Stewart Copeland Drum Lesson "Message in a Bottle" | Stephen Taylor Drum Lesson

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Stewart Copeland Drum Lesson "Message in a Bottle" | Stephen Taylor Drum Lesson
Go here to snag the sheet music: www.stephensdr...
Stewart Copeland is one of the most well known rock drummers of our time. His unique drumming style brought world rhythms to the drumming center stage. Stewart Copeland, The Police, and a drum lesson...what could be better?
This is a full song breakdown of the classic Police song "Message In A Bottle" with Stewart Copeland on the drums.
Leave a comment and let me know you were here!
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Cymbal Setup From Left To Right:
All Zildjian
Hats:
16" EFX Crash on top
16" K Light Top Hat on bottom
18" Kerope Crash
22" K Custom Dark Complex Ride
22" Renaissance Ride
Drums:
Tama Starclassic Bubinga with Tiger Wood finish
Sticks:
Vic Firth 5A
Drumheads:
Aquarian
Classic Clear on toms and snare resonant
Response 2 on toms batter
Hi-Velocity on snare batter
Regularor (Ebony) on kick resonant
Super Kick 10 on kick batter
Alclair In Ear Monitors #StephenTaylor #BestDrumLessons

[@MrLowercase42]

I always enjoy that you emphasize emulating another drummer's style rather than note-for-note memorization. Thanks for the free tutorials as always!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Matthew Case You bet Matthew. And yea, always a fan of learning styles rather than rote memorization.

[@demian1173]

if you learn styles you can play it perfectly, you use your arms and music theory to act by feeling and not by memory, that is why :D

[@megapulsar9244]

​@@StephenTaylorDrums In the case of this song, if there's one drum part I would personally keep absolutely untouched always, it's the part at the start of the last chorus with those 9 consecutive rim clicks (thanks to you I now know what this sound is called in drumming). This part always has me waving my head left to right 😁.

[@DZatheus]

Favorite The Police song? Walking on the moon, the drums on that song are insane.

[@vpdeftnz5]

Indeed sir.. Indeed

[@deanbritton4696]

Haunting - that loop is always on background in my head.

[@garyjohnson4988]

I concur

[@markdemell3717]

Copeland walked on the moon?

[@K74_C]

They are brilliant in that song. Copeland is my favourite drummer all day long. The delay effects he used in Moon help the drums in that song massively though otherwise it would be impossible to play

[@dirtydave2691]

Copelands crashing on the one and simultaneous snare/crash is a technique I use to this day. He was very innovative as far has when and where he hits the snare and of course his hi hat licks are legendary. This is a nice break down as this song is fun to play.

[@cynthiasadlermusic]

Copeland is ingenious, thanks for breaking it down in detail and also noting the reggae influences.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Cynthia Sadler You bet Cynthia

[@hombreenojado]

This is the song that hooked me on The Police. Also Bring On The Night. This album actually; Regatta de Blanc. Imo the BEST album they ever did. (But it was the guitar more than the drums.) At one point he was using a Paiste 22" 602 Heavy Ride in the studio. Shame on Paiate for not reviving that INCREDIBLE ride when they reintroduced the 602's. Lol.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

hombreenojado Love Regatta. That whole album is great. Also a big fan on Synchronicity.

[@david.spaceman]

I am so thankful that I've found your drum lessons. The way you explain things really makes sense to me. I recently got back into drumming after 20+ years of not playing (I switched to guitar around 1991). In the past year I have gotten my own studio together and am challenging myself to write and record songs playing all instruments myself. It's been about a year and I've gone from barely able to carry a beat to feeling fairly confident that I can do this. Thanks again! -D

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad you found me too David!

[@lilkris3008]

I love how he takes a regular stepper pattern and makes it into a whole new genre

[@kickbiker7920]

Your great laconic laidback voice breaking down the explanations of the beats is just Brilliant!

[@ricardofranciszayas]

Hi Steve, I’m a keyboard player and composer/ arranger/ teacher who is obsessed with drums ( the King of ALL instruments). You are an amazing teacher. You really break everything down so clearly. And you are a beast! I’m an old man and I regret never learning how to play drums. But I look at drum transcriptions daily. Your stuff is top shelf. Outstanding! BTW favorite Police songs are “Bed’s too Big Without You” And “Spirits in The Material World”

[@betheall4822]

Copeland is so unique and musically diverse, he was actually responsible for the Spyro the dragon soundtrack!

[@hiterss]

my favorite stewart copeland song is One World, he plays so fucking good. greetings from Mexico

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

hiterss I love that backwards tom groove on that song. So good

[@aek1928]

drumming is complex and an art in itself

[@FaustoBernacchi]

Thanks buddy, I'm nearly 50 and I'm back on drums after a big pause, you're helping me a lot.

[@rowatski]

Thanks for the great lesson Steve.

[@adrianzamora1426]

As a begginer student, this Is a real project for me

[@tdrum21]

He composes parts so well as does the whole band. You’re so right about a lot of times it’s what he leaves out. Was teaching the importance in how he does that in Roxanne to a student the other day( a la leading back into 2nd verse with just snare & hat groove or only one backbeat per bar at the start of the tune after the hi hat & kick)👌🏽🎶🥁 Such a great band! 👏🏾

[@suntower4379]

1:39 lol thank you I looked this up because I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and had to know how the greatest drummer of all time must do it

[@Billfartsalot]

Thank you - this was so helpful in learning to play this song - after struggling for decades. You know what sucked? - trying to figure it out back in 1981 by just listening to the LP.

[@drummaman1]

SC used a Paiste 24" RUDE Ride/Crash all over the last two albums they recorded. No other cymbal like it. Fave song - "Demolition Man" the drumming is pretty insane on that one. "Ghost In The Machine" is an album NO ONE ELSE could've ever made other than the Police. The island they went to to record the album doesn't even exist anymore, a volcano erupted and destroyed most of the island in the late 90's.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

drummaman1 That’s a piece of Police trivia I didn’t know. Interesting. And agreed...not usually a Paiste Rude fan but when he uses them they work well.

[@jimmydunn2231]

I know this doesn’t have anything to do with this awesome video, but can you do a video on “recording drums on a budget” , please?? Thanks bro!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Jimmy Dunn I’ll see what I can do!

[@strativince7106]

Great lesson! Very elaborate and easy to absorb note per note. Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@andyjohnson4641]

Love these videos. It’s like reading the lyrics to a song that you “thought” you already knew and appreciating the work in a whole new light ... I go back and listen to the song again with fresh ears!

[@markravitz1684]

Thanks Stephen. You are terrific. I have enjoyed free lessons such as this, and have enrolled in 3 of your courses. I have become a better drummer thanks to you!

[@leighhill9185]

Great video mate! I have to learn this for a gig and it's been a huge help!

[@kinetickid100]

Favorite Copeland drum songs, i have plenty but in The Police category it would be Bombs Away, King of Pain, Driven to Tears, Regatta De Blanc, No Time This Time, One World, So Lonely, Synchronicity I and II , Next To You... Those were off the top of my head. He's now getting the recognition he deserves. Check out his Klark Kent solo album that he played all instruments on. Dave Grohl wasn`t the first to do that.

[@dougmantooth9176]

Great lesson! How about doing a play-through video of it, to see it altogether?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Doug Mantooth Thanks Doug! You’re not the first to ask for a play through.

[@glickyglue]

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU DO THE WHOLE SONG! Stephen, Dude, thanks so much. You rule!

[@moebius21]

Is there any copyright issue to doing a play though? I suppose any ad revenue you would get would actual have to go to them? Or a portion of?

[@shanemaloney4317]

Fantastic lesson!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Shane Maloney Thanks so much Shane...glad it helped

[@LittleDrummerChannel]

Amazing that you posted this today...I have been working on this tune today! ;) Such a great tune!! All the best to you guys and have a great and safe Easter!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Little Drummer Channel Glad it hit you at the right time. And have a great Easter weekend as well!

[@TylerHNothing]

Stephen - My input here only comes as a viewer who has not listened to a whole lot of this song in detail, and I don't necessarily have an intention to learn the song, I'm just a sub of yours. If I was trying to learn the song and I've been listening to the song a lot in preparation and then stumble on to your video, then there is more than enough information here to tie my performance together :) There are also a lot of good exercises if I want to play each beat separately. @5:22 for example, you're explaining how to play the chorus, but I have no context on how it sounds within the song because I'm not very into the song. I'd like you to play along to the song section by section and map out/talk about the song for viewers as you go. As a result when you're explaining the chorus at @5:22, I know what Stewart is doing and how it blends in with the rest of the music and your personal struggles with learning the parts.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Tyler Hushour Hey Tyler! Thanks for the input...playing along to the song: there are a myriad of copyright issues that crop up when we play along to published songs. While I agree, it’s a great way to learn and if you were here in the studio working on the song, I would play along for you. But there’s nothing worse than spending many hours working on a lesson to have it flagged with a copyright claim and taken down. So for that reason, I don’t include any of the original recordings in my lessons. Hope that clears it up a bit for you!

[@nottudyug]

This is a superb tutorial. Is the sheet music still available please Stephen ?

[@jamesthedrummer3362]

Hi Steve , very informative cheers , any insight into how to count in the drum part to ‘ King of Pain ‘ it gets me a lot and if it’s not right it’s a train wreck lol !

[@StacyODell]

I'm watching this but couldn't help thinking "where's the cross sticking?" and then much to my relief there it was. It just wouldn't be Stewart without any :)

[@jomcbar1]

Murder by Numbers would a tasty one to cover!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Mc76 Man, that song is amazing. And the fact that they simply sat at a table, hashed it out, pressed record, and started playing is incredible.

[@hansgrueber8169]

That's so cool, how did you happen upon that info?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I read it in an article somewhere when I was geeking out over them one day. It was a truly raw take kind of deal.

[@RJ-ox8on]

The clapping at the end is them just clapping in the studio when they got done playing

[@spagzs]

Mc76 the snare fills and the sound of the snare on that track 🤯

[@maulanasyarif2725]

Hi Stephen,thanks for the sheet music its very helpful

[@hansgrueber8169]

Deathwish is my favorite...fun to listen to, even more fun to screw up royally trying to play it perfect!! Fun thing is it doesn't matter(thanks Stephen), just stay ahead of the beat, Stewart is quick, lol..

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Hans Grueber Yea, Stewart is my go to example of a drummer that pushes and plays on top of the click. Gives the songs incredible energy.

[@juanroldan4379]

Steve! I was hoping to see you playing the entire part. I enjoy your playing and your stile. Oh well, I guess I'm going to have to watch that songs video. Thanks from a fellow percussionist/drummer.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Juan Roldan You bet Juan!

[@dragons_red]

Even if not note for note, would be cool to see you do a full, play along, playthrough of the song to close the vid. Thank you for the great video!

[@JaykleMusic]

very cool lesson my friend, I love Stewart's play has has always been one of my faves, thanks for sharing 🥁 💯 👏 👌 🔥

[@denesisdelcorockschool3074]

Nice breakdown man. Just my impression,but I always thought he was playing flams in the intro. Maybe it's just a little delay effect though. And the third verse; I hear a bell of a cymbal on the back beats. This would be very difficult to do with all the busy hi hat work going on. Imo I think there is some over dubbing on the third verse. I recall reading an interview with Copeland and he was asked if he ever did any over dubbing and he said maybe a couple of times and "maybe" on miab. So,who knows. My ears hear some layering but whatever. Anyway,great lesson,excellent transcription,great tune,and a brilliant drum track from one of my all time favorite drummers. Thanks,keep on drumming.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Oh, there is A LOT of overdubbing with Stewart. And you're right. He often overdubbed a ride bell in parts

[@vatrujillo]

Great breakdown of this song!

[@spagzs]

My fav police song is “miss gradenko” but my fav drumming performance on a police song by far is “one world (not three). I think that would make a worthy advanced drumming instruction video.

[@rocketman956]

Great lesson! Could You do "Reggatta de Blanc"?

[@joe.cullenmusic]

Great job! Very clear, organized, nicely taught and well-played! I need to cram this for a gig. Very helpful. Thanks!

[@dankourbanko]

You are great. thanks a lot!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Dan You bet Dan!

[@Ohm51]

Man, that was covering a whole lotta ground with a whole lotta grooves ... and huge as food for future fodder in how you might apply the ideas in other contexts.

[@spagzs]

Nice job man. The police are my fav and and Copeland my fav drummer. I got to meet him a couple years ago in buffalo and he was super cool.

[@eduardoPicazzo]

Best tutorial I've ever seen!! Great! thanks so much!

[@The7thEmergency]

This is an amazing breakdown instructional...and I’m a guitarist, haha. Awesome work.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Danny!

[@DavidEitle]

Those rim clicks messed me up, thanks so much!

[@aghowrath]

Brilliant exposition bro .thank u!!!

[@tezzerii]

I've worked on playing some of this open-handed, esp. the bit with bass drum on 4s, hh on 8s, and the - - dum-dum on the toms. Once you get it, it's great to not have to cross your arms over ! (Hard work it was tho )

[@noah._.powell]

I loved the editing at the beginning!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Music Serpent That’s all Tim Buell lol. He’s doing a great job with the editing these days.

[@inthedream9127]

Very much an unpopular opinion but my favorite Police song is Shadows In The Rain

[@tonychipps5092]

Thanks for this Steve. I've tried this before (poorly) but your video breakdown has inspired me to conquer it. I need to buy you a beer 👍🏻

[@alby7101]

Great i had need of this lesson....Thanks from Italy

[@nedstix1]

Great explanation of this track Stephen, takes me back to my youth!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks!

[@alexandresamuel2840]

Thanks for the video. Very nice and well explained. One of my favourite songs ever. Unfortunately the song sheet is not being emailed to me.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

So sorry about that...email Grant at [e-mail] and he will get that sheet music to you

[@alexandresamuel2840]

@@StephenTaylorDrums Thanks !

[@JonathanMiguelMabini]

now this is the video that i need. i have been wanting to try out the beats for a drum practice session. Thanks for this awesome video.

[@sparrow5442]

This is the best tutorial ever

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thank you!

[@dizzwahh]

Hey Stephen, Thanks for all your tips and lessons, A tip for you, if you raise your snare and stop resting your left hand on your leg you won't get holes in your jeans hahahahaha.

[@69adrummer]

Dude!! I gotta say man.....I *JUST* found you and you are growing on me something fierce (nohomo lol) What set is that?! Damn gorgeous!! Have a great weekend!

[@69adrummer]

I just clicked "more" so nevermind my 'not quite awake-ness' but everything else I said holds! haha

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

69adrummer Well, if I’m gonna grow on anyone, I’m glad it’s You (nohomo obviously). Glad you found the channel and are digging the content! And I agree...this kit is fine. Fun metal hardware sets off that wood

[@voltyribeiro4460]

Thanks buddy nice explanation cheers 👍

[@jimmydunn2231]

Awesome job

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Jimmy Dunn Thanks so much Jimmy!

[@jedidrummerjake]

Hi Stephen. How about doing a video about what is the best kind of shoes to wear when playing the drum set. I think it would generate an interesting forum of discussion with your KZbin students like me!

[@drummaman1]

This is quite the discussion that can be had. We practice in our basements with bare feet or socks, typically. But it never occurred to me you should have specific footwear, or no footwear, when playing out at a gig. You should be able to wear whatever is comfortable so you can play the gig. Maybe if you have to play a wedding and you can't wear sneakers with your tux (once upon a time you weren't even allowed into a place if you weren't wearing the "correct" apparel) you should be able to play the pedals in dress shoes, or find a pair of dress shoes with non-slip soles. I learned the hard way: many years I bought a pair of really fashionable Stacy Adams dress shoes that I had to spend the better part of an hour scuffing up the soles because I was slipping like crazy on the bass drum pedals. The price we pay for fashion.... :p

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Jason Schultz Yea, good topic. I’ll put it on the list!

[@alexterbi6998]

Why not just play barefooted, that is what I do 90% of the times :))

[@drummaman1]

You gonna play your kit in those dingy, disgusting bars with bare feet?

[@alexterbi6998]

drummaman1 my own equipment is clean :)

[@patrickcrean5551]

Thanks again, killing it.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Patrick Crean sure thing Patrick

[@mkdrum1976]

Great lesson as usual!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad it hit home with you!

[@WinniesDrumkit]

Hi Stephen, thanks for the video. I tried to download the sheetmusic, no luck. Can you help?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Absolutely...sorry about the trouble. Email Grant at [e-mail] and tell him what you're missing. He'll send it to ya asap

[@1346crecy]

I haven't got a fucking clue what you're on about but I loved this. Thanks mate....... I should add I first saw them at the Brixton Academy many years ago and again thank you.

[@jeffgibbs8477]

Thanks man! That is a huge help

[@DARKSIDEOFURANUS]

Can Copeland only play shuffle grooves ?

[@michaelrestivo8623]

Do you think you can do a drum lesson for driven to tears?

[@tdrum21]

Sounds like you tuned your rack higher than normal for this ...👌🏽🥁. Sounds great! Dig the tuning there

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

tdrum21 Yea, been messing with tunings and I’m liking that tom up higher. As well as the second tom up a bit higher. They speak better there

[@tdrum21]

Stephen Taylor 8X12. That’s about how I tune mine, I like it up more but a fair amount of depth from 16. It’s always the trick finding the balance between the two with tuning...

[@AvengedSevenfold956]

Inspiring! Great video

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

AvengedSevenfold956 Thanks!

[@Luis-nf1pe]

Awesome explanation, thanks a lot, teacher! :D

[@bennettheyn]

Could you break down 8:40 more for me?

[@petekearns8533]

Fantastic as always - thanks so much!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You bet Pete

[@Mastiff37]

This appears to be an update to the lesson on your site, yeah?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Charles M Hey Charles...yea, a major one. It will be posted on that lesson in the members area with the sheet music as well.

[@alexterbi6998]

Fantastic job, as always Steven :)

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Alex!

[@chelseacatalone8267]

i tried to download the sheet music, but it hasnt been sent to my email, how can I get this? thanks!

[@jdurfer]

Wonderful breakdown, thanks!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

you bet!

[@giulia2122]

Masterpiece man!

[@Acp731]

Damn Stephen, I so damn loved it,such a great lesson,but couldnt you made it 2 years ago ?:DDD I tried to get in music collage with this song but I failed because I dont really understod what Stewart is doing there,huh:( Great lesson,I really loved it:)

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Danielis Butauskas Lol, Glad it helped. And I’ve actually had this lesson in the members area on my website for about 5 years.

[@hamadbernes1980]

That amazing groove .....Great channel Stephen....and Copeland also plays TAMA ..

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks!

[@bhotaling1]

Check out the Klark Kent album. Stew's first solo effort.

[@hotsauce5]

You’re going on and on, he played for the song

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Go here to snag the sheet music: bit.ly/3GILeY8 Be sure and leave a comment below and let me know you stopped by!

[@LittleDrummerChannel]

Hello Stephen! I worked out a cover of this awesome tune...thanks for the great tutorial bro! I hope that you don't mind I included this video link in a pinned comment on our video and in the description box as well. Check it out when you have a chance (didn't want to spam you with the link). Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and passion of drumming and drumming education! Take care and all the best Stephen!

[@carlostavares2857]

Where can we see you play the whole song?!

[@orange_curveball]

Link does not work

[@tieukhavu8832]

The snare beat is actually played as a rim click.

[@butterflylady8875]

Stephen Taylor Love your channel… I am blind and just wondering if you can get sheet music in audio format? I tried the Canadian national Institute for the blind and all they have is piano sheet music in audio

[@robertocalderonabogado1427]

Those cymbals sound to jazzy for the song.

[@iansummers6749]

This is god damn tremendous. I'm not a musician, but a rabid consumer of different kinds of music and a really big fan of creative, layered, improvised-feeling human drumming. So of course I'm a fan of Copeland's stuff, among others. This was a great video for the insight it gave me into how drummers think about music and what they're doing. Thanks man!

[@chass5438]

He's also been known for Skipping beats as well, if you listen close.

[@pyrdepavkki1601]

That subscribing thing was hilarious. And I did subscribe too

[@coreyfoster84]

lmao @ your killing me smalls!!! had to hit subscribe (sorry for the delay stephen, i don't own a drum set yet)

[@SuperVistaprint]

awesome lesson

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks so much...glad it helped!

[@kentibbitts247]

I was listening to this song once and could've sworn that I heard Copeland tapping out SOS (Morse Code) on his ride.

[@paddyb1281]

Can you cover/ make a tutorial on paint it black by the Rolling Stones? I love that song so much.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

The Sapphire I’ll see what I can do

[@paddyb1281]

Stephen Taylor ayee that’s my guy, still loving the content :)

[@millerfisherman1989]

Surprised you left out the iconic bell hits with the 2 and 4 snare hits during the verses.

[@ximosirera8797]

I don't received the sheet music. I have tried with three different email addresses.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I'm so sorry about that...please email [e-mail] and let Grant know what sheet music you are missing. We will get that to you asap.

[@blazejibo758]

All talk, no action.

[@tdrum21]

@8:28 I assume walking it on the moon 😜

[@cablezilla]

Check out mike michalkows cover. On KZbin. He pretty much nails it note for note.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Mike’s good people. Had a great time hanging with him in Canada a few years back

[@chrischenel4948]

When I was 16 years old, I used to play albums of the police on the drums in its entirety Like to get a comment. My name is Chris