, that’s probably how I would’ve try to play it myself, if I could! 🤣 Hope you’re well dude!

[@donovanjones4175]

This is great stuff. Love the breakdown, keep it coming. I am still figuring out long distance runaround.lol.

[@billbigler1366]

Austin thanks much. I Commented on your great video of this a well. Yep Bill Bruford is a master. I have followed him from 1969 until he retired. This piece is very fast as are Hell's Bells and others in that period with Berlin and Holdsworth. But to me Bruford's genius was placing individual drum notes in the oddest places but ended up being so musical. I asked him via email to his website when it was up why he never played double pedals or bass drums. His reply: "rhythm is about space and double pedals take too much space". Your breakdown here is superb Austin and please keep up the great work.

[@fishdrew1111]

Maybe that's why I love drummers who have mastered that creation of space/not overfilling it: like Steven Jansen (Japan, David Sylvian, No-Man, et al.) or Mark Heron (Oceansize).

[@hinenik]

Man, it's been 1 year since your last upload :'). I recently discovered your channel and it is AMAZING, i love the way you explain and how you just go straight to the point. Probably my favourite drum channel out there (and there are a LOT). I hope you're doing great and that, maybe, we'll see more of you in the future. Ps. I know it is hard to live just by youtube revenues

[@ytnsanw]

One of my favorite Bruford grooves is from 'Fainting in Coils' (from 'One Of A Kind'). Essentially a fairly simple 9/8 with the snare hits on the 3, 7 and 9, but the fun part is that kick is on the pushed (anticipated) 1 and pushed 5. Very cool. And - of course - he makes it swing and feel really natural. (Nice video, BTW - great sounding kit.)

[@jaakkot9661]

Where r u bro??? 😧

[@loganrosepiler2005]

Beelzebub was too hard. Couldn’t handle Bruford 😵‍💫

[@harryhagman6063]

@Blind Colours Band HA HA HA

[@darthjarjarthewise8051]

Lmao

[@RogierRJDonker]

He is back!

[@beetlejews]

@@RogierRJDonker so horny

[@renatocosta5601]

Awesome job, man! Thanks 🙂

[@demonicsweaters]

great breakdown! very cool beats!

[@ChrisCloudStaringAtFire]

Awesome video and I just gotta say, your kit and mix sound amazing.

[@elusive1970]

Another great video Austin.

[@ddsdss256]

Bill was my major early influence (Fragile being one of my first albums--Meet the Beatles was my first). I'm fortunate to have seem Crimson four times and got to speak to Bill after one of the shows (which led me to getting Roland VDrums as opposed to Simmons). I'm sorry he's no longer performing as he truly has a unique style and I'm glad you shared this. Thanks.

[@deepbluntman___8650]

Nice you are back!

[@kvmalley]

Bruford was, and still is, the man even in retirement! Nice job covering that @Austin Burcham, you’re a beast on the kit no less!

[@remyzsacka8670]

Hey Austin how’s it going? I see you haven’t uploaded anything in 9 months, we adore your content man we need more :D

Ooh Bill Bruford is groovy. Really like his Eartworks albums.

[@terrydonegan1622]

Fantastic. Thank you

[@Roganberg]

Awesome video, Austin! Nice job. Something that jumped out at me with Bill's 2nd iteration of the groove was how it seems to accent every third eighth-note (snare, HH accent, open HH). But when you played the original iteration after that, it went from a half-time feel to that every third eighth-note feel, except this time the BD replaced the HH accent.

[@brianmcguire5175]

Grouped 5,5 ,5 and 3 as I see it. The phrasing I mean. The beat fragments within the groove loop great upload, great transcribing

[@JohnnyMacalvee-cf7et]

Very cool Austin. You and Bruford.

[@dzjc01]

Are you not posting any more videos? Hope everything is okay in your life!

[@garyharden2362]

Nice! All versions feel good.

[@nelsono4315]

very nice! I always thought he was using both hands on the hi-hats :-) I love his fills on Crimson's One More Red Nightmare

[@drumsamerica6158]

Drums sound amazing man!

[@thomasnussbaum4711]

I have the old Bruford transcription book „When in doubt...roll!“ Couldn‘t get into this groove, you made it a lot more accessible. Thanks!

[@aakkoin]

I also bought the book, and also his autobiography, but havent read them through :D Bruford is like an actual, fully formed artists, and also a professor of music these days.

[@thomasnussbaum4711]

@@aakkoin so true! I was always fond of drummers who were unique, you can recognize them instantly by their sound and playing...

[@aakkoin]

@@thomasnussbaum4711 I think Bruford more like a song writer and a composer, especially in his own band beside King Crimson

[@SteveStockmalMusic]

Great series, you’ve really filled a need. 👍 And if I may suggest, feel free to post more mixing and recording tutorials. I have a feeling you are MUCH greater at that than perhaps think you are. 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 Steve

[@krthkh]

Oh yeah, you are back

[@Paperclipcity12345]

He's back!

[@ytnsanw]

My favorite Bruford groove is the 9/8 on Fainting In Coils (One Of A Kind, 1979). Much simpler pattern - essentially 8th notes on hat/ride, snare on the 3, 7 and 8, and kick on the pushed 1 and pushed 5 (think that's right) with that great piano figure on top (the *original* Dave Stewart), then later the guitar contrapuntal melody. Wonderful. 1991's 'Nerve' is good for laugh as well. *That* snare, though...BONK!...

[@kadeparkin]

Great job! Love this tune! Would love to hear you do a video on Mike Clark’s Actual Proof groove, and some of it variations. Been following the channel for some time and you do a great job. All the best!

[@jbytuna]

Thank you!

[@AlobytesOgniddove]

What a song... 💜

[@robertojuniors]

Nice setup!!

[@FabianoOliveiraDrummer]

Conteúdo excelente, Obrigado (Excellent content, Thank you)

[@drummerdeacan]

Your a great teacher. I like your style...

[@ashwinraj5215]

AB is back🔥😄

[@vmal1313]

Huge Austin 🤩 Like always so well explained and so clean 😃 it really looks so dammed simple... but unfortunately it isn’t 🤯 Thanks for sharing!! Take care mate 💪

[@voronOsphere]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! Subbed!

[@jandrogarcia1641]

Gracias Austin! Thanks😎

[@monstersaint]

Thanks Austin!

[@jamshidbastani]

That was cool. I'm a piano player but I like the way he breaks it down.

[@lucaspoteet1611]

So so sick

[@BrianH020]

Always enjoy STG's Austin, once again well done. This groove SEEMS very simple...Until you try and play it up to performance tempo! You nailed it, and loving the sound of your kick with the coated (?) head. Nice punch! Cheers!

[@saracinesca9864]

Thank you! *.*

[@danielefalchetti1732]

Great groove.

[@vkiperman]

I love this channel and "Study The Greats"! And have always been a Bruford fan (early Yes)! But I've never seen Tim Alexander explored on this channel (or any other) and consider him underrated and totally awesome. Can you study Tim Alexander one day? Thanks!!

[@IronMarkijan]

Hey Austin, great vids, thank you! Learned a lot from you vids. Was recently listening to Sony Emory. Enjoyed his drumming a lot! Have you thought about making some breakdowns from his playing?)

[@grantcollins]

HI Austin, awesome mate. Love your STG series. This is also like the classic king kong groove with the r/l on 5+ added in the middle to turn it into 9/8. Looking forward to your next one!

[@abbdrums]

Whoa Grant Collins! Dude, I had a couple of your cd's way back in the day when I was getting into ostinato stuff. Listened to you and Terry Bozzio a lot but never had a clue what was going on haha. Crazy to see you pop up in my comments 15 years later!

[@grantcollins]

@@abbdrums Dude, right back at you :).

[@PeterBachmayer-ProDrummer]

Cool video!