How to Play System of a Down's "Toxicity" on Drums

In this video, we teach you how to play System of a Down's Toxicity by breaking it down and explaining each part.
Did you know that you can sign up for a FREE 30-minute LIVE Drum Lesson with Jeremy? The best part is that it doesn't matter what part of the world you are in since we use a program that is like Skype, except better and perfect for our Jam Session!
Want to jam out? Visit www.e7musicschool.com to sign up for your free Drum Lesson
Table of Contents:
We make it easy to learn how to play this song on the drums! Click on the specific time stamps below to skip straight to the part of the lesson that you want!
PART 1 Quick run through of what we will be teaching for this drum lesson...
0:16 - For this song we need to learn how to count in "sixes" so that we know when to count the intro without the drum and know exactly when to come in.
0:55 - Play through the intro to see how it'll sound and counting when the drums come in
PART 2 Breaking down the song into each part
SECTION 1
1:40 - 1st we will crash with the bass drum followed by some flams
2:52 - 2nd we learn how to play the 1st fill pattern
3:15 - 3rd we do a single stroke 5-stroke roll
3:37 - We put these 3 parts together and play the drums without music and then play it with music
SECTION 2
4:10 - After the fill we play the next pattern where we introduce a "ghost snare" or quiet snare hit
6:33 - We put it all together and play this section of the drumming part
SECTION 3
6:40 - We play it through and introduce the 2nd fill pattern
7:16 - This drummer tends to play fills by leading with his left hand and this will be the easiest way to learn this. It will be more difficult to play it with the right-hand because you risk having your sticks hitting each other. It is possible and we explain the option of how to play it right handed.
10:34 - Put everything up to this point together with music at full speed
SECTION 4
10:57 - The tom drum part is going to be played like this
12:12 - Putting it all together up until this point
SECTION 5
12:45 - How to play the very last fill
PART 4 Playing the entire lesson from beginning to end with music
14:15 - Playing the entire thing one last time with everything we've learned and putting the drums together with the music

[@E7MusicSchool]

Want to take your drumming to the next level? Ready to finally learn your favorite song on drums…even that hard part? Now’s your chance! Check out the E7 Drum Membership with full song breakdowns of your favorite songs. e7-music-school.teachable.com/p/e7-video-course-membership-drums Enrollment is now open and available at a super low price!

[@ryanlewis6336]

I'm a new drummer and your videos are way clearer and I can learn better than any other drum tutorial out there.

[@E7MusicSchool]

+Ryan Hoose Lewis Thank you and congrats on starting up on the drums!! :D

[@basicPROcreator]

Me too

[@alexgalindo476]

lol love the lab coat.

[@shamicentertainment1262]

scientific drumming

[@simonnilsson9401]

Alex Galindo he's the drum professor bruh

[@Nuriyya91]

O M G!!! I thought its a blazer! This makes it even better!

[@ghost13riley16]

@Harvey Park ..

[@karynsankhe7697]

Lol yes that’s what I said I got a kick outta it lol

[@spikespikus1468]

I love how simple and explained this is, makes it so much easier to slow down the fills

[@E7MusicSchool]

thanks! Glad its helping!

[@cafxne]

I don't even have a drum, I just love watching these

[@malyhuncut]

Same for me

[@JupiterKnight]

sus

[@JupiterKnight]

yes

[@JupiterKnight]

k lol

[@ricardanilos]

The year is 2024 and this tutorial video for this song is still the best I've seen so far

[@fabiomaniscalco6814]

Ryan Reynolds at drums

[@amarii80]

Ryan Reynolds, PHD in drums.

[@4erepawko]

You are doing God's work here explaining these breaks

[@E7MusicSchool]

Thanks!!

[@JoeLewis14]

Great video. I just started getting into drumming. I play guitar and write music. I figured learning drums would only help that. This is really useful. Thanks.

[@E7MusicSchool]

Awesome! Happy to help

[@ramiroj74]

Your channel is what was missing on the drummer channels, well done. I suscribe.

[@E7MusicSchool]

thanks! Im glad to hear that!

[@m1ra_ree408]

Thank you a lot Drum Professor! I want to compete in a competition It is called UKM (i live in Norway) and wanted to learn toxicity, you are very good to explain things😄🥁

[@E7MusicSchool]

Nice i had a student in Norway! Email me at [e-mail] if you'd like to take weekly lessons from me :)

[@papio7386]

Why did it take so long for me to find you !!! Best tutorial teacher ever 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@E7MusicSchool]

I’m honored, thank you 🙏 🙌🥁

[@amonchhetri1053]

finally i can actually play this..thanks a ton!

[@E7MusicSchool]

Glad I could help!

[@D4rkCreepypastas]

Excelent job, thank you! Now you have a student from brazil :D congrats for the good job

[@E7MusicSchool]

awesome!!

[@E7MusicSchool]

Hey guys!!!... I'm having an AWESOME week teaching my private students all around the world!!

[@megamashup4881]

cant wait for the one on one session one the 8th at 8

[@vilescurvy3905]

The Drum Professor i like your teaching way. i know that its kinda slow but that what's makes it better for beginers. thanks

[@josevillegas8467]

The Drum Professor do u travel for student lessons id really like to learn this song on drumms im a big drum fan u did an amazing job on this song i just need help with learning it in person it would be easyr nd quicker for me to learn it if u could do this let me know plz

[@E7MusicSchool]

Jose Villegas hey bud! I don't travel, BUT live online lessons is just as good as in person live lessons... schedule one with me through my website. if you like it I'll schedule you for weekly class. if not then u had a free half hour of drums!!

[@niclemmy269]

are you married?

[@shawn576]

I don't know anything about drums, but I think it's hilarious how you're playing it in such a calm way (about 1:10). When seeing anyone else play this, they're just slamming the shit out of their drums. Great video.

[@E7MusicSchool]

Thanks! To be honest, Im using somewhere in between. Back when I made this video, I had to play softer because my audio quality wasn't the best as I didn't know too much about it yet!

[@jeffreymartinez288]

Thanx man it helped alot. Finally learned my favorite song thanx to you

[@E7MusicSchool]

my pleasure! thanks :) keep rocking out!

[@somescottishguy191]

Awesome!! it's been about 6 years since I last played drums. I packed my acoustic kit away when my neighbor got diagnosed with cancer so I could only play during music class at school and this was the last song I worked on before I left. I will have my new digital kit by next week and thanks to you, I can finish what I started. I look forward to watching more of your videos!!

[@fretboy33]

I cannot tell you how helpful this video has been! 🤘🤘🤘

[@Torinjames]

Just got a new drum set. Even though this is a hard song, you made it extremely easy. Thanks so much dude. Your a life saver

[@E7MusicSchool]

my pleasure bud!! Keep up the good work!

[@nixuboss2847]

This was The greatest tutorial in the youtube history

[@E7MusicSchool]

Wow thank you!!

[@floofficiel6007]

Yeah absolutely, it was so easy to understand, I could play as soon as the video ended ! (with pauses between the steps to practice of course)

[@rageagainst2116]

Very helpful, thanks a lot

[@E7MusicSchool]

my pleasure!

[@jeffstamand]

great tutorial...

[@E7MusicSchool]

ty!

[@adestradoronline]

Great lesson! Thank you for your time, mate. Regards from a brazilian youtuber.

[@E7MusicSchool]

Thanks! All the way from Brazil, ...awesome!

[@enigma548]

This is the best sir. ♥ ☺. Please can you teach how to play Before I forget by slipknot

[@ianmacrae2749]

Your awesome thanks for sharing toms have been doing my head in couldn’t figure them out now finally I can

[@E7MusicSchool]

your welcome! Hes a left handed drummer so its tuff to interpret what he's playing for sure!

[@ianmacrae2749]

The Drum Professor absolutely and thanks for the way you break it all down makes it a lot easier to follow and understand exactly what’s going on would like to see you do imperium machine head 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@JoelHanleyJoelHanley]

Thanks so much man, you earned a subscriber!

[@E7MusicSchool]

Awesome!

[@paulmort8507]

The ghost note part is so confusing. Have you sat back and watched a beginner learn from your vids without input. Love your work thanks.

[@E7MusicSchool]

no, but I have seen the results from it... if you need extra help just sign up for a free session on my website

[@brhythms_22]

Hey man great lesson. Can you please do lesson on SOAD - BYOB also. Thanks

[@BigBadOsiris]

I don't have drums, but I've always wanted a set ( maybe I'll get one when I'm a bit older ) but this is an amazing video if and when i do get my set, i will definitely becoming here to learn :)

[@E7MusicSchool]

+× Big Bad Osiris × Great! Anytime let me know! :)

[@Unawesomenessness]

Do you have a drum set now

[@BigBadOsiris]

@@Unawesomenessness I’m 20 now and I still don’t have a set 😭

[@Unawesomenessness]

Nooo 😭 I’m 22 and just got my first drum kit two months ago. Genuinely been some of the most fun I’ve ever had, jamming out and catching your rhythm (even with basic drum grooves) is so rewarding and feels amazing. Drum sets can be loud as hell so it’s not accessible to everyone’s living situation. If you can, get an electric drum set. The one I have is the Donner DED-100, I encourage you to check it out on Amazon. You can plug your headphones into it and it is essentially quiet.

[@E7MusicSchool]

@@BigBadOsiris save up a little $ at a time, you'll get there. I'd be happy to help you find a set!

[@Tony-fx9ky]

Thanks. That intro fill gave me problems. That 5 stroke roll may help. Trying it first thing tomorrow after work.

[@E7MusicSchool]

Nice! How did it go?

[@Tony-fx9ky]

@@E7MusicSchool Very well, thanks. Now trying to get it up to speed and we are good to go👍👌

[@saidoterodiseno]

From the thumbnail I thought you were John Dolmayan

[@mis234rfol_de3]

thank you so much

[@E7MusicSchool]

your welcome!

[@matthewochoa2804]

I love how he plays with little to no effort and tries to play as quite as possible

[@E7MusicSchool]

Hi Matthew! When I made my older videos, I didn't know much about audio so I played softer to keep the sound from distorting.

[@matthewochoa2804]

@@E7MusicSchool man is still responding to comments 5 years ago. This man is the best!

[@theunluckycrow3732]

This looks easier than I thought ik how to do the fills I just get at tempo with the song

[@E7MusicSchool]

nice! Let me know how you're coming along with it!

[@pr.vladvalahul]

Finaly, I learned this :D Thank you very much prof ;)

[@Cade215]

I like this guy🤔

[@jefftrajano9865]

You are a surgeon of drums

[@E7MusicSchool]

haha thanks Jeff!!

[@oniferu]

Great ! Thank you professor :)

[@E7MusicSchool]

+oğulcan Davran my pleasure! If you need additional help let me know :)

[@GonTar_X]

i wish the audio and video quality was higher, but closest to the real thing i've seen so far, great work

[@E7MusicSchool]

its been upgraded recently :)

[@drummergirl9735]

Can you do Heart of Glass drum tutorial?😀

[@E7MusicSchool]

It may be a while before I can do that, but if you would like to do a live drum lesson with me, email me at [e-mail]

[@drummergirl9735]

@@E7MusicSchool Thank you sir👍

[@tommodeski8637]

Proffessors don't wear lab coats lol

[@hshddhdgghghhhhgdhd]

how do you get all of your Tom's like that. I can't get mine to sound nearly as good as your because mine has too much reconosance

[@E7MusicSchool]

hshddhdgghghhhhgdhd the top and bottom heads must be be tuned to each other to resonate properly. sound wave at different frequencies move faster or slower, the key is to find the happy medium where the sound wave are blending together, not "fighting" each other. I'd recommend using a gig pro tuner, there's also a chat that gives you options of what to tune the top and bottoms of each head to. it's awesome and can really make your Drums sing.

[@leonardosalas6274]

I don't play the drums but I like to see your videos :)

[@E7MusicSchool]

awesome thank you!

[@A-Warthog-hm2tl]

Same

[@guerrerodiaz1]

thank this is very helpful for me thank

[@E7MusicSchool]

+marcos diaz Great! my pleasure, check out my website for more info on making you an even better drummer!

[@GunDrummer]

Its funny I learned this the wrong way like 13 years ago and its been a nightmare learning how to do it correctly. Thanks for the breakdown.

[@E7MusicSchool]

My pleasure. It's a tricky one to get down for sure!

[@akaragdollsvids]

Finally!! I can play it after two days practice 😜 thanks 😌

[@E7MusicSchool]

Awesome!! 2 Days thats pretty quick :)

[@akaragdollsvids]

@@E7MusicSchool thanks brother.. and ur agreat guy... Keep up the great work ;)

[@usmcvet2008]

So far you have been my favorite Drum tutorial channel. I am, however, surprised that you do not have "Disturbed- Down with the sickness." That is the one song I cannot find any decent tutorials on. Thanks again for the great vids! Subscribed!

[@E7MusicSchool]

thanks for subscribing!! I was talking about doing that song, will do for sure :)

[@usmcvet2008]

The Drum Professor cant wait!!!

[@hyperxviper8006]

Can u make a7x toturial pls

[@mis_micro_habitos]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!! was the only way to learn this song, THANKS NEW TEACHER, HELLOW FROM MEXICO

[@E7MusicSchool]

My pleasure! Keep rocking on!

[@omarxxxxx]

This is amazing, you have no idea how much you have helped me to improve my skills, there is no video on youtube that makes it so understandable and simple like you did! forever grateful!

[@E7MusicSchool]

+omarxxxxx Thanks a LOT Omar! So glad you've found something that's a good fit for you!

[@duffman1781]

Why U begin the 1st fill with snare? no one does, even John it's confusing

[@nirlevi9570]

Can you explain Would by alice in chains

[@martymcfly9480]

How casually he did this tho

[@joedk-hs7cu]

first part of intro done on day one, thanks sir.

[@E7MusicSchool]

Well done!

[@thatwasitik]

I will try this one soon... Mali Mali napod ko Ani haha...

[@bonniesanders2458]

Can you teach us Tool's Lateralus? I want to learn that BAD. I've been watching covers over and over.

[@E7MusicSchool]

kool song!! my que is pretty long, I will see what I can do for you..

[@bonniesanders2458]

The Drum Professor Thanks. There's definitely no hurry. I just wanted to put that out there. I'll wait patiently and, meanwhile, learn from your other songs :) Thanks for your videos!

[@Fireheart0011]

this is awesome, this is made me want to practice drums for the first time in a while

[@E7MusicSchool]

thats awesome!!

[@hrideksepticbeaver2895]

Hats of man i love the you teach songs 👏👏👏

[@E7MusicSchool]

thanks bud!!!

[@MAE74961]

this was a great lesson I'm having problems putting everything together though im thinking it's just my hand speed.haven't played in a few years think I should pick a simpler song to learn first?

[@E7MusicSchool]

I think that would help yes... also I have several hand exercises to improve you're speed... you should do a free lesson with me

[@MAE74961]

this was a great lesson I'm having problems putting everything together though im thinking it's just my hand speed.haven't played in a few years think I should pick a simpler song to learn first?

[@E7MusicSchool]

Romanianpoutine Moe for sure, start easier and work your way up

[@SnipeYouFromMars]

What level of difficulty would you say this song falls under? I've been playing for about 5 years but haven't practiced consistency over those years. I'd say I'm on the lower end of intermediate but I'm also now learning at a decent pace. Hopefully I can get this down soon XD

[@E7MusicSchool]

I'd put this in the early-mid intermediate level. the sticking during fills can be a bit tricky. As for help, you would learn much faster with help from me live, why not schedule a free lesson with me and I can see exactly what you need help with?

[@k2trappi272]

bro this guy looks like chris pontius from jackass

[@leekatasema2063]

Why do you stop before the verse beat? It's similar to but not the same as what you play between the fills, which is not the verse. And there's plenty more at the end of the song. Or you could just call it how to play the fills on toxicity.

[@E7MusicSchool]

It's a free video... I offer full song break downs in lessons. :) I hope you enjoy the video!

[@vishaldass2393]

waw

[@raissal.garcia3793]

Is there a part 2 for this song? I mean, the last part is a little bit different and the rhythm changes another 2 times. I'd love to see the rest of this song. Until now, that's the best tutorial I found so far. Thx anyway.

[@E7MusicSchool]

Thanks!! Coming soon I will be opening up monthly memberships that cover FULL song breakdowns. go to www.e7musicschool.com to find out more!

[@drummergirl9735]

Drum professor..what do you think of Sina's drum cover of this song. Do you think its accurate?

[@E7MusicSchool]

not sure I haven't watched it?

[@BarbarianKingCoC121]

Im thinking about getting drums but only with hi hat ride and crash is this song still playable without the extra symbols? Thanks

[@E7MusicSchool]

absolutely. Just use the same crash over and over.. could also use the ride as a crash if needed.

[@MrDefeacer]

Great!!! But your kit sounds so bad

[@E7MusicSchool]

thanks .... I've recently upgraded audio.

[@dot.2943]

All of his notes are ghost notes. Great lesson though

[@pg6649]

Excellent video. You broke things down at a good speed and I like that you played each part at normal speed afterwards.

[@E7MusicSchool]

Thanks patrick!

[@jamallwells8786]

I hate that it’s in 6/8 so I just count it in 3/4

[@jasoncarter7687]

Hey, i live in Missouri in the USA. what state do u live in?

[@E7MusicSchool]

DOUBLE J VLOGS AND GAMING arizona

[@franciscoromero4334]

You are Excellent in explaining how to play it! 😎 It helped me a Lot!

[@E7MusicSchool]

thanks! Happy to help!

[@coolied2865]

hello gotta learn this one and you broke it down very well. Thanks DP

[@E7MusicSchool]

my pleasure!!

[@mithunbalajimg5779]

I saw the sheet music, procrastinated practicing this for a year and then finally got back with this video. Jamming to this in 20 mins. Thank you!

[@E7MusicSchool]

Rock on!

[@Jemand-if5dj]

I'm having sooo much trouble with that shitty five stroke roll 😖😂

[@E7MusicSchool]

lol, you may want to watch one of my newest videos on how to hold the stick,.. it will give you some pointers.

[@BigLyfe09]

That’s the part that gives me chills!!!!

[@SideSalad8]

Think of it more like 4 hits and a downbeat, not 5 hits, so hit it 4 times and then close it with a final hit, it's probably easier to think about it that way, it is for me

[@marioj2425]

I just bounce it

[@chillpill1649]

Its six hits if you add that tom you play after the five stroke.

[@Italessons]

your videos a cool but you treat us like if we are at the first lesson

[@E7MusicSchool]

hi bud! everyone learns differently, some automatically know the things you're talking about, others don't, some thought they did but had bad or incorrect technique. I'd rather be more thorough than too fast and people not get it? Let me know your thoughts :)

[@iAmLegendanny]

One: I love your subscriber count at the moment (1,234 subs). Two: You are a really good, easy-to-learn instructor/teacher. Keep doing what you do!

[@E7MusicSchool]

thank you!!

[@jakegreene4313]

Now he has 1274. 40 in one day? Woah!

[@Fieldeluxe]

He's got 50k now, must be good! Subscription in order.

[@michaelronaldsison3826]

can you play a drum beat of nightmare by avenged sevenfold

[@E7MusicSchool]

sorry, just saw your comment... it's in my que!!

[@liamrignanese7037]

two things this guy needs . drum mics and to use dreamless tracks

[@E7MusicSchool]

True! more recent vids are better :)

[@cranberryisthebest-valoran6447]

You made it looook sooooo easyyyyy, Very awesome on how you taught everything! This seriously needs part 2 The verse and then the chorus and stuff

[@E7MusicSchool]

Thank you!! How are you doing on the song? I will have a full song breakdown available on my website in the near future

[@cranberryisthebest-valoran6447]

@@E7MusicSchool I actually finished the intro thanks to your help 🎉😅! I just need to clean the fill-ins and master it! Looking forward for the whole thing 😁!

[@JoseLuis-hx9zh]

Thank you mate, it looks easy when you are behind the wheel

[@E7MusicSchool]

My pleasure! How are you doing on this song?

[@quertz2950]

I ask you because I cant ask someone else. I never had lessons and play for one month by myself. And I actually can play this(of course a bit slower). Do I have a sort of talent or is that normal ?

[@E7MusicSchool]

playing this song when only playing for 1 month is impressive, definitely talented, a lot of people simply don't have the rhythm to do that. lessons will be a great resource for you if you choose.

[@quertz2950]

The Drum Professor Yes I thought about it. I love playing drums thanks for your advice

[@E7MusicSchool]

your welcome!

[@rodrigomujica7654]

Este si es un capooooooooo genio.. el mejor!

[@gaiatrinitas3178]

Excellent lesson, very good teacher, thanks.

[@E7MusicSchool]

thanks Gala!

[@hbijker5696]

Are you hitting the cymbals too soft on purpose?

[@E7MusicSchool]

hi!, this was one of my first videos. At that time if I hit the cymbals too hard the mic would drop sound. .. so no I don't normally hit that soft. :)

[@michaelhoward7838]

I downloaded the sheet music for System of a Down Toxicity and it does not have a five stroke roll on the snare I don't know which way is right my drum notations or your video

[@E7MusicSchool]

you can do either 5 stroke dbl roll or single. Beware that a LOT of sheet music has errors.

[@michaelhoward7838]

@@E7MusicSchool where would be a safe place to download sheet music from for me it's easier to read sheet music

[@michaelhoward7838]

I like the way that you do it but I need all of it not just the intro do you teach the whole thing

[@Drumline128]

Nice. Its really cool. Thank you from Moscow.

[@E7MusicSchool]

my pleasure!

[@thepugster6027]

So the fils in the later part of the song are the same right?

[@E7MusicSchool]

Mostly. I'd be happy to show you them in a lesson if you like. Or become a monthly member to get access to full song video breakdowns!

[@Abzeract]

He makes it looks so easy lololol

[@marcraffur]

This is impossible for me.... too fast on the fill... so sad

[@E7MusicSchool]

You can do it!! I'm happy to help you with ANYTHING you need help on! Feel free to email me at [e-mail] Stay awesome!!!

[@jakegreene4313]

Subscribed! :)

[@Borabasstyle]

Thanks from Russia 👍

[@muhammadadamhusein4481]

I need offline video, coz there is no signal in studio :(

[@E7MusicSchool]

I offer offline videos to my weekly students.. I'd be happy to have you try out a free lesson.

[@mgjoangilbert41]

I like how he plays closed hi hat at the beginning and for those same parts through out the song even though if you listen to the actual song it is supposed to be open hi hat for the beginning and for the same parts as the beginning in the song

[@seppe3352]

8:08

[@Khredlan]

Really awesome lesson! Thank you for putting this together!

[@nevermind610]

Nice arrangement I'm gonna practice that with my realdrum.apk 😀

[@applesandpears]

Thank you so muuuuch

[@E7MusicSchool]

You're welcome!