The 'WALKING ON THE MOON' HI HAT BREAK - How To PLAY IT!

A cool lesson on how to play Stewart Copeland's legendary hi-hat break in Walking On The Moon. This video demonstrates the original sticking as well as a cool alternative sticking idea for your live cover. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL for more great free lessons!
TIMESTAMPS
1:54 Recorded version sticking/demonstration
4:57 Alternative sticking - 2nd half breakdown (the 'flurry')
9:04 Alternative sticking - 1str half breakdown (the flam)
11:55 Alternative sticking - Hi Hat demonstration
SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL ON PATREON! / robbrownondrums OR
SHOW YOUR ONE TIME SUPPORT WITH A DONATION!
www.robbrownond...
BEATDOWN BROWN'S WEBSITE
robbrownondrums...
TWITTER: / robbrowndrums
FACEBOOK FAN PAGE: / robbrownondrums
ROB BROWN ENDORSES
yamahadrums.com
paiste.com
vicfirth.com
evansdrumheads.com

[@chroniquephilousophique9983]

What i love about the hi hat break is that it is straigt up a drum impression of what weightlessness should feel.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Duuuude 🤯

[@megapulsar9244]

En vrai toute la chanson elle-même te donne l'impression d'être en apesanteur, mais c'est vrai que les délais sur la batterie renforce encore plus l'idée, particulièrement quand c'est les rim-clicks (surtout ceux qui retentissent avant le "Walking back from your house") qui sont retardés par le délai; quand je les entends ça m'évoque toujours quelqu'un qui marche en sautillant en mode gravité zéro, c'est trop bien :).

[@hughjarreolee7821]

Not a drummer (just a bad guitarist) but I love listening to pros talk about their instrument. Engaging and informative. Good job sir.

[@benjohnson2312]

Hugh Jarreolee agreed on all points

[@Yurtle13]

same

[@chipper442]

I resemble your remark and couldn’t agree more.

[@MrROTD]

Anyone who does a certain instrument benefits from knowing something about the other ones in the band, Im not a drummer but I like it alot when its really cool like this tune.

[@alexanderhamilton9685]

That Hi-hat groove with the delay was tasty as hell and sounded perfect. Well done Rob.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Thanks a lot, man 🙂🚨

[@tsmusicroad]

Lp my opl

[@drumsbymark]

As of July 2021, 85 people gave this a thumbs down. Curious if these people are going to put up a video themselves? I was a young drummer in the 1980s. Resources were extremely rare. There was no KZbin. There was no internet or PDF sheet music. This video was extremely helpful, well made and and didn't cost a dime for me to watch. This society has become spoiled and so ungrateful. Good job Rob.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

PREACH 👋🏽😑 And thanks 😊

[@davidofpiano423]

I've been watching drum videos on KZbin pretty much since KZbin began. NEVER has anyone been able to describe the uniqueness of Stewart Copeland's feel, much less play it... until now.

[@briancagney8949]

Ever since I was about 10 years of age (1983) this hi-hat lick has fascinated, intrigued me I've been an amateur drummer ever since and to see you do a tutorial on it some 35 year's later blows my mind thanks for the trip down memory lane Sir

[@TheShadowofDormin]

People don't realize how amazing the Police drummer is, one of the best but is a tasteful drummer

[@michaelwerbick]

Stewart Copeland is not a drummer.....he is a musician who drums.... I saw the police live and just amazing. I think Neil Peirt is better

[@ifilmalways7122]

@@michaelwerbick Agree, there can be a difference between a percussionist and a drummer.

[@user-gv8vv2id7t]

i think people do realize. most of the comments on police videos are people saying how badass of a drummer copeland is

[@jd0879]

People realize lol. SC is def not underrated

[@pcs56]

Damn dude. I've been a drummer for 48 years, and a monster Police fan since Roxanne was first released, and this the most awesome breakdown of one of their tunes I have ever seen! Bravo!

[@padistedor]

Your delay was perfect to demonstrate how the song was recorded. Loved it.

[@drummer0864]

Rob you are the most intuitive instructor on KZbin. Your approach to instruction is like trading licks with your best friend and easy to comprehend. Thanks for being here...… for us.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

‘Preciate your comment, man. I kinda dig how you put that. We’re all out here just tryin’ to get better 🙂👊🏽

[@ranjanaluwihare1511]

Rob is God! He is the only drum tutor in the world, who makes it fun & not scientific like other drum tutors! Thanks maan! Rx

[@dickquax5244]

The most helpful free drum teacher on you tube. Rob cuts through all the showy stuff and explains the real way to understand and learn the drums. Better than drumeo better than Stephens drums shed. Thank you Rob for revealing the "way"

[@abbynormal34]

Followed the Police since the late 70's. Seen them in concert several times, followed Sting's, Andy's and Stewart's solo careers. Stewart is my all time favorite drummer. Hands down. You have good taste.

[@bobbysands6923]

You are a great teacher! You should have seen me trying to learn this back in the mid-80s...lucky to still be alive. Wish I had this back then.

[@bluebow68]

I'm not a drummer either.(an ex bass and classical guitar and woodwind player...I've watched a couple of tutorials by you..and I love to listen..and!..I must stress that as a possible beginner. it's important for you to continue to explain things in as much detail as you do!..As nothing you will say will be wasted..NOT to the absolute beginner..Thank you for your youtube uploads sir!..Greetings from the uk..

[@localbod]

@Rob Brown your hi-hat playing is the best rendition of Copeland's style and feel. When you played with the delay it was fucking superb and most enjoyable. You have great timing, feel and expression. Your comment that "if you're playing in a Police tribute band and you aint doing Walking On the Moon, it should be against the law" cracked me up. Respect to you sir!

[@crystaldawn8875]

Yes this tune always makes me feel like my soul is separating from my body..it literally takes me to hyperspace since I was 8 years old..I'm 46 and it STILL HITS LIKE THAT for me..Now..let's LEARN TO GROOVE WITH IT🥁🌠🌙

[@lukethegooner]

I remember listening to this song as a 17 year trying to figure out the drums. At that time I didn’t realize there was delay on the recording and I was like ‘how the **** is he doin’ that!?’. I read a some time later in an interview about the delay effect I then I was like ‘oh man, i don’t have the equipment to reverb my stuff, I’ll just have to leave this one!’. But also I felt better that About myself as I could never figure it out. It’s great to watch someone just play it out raw. Awesome job, thanks man.

[@adionisi8446]

I grew up on the Police and Stewart Copeland was my drumming hero. I love watching Rob Brown talk drums. Rob Brown talking the The Police makes me very happy.

[@paulfox3514]

Accidentally stumbled across this video and just couldn't turn it off, it's so compelling. Your talent isn't just drumming. The whole presentation is packed with enthusiasm, motivation and information .makes me wanna take up drumming. About to check out your other vids. Excellent job.

[@jeffconner3185]

I just got recruited to play a Police tribute set and, you guessed it, Walking is on the list. This is SUPER HELPFUL!

[@Spacefall87]

The most impressive thing is that offbeat kick drum going with the guitar like a brand new way of interpreting reggae in drums

[@frankdoane2898]

i disagree. the most impressive thing is the bad ass faces he's making when he's got it on slomo starting around 12:33. but yeah, the drumming is tight as a tick.

[@vt6spd]

Walkin on the moon, top 5 drum licks for me..ever. It sets me in the groove man!

[@dr.franciscotorresmarquezc7352]

Wow you almost made me cry. How beautiful music can be. God bless you

[@PavelKaras]

I'm just another bad guitarist wondering around... can't help but stop by and bow down to you. Great video - very explanatory and fun to watch!

[@TheRealSandman]

Stewart is one of my favorite drummers! I play in a hard rock band but I'm noticing some of his traits and style is coming off in my playing!

[@lifesgood6480]

I payd attention to the drum line on that song last night, driving home from work. and had to see it played. Pretty awesome,thank you.

[@thomasmoje5926]

'Walking on the Moon' a very fun tune to play..Stewart Copeland's hi-hat patterns and splash accents are so interesting and a signature of his playing. well presented video.

[@NathanWDrums]

In depth yet not tiresome to watch, you pace the lesson really well and explain stuff so fluently. Thanks for sharing this man, subbed!

[@antonivelilla3261]

I started playing drums when I was 7. But I really started to know what a drum was at 20. As you Rob, I'm stuck to drums thanks to Stewart. Now I'm almost 60 and I'm still in love with that drummer technique. Thanks.

[@ARPSMUSIC]

Nice hearing a drummer who's not biased.

[@gregorykranenburg1459]

Thanks again mr. Brown. Stewart Copeland really was The Bruce Lee of our beloved instrument: the Drums

[@michaelanderson2881]

Rob's delivery is perfect.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Thanks dude 🙂👊🏽

[@billyrhythm]

Thanks Beat Down! For those of us who are weekend warriors, and who do some subbing (I played 4 gigs in 4 different bands two weeks ago), many times what you need is "is the essence of what was played played here?" And you just showed us how to pull off what was a studio trick, and how to get the feel and the essence right, so when that tune gets called, and I pull out some single stroke 5s and a sorta swiss triplet played with straight 8ths, the guitar player is gonna turn around and smile at me as if to say "You got that!" Sharing.

[@whoa1968]

I listened to this song on cassette so many times during the 80’s, loving the drums but I couldn’t figure out why. Thanks man.

[@montraix]

Rob, my son and I are both loving your KZbin channel, especially the Copeland licks. Yes we have a drum pad and 3 different pairs of sticks in the living room, and yes, we do practice!!

[@ajmbcr8965]

This is why some make and ARE the difference!!!! I mean Stewart Copeland and you, yes YOU Rob for having your time to show us really genius stuff on drums!!!!! (JR-PORTUGAL)

[@motherbrotherfathertime2167]

The mimicked live version can also make use of soft hits on the fast fill. Every 4th hit should be just the soft echo hit. Plus two extra soft hits at the end of the fill. The rest of the song can alsk be done with soft echo hits on each drum. The kick the snare and the high hat.

[@Pricklyhedgehog72]

I remember years ago Bob Geldof talking about this song, and Copeland's use of the hi-hat.... I went back and listened to it, and immediately recognized what he was referring to. Copeland remains one of my favorite drummer's along with this song. Nice choice...

[@Rico-bj2gy]

Good grief. I always loved this song but I have a crazy new appreciation for it now. Oh and mighty fine skills there

[@deanbritton4696]

Not a drummer, but Copeland on Walking on the Moon has HAUNTED me for years. That groove gets in my head and just mutates and echoes for hours.

[@jpvensel8626]

It’s Rob “Breakdown” Brown...fantastic! Man, that’s spot-on. I can’t wait to work it in.

[@punacunningham9151]

Iv always loved the way Stewart recorded that reggae feel in the song its legend.

[@maluorno]

you broke this down in such a way that you made the impossible seem easy.

[@Charlie-Mouse]

Fascinating, I don’t even play a musical instrument but love music 👍🏽👍🏽👏🏽

[@pjones8404]

Very good stuff...it's also really helps to play a pair of 13" hats. They are super crisp, clean and speak very quickly.

[@JP-jm9fy]

Probably my favorite Police songs. Thank you for the video.

[@kevindick4001]

I just started watching your vids a few months ago. I've been drumming for a long time now but developed bad habits through (improper) self-training. trying to clean my act up a little but its tough once the habit's there... anyway, you're a monster on the kit dude, impressively fluid. just a complete professional.. its been really helpful to me, especially these Copeland vids, he's been in my top 3 for pretty much as long as i've been playing.. keep up the great work brother!

[@tonyrapa-tonyrapa]

Walking on the Moon is a classic.... Copeland/Summers = brilliant.

[@dethronedb]

Beatdown - you are killin' it - what a great lesson!

[@kgamaseg]

I'm glad you played it out...cause it is cool. That explanation on the practice pad WAS AWESOME!! It does sound a lot like the delay! NICE.

[@talldrinkomusic]

Love your tuts and the way you break it all down. Nice set up. Thank you.

[@willdavid6697]

Very creative on the delay mimicking! I like it a lot, brother!!

[@andrewlawrence2475]

Great job man! I’ve recently taken up the throne in an established police tribute in the UK, lucky for me, Stuart is one of my heroes too! I’ve got 2 shows this weekend and even tho I kinda have my approach to this song down it’s always good to see someone really explain his playing well.Our sound engineer is on holiday so I’ll be mimicking the delay this weekend too! Thank you for posting this video, and thank you for putting in so much effort to you lessons, I’ve found the “great hands” exercises so much help! Keep up the great work my man!

[@andrewlawrence2475]

George Robartes thanks for picking me up on the spelling! The band formed about 21 years ago, I got the gig last September, couldn’t believe my luck! Stewart did a cool interview on bbc 6 music a couple months back where he discussed his dads job amongst other things, really interesting story👍

[@vertigoat7596]

Your back must be sore from carrying all that cool to KZbin.

[@R3BBiT]

Steve Rice Best comment ever

[@malcspring448]

Freaking brilliant Rob. Absolutely love Stewart Copeland too. The Police were masters of molding rock music with reggae. Pure genius. You tutorial is excellent. Bravo man.

[@stevephla]

I agree, maybe my favorite drum part. Thanks for breaking it down so well!

[@larkydozer]

Those are the two ways I've done it. I'm happy you've put this out there on video....great reference in case my brain fails again.

[@mick_c_horror_and_pop_culture]

Rob, thank you for demonstrating this great Police song. My band and I are learning this song.

[@markarthur9520]

I was just listening to this very song last night and was thinking I really need to find the parts for it online somewhere. Today you post this! Just fantastic! Thanks again! Shared!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Nice, man. Thanks for the share!

[@kickbiker7920]

Top explanation. Excellent breakdown ..... & I'm not a drummer. The time you've put into this is much appreciated!

[@amipro380]

OMG!!!! this is so good ..3:04- .. I took a percussion course in college years ago, but have since moved into different areas of music, and other instruments. Remember the alternate sticking excersizes, various tempos and time signatures, accenting, syncopation, etc.. ruffs, flams, flamacues, triplets, paradiddles😆😄👍🥁

[@guessmo5773]

Oh boy! Thanks a lot. You rock!!! Wow, I play drum for about a Year now (seriously) and I try to pick it up but I actually figured that I lack of rudiments like you showed on the practice pad. That helps the way you detailed every part of the charley thing . Now I need to practice a lot😅

[@tdrum21]

Walking on the moon is up there for me too👌🏽🎶

[@asochacki1]

tdrum21 love it

[@Ramshackled17]

I'm loving the Copeland videos! Thank you so much!!

[@tedgerard333]

Awesome I love hi hat work really sets drummers apart. As a drumming fan prospective. I play guitar.

[@mezdrums]

Yes Rob!!! From a fellow Copeland disciple 🤘😎🤘

[@gavinremedios7953]

Compliment you really sound like Bernard Purdie, the way your teaching it's great, thanks Mr D-Beat.

[@MarkStanford]

Beautiful sounding kit and excellent relaxed playing.

[@sarojaband4664]

Looks totally smooth and effortless! Great lesson!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Thanks much, man 👊🏽

[@aircooled0801]

AWESOME lesson Rob! Thank you!

[@fireit7007]

Thank you so much!! It’s sooo hard to replicate the album production sound! And It’s frustrating when people are disappointed because you can’t play the drum part exactly . I try to explain multiple tracks and recording techniques but it goes over their heads. It’s nice to see tricks and alternatives like yours!!

[@jerryspearman]

A big Police fan and Stewart was beast on the drums and I like your vibe of the walking on the moon ✌🏿🎼

[@taylorgriffinmusic]

That 8th delay sounds amazing man!

[@DrummerLaVieja]

Thank you Rob, brilliant lesson.

[@quazimodo1973]

Yeah I have to agree The police are on my standard playlists.... Copeland is one of my five top influences.... totally love yer lessons and your laid back feel. Always learning new things from you. Thanks Rob!!!

[@kenhowto]

Wow, I don't play drums but this was awesome. Also happens to be one of my all time favorite songs. Thanks!

[@williamsmithesq.7435]

Just getting back into drumming after 15 or so years! Bought a Yamaha Stage Custom. So glad I found your channel. Absolutely fantastic job you do at both drumming and teaching. Looking forward to learning from you!

[@marcoagius6926]

And don't forget that Stewart is also a paiste endorser like you, Rob!😉

[@paulmosca4351]

Gorgeous sticking.

[@Vanolo999]

Rob always making me evolve and have a good laugh. 4:40 " Should be against the law" Ahahaha Great lessons Master Rob! Thankyou bundles!

[@sully_drummer8513]

Love your yamaha kit man. I’m not a beginner but still enjoy your vids. And you’re a solid drummer as well

[@MonkeyChamp]

If you have a "Driven to Tears" or "Message in a Bottle" take on Copeland I'd love to see it. You are AWESOME. Thanks for the Copeland...really great. The recording tricks done in the studio with Copeland really trick you. Nice breakdown.

[@atimic]

Awesome work Rob!! I was close to how you showed, however the flurry for me is RRLL-R LLRR-L. Basically trading 5's or 5-stroke rolling it with the accent on the last note.

[@sebuteo]

Superb! Loved this song since childhood. I used to love trying fake the delay effect. It was always a bit approximate when I did it (aged 13-14), so it's nice to you doing it more methodically. I'll have to revisit it. Thanks for sharing the inspiration/information. Best, Seb

[@stufromsaturday3957]

Rob this is absolutely brilliant, thank you so much for taking the time to figure this out and share it. I always enjoy your new content but this flashed up as I've been watching a lot of Stewart Copeland/Police stuff lately and it's absolutely superb. Also fantastic to know we share him as our inspiration to pick up the sticks!

[@roburgosg]

Master Joda Brown. Great lessons!!

[@sheffielddrumlessonsandybo3178]

Hi Rob, great video, I am teaching a student this song at the moment. I use the same alternating flam technique but my left hand plays the three notes. On the other part use hand to hand 5-Stroke rolls - Sounds the same only easier for some students. Keep up the good work =]

[@desmondellis657]

Great videos, Rob. As a drummer who’s been out of it for a number of years, and just getting back into it, these little mini lessons are very cool. Thank you, and keep ‘em coming!

[@johnnybigmac5756]

Man I never knew that it had an effect on the groove, I always thought it was just an inhuman portrayal of skill. It's a bit of a downer knowing it wasn't unaltered, but still an absolutely genius portrayal of creativity. 🥰 Edit: I honestly don't know how it never occurred to me that he was using a delay. Listening back to it, I can clearly hear how the effect sounds, and even when he turns it on and off. There's even that one spot where he "misses" the snare, but that could have been to turn off the effect that was just on for the previous section. It all makes so much sense now. 🤣 Thanks Rob!

[@theopinson3851]

Wait until you learn about how Message in a Bottle was recorded. ;) Hint: it’s not just 1 drum track.

[@stylerweiland]

Such a great job of teaching this technique. Thank you very much, Rob!

[@bussboy3740]

My favorite band my favorite drummer my favorite instructor what a trifecta Rob Brown instructional videos only on my phone !!

[@El-Scorcho]

Brilliant breakdown. Thank you sir! I too fell in love with this song, but as a kid without really knowing why. It's funny to come back to a song years later, armed with musical knowledge, and put together the pieces of why you liked that song so much in the first place!

[@thesting6820]

That drum break has made this my favorite song. It was always so hard to figure out. At best, I figured out the "flat" way of playing it. I could never figure out that mysterious extra bullshit, because I never could imagine Copeland using delay! Great video!

[@gregwilliams2764]

Mr Brown, that is really freaking good

[@MS-dz1di]

Although I don't play regularly and I'm also a bleedy beginner I enjoyed this video so much. The drums of the music by The Police is what makes their music special for me. Of course also because of their influences like Ska, Reggae and Jazz. Well done! I saw another video on the Drumeo channel of you. I like how you love their music also. Greets from Germany 🎉

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Germany?! That’s cool. Glad you like the videos. Greets from Canada 🇩🇪🫱🏼‍🫲🏾🇨🇦

[@mojoxide]

That’s an inedible job at mimicking the delay. Holy smokes

[@cskeise]

Well... Robb, you've sertinaly made me take giant steps in my drumming technics. Thank you...💙👊😎

[@W4RD1N8ER]

Man that was cool! I am a drummer but that song is one of my faves to play on bass guitar. I loved Stewart Copelands work on that album and those highhat licks were great stuff the police is where it's at for sure!

[@therealjamesmccrary]

Great job! Love the passion and attitude!