MJ Thriller Explained: Intro & Drums

Here we explain the Drums of Michael Jackson's Thriller. Watch behind the scenes of this video here: vimeo.com/266511167?share=copy
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Love, Claudio & The Doctor Mix Team

[@MumblinZ]

Never thought I'd see the Scout from TF2 telling me the magic of Thriller.

[@jackass8441]

Kek

[@m3e642]

lmao

[@MultitrackCassetteFans]

I never noticed the claps were not from a Linndrum...but you’re right, it’s an 808 clap...Brilliant use of multiple drum machines, especially in the early 80’s. Great video series, thanks for posting!!!

[@SPAZZOID100]

Multitrack Cassette Fans nothing on the record is from the linndrum. They used an LM1.

[@JohnMorris-ge6hq]

Multitrack Cassette Fans What a lot of people think are drum machines on thriller aren't. It was the way Bruce Sweiden recorded the drums - first off he recorded everything in real stereo. Stereo miked bass amp, vocals, everything. None of those keyboards were played direct. They were played in the studio through stereo speakers and then the room was stereo miked. A wooden platform was built to lift the drum kit a foot off the floor. This would decouple the kit from the floor in much the same way spikes decouple stereo speakers. This would stop bass frequencies from going all over the place. Bruce built small isolation booths for the kick and high hat. Only one side was open - The side of the kick. The remaining three sides and top are covered. He then put two microphones inside the kick and high hat isolation booths in an XY stereo configuration. The snare was stereo miked as well. No one records the way Bruce Sweiden does. This extreme isolation of the drums makes them sound like a drum machine. Some drum machine parts were used. For example, Wanna Be Starting Something. But Beat it, Billy Jean and most of the drums on thriller and Bad are real and not drum machines. As much as four analog two inch 24 tracks muti-tracks were synchronized together for the songs on Thriller. Check out Bruce Sweiden on line.

[@coffeehigh420]

never noticed the claps were from my girlfriend

[@jnnx]

coffeehigh420 don’t quit your day job.

[@leethium6982]

List of synths used on thriller Yamaha CS-80 Roland Jupiter 8 (x3) NED Synclavier II DK Synergy Roland Jupiter 4 Roland MC-4 microcomposer/sequencer Yamaha GS-1 FM synth Oberheim Four-Voice SCI Prophet 5 (x2) Yamaha CE20 FM preset synth Yamaha portasound keyboard Roland VP-330 vocoder/strings Bode Vocoder E-mu Emulator I plus a couple of Minimoogs Linn LM-1 (mostly doubled with a TR-808) Linndrum (LM-2)

[@Kaliimusic]

2:29 "so I have done a little bit of real drums…" - turns to a keyboard. Hilarious!

[@AndweleHarris]

He probably sampled it or whatever it's called😂😂

[@csabi115]

@@AndweleHarris Yeah, but still, that moment was just perfectly describing a MAJOR problem with modern music :D

[@MrArtVein]

@@csabi115 9/10 real drums get replaced via trigger or layered on top. What you don't know can't hurt you

[@TheBandMan]

@@MrArtVein yes, no one REALLY wants to know how the sausage is made...

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

i will never forget when that Thriller video came out it was so epic.

[@SPAZZOID100]

Heathcliff this is not about the video.

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

James Reeno just shut up already

[@geraldjohnson3216]

Heathcliff hell yeah

[@fantasyproduct1042]

It was terrifying!

[@DoctorBlankenstein]

Roger Linn is awesome... Super nice guy also. Changed music... Highly understated engineer. He is right up there with Moog and Dave Smith if you ask me.

[@challow90221]

DoctorBlankenstein facts

[@gremlinaftermidnight4493]

I’m pretty sure he received a lifetime achievement award, but yeah.

[@meademorgan6614]

There was a drummer playing, while the Linn accompanied him. I heard MJ explain it on a show that he performed Thriller on. They did the same thing on Billie Jean, a drummer and a drum machine playing together.

[@austin78993]

Yeah that was really common in the Disco era. Dance music needs to be rhythmically perfect and still have nice groove. It's easier to get a groove going to an actual drum beat than a metronome, so you'll hear like Heart of Glass by Blondie, Rock Your Baby by George McCrae. They all kinda start with a metronomical beat.

[@shigiz]

the hi hats on the final mix are definitely played on real drums

[@brodjefferson3513]

I don't think there's any drum machine on Billie Jean, and I don't think there's a drummer credited on the Thriller album credits

[@chrishopkins209]

Def Leppard did something similar on Pyromania. The main drums were programmed on a Fairlight and Rick Allen overdubbed the cymbals

[@weaselman24]

Sugarfoot moffet was Jackson's drummer and he's so sharp he sounds like a mix.

[@single-mindedsoldierstudio832]

"Instant joy!" Great way to describe your videos. You always look like you're having a great time in your videos. I think thats great because music should make us happy whether we're creating it, sharing it or simply listening to it.

[@paulhopton1]

This is such a cool thing to do. The detail you guys have gone into is breathtaking, along with the results

[@Vaisin]

Fun fact: Michael himself programmed the Linn Drum on Thriller

[@brodjefferson3513]

Don't think so, it would have been Rod Temperton. MJ programmed the LM 1 on Wanna Be Startin Somethin though

[@larrymcdowdell274]

​@@brodjefferson3513 Thriller is part of the Temperton tracks so yeah you're right

[@BryanValentineMcalister]

It was Rod Temperton, there is a channel with him and Greg Phillinganes (MJ's Keyboard player at that time) explaining (and showing) everything they did in the whole thriller album

[@brodjefferson3513]

Um no it isn't @@webwabo16 Not for the Thriller song

[@turneronthetrack]

When you see someone passionate about their art it really brings joy to the viewer, great video!

[@savonndelivrus1488]

I would often spend an afternoon at my favorite music store and play the Jupiter 8 and Linn Drum. Instant love.

[@fender1000100]

One of my favourites of ALLTIME. This was a real treat Dr. Thankyou very much for this.

[@D.Bunker]

*I love the end of the video - his pleasure in getting it completely correct is totally awesome and well-deserved !!!*

[@JamBurglar]

I was sold as soon as I saw you had a real Linn Drum! Love the enthusiasm.

[@Mansardian]

Okay, this video is 4 years old, still I want to let you know: Several videos had been published recently by MJ's synth programmer that explain how the synth parts were done. The bass part CAN be approached with a mini moog but they used an ARP2600. I copied the wiring with my Cherry Audio 2600 and I was fascinated. I could play along "Thriller" and my daughter asked me "are you playing at all?" Because it sounded literally the same.

[@eggbass]

Yeah, the ARP sounds much closer to the original recording.

[@markemerson98]

jeezus. a jupiter 8, a moog and a linn drum - you are in the cream and a rhodes - cherry on the top - bravo

[@evanscarce8206]

First you do a spot on cover and NOW you do a tutorial? Im in love

[@AngeloArrifano]

Man, that smile :) you clearly know how to experience the Flow.

[@hitsonacousticguitar]

This is a great video, it is such a pleasure to see how much fun you have, creating these sounds. Thanks

[@Klangarchitektur]

It's fun to watch the fun, very nicely done!

[@joibenjamin2223]

“Instant Joy” perfectly describes how one feels when hearing MJ’s music!!

[@MostLogical]

Brilliant! Amount of energy spent to understand, appreciate and deconstruct is amazing, keep it up!!!!

[@lgsnot]

I love your energy and your smile man ! It's a pleasure to watch and we learn a lot. Thanks !

[@justaddfire4418]

I want all that stuff

[@FelipeGomesProfessor]

This drum pattern is amazing!! Rod Temperton was such a genius!

[@Katmaz]

This video is "instant joy" well done!

[@talizorah7424]

It is so nice to see the Roland Jupiter 8 in this video. Excellent work.

[@lucy.thefrog]

Your videos are freakin’ dope!!! Always wondering what Michael’s songs are like, dissected. Keep it up, man!!! 🎶

[@geovanymaldonado6812]

Loved it. It makes more sense when you brake it down with explanation

[@mukulasthana3141]

u r a genious to decode everything!! thanks buddy.

[@agonz2011]

New subscriber here. Love your energy and clear love of these instruments, Doctor Mix!

[@justaddfire4418]

I heard that bass line and had to instantly hit the like button

[@PK-ct1bm]

You are having fun :) Thanks for sharing!

[@dominicferrini]

the actual version used a Linn LM-1 which are impossible to find XD

[@freddiebozwell7049]

new to this channel, liking it cheers from sheffield england!

[@patonieto9249]

Thank you, Great your video. Greetings from Argentina🎧💎

[@mukulasthana3141]

u r a genius to decode everything.. thanks buddy.

[@ktsp2538]

That iconic intro pad at the beginning that you used the Juipiter 8 on is my favorite part of the song

[@bicycleninja1685]

Superb as always!

[@sarmadpiano]

Wow man thank you so much for such a wonderful effort.

[@-M0LE]

Doctor Mix .... just found your channel and I’m super Impressed. Very professional and entertaining. I wish you so much success you deserve it.

[@Doctormix]

Thanks so much

[@danielecalabro7774]

Really nice video!! I love your thriller cover

[@russellszabadosaka5-pindin849]

Great breakdown man! Yeah, it’s amazing how Thriller and Billie Jean - just for example - are examples of perfect electronic music production.

[@joaovunje]

Amazing this series!!!WOW

[@krapart]

Great breakdown!

[@josercoha4389]

Doctor Mix is the Man...and your machinery!

[@dedpxl]

cool stuff. sounds like he says collapse instead of claps but this guy is good at keeping the video interesting and he seems genuinely enthusiastic which is nice.

[@gullyfoyle6354]

Amazing zoom into this terrific classy classic :-)

[@siddhantpetkar9728]

amazing! that face when you crack a secret!

[@grimmsbrothersgirl]

Really enjoyed that, Thankyou

[@dykodesigns]

You’re a genius! That beat is spot on.

[@banzobeans]

Close :-) The original hihat pattern is a two-bar pattern (8 beats repeating).

[@flohardy2000]

@@banzobeans same in this video mate

[@aevoss]

Love this thank you.

[@BMM007MUSIC]

Awesome man! Take my like.

[@dbfalcao]

A fine work... Supreme!

[@keifx9721]

Good job, awesome set up.

[@EricTheActor805]

My Highschool music teacher (1990s) had a Tascam PortaStudio, a LinnDrum and a MiniMoog in the classroom

[@johnny711]

doctor mix is the dude

[@samuelbeltran7008]

thank you so muCH man!!!!!!

[@jupiterbyjay6168]

watch the smile when the Doctor plays the JP-8 xD

[@StefanoPapaleo-TS]

Not only that... he's in bliss with every single part and instrument. And rightly so. Great song, great gear, great reconstruction.

[@responsibleparty]

The Mini Moog seems to be working fine to me. The problem is that in order to restart the filter and volume envelopes, you must first release the previous key. And you pressed some keys before releasing the previous key. Failing to restart the envelope sweep, you end up with a legato sound and, because in this case the sustain was quite low, it sounds very legato when you do that.

[@natura808]

0:40 - Yup, I know exactly why you're smiling...

[@meneerjansen00]

Great video. Love it. :-)

[@elliott7268]

Amazing!

[@_Thorsten]

Great work. Great song. Like!

[@LJ7000]

Remember that MJ also produced the music. He often had the whole drums and melody layed out in his head that they would work into it for example.

[@jackass8441]

Ok, but not for this song. This song is written by Rod Temperton.

[@Jdizzle6969]

Brilliant!!!

[@vishnuechakra]

Dr mix nursing thriller back to life🤘🏽

[@donw2175]

the happiness in his face at 5:46 haha subscribed

[@melahatozcan906]

Michael jackson! ❤️❤️❤️💜💜

[@TSpancer80]

Cool thang!! But it's good to know that no one will be able to recreate the exactly same song ever again. The combination of people who realised this song was unique and needed very hard and precise work. For me, thriller is one of the best songs ever made.

[@Tiffany_Turbo]

I love your deconstruction videos. Most of the time I can follow along using only Analog Lab and a few D16 plugins (Drumazon etc).

[@jettsom]

Linn Drum, Minimoog, Jupiter 8, Rhodes 73 my god this is truly la crème de la crème of vintage instruments! So rare and expensive now..

[@steefm3]

❤that Jupiter 8 and Linn drum♥️ Legendary 💪🏻💪🏻

[@NicanorVillanueva.]

very very very interesting...thanks for sharing

[@HaharuRecords]

love to hear remembering the king. 😥

[@ccarvajalz]

Instant joy!!

[@scotscub76]

0:42 I just love how much you love being a musician :O) me too

[@gooneybird808]

So dope!

[@StuartJrBarrett]

Excellent!!!!!!

[@damirfenrich5439]

Good job, man !

[@rxlo1062]

Great video👍

[@SNKOfficial]

I love your videos..

[@GoogleUser-so7kl]

Youre a Genius too my Friend

[@KoolteethDeBlog]

Very nice and interesing. Best deconstruction.

[@totaltwit]

Yeh I get you totally! I learn so much when I deconstruct a song, there are a few things that really stand out, the parts are usually simple but perfectly played, the sounds used are a perfect blend, there is a hidden magic groove. When you did the sample 808 HC :) got it. I also know that sheer delight when we play the song ourselves using all our synths, I'm sometimes not seen by my neighbours for days when I get cooking. OK, we now all have Boogs, can you share the settings from the minimoog? a photo is good enough. BTW, the maddest non-sensical drum pattern I discovered is on Tell It To My Heart, the BD makes no sense until heard in context of the track.

[@AllyKiss18]

You sound so much like Klaus form American a Dad!!! ❤️

[@NELSON_DIAS]

Hey doc.. can you pls make a tutorial on how to make songs like MJ ?. Like i mean Funk Pop ?. Pls i would really appreciate if you make one. I hope you will upload one tutorial on that. LOVE FROM INDIA ❤

[@CorsAir2042]

Where else can you get answers to questions and learn a lot. How much effort is invested in finding instruments and timbres ... You are a very good musician and a person. Sorry for English, as I can, and I write.

[@maxbspqr]

Grandissimo!

[@MrMikomi]

This is very interesting. I would automatically think I was being lazy if I used a one bar pattern in most of my track/song production. Shows it may not always be the wrong thing to do. Thanks.

[@bySterling]

WOW You are The Man to break this legendary MJ n Quincy song down 💯! Even though I’m an 80s Fan like none other Ha that bare drum machine solo sound is like a joke sounding but the Masters all ways know the ingredients 🙌🏻💥🎶👊🏻⚡️🎉💯🌴

[@Formula400Pontiac]

Love this! I hope you continue with the rest of the instruments used in this song. I don't know how to set up the Jupiter 8 for the intro chords. Could you please go through the patch knob by knob or at least show a closeup shot of the knob settings?

[@Doctormix]

no worries, more videos coming ;-)

[@vipulvishvajeet3092]

Great work bro keep it up,👌👌

[@jeffk5724]

You are having way too much fun.

[@Lattenknaller04]

Best rhythm ever !!

[@Enatural_7]

Thank you for recognizing Rod Temperton!!

[@AbstructureTube]

From what I've read, the unique 'Froggie" bass-line was made by two Minimoogs playing together, (sound on sound). So far, I haven't heard anyone who managed to reconstruct this sound and sadly, the bass-line and the Lindrum were premixed together on the original reel, so they could use the free channel for other recordings.

[@joaovitorribeiroalves1034]

Amazing

[@nickpmusic]

Be good if you could do a Billie Jean combo :)

[@fannetomas]

Really !!! I remember a video report where the sound engineer or ( programmer) of M.J explained that he used two planks of wood to double the snare. I let you imagine the rest.