Gavin Harrison: The Sound Of Muzak Groove - Drum Lesson (Drumeo)

Faster Hands & Feet (in 10 days)
► www.Drumeo.com/faster/
"The Sound Of Muzak" is a song by the progressive rock band Porcupine Tree that features one of Gavin Harrison's most iconic drum beats.
Lead vocalist Steven Wilson originally programmed it on a drum machine and passed it over to Gavin to have his way with. After some hi hat changes and some ghost note additions, we have the finished product. Enjoy as Gavin plays the groove along with the actual track!
This lesson is just 1 of 8 videos that's taken from Gavin's course in the Drumeo members area (with other courses to come)! He breaks down other songs including "Anesthetize", "Halo", and "Mother & Child Divided". Click here to watch it!
►www.Drumeo.com/

[@DrumeoOfficial]

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[@musicbeginners534]

Please provide drumsheet pdf for this groove????

[@themetalhead1463]

You’re welcome!

[@rockinrocksmith]

We were wondering If we Could Use the Video For a youtube Video which is a sort of parody/ funny video? @DrumeoOfficial

[@manifestgtr]

Gavin has such a unique way of filling...it’s tough to describe. It’s like he leaves a ton of space but still manages to squeeze in a messload of notes

[@4zafinc]

I understand exactly what you're trying to convey but only an expert wordsmith could do the description justice

[@a7xaudioslavenirvana]

@@4zafinc I think he did a pretty good job honestly

[@MoonshadowMemory]

subtle complexity.

[@devinmartin3673]

His dynamics and which drums he chooses that stand out to me. Like the fill leading into the chorus. Splitting those powerful, borderline flams between the big sounding tom, the tight snare, and leaving room for the kick to punch through. The dynamics and textures are all different, and the borderline linear nature of what he's playing facilitates this feeling of space and chaos.

[@stevenfederico2594]

Amazing. Description The way he fills space and the phrasing he chooses to use is just so creative. Just by doing drum fills in reverse order from biggest time to lowest is just so dynamically different and just makes you think on a different level of how to choose different voices for different situations instead of just doing what is customary

[@DavidOakesMusic]

" That groove is iconic now " Gavin : (^u^ )

[@tingkagol]

In Absentia is one of the best prog rock albums ever

[@itamar901]

one of the best albums ever

[@a7xaudioslavenirvana]

Also Deadwing and Fear of a blank planet. Nvm, i fucking love those guys

[@gaycha6589]

It's towering.

[@crossteel]

All albums of Rush friend.

[@nznegativeions]

@@crossteel what

[@andrewbennett7610]

Gavin is the most emotive drummer I've ever heard. The guy can make you laugh or cry or call your long lost ex just by his *drumming* alone. He says more on the drums than 99% of singers do in their lyrics... I will always love this man's work, and always miss PT, much love!!

[@jensharald9091]

Damn he smiled when he was told so honestly that its an iconic groove! It is, but Gavin is just so humble he doesn't seem to realize his significance. I'm one of many who discovered him and PT through this song.

[@adamkoyn792]

I love how G. Harrison gives credit to S. Wilson. These guys have the same musical syncopation that Tool touches on constantly. Brilliant track

[@alexis.jacobo.drums14]

Man I just discovered PT and it became my favourite band along with Tool, I think Danny Carey and Gavin Harrison are in the same awesome level

[@charliecoops12]

Best sounding kit you have had in the studio by far

[@austing.8870]

Everybody ogles over DW and their fancy veneers and shell types, but after owning DW's the craftsmanship is severely lacking. Rough, wavy bearing edges, out of round shells, gaps in the plies, rough shell interior. After hearing Sonor, Tama, and Yamaha kits and seeing the way they're crafted, DW holds nothing to really be desired.

[@rowintettero1255]

no it's not, i is the best sounding kit to his ears. To me it sounds 'plop plop'

[@1zui]

Rowin Tettero maybe you should check your speakers...

[@pgoindi]

YouAllJackasses I agree that his sound is great, but he muffles his snare quite a bit with sound control rings and he uses Emperor weight coated heads. Sonor drums are the best, but those heads almost pre-eq the toms and the control rings most definetely dampen the snare.

[@martmakkie5779]

​@@pgoindi Yea, and Gavin is also very peculiar about his mic's, sticks and everything. Definitely one of, if not the, best sounding drums around. If I only could get my drums to sound close to Gavin's I'd be in heaven.

[@gusbandicoot]

I think he's doing himself a disservice by saying he didn't come up with the drum part - that drum machine part bares so little resemblance to what it became! Too humble Gavin, buts that what gives you so much credibility. Absolute hero. Thank you!!!

[@hammerhead001]

God, I miss Porcupine Tree.. Those guys were on a different level..

[@CornyTelecaster49]

Steven's solo work is even more amazing. Much wider in musical sense.

[@gaycha6589]

CornyTelecaster49 - true maybe, but there was just something about PT as a unit when they played together - live or studio.. unsurpassed IMHO

[@Leddrums]

I think the same

[@Zornarka]

Well, they seem to be back now!

[@bjornlakenstrazen2186]

Yup. I saw them twice on their US tour. Mind blowing shows. Only show i've seen better than those were Devin Townsend at the Royal Albert hall

[@Cpayne30]

That snare sound....

[@MarkDrums77]

Thats why they cost so much, now i know why!!! I think theres 2 different sizes, awesome drummer and sound!

[@truefilm1556]

Marco Garcia - yep. Looks like a 13 inch. But no matter how expensive it is: you need to know the perfect tuning, choice of drum heads, and of course perfectly controlled playing to get that sound. I have a feeling hat Gavin can even get a very decent sound of a 100 bucks snare - so he earned and deserves nothing less than the best.

[@dogmutty2]

truefilm it's actually a 12 inch!

[@rowintettero1255]

i don't dig it

[@adamlewis917]

Legendary

[@vgonzales787]

The way he orchestrated that fill at 5:16 was so powerful! Goes to show how even a very commonly used pattern can be twisted for something AMAZING.

[@dancer_to_a_discrodant_system]

The fill I'm most curious about is actually 5:43. I've rewatched it so many times and I still can't figure out the sticking.

[@ehoc42]

I’ve seen Craig Blundell play this song a couple times with Steven Wilson’s solo band and it just made me miss Gavin playing with Steven. It’s so hard to match that great “big relaxed feel” that Gavin achieves with the 7/4 override that makes the song feel so good.

[@coralmartinez6204]

My God, yes, yes, I mean, this is very very true! It is amazing, mindblowing seeing Gavin playing. He is from another planet. A very elegant and sophisticated way of playing drums.

[@timjaeger6589]

With the passing of Neil Peart, I’m convinced that Gavin and Danny Carey are the two greatest living rock drummers. They are absolute masters of their craft. It goes beyond pure technical skill, which is definitely there, but they have a connection to their instruments that very few other rock drummers have.

[@ronaldoleoni7170]

And Portnoy as well

[@ericodijk]

Bill Bruford says hi

[@seybsnilksz]

There's a lot of videos of him explaining this groove, but what's really fun in this one is to hear him talk about the recording and how he felt that particular day. I'd love more of that!

[@julienpontus3225]

Exactly... it's somehow like keeping PT alive !

[@toesuc]

He seems like a really humble guy. One of my all time favourite drummers for sure, hope to meet him and say thanks someday.

[@EliasUlrich1984]

Teo Laiho I was so damn Lucky to met him, humble and funny guy. Best day of my life

[@stevechesney2498]

The world is waiting for a Porcupine Tree reunion

[@jordanrector4269]

Still waiting.............

[@grahamgunn8545]

Any day 😁😁😁

[@Audioholics]

Steven Wilson has gone disco. Porcupine Tree reunion highly unlikely.

[@MrPjhitman]

The world is going to wait forever i guess...

[@dylansantos5958]

I still have hope

[@timvdberge]

The snare sounds huge!!

[@mahnamesjakers]

His kit is always sounding super crisp and powerful

[@WhelanDrums]

Agreed Tim. Gavin is always so consistent with his sound. I love that about him!

[@truefilm1556]

Definitely my favorite drummer by far. Not to offend anyone, just my humble opinion. Everything he plays is so musical. Mind blowing sound - each single stroke/hit!

[@jiunjuan]

Because some people only swear by Peart or Portnoy and they are always right and everyone else is always wrong. *shrug

[@michaelw.carter8729]

I spent the 80's and 90's with drumsticks welded to my hands learning how to play Rush albums. I was just consumed by Neil Peart;s style. I hit a low spot in life and had all but given up on playing when a Guitar Center video popped up featuring Gavin playing Anesthetize. It blew me away and made me feel like I did the first time I heard Tom Sawyer. I love his work with both Porcupine Tree and The Pineapple Thief. Be sure to check out The Pineapple Thief's new album, Dissolution. Excellent work on there.

[@chrisdiel706]

@@jgt_ I'm sure you know how mean and ignorant people get. Usually the younger males that are afraid of seeming vulnerable/humble about things that are unfamiliar to them.

[@paulh3122]

@James Hutchence. Honest to fuck. I can't believe what a fucking wanker you are with a comment like that. What age are you? FIVE?

[@SuperBrictson]

@James H I think the people who believe Travis Barker is actually a good drummer are the ones who get tons of hate

[@andypenny2010]

Listening to Gavin play the drums is like listening to a great pianist. Listening to John Williams playing acoustic guitar in front of thousands. The only drummer I have EVER heard that treats the listener with respect for their ears. He is every musicians drummer. I would like to add.. I am a bassist who loves ALL creative music.. But this guy is a cut above x

[@yoyomastero]

This guy is the reason I got into drumming, and I didn't even know who he was when I started

[@keep_walking_on_grass]

I love the sound of muzak, seriously. I love everything that is part of it.

[@SXI96]

His toms sound Godly, best toms I've heard in a while, Sonor is incredible

[@tomgriffin4382]

Gavin’s philosophy on drums is mind bottling, when ever I watch his videos I’m in an jaw opening trace. Someone create a religion around this guy!

[@hugorezende199]

Tom Griffin he is a true drum scientist (or a drum preacher). Tons of knowledge and vocabulary to speak about his thoughts. A example of músician and human being.

[@quickstep2408]

this is very high-level playing. it depends on how far you want to go to learn drumming technique/theory. you have to put in the practice to sound like this. even do 'homework' haha

[@anguse2068]

Not only gets my vote as the greatest living exponent of our art (technique, precision, groove, musicality…) but also possibly the best drum sound. And being such a likeable human is the icing on the cake. Thank you Gavin.

[@partricek8907]

A few months ago I went to Pineapple Thief concert with Gavin touring with them and after concert guys from the band excluding Gavin went to greet all the fans ( about 200 people) but the funny thing was, everybody was waiting especially for Gavin. He has had sth like celebrity aura the whole show so we though he is not going to greet fans. He was in backstage for 1 hr after concert but then he showed up and said hello to EVERYONE in the crowd. Very kind person with big smile

[@pavlonwilcz5650]

The first song of Porcupine I ever heard and the first song I saw Gavin playing. Still my favorite, legendary!

[@mmuiesan]

Noi

[@Hockeyguy8541]

Best sounding kit and best sounding drummer that's been on drumeo so far. More of this master please!

[@SammyMakepeace]

Chris Goetchius i would recommemd you watching his videos on their website. You can try out their membership for a week for free

[@Hockeyguy8541]

yeah i dont got money

[@sttommore]

This is incredible. I could listen to Gavin play all day long, and his explanation makes it seem so attainable.

[@manuelriguer]

This is the first song that I've ever heard played by Gavin. Fantastic song and AWESOME lesson. Thanks Drumeo!

[@Edrflp]

Manuel Riguer me too! First song I saw Gavin playing and first I heard of PT.

[@stevenwiseman2537]

I've been listening to this song for over a year behind the kit , I'm so glad you guys covered this , love the grove ,definitely shed a lot of light on how this song is suppose to sound, great job

[@nosfy]

WHAT A GUY. My favorite of all time. Hearing him speak like that about the day he recorded this iconic part brought tears to my eye. That's the real lesson in my eyes, Gavin is just like anyone else! We all have our days, even the legends!

[@Bhatakti_Hawas]

Plz make a similar video on Anesthetize

[@DrumeoOfficial]

It's inside Drumeo Edge along with other songs. :)

[@julienpontus3225]

+Drumeo Really, really interesting !! :)

[@damarei]

Drumeo What is Drumeo Edge?

[@Bhatakti_Hawas]

Drumeo I couldn't find it. Can you please post the link ??

[@a7xaudioslavenirvana]

Abid Hassan FUCK YES

[@may_sin7777]

Instantly liked. Discovered Porcupine Tree about 2 weeks ago, and the first thing I noticed was the insane groove of the drums. This dude is on another level, looks so effortless

[@glennjohnson8364]

This man is one of the best drummers i ever heard and I've heard a lot over my 65 yrs.Stunning sound this dude is one groovy pair of socks.

[@hanginon1293]

By Far THE BEST All Around Drummer i have seen on Drumeo. Best sounding Snare i have ever heard Period!!!

[@nt559]

Speed, detail, precision, taste: a true master.

[@matthewpaluch777]

GAVIN!!! Very chill groove, luv the ghost notes!

[@alessandroloconte]

Gavin is always in the mood. Master!

[@RandomGuy12562]

I could listen to this man talk about music for ages

[@triptychlux]

his drumming and composing is simply perfect i find no other word to describe it

[@donnarymer-oz4tv]

I love how humble he is, instantly gave the credit to Steve Wilson. Love your work

[@ShakingTwoTrees2012]

I discovered Gavin on KZbin and, through him, Porcupine Tree. Like all of the great drummers, his playing style is totally unique and instantly recognizable. While there are literally dozens of elite, world-class drummers out there playing today, nobody I've heard produces a finer drums and cymbals sound than Gavin. He's truly a master player, composer and arranger...the complete percussionist. I had the good fortune to attend one of his clinics at Metalworks Studios in Toronto a few years back and he was refreshingly warm, genuine and humble. Thanks, Drumeo, for capturing one of my favourite drummers in all of his glory!

[@samratjpatil]

This is pure gold. Can't get enough of Gavin.

[@flamecolumn]

Gavin is so humble and real. He truly comes across as a grateful and benevolent soul. Who happens to be one of the greatest musicians on earth.

[@SayantanGhosalDRUMS]

one of the most addictive Drum beats of all time And with Mr Gavin's touch it just sounds magnificent and smooth as butter...!! seems like time has stood still...it makes me hallucinate things...its hypnotizing actually and I am not smoking anything right now..!!

[@mindseye4914]

I've been going down this deep deep Gavin Harrison rabbit hole for days now and I love it!

[@Longshanks1956]

Such a unassuming character that belies his immense expertise......Thank you.

[@jaybertulus]

luckily i've learned this groove a long time ago from other youtube videos, but its nice to see, that drumeo is finally moving in the right direction. now dont stop there: GIVE ME DANNY CAREY!!!

[@hunterlivsey587]

100 times yes!

[@RyanxDunn]

nomen nominandum agreed my man 😂Danny Carey with the lateralus bridge beats lolol

[@TheCrazyhumans]

@@RyanxDunn Rosetta stoned as well

[@RyanxDunn]

yeah that stuff was the shizz... Would love to see them have Danny come in

[@taunokekkonen5733]

No need to go backwards.. let's bring in Thomas Lang.

[@woodentulike2no]

I have listened to all the great drummers who are known in this world. Gavin is King. His technique and creativity is unparalleled. Many others are great as well, but there can only be one King!

[@anuraghari9738]

This man is not human. Easily my favorite drummer of all time.

[@Leddrums]

Absolutely one of my fave drummers worldwide Mr. G. Harrison. Great teacher as well

[@abhishekyesudas4854]

Couldn't help myself but smile just watching him play ! G.O.A.T! 😁😁🔥

[@ashevilledurden4461]

Absolutely the BEST sounding drum set on planet earth !

[@marinman3551]

What a top man ...and such a student of his craft...it shows, a talented humble musician

[@cyberbri6899]

I love that groove!! I can listen to that all day!

[@gagelindell271]

I know its hard to label a musician the best ever but man this guy is unreal. I havent found anyone better. His accuracy is so crisp.

[@macschomo]

I take this groove all the time with my students as example for playing odd times groovy. ThanX Gavin.

[@brentcrude8565]

Smooth as butter. His limb independence is incredible.

[@gddfhjiufcv]

What a humble guy even though he is a master of his craft. The sound of muzak is one of the best tracks on one of the best albums ever!

[@Thrasher_Abbatoir]

Definitely one of the best drummer out there. Hope to meet him someday :)

[@bernhardkienesberger1018]

who the hell dares to downvote this?? probably a 4/4 kind a guy -.-

[@gusbandicoot]

Bernhard Kienesberger not a real drummer or musician that's for sure. How can you not even appreciate him as a minimum. Hes an absolute hero

[@Psymon1471]

4 people prefer Lars

[@beijaflor9313]

Probably a bassist that can't keep up!

[@ofdrumsandchords]

Some Bonham's fans...

[@xemuz]

a trap music fan

[@HadEnough745]

Great! He plays everything just right. No twirling, silly faces, juggling, tricks, etc.. Just serious kick ass drumming the way it should be.

[@abhinav1690]

I love this guy so much. Gavin Harrison, the heart of PT!

[@mrdan5943]

Such an incredible and mesmerizing beat!

[@isaacdyballmusic8622]

this video was helpfull, it was really good to get that breakdown of the groove I can now play it

[@gonzalocordovaortega5838]

I haven't got a drum, however it's always entertaining to see the legends showing their magic...

[@fastcars1173]

I love when Richard looks over to Gavin multiple times and smiles during the Anesthetize Live In Tilburg video! They were all in that zone both nights!

[@richardvaughan7376]

A consummate professional. Brilliant to hear and see him talk through this one!

[@mackermaldrill2656]

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful!

[@tobyhellewell5981]

I just wanted to go back to this video and leave a comment. When I watched this I immediately listened to the In Absentia album and loved it. Then listened to Deadwing and Fear of a Blank Planet and fell in even more love with the band. From there I wanted to see what else Gavin had done and discovered Pineapple Thief, where Dissolution is now one of my all-time favourite albums. And I absolutely adore every single Steven Wilson solo album. Basically this video introduced me to Gavin, Steven Wilson and now progressive rock music as a whole where I’ve discovered more bands in the genre. All because of this video. Thank you drumeo and Gavin!

[@grahamserle7930]

Gavin is an outstanding drummer with musicality.

[@Yupppi]

He says it was Steven's drum part, but I don't think people would disagree with me that it's exactly the ghost notes and open hihat and that stuff that really made it. I love nothing more than the snare and cymbals in this one. Some of the cymbal fills sound like a group of birds taking air. And playing it leaning back on the beat as he says, gives it that really awesome chill but exciting feel. And that makes the whole song with the slow, kind of riding the waves back and forth guitar part that feels like it's almost hanging onto something, not wanting to let go. I had so much trouble to get that time right playing it on guitar just because it's so special. Can't imagine this song with a stiff drum machine and without those details Harrison inserted from his feel. When he says he walked on Manhattan to the studio on a sunny morning, that's pretty much exactly the days I put this song on. If I'm feeling really on top of the world, the day looks encouraging, this is the song. Even though it's a heart wrenching song about music/musicality dying and almost predicting the AI music along with the other things that happened over the years. It's like that perfect summer day you look back to when everything was good, takes you back there from today that is not quite what you wish it was.

[@soundofmuzakk]

Gavin is pure talent. Great video.

[@bramboereboom1190]

One of the smoothest sounding beats ever

[@binayaknag6154]

This for me is the best drum groove in rock music.

[@macdietz]

This song was my introduction to prog music like 2 decades ago. Still one of my favorite songs ever

[@unclefreddy2009]

Gavin is great, and one of my favorite current drummers. This track is a masterpiece. I wish the video did a breakdown of the groove and especially some of the fills I have seen him perform on various performances of it. Less interview and more instruction.

[@avukadox]

what an legendary imortal groove! thanks for that gavin!

[@cameronman1]

This guy is so great. Thanks Drumeo for providing such amazing content for all of us drum nerds. To see GH play simply, tastefully and with such ease was refreshing. Shredding with fast chops is cool but Gavin Harrison is a professional craftsman.

[@Leo_Inclan]

Gavin Harrison is an absolutely magnificent drummer. Thank you for inviting him so we can all learn a bit from him. Happy comment of the day. When you have drummers play over original tracks, and specially when we're talking about odd time signatures, could you guys include a version where we can hear their click track, if they are using one? Not particularly in this case, as it is a simple -albeit amazing- beat, but some other times it might be of great help.

[@themetalhead1463]

You’re welcome!

[@pcs56]

Those Sonors he plays always sound so incredible.

[@evracer]

I don't know what it is about the bell on that ride during the chorus.....but it gets me every time..... can't make up my mind what it is about it....but it's perfect.

[@catsven1973]

Hello.. Gavin ! Do you know that you’re simply the n#1 drummer of all time.?! You’re the most subtle melodic and spectacular painter on drums ever..

[@juanvovoncebuitragogaleano863]

I just cant get tired of his videos

[@NorbertoMelech]

The snare sound is amazing!!!!!!!!!

[@partricek8907]

PLEASE ADD MORE WITH GAVIN :) ITS PLEASURE TO LISTEN TO HIM

[@gonzalochoquekuno7259]

Amazing, this song was one of my first covers!!!! I enjoyed playing!!!! Thanks a lot Drumeo!!!!!!!!!!!

[@themetalhead1463]

You’re welcome!

[@RyanxDunn]

This song and open car were my first porcupine tree songs I ever heard and they're the reason this band and it's drummer have had such a huge musical impact on me as a drummer... Such a pity they split up... They were reaching their pinnacle of greatness and further with a lot of their latest work

[@daftmule2312]

If you get a chance, go see one of his drum clinics. Saw him in Portsmouth a few years back. Was so great to be able to ask him questions in person and hear him do his thing. Legend!

[@muttermotion]

Superb iconic groove indeed..!

[@NLWilmar]

I miss the minidisc. Loved it. Such great sound quality.

[@trevbeats77]

Love that the Magic day..Great video

[@Behemoth66]

Such an amazing song especially live. First time I came across Gavin and his band , I was walking around in the uk and they were playing. I heard that song and I paid the door guy £50 to let me in and wow I was an instant fan lol

[@janardaninja]

Gavin is a once in a generation drummer. My personal favorite.

[@lesgoe8908]

Gavin's a musical drummer. He thinks about what makes great music, not just great drumming. (And his toms are so dynamically tuned as well.)

[@jps_musics]

Man that snare sound is so good

[@mathameline]

Such humility 🙏🏻

[@budgetguitaristcom]

Great video! I'm a huge PT fan. Gavin's parts were always killer!

[@BillTscherno]

Gute Mann, Gavin Harrison. Toll erklärt, wie er den Rhythmus als erstes aufgefasst hat. Als ein Schüler von mir mit Sound Of Muzak in den Unterricht kam, musste ich erstmal Schlucken ... und zählen. Ich kam auch auf 7/16 mit großen Vierteln auf der HiHat, on and off. Geile Band, geiler Song, supergeiler Drummer.