Simon Phillips - Playing 33/8

Simon Phillips Returns

[@FONO63]

I love his outfit like if he was attending an 80's aerobics class.

[@Rastafan8]

Hahahaha yes it's true. He's so sporty, he tunes his Bassdrum and after tuning he is jumping

[@krewashton264]

instablaster.

[@AEN.]

It was indeed an aerobics class

[@jenteworrell4065]

Well,..you do actually have to be pretty fit to pull this kind of intense drumming off

[@BillE2112]

Simon is not only a world-class drummer but also a world-class sound engineer. There was a remark about the 80's drum sound. Well, that's when this was recorded, right? Today, an artist has their pick of drum sounds. Do they want to go for a 50's, 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's or whatever sound? It's all valid. A few years from now, we'll see posts where people complain about the over-use of Beat Detective and AutoTune/Melodyne, which are seemingly used on everything in pop today. The kit was played and recorded beautifully. Whether Simon counts the tune in 33/8 or uses smaller subdivisions is up to him. Regardless of the method he used, the tune flows and feels good. Purpose served.

[@danielclee1]

Bill Engebretson Simply said, well done :-)

[@Jez2008UK]

Bill Engebretson Wow - beautifully said :) I love this sound - particularly the Octobans, which normally I don't like at all but here they sound 'as they're meant to' (in my opinion). I also happen to think that Simon's playing at this juncture of his life and career is him at his best. And I also think one of the big reasons for his success (and I've seen this in a lot of studio/session musicians) is their ability to get on with people from all walks :)

[@jlovejoydrums]

Jez2008UK I was just thinking about how flawless his octobans sound seconds before reading this comment. Good Ear!

[@HermesTrismegistes369]

Very well said! Love that!

[@connorm955]

Yeah, he even did the 5.1 surround mix for the DVD

[@JanaPersson]

Wow! There's never been a drummer who can put in this amount of energy in a bar of music. It is just astounding!

[@milkminotaur]

Music that will not get you laid.

[@Roma-di5xf]

Who gives a fuck! This is the equivalency of sex musically.....

[@chriswalkerWAKAWAKAWAKAWAKA]

who needs sex when you have 33/8

[@milkminotaur]

chris walker Hahahaha..that made me laugh aloud. You have a point.

[@Roma-di5xf]

***** Damn straight girl!!

[@totalTubabge]

milkminotaur [laughing] You're funny.

[@toto99303]

You can count it as you wish, but for me the most practical way is to divide it to 4 parts: 7/8 10/8 7/8 9/8 223 22222 223 2232 Easy, huh? :)

[@Envinyatar95]

How about 17 +16? Or just keeping in mind the melody to play along?

[@devinthierault]

So it's a Remington time signature

[@roger.rivera66]

just like the «sticking» at the beginning of the video

[@dariodereshki1335]

I also think that is the best option

[@ianhendrytube]

Spot on dude 👌

[@nengstro]

Shit, Simon is 2-3 three steps higher up on the drummer genious ladder than I thought...

[@josephslotnick4516]

I hear a lot of chic corea electric band in the chord progression..jamming off a groove. Also influence of Dave weckle.

[@rodagu245]

This was completely excellent. Completely.

[@innocencetube]

He just came from the squash court, didn't have time to change. Just wish he kept his goggles on!

[@bojohnbonham]

😂😂😂

[@paulbentley2709]

It's very important to tuck the spandex into the white socks.

[@frankburdodrums8984]

I think he was playing 16/8 and just added a note every other time through.

[@neilwilson5871]

Agreed...i wouldn't be willing or able to count to 33 if I wasn't forced to do so.... that's why yer not watchin me play😆😆😆

[@GusFogle]

There is no practical reason for this to be written in 33/8. It just sounds cool when you say it. Time signatures classically are written to facilitate phrasing and counting. This can be written/counted in smaller groupings of 8 and 4 that would make more sense on the page.

[@edcarbajal9020]

+Gus Fogle Now finaly somebody who can tell time oh what a concept... You mean the world isn't flat ? Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks!

[@deetgeluid]

Exactly. You can just break it up.

[@850601yoji]

Gus Fogle exactly I love his sound so much tasty sound!

[@Oneness100]

It's just 11/8 played 3 times. :-) either way, the melody line doesn't do it for me. This is more of a display of a technical song. Not my thing. As far as the use of Odd time signatures, I prefer what John McLaughlin did in the 70's. He composed great melody lines. I think out of all of the Jazz/Rock/Fusion composers, McLaughlin had far better melody lines than anyone else. They weren't contrived or cliche' like so many other compositions have/had.

[@barad-dur9236]

Oneness100 i don’t count it at all :) :)

[@GloryBound1971]

Very tasty and creative!! Simon has been such a huge influence on me!!! Thank you for decades of instructional videos and the live concerts like Toto etc. You are just an absolute Monster!!!!

[@USMCSDI]

Probably one of the most underrated drummers from his era

[@maximpopov199]

Yeah, Hot drummer.

[@UCS0608]

Underrated....???? 😝 The guy played with almost every big artist and is considered by many drummers as one of the best ever! I got to know him throught records (Phil Manzanera!) in 1978, had the joy of doing two clinics with him in the early 80s and I think he still rules!!!

[@mootbooxle]

Attack of the killer DX7s!

[@miguelruiz1122]

I also imagine SY85s and SY99s

[@Cainhoblack]

It seems a Roland MKS-20?

[@RockMacDonald23]

Stop arguing ppl and enjoy the vid. Simon is very musical, this is a video of his work and what he's capable of. Here we see he is capable of playing in 33/8. That doesn't stop him from think about the music as a whole while he's playing.

[@juanperomero]

The best drummer of the world!!!!!

[@jonfklein]

I love watching a musician focused on executing the music to perfection.

[@joshdrums37]

The way I feel it, and what makes most musical sense to me is to think of it is a 4 Bar phrase in 4/4 it a quick tempo ... but that’s only 32 8th notes... so we need to add 1 8th note somewhere... I hear it at the end of the second bar, so that would make it 4/4 9/8 4/4 4/4 1+2+3+4+ 1+2+3+4++ 1+2+3+4+ 1+2+3+4+ Trying to relate it to 4/4 makes it feel more organic to me, you need to feel the syncopations against the pulse instead of just counting the groupings with 5 here and 7 there 6 here ect that gets a little pedantic. It’s a fast 4/4 with beat 4 of the 2nd bar being extended slightly by one 8th note.

[@Tochudin]

Every time I watch Simon play he makes me think of quitting drums... This guy is awesome!

[@bezgracada]

Ur minding need to be vise versa

[@dund614]

you're right bro it should inspire. that comment 12 years old though LMAO

[@UCS0608]

Don't. Let him inspire you!!!! 🤗

[@DieAgentur666]

Thats what I call a drummer. Amazing!

[@yrussq]

Amazing sounding hat! It's easier to learn/feel the melody then to count it like an idiot all the time.

[@Jez2008UK]

yrussq Absolutely - playing from the heart, not the head :)

[@stevenschoen398]

+yrussq - I would think that most drummers would, at first, count it out, then after a bit the counting would drop out of the picture and the drummer could start having some fun with it and not be "counting like an idiot all the time."

[@starchild692]

I just got it by learning the orchestration of the groove note by note( hi hats,kick,snare Octobans tom) like its a lick .I find it easier this way and straight to the goal ,better than learning to count then having to learn the groove .

[@starchild692]

I just got it by learning the orchestration of the groove note by note( hi hats,kick,snare Octobans tom) like its a lick .I find it easier this way and straight to the goal ,better than learning to count then having to learn the groove .

[@zachcline7555]

Strato Caster For people like myself that can't read or have no understanding of notes it's easier to just listen to what's going on

[@DominiAeternum]

God I remember this instructional video from way back when. Love seeing stuff like this on here after so long.

[@BenjaminHernandez23]

Musicians: Hey Simon, What's the time signature? Simon: yes

[@7628739]

I just think Simon is really good, and in demand. I can watch him for hours, just amazing

[@MrTheRich13]

He's So fluid .... could have easily watched him play this for hours ...

[@jonorocko1]

Love this its amazing what simon can do best drummer in the world especially with the time signature gosh he is amazing!

[@23TC23]

No matter how good or bad you think he is there are 2 problems here: 1: No one really needs 2 sets of hi-hats 2: He is wearing tights

[@milttrugood4817]

Bruford fan? Hasn't been since "Discipline"- era that I've seen octobons and a gong drum.

[@regularviewer1682]

If you listen closely... it's actually 8/8 bar followed by 9/8 bar repeated over and over... (17/8) So it's not actually 33/8.

[@Seethi_C]

False, it's 16/16 followed by 17/16. Close, but you are wrong.

[@Anonymous-re9fd]

Seethi C if it is as you say, the time siganture would be 33/16, but it is actually 33/8, and yeah i know it's just a matter of speed, but this song doesn't sound like a 16th note song

[@jpcapobianco1979]

you can consider 33/16 count 4/4 + 1 sixtinth + 4/4 = 33/16

[@PragueMeddler]

I agree! As a drummer, I wonder just how the hell he can continue to bring in such fantastic grooves and fills measure after measure, and to a point where it never gets old! He's inhuman, I say!

[@vicez_]

everything aside, sick drumming, cool ass tune :)

[@blight4hire]

i feel this as 4/4 from the beginning to 1.30. from the beginning i can just count it by 1+2+3+4+ .. then once i reach 1.30 i count it by just saying 3 repeats of 1+2+3+4+5+6 then 1+2+3+4 .. and on the 4 you'll notice he ends the measure... follow my way of counting and you won't get so confused. most of this stuff is just based on feeling .. my first time seeing this video anyway so basically you don't need to count , just feel it once you're at a certain level :)

[@blight4hire]

Alexandre Meynier aye dude. you're probably right but for some reason that's how i counted when i played along to this song and i could do it LOL. but to tell you the truth , even before i counted i could play it just based on feeling .

[@kreatingsound4946]

17/16 + 16/16 (or 4/4) or think of it as 4/4+1 extra 16th-note and 4/4

[@apinakapinastorba]

That's one of the best sounding snare drums I have ever heard.

[@blicky2blacky]

Despite how others broke it down I truly believe I've deciphered it correctly: 7/8+5/4 +7/8+9/8. Try it out, you will hear this is the melodies meter plus drum phrasing. For those looking for a proper count, you are welcome. Make sure you know where the 8ths and 4 pulse lie.

[@jasoncavitt2043]

I'd actually call this *33/16 time* -- not 33/8 -- with the main groove feeling _just more than two_ measures in length, not four. It's a play on the old 7-plus-9 form of 4/4, but with an extra sixteenth after the first nine grouping: 7/16 + 10/16 + 7/16 + 9/16 = 33/16. The tempo is quarter notes at 103 bpm. The second part, found at 1:30 and 2:29, is actually based on a sixteenth triplet -- which is a 24th note -- and would more accurately be called 33/24 time or just *11/8*. By moving the base pulse denomination from 16ths to 24ths, Phillips gives the time a feeling of slowing to 66-67 bpm (two thirds of 103), while the phrase feels likes it's been shortened to _just less than one-and-a-half_ measures in length (two thirds of "just more than two").

[@backbeatbobby]

Jason Cavitt this.is.rubbish.9/8+8/8.simple.u.complicating.everything,infact,.u.suck

[@jonahmartinez6374]

Jason Cavitt Yeah counting 8th notes is easier...simplicity is key.

[@jasoncavitt2043]

Samuel Feimer Good to see somebody wasn't afraid to _think_ before responding. Counting something wrong doesn't make it easier, it just makes it... _wronger_.

[@sbskking]

Nerds... Let's just hear some AC/DC

[@jasoncavitt2043]

_"Nerds... Let's just hear some AC/DC"_ --Sunbeom Kim ...As if the modern world weren't dumbed down enough.

[@Hrkortegaard]

I would say that the feel is more like 33/16, considering the quarter notes in the pattern (0:00-0:05)

[@hugolafhugolaf]

I say it's more like 32/8 and an additional bar in 1/8. So there.

[@Anonymous-re9fd]

dudes wtf is the same thing lmao stop acting like you know music

[@DrMurdercock]

@@hugolafhugolaf i say 11/8x3

[@clamstermcwinkle2514]

I used to watch this video all the time. I learn loads about groove and fills from it. That’s was well over 20 years ago. Crazy.

[@blicky2blacky]

Also: to simplify one could count it 7/8+5/4+4/4+4/4 but it does not corresponds with the keyboard riff. You can count it this way however if it helps.

[@mkaali]

What genre is this or any other Simon Phillips/Protocol stuff? Fusion, acid jazz, synth jazz?

[@evanjazzista]

Fusion, clearly.

[@MegaShaheen007]

Guys Simon's house and studio were recently destroyed following the Thomas fire incident in California. He's struggling to recover from the incident. Please be kind enough to make some donation and help him : www.gofundme.com/jwequ-life-rebuilding-fund

[@jalanjones7310]

Why/ He's supposedly a world class drummer with endless gigs and session calls?? Or not? Probably not since he couldn't afford fire insurance.

[@MegaShaheen007]

jalan jones He says it all in the bio in the link

[@yyyaaa3928]

Gordon Ramsay nigga u ded

[@MegaShaheen007]

fidged sbinner Boi...

[@DavidePettirossi]

It is so: 1 bar in 4/4 1 bar in 3/4 1 bar in 3/8 2 bars in 4/4 200 bpm quarter note ca. Or... 1 bar in 6/4 1 bar in 5/8 (the one on the octoban) 2 bars in 4/4 The second section is in 5 dotted half note (15/4) + 3/8

[@laloservin]

Name of the song?

[@eddiek2915]

laloservin Please

[@ericocccams5865]

3 sets of 11/8 11/8 + 11/8=22/8 11/8 + 11/8 + 11/8=33/8

[@zvensabri2533]

The best drummer Simon.

[@RainerSteffenHain]

I don't think that he's playing 33/8. At least there's some 4/4 and ends up with 5/8 or 9/8. Matters on how one will count. Though, I'm sure such stuff will never be written in 33/8. I'm a drummer, so I dare to say this!

[@brianmcguire5175]

The modulated chorus part can be counted as 11/4 with each quarter subdivided into 8th note triplets and the melody grouping heard as 4, 2 and 5 counts. This clearly illustrates the piece really is a 11/4 but exhibited as 33/8th note triplet piece to show off meter writing and musical opportunity. If explained as 11/4 it would undermine the triplet swing feel which a 33/8(the 8 being of triplet 8th note value and not standard 8ths) written piece would represent better chart wise. That said, I'd transcribe this as 11/4 with 8th note triplet Subdivisions or alternatively, and probably more accurately, smaller bars of 4/4,2/4 and 5/4(equalling 11/4 or 33/8 alternatively) for greater ease of sight reading instead of a convoluted giant bar of 33/8 with seemingly obscure snare drum back beat placements which when written in the 4/4,2/4,5/4 fragments makes a easier read and more correspondent to the actual melody of the piece. again, this is referring to the chorus swing part and not the former prog groove I've properly broken down in a former comment below here

[@joshfossgreen]

The best way to count this (for me) is as a bar of 17/16 and a bar of 4/4. (which puts it in 33/16 rather than 33/8, which I think makes more sense but they are rhythmically equivalent) The bar of 17 is generally grouped as 4+4+4+5. Ta-ka-de-my Ta-ka-de-my Ta-ka-de-my Ta-ki-ta-ki-ta!

[@goesjem]

Amazing stuff. Don't bother counting it. It is much easier to feel it by the melody and groove. Also if you want to count, I think it is better to subdivide it. Simon is incredible!

[@RobertGenito]

@jimma137 i think you missed my point mate. appreciation has nothing to do with people debating back and forth about how to organize the time signature. it can be organized in an unlimited way! i personally feel 4/4 when i listen to this, so that's how i would organize the signature. then again, some people find it impossible to feel odd times as 4/4 because they still need to work on that...maybe that's where all of the debate was coming from: their ignorance or current inability.

[@RobertGenito]

@santi9100 i'm not sure who said said, but if you re-read my comment, you'll see that i actually wrote, "time signatures only exist on paper, not on recordings." I've already clapped to this many times; clapping along "flawless" is easy and very natural, especially for a GREAT groove like this. clapping along is surely no problem for many other drummers out there; if you are having a problem clapping along, maybe there's information in my words that would be valuable for drummers like you? :)

[@coldfin378]

@BenjaminProd Oh, I count it 7/8 cuz there's a note from melody comes right after a 7/8 +1/16, maybe just cuz it's harder for me to count an 8/8 but the melody accent is 1/16 before the beat 8 and also 1/16 after the beat 8 is no sound for melody. You're right, actually we can count in any way, this is so interesting !! :))

[@DuroSamples]

Y' is it that some "drummers" have to say that click tracks and goods timeing is not important? LOL or look pass having a perfect time..? Guys! if you can't keep a good timing, stay off my studio. hehe! There is nothing more annoying than to hear a drummer warping in and out of time. Lame excuses for lame drummers.

[@BradMaestas]

What, nothing existed before you came to this earth to rule over us and pass judgement, oh mighty one? Why don't you take your hate somewhere else? If you had any idea what music is really about you'd be in awe of this master musician. Perhaps it's not your taste but maybe if you were a little more tolerant and less ignorant, you'd find life a little more rewarding.

[@rarepickle]

This has pretty cool rhythm. Here's how I subdivide it: 7/8 (2,2,3) + 5/4, then 4/4 + 4/4. I originally thought it was stupid to call it 33/8, but you notice at 1:30 he still plays 33/8, just broken down into eleven 3/8 bars. Since he broke it down in two different ways (three if you include the awesome polyrhythm deal @ 2:59), calling it 33/8 is sorta justified.

[@edcarbajal9020]

Are you guys drummers or mit drop outs , Simmon puts everything in there you brainyiacks poindexter, mofos rl lr lr rl ! Hello is there anyone there that is key ... You call yourselfs drummers ? Or is this Comedy central...

[@sungodrah]

AH Simon Phillips..the love child of Keith Moon and Neil Peart.this is soo different of the decades of watching him from other drummers.always brings something new to the table for me.

[@shortspanattractions8403]

i bet this guy was in toto lol only member of that abomination can have that many drums, act like this, play 400/2 and sound like outtakes of 1996 Microsoft instructional video

[@matthewbailey2013]

I can't read so memorization is my path. For those of you who can...remove your drum score and see how how you do. I keep finding left handed hat work is the only way to achieve this kind of syncopation. Furthermore, we must remember language came before the alphabet. Cheers

[@cyrillevladimirov6972]

A brilliant example of the freedom you get if you replace the right hand with the left оне when working with hi-hats and cymbals.

[@boskosdoghouse]

I had headphones on cooking eggs this morning, I was grooving so much my wife almost got a tongue depressor she thought I was have a fit...;)

[@megadeth1818]

DUUUUUUUDE he's so amazing!!! wish he played in a metal band but this is really bad ass too...so glad i can listen to his work with priest. his playing is actually one of the main reasons sin after sin is my favorite album

[@BradMaestas]

Get over yourself. Simon wrote this song long ago. Ever heard of an ostinato? Show some respect. Your friend can probably play stuff like this BECAUSE of Simon.

[@skittl3z2311]

33/8 or whatever I don't care that grooves are fucking magical. He's got the little touches the finesse of a God. Radicle drummer

[@benjamindelany7266]

This sounds like the Bob Ross 'Joy of Painting" theme on steriods, it's great.

[@minime220220]

it's one measure of 4/4, one measure of 9/8, and 2 more measures of 4/4

[@omerprimat8864]

One loop of this piece is 33\16. the second bar is 4\4, but the first bar has an extra 16th note so it's basically 4\4\4\5 4\4\4\4

[@RobertGenito]

@IMARenegade btw, my comment was in response to the people debating on the music's time signature, not in response to your title.

[@RacingStripeAV]

@989Maxa That last "123"'s just a "12". It's definitely in 33/8 (well, I still say it's 33/16, what with the 8th notes being fairly quick) Also, it'd be easier if each "12 12" was counted in groups of 4s and 6s, making it: "1234-123 1234-123456 1234-123 1234-12345" Thus, 7/16-10/16-7/16-9/16. 7+10+7+9=33.

[@daktarioskarvannederhosen2568]

in one of his interviews he says he accidentally got in to that ambidextrous way of playing, based from a vanity concern: when increasing the size of his set he didn't like the raised up look of the tom near the hi-hat and so he lowered the hi-hat in order to keep the new tom/s even-looking along with the others.

[@remedyz0802]

@SelanofStelan Thats a really cool way to think about it, I've never looked at it that way, but you're absolutely right. Its fascinating for me to see how my brain works, and the medium of physical movement gives a remarkable transparency to the observation.

[@lileulileu]

@lileulileu Finally I correct myself: It's actually a 31/16 pattern: 7/16+9/16+7/16+8/16 = 31/16 or musically explained in two-s and three-s it is counted as follows: 12 12 123 / 12 12 12 123 / 12 12 123 / 12 12 12 12

[@drummojo]

So, If you play drums all your life, you must be very professional ( I don´t doubt that). But if you play drums and know a little about music and drumming, you can´t say, that Dave Grohl is better than Simon Philips. Think !

[@hotfin378]

@BenjaminProd Myabe I would Count it like this : 7/8 1/16 1/8 8/8 7/8 1/16 1/8 8/8, cuz you said 8/8 then 1/16, but actually the 1/16 sounds like it comes after a 7/8 :)

[@aakkoin]

@Neotails8762 nice analysis bro, the phrasing goes just like that... I actually could count along like that, I guess almost 10 years of drumming wasn't a total waste!

[@Thomlistentoslayer]

Good Ole' 80s Porno Music 😎

[@laloservin]

He is really amazing. I saw him live with Toto in 2006. I was right in front of the drums. He´s so precise and focused all the time. An incredible drummer.

[@julianitofavennec8376]

This composition is very interressant and i learn with you, Simon , thanks.

[@Jez2008UK]

Awwwww that's just outrageous !!!! I absolutely, totally love this man's approach to his instrument.

[@RobertGenito]

who cares what time signature it is? time signatures only exist on paper...not on recordings.

[@woodmarsspacecraft382]

Hi guys. But what if.... One-two-three one-two-three one-two- three one-two-three ONe -two-three four five..... It seem to fit to what he is doing... Chek it out.

[@AlessioSfasci]

It's 17/16 + 16/16 but could be the same in 8ths: 17/8 + 16/8

[@hugolafhugolaf]

Even though SP is an amazing drummer NOW, to me THIS was his prime. Simply amazing.

[@wuckle]

I guess if you are throwing everything you have in to your playing then you are not gonna come across like The Fonz.

[@AlessioSisca]

there is a 4/4 feeling, but we can't mistake the 8s and the 16s... it's 33, but the most comfortable feeling is counting by 16s... in this way you have a 17/16 and a 16/16... so 4/4+1/16 and a very simple 4/4, it's the easiest I think

[@metalsalsa]

All depends! Everyone is correct. I just went with 3 measures of a quick 4/4 and one measure of 9/8. 33 just sounds ridiculous so that's why it's in the title. ahaha

[@jpcapobianco1979]

i agree

[@Viking75]

Two problems...? Which two problems? 1) If you look a bit more closely, maybe check some of Simons other videos, perhaps you`ll see the purpose of the second hihat. It`s there for a reason. 2) It`s his choice of garment, and if he feels it allows him more freedom of movement it should not bother any of us. Of course we can smile about it, but like 1) they are there for a reason. Also, this was made in the early 90`s, fashion might have changed slightly since then.

[@MrAngelvillanueva]

SIMON PHILLIPS PROTOCOL MUSIC/TAB BOOK OUT NOW! For the first time ever you can get authentic transcriptions of Simon´s first solo work for drums,guitar,bass and keyboards. The book is authorized by Simon himself. It includes the great drum solo "Wall St." Available at fortizmusic.jimdo.com Check out the website to look inside the book! Also free transcriptions from other artists.

[@Simoto92]

@SindwillerCH well, as the beat spans over 33/8 notes, its quite alot to memorize if the pattern isn't in some way repetitive. So i basically think he grouped different patterns in easier bars, such as 6/8 for one part and then another part in 8/8 for example, so that it would be easier to memorize the structure of the entire 33/8 bar. its quite hard to explain but i think you get what i mean.

[@DCSIGNR]

@eqsmooth You are quite right - Simon Phillips is a genius and I am taking the piss a bit which may annoy SP fans. I loved his session work throughout the 70s and 80s and wish we heard more of his stuff and quality drums in general in the main stream (although most likely in 4/4). The indie movement in the UK murdered creative drumming in the 90s over here and things are still limping along....

[@TheTimeKeepingKeeper]

ppl We got here: 17/16 + 4/4s (2 * 4/4 + 9/16) + (4* 4/4) Musicly the count could be : 4445 + 4444 (in 16ths) - u can turn the 4 5 to 3 3 3 but thats just a matter of taste. So the beat 33/16 can't be converted to 8ths - what u can do though is to turn the 66/16 to 8th notes ! If for example the 17/16 half has a double floor tom patern and the 4/4s half has an octobans fill u can call all that a bar of 33/16 if then play one more time and switch the toms with the octabons u could have 33/8

[@boredomisexciting]

@JonnyFunkMistro exactly, it can be really fun to mess around with, too. I play a song with my band and in the main line there are 2 bars of 4/4 and then a bar of 11/8, and I have a lot of fun with it-play 2 linear patterns in 11/16, 9/8+4 sixteenths, make the bar of 4/4 into a 7/8 and then stick the leftover eighth note onto the 11/8 and play is as a 12/8 but with triplet feel so its like metric modulation or something...lots of cool stuff. Crazy time signatures=epic.

[@22pharaoh22]

This is actually not that difficult for the first 21 seconds. :) But reall you just have to listen to that track playing in the background. Don't ever start counting it, it'll only mess you up. You can try odd-time signatures by creating your own simple tracks with some program you can find for free. You can't never be like Simon, but you can learn to play maybe 13/8's or maybe even 15/8's :)

[@jdrums73]

Everyone here is entitled to their opinions.... I will say this: Opinions are like A**holes.....Every body has one....and most people's stink!! Simon is incredibly talented. He can play just about any style of music and give it his own touch and signature thus making it his own. Not very many drummers can do that. I have heard him play on rock, jazz, fusion and even metal albums. He has a resume on par with any of the other great drummers of our time just like Vinny.

[@jonnybravo8]

Okey mr. know it all. I got my first drums at the age of 3. I have played all my life, all I do is play drums. I have played something similiar, and give me the notes and I could easely played that shit we see on the movie. Just for you guyes, usually I like playing something intersting, not that boring shit. Yeah, go Dave Grohl, much bigger entertainer on drums and a much bigger music talent than "simon". Maybe one of the biggest music talents of history (btw, i am fucking rich, because drums!

[@RogueRotting360]

Best way to think of it is as - 1 quarter note, a dotted 8th (or 3 16ths), followed by 5 8th notes - repeat twice.

[@TugTwang]

Very impressive, Simon Phillips is one the greatest drummers, but there are also really good drummers in the odd meter domain, for example check out Stoyan Yankoulov - Tupanitsa , he is absolutely unbelievable, and we can clearly see he is influenced by his bulgarian origins where traditional bulgarian music is exclusively an odd meter based music. Peace :)

[@Proghead88]

@609999nb Yeah, but he's playing in half-time if you're going to accept 33/8. If you count the basic pulse as sixteenths, it's simply 33/16. This makes the most sense based on what he's playing. Calling it 33/8 just sounds less intimidating. Neither is wrong, it's just a matter of perception (again, I'm not saying 33/8 = 33/16).

[@609999nb]

@XxStrongDrums1996xX No they don't, because by that way of counting a 9th note could be either a quarter note in a 9/4 bar, or a 8th note triplet in a 3/4 bar. You can get lots of different amounts of notes in a bar, for example 21 septuplet notes in a 3/4 bar, but you would call them quarter note septuplets and not 21th notes, to avoid confusion.

[@DirtyCs]

@DrummerBoyJustin Most drummers use that trick, i know i definitly do when playing a track i've practiced or is in a common time signature that has just become naturally engrained by feel but that doesnt mean, any drummer including simon doesn't count it when first learning or writing it, every drummer counts.

[@MichaelG1V]

There 2 completely different drummers. I don't think that dave grohl could even attempt some of the music that simon phillips has played on and don't think he is near as skilled. nevertheless, dave grohl is still a great drummer in his own right, a great rock dummer, but i've nevver seen him play anything other than rock.