Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd, & Vinnie Colaiuta - FULL DRUM TRANSCRIPTION!

DOWNLOAD PDF HERE: www.stevesuchd...
Hands down, this is one of the greatest moments in drumming history.
This legendary performance features Dave Weckl, Steve Gadd, and Vinnie Colaiuta all trading drum solos with each other.
In the video below, I’ve transcribed the entire solo section note-for-note so that you can follow along!
3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS PERFORMANCE:
#1 - MAIN GROOVE - Based on Steve Gadd’s “Mozambique” sticking pattern.
#2 - THEME - Pay attention to how each solo builds from the previous one, and how they all listen to each other for inspiration.
#3 - PHRASING - There’s a lifetime of phrases in this video to study that you can use in your own playing. To dive in, click on the LEARN button below.
Lastly, a big thanks to Dave, Steve, and Vinnie for the never-ending inspiration… when watching, consider how cutting-edge this performance would have been at the time, and even 30 YEARS LATER the video is still as mind-blowing as it was in 1989. A testament to their true mastery on the instrument.
Without any further adieu, please enjoy this video transcription!
Video Credit: This performance was originally seen on the Buddy Rich Scholarship Concert (Tape 2) in 1989 by DCI Music Videos.
For more, please visit www.stevesuchdrums.com

[@PhillipSlaymaker-n1p]

Oh I'm loving these charts

[@paulpatrick1108]

I know right? this is the first time I've seen these transcribed

[@PhillipSlaymaker-n1p]

@@paulpatrick1108 got to watch how they change sometimes the charts will change according to the lingo of locations on the planet for example where the band picks up pretty cool links

[@thundersnow93]

Vinny's 32nd note fills where he alternates one hand with the bass drum perfectly cleanly is just such an amazing feat of coordination!

[@scapaflow2535]

My favorite part is Vinnie at 2:41, playing from 5 into what I thought was triplets but its in 6 it sounds so cool

[@scottvelardo700]

Gotta be one of the all-time greatest drumset performances.

[@hefter-film]

Yay, also me mind...🥂

[@AlVelasquezDrums]

Super Transcription. This was obviously a labor of love. The Global Drum Tribe thanks you for your work & dedication.🎼🔥

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thank you so much for the kind words, I appreciate it!

[@aritzbelatz]

@@SteveSuchDrums audio remastered ??

[@highstickpercussioncustomd1453]

What is the MATTER WITH YOU??!! I've been listening to this solo for over a year - for entertainment. I never even thought about transcribing it because it would make me crazy(er) - and as a percussion teacher I really enjoy transcribing. Seriously...thank you so much for your work on this!! The .25 slow speed on KZbin probably isn't slow enough so I'll probably load it into my DAW where I can set the tempo to quarter note = 1 MINUTE. Thanks again!

[@theoriginaljimmykicker]

Vinnie C....the master.

[@paulpatrick1108]

Oh by far everybody was hooting and hollering he ate everybody's lunch that night ..it was freekin AWESOME

[@KaitsuDrums]

Sounds still incredible!! The crowd goes nuts after Vinnie's second solo :)

[@ciadella1971]

So did I! Vinnie was flying around that kit!

[@kennytesta9312]

Carl Ciadella yep with one hand! Lol

[@SteveSuchDrums]

:)

[@larrybrian5849]

OMG VINNIE 😱❤️

[@paulpatrick1108]

Yes...

[@dreammachine86]

Wow that must have been a huge amount of effort transcribing that. Some of Vinnie's stuff is ridiculous like his solo #7, fitting in 4:3 into the groups of nine. I can't play nines that fast let alone about thinking of subdividing a third of them into even more notes! And I love the change of quintuplets to sextepluts in his solo #6 which must need a mastery of timing. I guess you must have to playback the video at a very slow speed to get all these nuances. I think I first saw this video on KZbin when I was about 19 or so. Back then I was mainly in awe of Vinnie, I'm 29 now and appreciate a lot more of what Weckl and Gadd are doing. And it's cool to notice some of the patterns they use that I see other drummers using, Gadd doing just two 32nd notes here and there whilst in the middle of 16ths reminds me of a David Garibaldi video I recently watched. Although now and back when I first watched this, Dave Weckl's solo #5 (bars 49 & 50) has always been my favourite :-)

[@spencerkim4755]

I. Cannot. Believe. You. Transcribed. That. You seriously blew my mind. 🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@natedobas6437]

Gadd's solo #1 is one of my faves in this trio. Also love: Vinnie Solo #2 #3 and #8 Gadd #6 and #10 are also slammin. Thank you for coming to my Ted talk...off to the practice room.

[@brianmckinney1010]

Vinnie #8 is out of this world

[@nealsausen4651]

@@brianmckinney1010: ANYTHING that Vinny place is out of this world because he’s not human he’s an extra terrestrial he has to be!

[@tristansmith1618]

I would never have the patience to transcribe something on this level … thanks so much!!

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thanks Tristan! It definitely was a test in patience to say the least! But was so worth it!

[@tomhurstdrums]

Steve: THANK YOU! The work present here... WOW!! Such a labor of love and as you said, a “Lifetime’s study of phrasing” and endless vocabulary. Much respect to you my friend.

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thank you so much for the kind words Tom!

[@tomhurstdrums]

Just circling back to once again express my heartfelt gratitude that a dedicated musician of your caliber is so generous with his abundant talents. I’m STILL sharing this with my students everywhere I teach as it’s truly an insight into the minds of greatness. 😁❤️🥁👍🎶

[@celestialdrums486]

Wow! This is incredible. You can make a book/collection of drum solo transcriptions of these three great drummers. It would be a hit

[@nealsausen4651]

Ya think?! He should put this in the book form and make it available for sale at music stores and drugstores (?!?!) throughout the country in the world maybe! Manhattan music or somebody could publish it or he could self publish That may not be a mistake…”DRUG STORES” (you know Vinny and Gadd) just a joke. Sorry! I mean DRUM stores.!! Loosen up people’s

[@GeoffGillDrums]

Gods work !! Really cool to finally see the phrases these guys use, especially knowing Vinnie & Weckl were heavily influenced by Gadd. Those Vinnie runs are UNREEL. 💪🤩

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thanks Geoff! If you want to download the PDF, check out www.stevesuchdrums.com/mod/dsv !

[@benoitseize1628]

You made it Steve, you made it ! ! ! ! Awesome work . Bravo . Best regards from France

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thank you Benoit!

[@larrytate1657]

They’re all playing such amazing pieces but Weckl makes it look so damn easy. Weckl is just on another level.

[@justinscott4208]

There all ridiculously good. But I actually prefer Vinnies playing over Weckl.

[@DrumsTheWord]

Phenomenal work! I wouldn't have the balls to go anywhere near this. I'm going to share the heck out of this on my own page...just so you know. I too was blown away by this piece when I originally watched it...I also wanted to understand and interpret the multitude of amazing drum licks...I never thought I would get the time to work it out. Thank you very much. I love your interpretation and can see all of the thought processes behind it. I don't think this will ever be beat for accuracy! Well done again, and thank you.

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thank you so much for the kind words, you've made my day! -Steve

[@DrumsTheWord]

@@SteveSuchDrums I've shared your video once more over on Facebook page. Again, congrats on a monumental piece of transcription!

[@corbinjames4288]

ridiculously awesome. thank you. love seeing the notes behind the madness.

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thanks Corbin!

[@enricobassini163]

The more i get experienced, the more i'm amazed by this great drumming moment. Chapeau to transcriptors. I really can't imagine the effort.

[@kby-64-b]

Dave Weckl's single stroke roll sounds nice. Vinnie's parts are cool, I do not know what else to say. Thanks for the transcription, it is eye-opening

[@ChristopherSmithNYC]

You did this? YOU did THIS??????!!!!! It's just as impressive as their playing. Seriously. Wow. You're like a computer. What a huge brain. I Mean, I think. How would I know? Looks right to me. lolol.

[@MrWezthedrummer]

This is unbelievable, thank you.

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thanks so much! :)

[@chrismitchell45]

The most outstanding drum demonstration ever recorded. No matter how many times I’ve watched this video, I’m always astounded at the mastery these 3 badasses Have over every facet of drumming.Thanks for the transcription!

[@paulstix1]

I salute you & the hours / weeks / months that must’ve taken . Have watched this clip since it happened and it’s still the greatest. Thanks again & respect.

[@frankgardner7533]

Thanks so much for these amazing transcriptions!!!!

[@joemailloux]

Steve, you’re a legend for transcribing this. Fantastic.

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thanks Joe, appreciate the kind words!

[@paulpatrick1108]

Hey...I was there!! Sitting right behind Peter Erskine and to my left a few seats down was Jonathan Mover..and The Wiltern theater is always beautiful with its art deco design.. Cathy Rich when I say appeared to be somewhat inebriated

[@scottvelardo700]

Tipping my hat and bowing to you! This transcription (of what is sure to go down as a long-time classic performance) is a serious piece of work. Thank you and congratulations!

[@mukakinman]

I bought this transcription from your website. Thank you for your precious hard work!

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thank you Taro!

[@magn8195]

Please do more.

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thank you! Send me a link of something you'd like for me to do next and I'll check it out!

[@yaroslavleshchukh]

Steve, you have done great job. By the way this is one of my favourite videos.

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thanks man, appreciate that!! It was a blast to put together 😊

[@keithhaldane9794]

Wonderful! Great transcription... thanks!!

[@michaeldumont6896]

Wow. Nice job and what a commitment. Seeing it in notation really shows how good these guys are😉👍

[@olivierdemeyere4021]

Incredible man! Thank you so much. And congrats !

[@Meatman8089]

I lost both arms and both eyes thanks to this. Thank you

[@deamoncastle5584]

My fave: Gadd Solo #6

[@leonardolima5103]

🤪Que bonita transcripción impresionante gracias Por ese trabajo

[@barisburan]

Such an amazing job 🙏🏻

[@arnaudyayoi1143]

Great work!!! Thank you so much Steve, magnifique!!! From Paris.

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thank you so much!

[@zokotodosiev6650]

Steve Gadd...No.1 for style

[@ReubenGingrich]

yesss this is awesome Steve!

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thanks Reuben! :)

[@MattHobsonDrummer]

Really great work.

[@llllIIIIlllIIIlll]

와.. 저걸 어떻게 악보로 만들었지.. 대단하다;;

[@ИгорьДовгодько]

нет предела совершенства...

[@sauernick1]

invaluable this is

[@ronniefoxxx]

for pure feel and musicality, Gadd is just a cut above

[@xsydor26]

Love it !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rubenezuela]

vinnys es el genio Steve la pasión contundencia y dave tomo los 2 e hizo su estilo único

[@CaliforniaBushman]

Thanks, man!! I'm going to memorize and try to play this up to tempo. Except for a few of the Vinnie licks of course 😆. Like the bunched together 32nd note crashes and those utterly insane 9's 😲.

[@nealsausen4651]

These 32nd. note phrases are not that difficult just think of 16th notes doubled or play them as slow 16th notes until you get the hang of the tempo! Makes sense?! In other words, just “ease” into it. This approach always works for me to slow it down and think of 16th notes! Or even eighth notes it might give you a “psychological” edge and take the “intimidation” off of these phrases as fucking phenomenal as they are. My teacher, bye the way, FRED GRUBER showed me this approach many decades ago one of the most important lessons I got from him among others! ❤

[@danielromstorfer5578]

WOW!!!! Thanks for that :)

[@SteveSuchDrums]

No problem!

[@62kenmiles]

thanks ,steve...

[@janetremsing6988]

👍‼️EVERY one of these guys is a mutant-beast!!!!🙂‼️

[@karlhungus8841]

Help settle an argument, please. I think what Steve Gadd is playing is the intro to The Legend of The One-Eyed sailor. My dope of of friend says I’m high

[@MultiProductor]

JESUS!

[@bassistdc]

All 3 drummers use the traditional grip.

[@tanuki11231]

いや凄すぎです！

[@mandayang1677]

Unbelievable! how to make it? You are amazing.

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thank you! A lot of patience and time lol!

[@Jeroenvrolijk]

Bravo sir hack of a job!

[@dereksdrumchannel]

Great work!!! Thank you!!!!

[@SteveSuchDrums]

You're welcome!! :)

[@wadesharp11]

awesome

[@isambard1571]

ありがたいです！

[@ddrumcorner4682]

this is dope

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thanks David!

[@mecdrum7]

Double base pedals?

[@mohddalibinzali1165]

Steve gadd always play simple. He cares about sounds quality than the quantity. Same as ian paice, both them always playing by their feels.

[@everynameistaken567]

Nice job! Anyone know what bpm this is?

[@happycheng7243]

3 GODS ...OH...!!!

[@ytubepuppy]

A-Freaking-Mazing.

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Thank you!

[@einarabelc5]

Give it up for the cowbell and timbale man in the background!! He Won!!

[@lavishd.4347]

Great work!!! do you take request???

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Sure, send me a link to something you'd like to see and I'll check it out!

[@marieto1]

0:55 Left hand on bar 23, 2nd beat, 7th 32nd note is on rack tom 2, not 1!

[@joemailloux]

Yeah, what the hell steve!?! (;

[@patriciateles3803]

HAHAHAHA

[@kennytesta9312]

Vinnie had that attitude of, I’ll honor Gadd but I’m showing Weckl who’s boss! Lol

No he didn't. Weckl was voted top 25 drummers all-time for a reason. No one was copping that attitude here. That's just what you wanted it to be. All three of these guys are legends in their own right. You're trying to create conflict is all. Try football.

[@kennytesta9312]

SmartyThePants I’m well aware of where Weckl stands in the pantheon of all time greats. But if you don’t think that the two biggest names in drumming weren’t participating in a little friendly showdown then you’re kidding yourself. These guys have egos just like all of us and they were having a go at each other... it’s obvious!

[@kennytesta9312]

SmartyThePants Where did you read any of this or are you just talking out of your ass! Probably as usual

[@kennytesta9312]

SmartyThePants Did they practice yes But do I think Vinnie wanted to show up Weckl absolutely! He even talks about being on his “home turf” get your head out of your ass! And unless you have proof of what you believed to have happened that night then STFU they are the 3 greatest drummers in the world if you think they had every note planned then you don’t have a clue!!

[@kennytesta9312]

SmartyThePants They were trading bars of course they know where everything begins and ends. Ask anyone who witnessed that event live!

[@ВладимирБуров-б7д]

По мне, так это трио самый удачный проект.Класс!СТИВ ГЭДД вообще профессор.Что он и с кем играл не счесть.

[@Rbattam]

It's not full though because you started after the intro.

[@smilemen2501]

3:39 !!!!!!!???????????

[@johnmcascone]

That is it

[@isolirionband7300]

HEY MAN, CAN YOU DOME FRANK ZAPPA DRUM TRANSCRIPTION OR SOM PROG BANDS?

[@SteveSuchDrums]

Send me a link of what you had in mind and I'll take a look!

[@lukoshey79]

The camera man on stage gets home from work, wife asks, how was your day in the office dear,? ........."'What..." !!!

[@badfozziebear446]

This sounds like you are telling a joke but then it is not

[@bobibean]

I knew the producer and camera man...., childhood acquaintance...

[@streetsmartdrumming9567]

Vinnie is always different

[@Race-ist7]

Vinnie🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@GF--]

Vinnie ... Bruce Lee.

[@jeraldcuccurullo2497]

Gadd is just so much more memorable, his phrasing,his orchestrations his identifiable chops are just superior to what both Vinnie Dave Played although they are fabulous it's just hes the Grandmaster they are master's .

[@ulcosi]

absolutely !

[@MrPowerfultuna]

어케했노 ㄷㄷㄷㄷ

[@smilemen2501]

Vinnieわやじゃ

[@VKDRUMMER22]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@nealsausen4651]

I don’t know after a while it all sounds like the same guy! It all sounds like one guy plan. It’s great, don’t get me wrong, but it sounds like one guy player!

[@jazzban]

R-a-d!

[@isolirionband7300]

Oh my fucking God, this is incredible, do some more of transcrioption! I subscribe to yuour channell , if you want, come to my channell and give us an opinion. Thank you!

[@patriciateles3803]

see that the guys are wearing suits

[@mghc7]

I guess these guys are ok

[@davidmartin6959]

just improvisations. that a non sens to make a transcription its obviously dificult