This really hit me out of nowhere. Philosophical, artistic and insightful! Didnt think i would stick around for an hour long essay about a drummer, but here i am. Great stuff!
This was so fascinating, enlightening, and insightful. It may have been a study on Phil Rudd, but equally a study and application of all music and life. Outstanding job of presenting principals to flow through music and a fulfilling life. So good!
You've got swing in your hands too, Andi! Awesome feel just like Phil! Everyone in ACDC played like a drummer on their instrument. The band had pocket on every tune and I believe when they were writing most of their material, it started with a nice big easy dance beat. And that formula always worked. I watch the River Plate '09 concert over and over just to hear that incredible groove and Phil Rudd's snare drum thud. Nice video Andi - all good stuff - Thx
Thank you so much! Absolutely true! Also, a friend of mine has the theory that they write children's tunes on an acoustic guitar. Played on an electric guitar it sounds heavy, but still has some positive boogie-vibes to it. I don't think so, but it's fun to speculate ;-) Rock on!
My attention span is generally short, but I watched this entirely and I believe I gained some true insight. I bought a drum kit to be delivered Sunday. I've never played drums before so I'm ultimately starting from scratch. I've always been interested and I'm finally making the leap. Much appreciated, fingers crossed, and you're right, technique is important, but as in anything we do in life, it's about the passion. Thank you. 👍🥁♥
Feeling Mal Cliff and Rudd drive the band is something else.. i was lucky to catch a lot of the shows on ballbreaker stiff upper and. Black ice and they were soo dam tight, and it really had a swing you couldnt not tap your foot to, incredible rythm section totally high .level playing most of the audience cant even comprehend ...
Great video and insight. One thing that’s been often pointed out is that Phil is “a human metronome” with consistency in timing throughout a whole song, but that is so often debunked and he on purpose will change tempo for different parts of the song. I think the biggest thing is how well he synchronised with Malcolm and Cliff too, drop him in with other band mates and it doesn’t quite work.
Exactly! On the last record, there are severe fluctuations in tempo. Even to the point that they don't continue with the tempo after the count-in. They deliberately left that in - so it IS on purpose and that is the puzzling thing...
I love Phil Rudd's style and I have always wanted to know about him and his way of playing. I have always thought that Phil has a very classic and very strong touch, a very clean and very precise sound. With Chris Slade AC/DC sounds different, I feel that Chris has a more technical style and that he has a more "modern" style but somehow AC/DC sounds better with Rudd, the Ballbreaker tour in 1996 is simply incredible and Phil He's on fire on that tour, Phil, one of my favorite drummers.
I agree. Chris is amazing in earth band..such touch..but not the right touch for acdc.but who is, other than Phil? I did like the more flamboyant playing of Wright on a few songs, like heatseeker, though! Like most things - it's horses for courses.
@@trickydicky112I’d love to hear Phil play on the songs AC/DC recorded without him, such as Heatseeker, Who Made Who, Moneytalk, etc. Watch him play on Thunderstruck on the Madrid concert of the Ballbreaker tour!
Phil Rudd is a great example of how a musician is not a "bad" musician just because they play very simple, easy parts. The most important thing is to play what is necessary for the music, and if that is a very straightforward classic rock beat with the bass drum on the 1, snare on the 3, and 8th note high hats, then so be it. To me a "good" musician does not necessarily mean virtuosity, but things like always playing on-time, appropriately matching the overall style of your bandmates, making everyone else sound better. You can get very far in rock drumming with an array of simple fundamental beats and fills.
Thank you much for this on Phil Rudd. I have tried to drum like him often because it always sounds good. He is a great fit for ACDC. This was very enjoyable to watch.
Just stumbled across your channel and mind blown, as a guitar player people like you are freaking genius! Love it! How you don't have a trillion followers is hard to understand, but onwards and upwards!
wow a great breakdown! Reminds me of a quote from Angus, that one of the hardest things in the world is getting four people to hit the same note at the exact same time.
Phil sets the dynamics and timing of each hit and then locks that in throughout the whole song and that ain't easy. Also his job is to add the pulse that allowed two of the greatest rock guitar players in history to add their own rhythm on top of that. Phil was the foundation, Malcolm was the framing and drywall and Angus was the paint and trim package. So its essential that every beat in that foundation be consistent or the entire framework collapses above it.
Thank you for the detailed analytic description. For information, there is a youtuber called "Julio Valdez" which is one of the very few which have the Phil Rudd groove. You should check him out. Thanks for posting.
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel My story's a little different but the same message none the less. I was a portrait artist but I've since more pressing engagements so no longer draw or paint. Years back I had the opportunity to meet a famous artist/illustrator, his name Renato Casaro, he asked to see my work, given his world renowned reputation I was a little reluctant but took my work along all the same. He looked through each rendition with a fine tooth comb and eventually looking up to give me his verdict! He said that my work was the best he'd seen to that point, but there was a but!! He asked why I'd not taken as much care to execute the painting of a solitary hand as the rest of the inclusions??? I thought the guy has to be taking the piss!! But understood the point very well ... and I always think of it to this day, some 35 years ago now!! The little things paint the big picture!!! Thank You Andi ... Take good care and respect to you!! All the best from the UK!!!
Wow! I feel this to my essence, not even being a drummer. Bringing two of my favourites together: Wim Hof and AC/DC. This enlightens me! Everything is energy, and you will be the energy through focus! Much love brother!
Phil does not hold his sticks upside down- they are handle thickness the whole length - I've known him for years, you're observation about his kick is almost there. I was lucky enough to live in his recording studio in Tauranga ,NZ for a few years. The main room was built around his kick drum . Bricks, size, height etc. He came by one day and showed me exactly where to put the kick- every thing else followed. Ive also been lucky enough very recently to stand next to him when he let loose on Shoot to Thrill. Unbelievable. So much power from such a little guy.
I found this very interesting! Especially on Phil's hi-hat technique. I had also thought he was delaying the one on his bass drum, but now I see he is actually slightly ahead on 1.
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel I have been recently obsessed with studying the feels of our great classic rock drummers like Ringo, Charlie Watts, John Bonham, Phil Rudd, abd Stewart Copeland. We all can play their beats but they have their signature feels. You can also through un studio greats like Steve Gadd and Jeff Pocarro. I am far more interested in their sense of swing than their drum fills or chops.
I am also finding much of the swing feel is usually in their hihat playing. This is a challenge for me, because I am a lefty playing righty. My weaker hand is on the hi-hat or ride, but I have learned to adjust.
@@drumboogie2555 But you will find your own style of playing which will be unique 🙂 And hopefully you will find a band that is looking for exactly this style 🙂
Meditation, ice baths... and Phil Rudd. A unique insight indeed. Very interesting, thanks. I also love Rudd's drumming and I think your tips will help trying to replicate it.
Wish I could put 100 likes to this video instead of one! I really like this concept - EVERY beat means, every note! Now I fell extra power in me)) thanks! ❤❤❤
Wow, thank you SO much! That means a lot to me! Maybe you share it with others and this way we will reach more people with this positive message and thus get 100 more likes :-D
The secret to Phil’s sound lies in his hi hats. You need to tighten them up with every snare hit, and let them slosh in between. Also, you need to hit the snare directly in the centre , no rim shots, and no ghost notes. Lastly, ya gotta have some swing!
Best break down of Phil's swagger, swing and groove skills I've seen. There's seriously no one like him. I don't care what the nay sayers go on about. I'd have bought a ticket for this tour ONLY if Phil was gonna be on it. Phil's sound is simply, sexy. It swaggers along like Bon Scott picking up chick's down the pub. All feel, lilting rhythm and yet perfectly within the timing. Your tantrum made me cackle. I've been there too.😂
Chris' playing fitted perfectly in the aesthetics of the time, but not of the band. He is a big contrast to Phil. So the problem is that of acquired taste: The band grew together with Phil. When he left, he also left a Phil-shaped gap that couldn't be filled by Chris, so it sounded a bit awkward. They adjusted a bit and still sounded great, but not nearly as great as with Phil and most people would agree with that, I think.
The thing about Phil Rudd is he's so good that he makes it look easy. And that makes everybody else think that they can play just like him. You learn from a God. you don't impersonate a God.
Excellent explanation and presentation. Fully agree with your view that science can only add to an experience. Feynman does too :) Many thanx from a neuroscientific ac/dc fan!
Great life's work Andi! Rudd, simply is smooth like Jeff Porcaro and his mastery is what takes AC/DC to untouchable. His timing is impeccable and Chris Slade and he are the best two drummers that ever played in the same band but Rudd is the hard rock g.o.a.t. of the two
Actually there is some parallels between Jeff and Phil as different as they are .. its the time feel and that lope comes from dropping the backbeat late.. there's soo many live clips from the 3 tours he returned for that really show them locked and swinging .. phils time just feels good like.. Chris Slades time didn't feel good it was stiff and robotic he played the hihat with no nuance and just couldn't play a swung 4/4 at all
I was Very Glad to SEE this vídeo, I love Phil's Groove and always Thought that the whole drumming was a tad behind the timmig. One plus is his ability to make the Bass drum sound like a big steel Scoop being hit against a Well padded leather couch. By the way, I love Ohrenfeint. Cheers from Curitiba, southern Brasil.
Because its tap boom tap boom tap boom boom tap boom...a solid yet so simple groove.!!..keeping a good 4/4....its exactly how i play...not all this loud fast all over the place sloppy like most drummers tryin to impress..good on ya phil🤟🥁
Dude : there d be a million words i could say with reference to this gem /as an amateur jazz n acdc maniac-drumwise for sure/ but prefer to keep it short: !revelation!
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel why not indeed ---with sth of a title 'my controversial claim - backed up by our german analyst -that AC/DC is jazz '😉'btw there is another Andy here in youtube diggin into stuff like this if i may recommend... www.youtube.com/@AndyEdwardsDrummer
Wow. I know virtually nothing about Phil Rudd and AC/DC, but have recently taken an interest through drum study. So this was an illuminating first start for me on the subject. Well done and thank you for all the research and thought. Now I have a question. My second watch through I noticed you play open hand on stage, but during your demonstration you were playing crossed over. Do you ordinarily play open and prefer it? I'm strongly cross hand dominant and chose to play OH on a conventional setup, so I lead with the left on the hats, and right on the ride and x-hat. I am always interested in connecting with other OH players to learn. Also that hoodie/pullover you had on that says open handed... I want one!
Thank you very much for the kind words! Oh yes, good question! I wanted to copy the style of Phil, this of course means that I imitate him as closely as possible. This definitely means I have to play the Snare with the left, because I want to feel what he feels and how the hands interact when crossing. I have learned the conventional way, but after 10 years of playing I switched to mainly open. Now I use both, depending on the music and how I feel comfortable. I have some videos on that topic as well and more will come. I can get you a shirt. I want to offer them in my shop soon, but I don't know when. Send me an E-Mail and I will get you one, if it is in the EU.
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel Sorry, it took me a bit to get back here. Thank you for the reply. I'm in the U.S. but I can wait until you offer the shirts in your shop. Thank you for the offer though! I went the opposite direction. I started open handed when I was learning because I am left handed. But was forced in school to use my right hand, so I became mostly ambidextrous as a result. It is a benefit I like to leverage on the kit. I will occasionally cross over for the same reasons you state, or when there is a mechanical advantage. Such as doing the Ringo wash on the hats is much easier right handed from the elbow than doing it left handed from the shoulder. Cheers.
@@kcampbell3045Interesting! Thanks for sharing! So, the Shop might take a while, just stay tuned or ask me again in a few months 😀 All the best for you!
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel Wish there was more out there, but Phil’s playing seems based on his natural instinct. He himself doesn’t seem to have much to say about it. Your deep dive was great
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel I loved it, especially the meditative part. I’ve been trying to get my band to play into that state. Not only for the music, but the mental health benefits. I thought you did a great job. The irony of Phil’s mental health and substance troubles aren’t lost on me, when talking about using his feel as a part of a mental health program
I am not a drummer or even a real musician, but enjoyed this analysis greatly. It illustrates the underrated power of simplicity. Less but better. However, I do not get why someone would make a cover imitating to the tiniest detail - apart from practice. To me a cover is supposed to bring a different take, best done inter-genre. Could someone enlighten me on that? Is HE playing in ac/dc?
one VERY important factor on why phil sounds like, well... phil is because he is fully aware and he fully knows exactly what's going on. in that one short interview clip with him and malcolm, he says how he knows that "technically" he may have some "flaws" and "problems", BUT when he's with AC/DC and he's playing in "the zone" he says that he's got his own "expertise" as he puts it. the more self-aware you are as a musician, the closer you get to finding your own language; your own sound,.
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel I am in Colima, Mexico, but I am from New Zealand (a kiwi). Our son, Angus, has just enrolled at BIMM Berlin for B.Mus (Hons) specialising in electric guitar. And is just now completing his advanced german We have been 2x to Berlin, and I like Berlin very much. It seems so different to me than any other large city I have been to. We will be returing so yes/we are very interested in your once a year meet. For me your video was so important to tell me/show me to concentrate on the groove, even if "simple" groove, which it isn't simple if you want to get it exactly right. So it seems then to me that a lot of drummers concenrate on being complicated and "glass over" the "simple" grooves. As then it seems to me that the way you put in your energy to a groove will really dictate how that groove projects.
Maybe you will like his guitar playing too. He started as a young fella in New Zealand. First ukele whe he as like 5. Then some violin. And then electric guitar. But...does play drums too. I started drums very very late but started thanks to my boy (son) when he srated going to music school awhile back here in Colima, Mexico. I would very much like to see your band playing live.
This is a good explanation to the fact only Phil Rudd sounds like Phil Rudd. Chris and Simon are top notch pro drummers and they played the same songs well but it always sounded a bit "off".
Intent and body mechanics! I notice that with Bonham as well, nobody quite has his groove feel, even technically better players can’t seem to capture it properly.
Is it true Phil Rudd plays kick on 1 2 3 and 4 in the mid paced songs during the Vander and Young era ? 74 to 78 .The snare does not sound stand alone, and the kick does not feel like its missing on 3 and 4 is there a kick behind it?
Good question! I agree: He definitely seems to have played more "four on the floor" beats in the early years, but not in all songs. I have also heard the legend, that they added a sousaphone to the bass track, to give it more substance. Maybe this is part of it.
We call that playing in the pocket here in the states! It definitely requires many repetitions of concentration to develop your technique, relaxation and balance. Everything has to align almost like the universe has to align to play a groove. If I have a hard workday, come home and sit down on the drums it ain’t happening. The mind isn’t there. It’s a pretty elusive thing to achieve over and over and when you need it but when it comes, it’s like magic I get it almost every time I sit down now, and I really do notice when the kicks are crisp and clean with my heels up with the same velocity , it’s cool! Keep rocking man doesn’t matter how fancy you get or how progressive you can play if you’re in the pocket there’s nothing else like it. Rock on. 💪🏻🥁
Love phil's playing. Tone, feel, power, support. But here's my great contribution to the discussion: Q: What's the definition of a drumming oxymoron? A: Phil Rudd.
Your point about space and leaving out instruments. There is at least one acdc song, I can’t recall which right now, that Angus doesn’t even have a solo. I assume he just didn’t think it needed one. Edit: I asked Chatgpt and it said Hells Bells has no solo. Finally a good use for that app, lol.
Good use - if it were correct! ;-) Hell's Bells has a solo from 3.33 onwards. There are just a few songs that have reduced solos, but I have not yet found one entirely without a solo.
Gotta chime in. Respectfully, you are wrong. I speak as a bass player. Been playing for 40 years. Played professionally for 15 years. What you are hearing in Phil Rudd has nothing to do with emphasis on each note, nor swing, nor feel. It’s time. As a bass player, I’m super attuned to time. It’s subjective, but there are about 6 shades of putting the note behind the beat, and about 3 shades of playing it ahead of the beat. I’m not talking about tempo, I’m talking about playing in relation to the beat. An example of someone who plays directly, perfect on the beat is Frank Beard. He sounds like a drum machine, because that’s what a drum machine does. Phil plays pretty close to the beat. And his tempo is consistent. But that’s not why ACDC are so special. What you are hearing has to do with the combinations of player, ESPECIALLY Malcomb. Both Malcom and Angus play ahead of the beat. Malcomb especially plays ahead of the beat, but it doesnt sound like rushing because he too has good time. What makes it special is Malcomb playing WITH Phil. One is on, one is ahead. It sets up a tension, which we hear as “energy” in the music. RUclips has isolated tracks of Malcomb from the early 90s. You need to listen to those. Play along with them, just you and Malcomb. I bet you lose the tempo, because of how “up” he plays. It isnt slop, it’s just how he plays. Thinking about how you play in relation to the beat will open up worlds for you. Listen to some zydeco, and notice how up on the beat the guitar usually is. Zydeco is a study in front edge playing. Then check out some P funk. Very behind the beat. Bonham was behind the beat. Tom Morello is a good example of perfect time but ahead of the beat. The bass player has spoken.
Thank you for your addition. And it has been an addition. Nothing you say, makes what I say wrong. I see your point. But one thing I wanted to emphasise here is, that there is not ONE reason and of COURSE it only works in the context of this band and its internal timing. I chose to shed some light on certain aspects of his playing. I could never explain ALL of AC/DC's Groove. But I am very certain that what I explained here is a big part of it.
It feels like it, yes. But as I pointed out in the section about timing, there is actually no swing to be found, at least rhythmically, in his playing.
The equipment needs to be correct. The drummer needs to anticipate. The absolute key is to listen. Listen to what is happening. I’ve played for 50 years predominantly for my own pleasure and nothing is as satisfying as getting it just right but you never will unless you listen.
That’s true listening is very important, but you also need to be aware minutely of the time. It’s a different feeling more precise, more relaxed than any other state of mind.
Hope I’m not saying too much but also besides the click another thing that was extremely helpful was to record myself and listen back when I started doing that immediately. I got closer to the groove but it never really came until my technique was up to snuff so it took a lot of practice, many many repetitions of holding the stick correctly balance posture assertiveness on the kick, heal up, relaxation, etc. but listening back was extremely important that with the click!
No, this is really important, thanks for adding! I always appreciate, if my viewers share their experience and some practical tips here in the comments! :-)
You don't have to add anything , you don't have to take anything away AC/DC is perfect the way they are. Pete Townsend. Phil's sound goes all the way back to George Young IMO.
You don't get to be the drummer in a world famous band because you suck. He's a solid rock drummer. He isn't as technical as Tony Royster JR. or Terry Bozzio but who is? Phil is a solid player and that's all you need.
I feel like Lars Ulrich needs to watch this video. Cause ever since the late 90s he’s been clearly trying to copy Phils whole setup and style and has done nothing but fail miserably and has made him nothing but worse as of now compared to his old style. The only modern drummer i think i see carry this style of hard hitting fitting drumming with precision in every stroke is Fab from The Strokes
![Oscar Maydon x Fuerza Regida - Tu Boda [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_ymicn0_GYc/mqdefault.jpg)
This really hit me out of nowhere. Philosophical, artistic and insightful! Didnt think i would stick around for an hour long essay about a drummer, but here i am. Great stuff!
My congratulations for this study of Phil Rudd... Phil Rudd is The Groove Drummer... And not many people knows It ...
He is, but that also is his limit. He can’t go beyond that
@@sanmarzano4164define “beyond”
He doesn't need to
He’s all groove
His hihat work is amazing
Simple but not easy to get perfect
@@sanmarzano4164 he made millions so I don't think he is sad about it
This was so fascinating, enlightening, and insightful. It may have been a study on Phil Rudd, but equally a study and application of all music and life. Outstanding job of presenting principals to flow through music and a fulfilling life. So good!
Thank you so very much! it would be an amazing support, if you shared this with others :-)
If this video played at my local cinema I would queue overnight to see it.
Oh wow, you just made my day! Thank you SOOO much for your kind words!
Please spread it around, that would be a huge support :-)
I came for the Phil Rudd but was captivated by the life philosophy.
My intention, exactly! :-) So happy, you enjoyed it!
You've got swing in your hands too, Andi! Awesome feel just like Phil! Everyone in ACDC played like a drummer on their instrument. The band had pocket on every tune and I believe when they were writing most of their material, it started with a nice big easy dance beat. And that formula always worked. I watch the River Plate '09 concert over and over just to hear that incredible groove and Phil Rudd's snare drum thud. Nice video Andi - all good stuff - Thx
Thank you so much! Absolutely true! Also, a friend of mine has the theory that they write children's tunes on an acoustic guitar. Played on an electric guitar it sounds heavy, but still has some positive boogie-vibes to it. I don't think so, but it's fun to speculate ;-)
Rock on!
My attention span is generally short, but I watched this entirely and I believe I gained some true insight. I bought a drum kit to be delivered Sunday. I've never played drums before so I'm ultimately starting from scratch. I've always been interested and I'm finally making the leap. Much appreciated, fingers crossed, and you're right, technique is important, but as in anything we do in life, it's about the passion. Thank you. 👍🥁♥
Thank you very much for the kind words! I wish you all the best on your journey on the drums! :-)
Practice practice practice, learn rudiments and be patient with yourself. Most of all, enjoy.
Thanks Andi! Interesting insights and really engaging. Will be taking the time to digest what I've learnt...
Thanks mate, I am glad you liked it! 🙂
Feeling Mal Cliff and Rudd drive the band is something else.. i was lucky to catch a lot of the shows on ballbreaker stiff upper and. Black ice and they were soo dam tight, and it really had a swing you couldnt not tap your foot to, incredible rythm section totally high .level playing most of the audience cant even comprehend ...
Great video and insight. One thing that’s been often pointed out is that Phil is “a human metronome” with consistency in timing throughout a whole song, but that is so often debunked and he on purpose will change tempo for different parts of the song. I think the biggest thing is how well he synchronised with Malcolm and Cliff too, drop him in with other band mates and it doesn’t quite work.
Exactly! On the last record, there are severe fluctuations in tempo. Even to the point that they don't continue with the tempo after the count-in. They deliberately left that in - so it IS on purpose and that is the puzzling thing...
Thank you for this fantastic video. Hard work and passion! 🔥
Absolutely enthralling. Brilliantly constructed and narrated. Passion and focus on display. Well done!
thank you so much!
I love Phil Rudd's style and I have always wanted to know about him and his way of playing. I have always thought that Phil has a very classic and very strong touch, a very clean and very precise sound. With Chris Slade AC/DC sounds different, I feel that Chris has a more technical style and that he has a more "modern" style but somehow AC/DC sounds better with Rudd, the Ballbreaker tour in 1996 is simply incredible and Phil He's on fire on that tour, Phil, one of my favorite drummers.
I agree. Chris is amazing in earth band..such touch..but not the right touch for acdc.but who is, other than Phil? I did like the more flamboyant playing of Wright on a few songs, like heatseeker, though!
Like most things - it's horses for courses.
@@trickydicky112I’d love to hear Phil play on the songs AC/DC recorded without him, such as Heatseeker, Who Made Who, Moneytalk, etc. Watch him play on Thunderstruck on the Madrid concert of the Ballbreaker tour!
Such an amazing This is much more than “just” about Phil 🤜🏼🙏🏼 🔥
Thanks! I am happy you feel that way. This was my goal 🙂
After being a ACDC fan for the last few decades I took Phill Rudd for granted...he's a drumming genius.
Phil Rudd is a great example of how a musician is not a "bad" musician just because they play very simple, easy parts. The most important thing is to play what is necessary for the music, and if that is a very straightforward classic rock beat with the bass drum on the 1, snare on the 3, and 8th note high hats, then so be it. To me a "good" musician does not necessarily mean virtuosity, but things like always playing on-time, appropriately matching the overall style of your bandmates, making everyone else sound better. You can get very far in rock drumming with an array of simple fundamental beats and fills.
Thank you much for this on Phil Rudd. I have tried to drum like him often because it always sounds good. He is a great fit for ACDC. This was very enjoyable to watch.
I am very happy about that!
Just stumbled across your channel and mind blown, as a guitar player people like you are freaking genius! Love it! How you don't have a trillion followers is hard to understand, but onwards and upwards!
Thank you so much! You are so kind! I am very proud of this video. It would be an amazing help, if you shared this 🙂
Excellent analysis and storytelling!
Thanks! Please share, that would be an amazing support 🙂
wow a great breakdown! Reminds me of a quote from Angus, that one of the hardest things in the world is getting four people to hit the same note at the exact same time.
Thank you! Yes, great quote.
10/10 video! You truly got the Phill groove totally right. Really informative and just what i needed to grow as a drummer. Thank you so much!🙏🏼
Thank YOU so, so much! I am really glad! It would be awesome, if you shared this video with others 🙂
Phil sets the dynamics and timing of each hit and then locks that in throughout the whole song and that ain't easy. Also his job is to add the pulse that allowed two of the greatest rock guitar players in history to add their own rhythm on top of that. Phil was the foundation, Malcolm was the framing and drywall and Angus was the paint and trim package.
So its essential that every beat in that foundation be consistent or the entire framework collapses above it.
I love how ACCURATE you are in what you're saying --> not surprising, based on your drumming! 😁
I appreciate that! thanks so much!
This is next-level brilliant, absolutely fascinating and shows an incredible understanding of Rudd's unique abilities.
Thanks so much for your kind words! It would be amazing, if you shared this video with others :-)
Thank god someone has addressed this so articulately, I want to do something like this myself. Nice one
Thank you so much!
Oh, please do! And then send it to me! ;-)
Thank you for the detailed analytic description. For information, there is a youtuber called "Julio Valdez" which is one of the very few which have the Phil Rudd groove. You should check him out. Thanks for posting.
Thanks for the info! I checked him out and he is very good! Would love to hear his playing with a better sound!
Interesting ... learnt this lesson many years ago but great to hear it from an intelligent, articulate musician. Well done!!
Thank you kindly!
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel My story's a little different but the same message none the less. I was a portrait artist but I've since more pressing engagements so no longer draw or paint. Years back I had the opportunity to meet a famous artist/illustrator, his name Renato Casaro, he asked to see my work, given his world renowned reputation I was a little reluctant but took my work along all the same.
He looked through each rendition with a fine tooth comb and eventually looking up to give me his verdict!
He said that my work was the best he'd seen to that point, but there was a but!!
He asked why I'd not taken as much care to execute the painting of a solitary hand as the rest of the inclusions???
I thought the guy has to be taking the piss!! But understood the point very well ... and I always think of it to this day, some 35 years ago now!! The little things paint the big picture!!!
Thank You Andi ... Take good care and respect to you!! All the best from the UK!!!
@@KeanoR850 Wow, that is an amazing story, thanks for sharing! 🙂Take care!
Wow! I feel this to my essence, not even being a drummer. Bringing two of my favourites together: Wim Hof and AC/DC. This enlightens me! Everything is energy, and you will be the energy through focus! Much love brother!
Wow, thanks! All the best for you!
Phil does not hold his sticks upside down- they are handle thickness the whole length - I've known him for years, you're observation about his kick is almost there. I was lucky enough to live in his recording studio in Tauranga ,NZ for a few years. The main room was built around his kick drum . Bricks, size, height etc. He came by one day and showed me exactly where to put the kick- every thing else followed. Ive also been lucky enough very recently to stand next to him when he let loose on Shoot to Thrill. Unbelievable. So much power from such a little guy.
You gotta be a kiwi then?
I found this very interesting! Especially on Phil's hi-hat technique. I had also thought he was delaying the one on his bass drum, but now I see he is actually slightly ahead on 1.
I am glad, this video gave you some new insights 🙂
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel
I have been recently obsessed with studying the feels of our great classic rock drummers like Ringo, Charlie Watts, John Bonham, Phil Rudd, abd Stewart Copeland. We all can play their beats but they have their signature feels. You can also through un studio greats like Steve Gadd and Jeff Pocarro. I am far more interested in their sense of swing than their drum fills or chops.
I am also finding much of the swing feel is usually in their hihat playing. This is a challenge for me, because I am a lefty playing righty. My weaker hand is on the hi-hat or ride, but I have learned to adjust.
@@drumboogie2555 But you will find your own style of playing which will be unique 🙂
And hopefully you will find a band that is looking for exactly this style 🙂
Meditation, ice baths... and Phil Rudd. A unique insight indeed. Very interesting, thanks. I also love Rudd's drumming and I think your tips will help trying to replicate it.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Rudd's strikes are magnificent to watch, and Andi,you are getting there too!
Hope so! 😉
thanks so much 🙂
Greatest pocket of all time any genre
Thanks for that video!
Phill Rudd is absolutely legend!
Wow thank you one of the best videos I’ve seen on drumming
Thank you so much! :-)
Thank you so much for this 🙏🏼
You're so welcome!
Brilliantly explained my friend!
Thank you so much 🙂
Really interesting insight!
Thanks so much!
Wish I could put 100 likes to this video instead of one! I really like this concept - EVERY beat means, every note! Now I fell extra power in me)) thanks! ❤❤❤
Wow, thank you SO much! That means a lot to me! Maybe you share it with others and this way we will reach more people with this positive message and thus get 100 more likes :-D
The secret to Phil’s sound lies in his hi hats. You need to tighten them up with every snare hit, and let them slosh in between. Also, you need to hit the snare directly in the centre , no rim shots, and no ghost notes. Lastly, ya gotta have some swing!
Best break down of Phil's swagger, swing and groove skills I've seen.
There's seriously no one like him. I don't care what the nay sayers go on about. I'd have bought a ticket for this tour ONLY if Phil was gonna be on it. Phil's sound is simply, sexy. It swaggers along like Bon Scott picking up chick's down the pub. All feel, lilting rhythm and yet perfectly within the timing.
Your tantrum made me cackle. I've been there too.😂
Thank you so much! :-)
Fantastic video!❤
Thank you so much!
not even a drummer but a big fan of the band and found the video suuuuper interesting! Nice one!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video….what do you think the difference is with the AC/DC groove when it’s Chris Slade instead of Phil Rudd?
Chris' playing fitted perfectly in the aesthetics of the time, but not of the band. He is a big contrast to Phil. So the problem is that of acquired taste: The band grew together with Phil. When he left, he also left a Phil-shaped gap that couldn't be filled by Chris, so it sounded a bit awkward. They adjusted a bit and still sounded great, but not nearly as great as with Phil and most people would agree with that, I think.
Most importantly, Malcolm and Angus recognized the swing aspect missing in Phil’s absence.
Great observation I total agree
in one word his playing is Solid all the way !
Thank you! Yes, he does! :-)
Nice to see someone using masterwork cymbals. They're great!
Yes, absolutely! :-)
I have been endorsing them for 10 years now, they have good distribution in Germany, but are not well known in other countries.
The thing about Phil Rudd is he's so good that he makes it look easy. And that makes everybody else think that they can play just like him.
You learn from a God. you don't impersonate a God.
Excellent explanation and presentation. Fully agree with your view that science can only add to an experience. Feynman does too :) Many thanx from a neuroscientific ac/dc fan!
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Great video. I'm not a drummer, but I make drums with Logic Pro for my songs. This helped me understand Phil Rudd's magic. Thanks a lot.
Thanks! I am very glad, that it helped you! :-)
Great life's work Andi! Rudd, simply is smooth like Jeff Porcaro and his mastery is what takes AC/DC to untouchable. His timing is impeccable and Chris Slade and he are the best two drummers that ever played in the same band but Rudd is the hard rock g.o.a.t. of the two
Thank you so much for th ekind words 🙂
Please share it with others, that would be an amazing help 🙂
Actually there is some parallels between Jeff and Phil as different as they are .. its the time feel and that lope comes from dropping the backbeat late.. there's soo many live clips from the 3 tours he returned for that really show them locked and swinging .. phils time just feels good like.. Chris Slades time didn't feel good it was stiff and robotic he played the hihat with no nuance and just couldn't play a swung 4/4 at all
Strange, because Chris played with amazing touch on many mannfred mann earth band songs. Some people just work better together..that's life!
I was Very Glad to SEE this vídeo, I love Phil's Groove and always Thought that the whole drumming was a tad behind the timmig. One plus is his ability to make the Bass drum sound like a big steel Scoop being hit against a Well padded leather couch. By the way, I love Ohrenfeint. Cheers from Curitiba, southern Brasil.
Fantastic video!! Vielen Dank!!🙏🏻
Great analyse, thanks !
Glad you liked it!
32.04 im glad im not the only one who does that!
Absolutely outstanding. I need a lessons from a drummer to be a better bass player.
Because its tap boom tap boom tap boom boom tap boom...a solid yet so simple groove.!!..keeping a good 4/4....its exactly how i play...not all this loud fast all over the place sloppy like most drummers tryin to impress..good on ya phil🤟🥁
Dude : there d be a million words i could say with reference to this gem /as an amateur jazz n acdc maniac-drumwise for sure/ but prefer to keep it short: !revelation!
Thank you so much! I am glad I could make a difference :-)
I'd be very happy if you shared this video with others.
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel why not indeed ---with sth of a title 'my controversial claim - backed up by our german analyst -that AC/DC is jazz '😉'btw there is another Andy here in youtube diggin into stuff like this if i may recommend... www.youtube.com/@AndyEdwardsDrummer
Wow. I know virtually nothing about Phil Rudd and AC/DC, but have recently taken an interest through drum study. So this was an illuminating first start for me on the subject. Well done and thank you for all the research and thought.
Now I have a question. My second watch through I noticed you play open hand on stage, but during your demonstration you were playing crossed over. Do you ordinarily play open and prefer it? I'm strongly cross hand dominant and chose to play OH on a conventional setup, so I lead with the left on the hats, and right on the ride and x-hat. I am always interested in connecting with other OH players to learn. Also that hoodie/pullover you had on that says open handed... I want one!
Thank you very much for the kind words!
Oh yes, good question! I wanted to copy the style of Phil, this of course means that I imitate him as closely as possible. This definitely means I have to play the Snare with the left, because I want to feel what he feels and how the hands interact when crossing.
I have learned the conventional way, but after 10 years of playing I switched to mainly open. Now I use both, depending on the music and how I feel comfortable. I have some videos on that topic as well and more will come.
I can get you a shirt. I want to offer them in my shop soon, but I don't know when. Send me an E-Mail and I will get you one, if it is in the EU.
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel Sorry, it took me a bit to get back here. Thank you for the reply. I'm in the U.S. but I can wait until you offer the shirts in your shop. Thank you for the offer though!
I went the opposite direction. I started open handed when I was learning because I am left handed. But was forced in school to use my right hand, so I became mostly ambidextrous as a result. It is a benefit I like to leverage on the kit. I will occasionally cross over for the same reasons you state, or when there is a mechanical advantage. Such as doing the Ringo wash on the hats is much easier right handed from the elbow than doing it left handed from the shoulder. Cheers.
@@kcampbell3045Interesting! Thanks for sharing! So, the Shop might take a while, just stay tuned or ask me again in a few months 😀
All the best for you!
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel You as well!
Fantastic analysis.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you
I’m a PR obsessive!
Then it is an even bigger compliment if you liked it :-)
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel Wish there was more out there, but Phil’s playing seems based on his natural instinct. He himself doesn’t seem to have much to say about it. Your deep dive was great
@@chrisquinn9104 I agree! He himself would never have been able to explain it, I guess. And I could only come close. This was the best I could do 🙂
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel I loved it, especially the meditative part. I’ve been trying to get my band to play into that state. Not only for the music, but the mental health benefits. I thought you did a great job. The irony of Phil’s mental health and substance troubles aren’t lost on me, when talking about using his feel as a part of a mental health program
@@chrisquinn9104 That is an amazing goal! Ha, I see, that is actually ironic 😀
All the best for you!
I am not a drummer or even a real musician, but enjoyed this analysis greatly. It illustrates the underrated power of simplicity. Less but better.
However, I do not get why someone would make a cover imitating to the tiniest detail - apart from practice. To me a cover is supposed to bring a different take, best done inter-genre. Could someone enlighten me on that? Is HE playing in ac/dc?
one VERY important factor on why phil sounds like, well... phil
is because he is fully aware and he fully knows exactly what's going on.
in that one short interview clip with him and malcolm, he says how he knows that "technically" he may have some "flaws" and "problems", BUT when he's with AC/DC and he's playing in "the zone" he says that he's got his own "expertise" as he puts it.
the more self-aware you are as a musician, the closer you get to finding your own language; your own sound,.
Absolutely briiliant! Where do you meet once per year (which town or city/country)?
Thank you so much! It is a suburb of Hamburg, Northern Germany. Where are you from?
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel I am in Colima, Mexico, but I am from New Zealand (a kiwi). Our son, Angus, has just enrolled at BIMM Berlin for B.Mus (Hons) specialising in electric guitar. And is just now completing his advanced german We have been 2x to Berlin, and I like Berlin very much. It seems so different to me than any other large city I have been to. We will be returing so yes/we are very interested in your once a year meet. For me your video was so important to tell me/show me to concentrate on the groove, even if "simple" groove, which it isn't simple if you want to get it exactly right. So it seems then to me that a lot of drummers concenrate on being complicated and "glass over" the "simple" grooves. As then it seems to me that the way you put in your energy to a groove will really dictate how that groove projects.
@@andrewburton87 Thank you so much! 🙂 I am so glad
Yes, Berlin is special, but so is Hamburg ;-)
If it coincides, let's meet up some day!
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel Yes, must do, as my boy will be at BIMM Berlin.
Maybe you will like his guitar playing too. He started as a young fella in New Zealand. First ukele whe he as like 5. Then some violin. And then electric guitar. But...does play drums too. I started drums very very late but started thanks to my boy (son) when he srated going to music school awhile back here in Colima, Mexico. I would very much like to see your band playing live.
now please analyze Cliff's bass playing. Two minutes on one note... Genius :)
Thank you
Phil Rudd is one of the best rock drummers ever!👍
This is a good explanation to the fact only Phil Rudd sounds like Phil Rudd. Chris and Simon are top notch pro drummers and they played the same songs well but it always sounded a bit "off".
Especially chris his time does not swing at all...
DANKESEHR!
I think Phil onlyused the the shoulder/tip stick technique on the hi hat on the "Let There Be Rock" album and tour. Accents are always 2 & 4 though.
Intent and body mechanics! I notice that with Bonham as well, nobody quite has his groove feel, even technically better players can’t seem to capture it properly.
Is it true Phil Rudd plays kick on 1 2 3 and 4 in the mid paced songs during the Vander and Young era ? 74 to 78 .The snare does not sound stand alone, and the kick does not feel like its missing on 3 and 4 is there a kick behind it?
Good question! I agree: He definitely seems to have played more "four on the floor" beats in the early years, but not in all songs. I have also heard the legend, that they added a sousaphone to the bass track, to give it more substance. Maybe this is part of it.
Long story short - play cleanly with conviction
We call that playing in the pocket here in the states!
It definitely requires many repetitions of concentration to develop your technique, relaxation and balance. Everything has to align almost like the universe has to align to play a groove.
If I have a hard workday, come home and sit down on the drums it ain’t happening. The mind isn’t there. It’s a pretty elusive thing to achieve over and over and when you need it but when it comes, it’s like magic I get it almost every time I sit down now, and I really do notice when the kicks are crisp and clean with my heels up with the same velocity , it’s cool!
Keep rocking man doesn’t matter how fancy you get or how progressive you can play if you’re in the pocket there’s nothing else like it. Rock on. 💪🏻🥁
Oh, and also the click was very instrumental and getting my groove happening. I work with it every time I practice.!
Love phil's playing. Tone, feel, power, support.
But here's my great contribution to the discussion:
Q: What's the definition of a drumming oxymoron?
A: Phil Rudd.
(No disrespect to Phil intended! Actually a paraphrase from one of the Young brothers lol)
Your point about space and leaving out instruments. There is at least one acdc song, I can’t recall which right now, that Angus doesn’t even have a solo. I assume he just didn’t think it needed one.
Edit: I asked Chatgpt and it said Hells Bells has no solo. Finally a good use for that app, lol.
Good use - if it were correct! ;-)
Hell's Bells has a solo from 3.33 onwards. There are just a few songs that have reduced solos, but I have not yet found one entirely without a solo.
Gimme a bullet has no solo
@@ryanbradley248 Right! I knew it was one from that album! 🙂 Thanks!
Gotta chime in. Respectfully, you are wrong.
I speak as a bass player. Been playing for 40 years. Played professionally for 15 years.
What you are hearing in Phil Rudd has nothing to do with emphasis on each note, nor swing, nor feel.
It’s time. As a bass player, I’m super attuned to time. It’s subjective, but there are about 6 shades of putting the note behind the beat, and about 3 shades of playing it ahead of the beat.
I’m not talking about tempo, I’m talking about playing in relation to the beat.
An example of someone who plays directly, perfect on the beat is Frank Beard. He sounds like a drum machine, because that’s what a drum machine does.
Phil plays pretty close to the beat. And his tempo is consistent. But that’s not why ACDC are so special.
What you are hearing has to do with the combinations of player, ESPECIALLY Malcomb. Both Malcom and Angus play ahead of the beat. Malcomb especially plays ahead of the beat, but it doesnt sound like rushing because he too has good time.
What makes it special is Malcomb playing WITH Phil. One is on, one is ahead. It sets up a tension, which we hear as “energy” in the music.
RUclips has isolated tracks of Malcomb from the early 90s. You need to listen to those. Play along with them, just you and Malcomb. I bet you lose the tempo, because of how “up” he plays. It isnt slop, it’s just how he plays.
Thinking about how you play in relation to the beat will open up worlds for you. Listen to some zydeco, and notice how up on the beat the guitar usually is. Zydeco is a study in front edge playing.
Then check out some P funk. Very behind the beat. Bonham was behind the beat. Tom Morello is a good example of perfect time but ahead of the beat.
The bass player has spoken.
Thank you for your addition. And it has been an addition. Nothing you say, makes what I say wrong. I see your point. But one thing I wanted to emphasise here is, that there is not ONE reason and of COURSE it only works in the context of this band and its internal timing.
I chose to shed some light on certain aspects of his playing. I could never explain ALL of AC/DC's Groove. But I am very certain that what I explained here is a big part of it.
@@AndiRohdeEnglishChannel agreed. I salute you for even trying to suss out what makes them so special.
Phil rules!!
Hes got the swing in the hats..
It feels like it, yes. But as I pointed out in the section about timing, there is actually no swing to be found, at least rhythmically, in his playing.
Too Testicle buddy! Let it go!
Well this certainly had a lot of everything. I think I need to lay down and think about what just happened.
Imagine how it was, writing the script! I had to lay down a lot of times :-D
But I hope, you enjoyed it :-)
Deep 🤘
All you need to play like PR is the hats, kick, and snare
The equipment needs to be correct. The drummer needs to anticipate. The absolute key is to listen. Listen to what is happening. I’ve played for 50 years predominantly for my own pleasure and nothing is as satisfying as getting it just right but you never will unless you listen.
That’s true listening is very important, but you also need to be aware minutely of the time. It’s a different feeling more precise, more relaxed than any other state of mind.
Malcolm Young what a guy.
26:06 just for me to come back to dont mind me
The Young brothers wanted him back….and that says it all.
Bingo it's all about his kick
Hay posibilidad de traducirlo al castellano?
There is an english subtitle. It should be possible to have an automatic translation to Spanish :-)
No matter how hard we try. We will never be as cool as Phil smoking a cig playing drums. Haha. Good study! Interesting and fun video.
The most Crocodile Dundee member of the band.
Hope I’m not saying too much but also besides the click another thing that was extremely helpful was to record myself and listen back when I started doing that immediately. I got closer to the groove but it never really came until my technique was up to snuff so it took a lot of practice, many many repetitions of holding the stick correctly balance posture assertiveness on the kick, heal up, relaxation, etc. but listening back was extremely important that with the click!
No, this is really important, thanks for adding! I always appreciate, if my viewers share their experience and some practical tips here in the comments! :-)
it was also important for him to smoke one cigarette at a time while playing the present note on the drums
😎👍
Eckhart Tolle, in the moment
You don't have to add anything , you don't have to take anything away AC/DC is perfect the way they are. Pete Townsend. Phil's sound goes all the way back to George Young IMO.
I think PR buries his kick beater, imo 🤔
Phil's kick strokes don't resonate, but are especially punchy
You don't get to be the drummer in a world famous band because you suck. He's a solid rock drummer. He isn't as technical as Tony Royster JR. or Terry Bozzio but who is? Phil is a solid player and that's all you need.
Very well said. You are right on.
I feel like Lars Ulrich needs to watch this video. Cause ever since the late 90s he’s been clearly trying to copy Phils whole setup and style and has done nothing but fail miserably and has made him nothing but worse as of now compared to his old style. The only modern drummer i think i see carry this style of hard hitting fitting drumming with precision in every stroke is Fab from The Strokes
Yeah ... anyone has his number? ;-)
AC/DC's one major fault is that they never evolved their sound throughout the years. The drums sound the same. The Guitars, everything.
Technical drummers will never get this.