John Bonham, the powerhouse drummer for Led Zeppelin, is one of the most influential drummers in music history and one of my personal favourites. His innovative style, impeccable timing, and thunderous playing have left a mark on the drumming world and music world alike.
Throughout my own drumming career, I have learned so much about feel, dynamics and musical taste by studying the drumming of John Bonham. This article will explore Bonham’s illustrious career and dive into the 10 most famous drum parts from Led Zeppelin songs, celebrating his legendary contribution to music.
Early Life and Career
John Henry Bonham was born on May 31, 1948, in Redditch, Worcestershire, England. From an early age, he demonstrated an interest in drumming, often creating makeshift drum kits out of household items. By the age of five, Bonham had received his first snare drum, and by fifteen, he had his first proper drum kit.
Bonham joined several local bands in his teenage years, including Terry Webb and the Spiders, The Nicky James Movement and The Senators. His powerful drumming style quickly gained him recognition in the local music scene. In 1968, Bonham received a life-changing invitation from Robert Plant to join a new band that would later become Led Zeppelin.
Rise to Fame with Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin, formed by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham, became one of the most successful and influential rock bands in history. John Bonham’s drumming was a key element of the band’s sound, blending hard-hitting beats with intricate rhythms and dynamics. His sound and feel on the drums, marked by a combination of brute force and technical precision, were so unique that it set him apart from other drummers at the time.
Top 10 Most Iconic Drum Parts
John Bonham’s work with Led Zeppelin is renowned for its complexity and innovation. From his compelling groove patterns and monstrous fills to the powerful sound that is unmistakeable, here is my top 10 list of his most famous drum parts that showcase his extraordinary musicianship on the drums.
For each song, you will find notated snippets for some of the most iconic grooves, fills and solos that he recorded. I took the time to compare transcriptions from multiple sources, as well as comparing what I could hear with my own ears to deliver the most accurate examples of his drumming as humanly possible.
“Stairway To Heaven”
John Bonham’s drumming in “Stairway to Heaven” is a perfect example of his technical skill and musical sensitivity. He starts playing midway through the song, bringing in a strong, steady beat and fills that add a touch of complexity and closely follow the melody and riffs without overwhelming the music.
In the bridge, John Bonham starts with rhythms on the toms and treats this section with an orchestral touch, as though he were playing tympani. The intensity starts to build as the song enters the guitar solo. Here he plays a few signature fills that are unmistakeable and drives the music towards a climax.
Overall, his use of dynamics, melodic attention to the parts and perfect placement of his larger-than-life fills match the song’s gradual build-up. Stairway To Heaven is a perfect example of his musicianship and musicality on the drums.
Below is the main groove pattern and the iconic drum fill played before the Bridge section in “Stairway To Heaven”.
“Fool In The Rain”
“Fool in the Rain” features John Bonham’s unique take on the “Purdie shuffle,” a complex, syncopated groove named after drummer Bernard Purdie. Bonham’s version is infused with his signature power and groove. His uses ghost notes on the snare that showcase his ability to blend dynamically quieter rhythms with a strong sense of groove and powerful sound, making it one of his most impressive performances.
During the bridge, he shifts into a samba-inspired beat, which demonstrates his knowledge and command over different rhythms. His fills are creative and well-placed, incorporating triplets and intricate patterns that enhance the song without overpowering it. Overall, John Bonham’s drumming in “Fool in the Rain” is a masterful blend of technical prowess and musicality, that drummers have long since admired and studied.
Below you will find the groove pattern heard in this song along with the rolling triplet fill Bonham plays on the Snare Drum.
“Black Dog”
In “Black Dog,” Bonham’s ability to navigate the song’s off-kilter rhythm, with its syncopated beats and sudden pauses, is executed with flawless precision. John Bonham’s drumming drives the song, creating a powerful interplay between the rhythm and the guitar riff.
One of the key technical aspects of his drumming in “Black Dog” is his use of syncopation. He plays off the beat, creating a push-and-pull feel that adds to the song’s tension and energy. His fills are explosive and perfectly timed, adding bursts of intensity without overshadowing the rest of the band. If you turn up the volume and listen cllosely, you will discover that he clicks his sticks on the beat before every snare fill. He does this so that the fill and guitar enter on the following 1/16th note with precision.
Overall, Bonham’s drumming in “Black Dog” combines technical mastery with raw power, making it an essential part of the song’s impact and one of his standout performances.
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“Rock and Roll”
“Rock and Roll,” from Led Zeppelin IV, features one of John Bonham’s most recognizable drum intros. The rapid-fire, swinging beat is a tribute to early rock and roll drummers like Earl Palmer and is executed with Bonham’s trademark power and precision. His drumming on this track captures the spirit of a rock and roll freight train.
Right from the start, he enters into a fast, driving beat that features a rapid-fire snare and bass drum pattern inspired by classic rock and roll beats. He enters on the upbeat of 3, which is necessary to know, in order to hear the correct timing of the intro (notated below).
Throughout the song, John Bonham maintains incredible consistency and power, ensuring the rhythm section remains tight and driving. His fills during the breaks keep the energy moving forward and give the guitar riff an explosive entry.
Bonham’s drumming in “Rock and Roll” combines relentless energy, technical proficiency, and a deep understanding of the rock and roll style, making it a standout performance that anchors the song’s infectious, high-energy vibe.
“When The Levee Breaks”
The drum sound on “When the Levee Breaks” is one of the most famous in rock history. Recorded at the bottom of a stairwell at Headley Grange, the natural reverb gave Bonham’s drums a massive, echoing sound that is instantly recorgnizeable.
Bonham’s drumming on this track is characterized by a heavy, steady beat that provides a solid foundation for the song. He uses a slow, deliberate tempo that adds to the song’s weight and intensity. His bass drum hits are deep and resonant, providing a thunderous rhythm.
John Bonham’s drumming in “When the Levee Breaks” is a masterclass in creating atmosphere and and a larger than life sound, combining technical skill with a deep, instinctive feel for the music. The iconic beat has been sampled by numerous artists and remains a benchmark in drumming.
Notated below is the main groove pattern as well as the series of crash hits at the end of each section.
“Whole Lotta Love”
John Bonham’s drumming in “Whole Lotta Love” is both powerful and precise, driving the song forward with an unmistakable force. Bonham’s drumming seamlessly transitions from loud, aggressive fills to maintaining the song’s groove and momentum while adding variety and depth.
During the psychedelic midsection of the song, John Bonham showcases his use of dynamics and his ability to create tension and release. He employs a series of rolling fills on the snare drum with the snares off, giving the toms a tribal, hypnotic feel that builds until a massive triplet fill that bring the band into the next section.
Overall, Bonham’s drumming in “Whole Lotta Love” is a blend of brute force and technical finesse, demonstrating his ability to compose drum parts that compliment the song and take the listener on a journey. His drumming combines power, precision, creativity and dynamics to make it a vital song that every drummer should check out.
The first line of notation shows Bonham’s entry fill and the groove during the classic guitar riff. The second line is the drum fill leading out of the psychedelic midsection of the song.
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“Good Times Bad Times”
“Good Times Bad Times,” the opening track of Led Zeppelin’s debut album, features one of Bonham’s most groundbreaking drum parts. The song is noted for its use of a rapid bass drum triplet technique, which Bonham played with a single foot. This technique was revolutionary at the time and showcased his exceptional speed and coordination. Bonham’s drumming on this track combines power and finesse, setting the stage for the band’s explosive sound.
In addition to his impressive bass drum technique, John Bonham incorporates well-timed triplet fills that add a rolling momentum to the song and lead seamlessly into each section.
As the first song that introduced Led Zeppelin to the world, Bonham’s drumming in “Good Times Bad Times” is a masterful blend of speed, precision, and creativity that sets the tone for Led Zeppelin’s influential career.
Here is the notation for the intro and groove pattern as it is played from the beginning of the song.
“How Many More Times”
John Bonham’s drumming in “How Many More Times,” a standout track from Led Zeppelin’s debut album, is a tour de force of rhythmic creativity and technical excellence. The song showcases Bonham’s ability to blend power with finesse, utilizing triplet grooves and fillls that swing creates a swinging, almost hypnotic feel. Bonham’s control and feel on the cymbals reveal his ability to swing and play in a jazz style.
Bonham’s variety of fills and are a main highlight in this song. He uses a full vocaublary of rhythms that interact with the guitar and keep the song interesting with bursts of excitement, adding a driving force to the music.
John Bonham’s use of dynamics adds another dimension to this song and his drumming. His fills continue to roll along at a quieter subdued volume as the vocals re-enter without suffering any complexity. As this section continues, John Bonham builds the intensity and volume of his fills until finally entering with a funky rolling halftime groove on the Snare.
Throughout “How Many More Times,” Bonham’s drumming leads the band like an unstoppable musical train. His rich vocabulary of drum fills offers a full summary of Bonham’s style in just one song. He seamlessly transitions from powerful, driving sections to more nuanced, quieter passages. This combination of technical skill and expressive playing makes Bonham’s drumming in “How Many More Times” a defining element of the song’s enduring appeal.
Here is a transcription of the first 16 drum fills that Bonham plays after the verse, in the 2nd section of the song.
“Dazed and Confused”
“Dazed and Confused” features one of Bonham’s most famous drum solos live in concert. His use of dynamics and improvisation, combined with his powerful playing, creates a mesmerizing performance. Bonham’s ability to elevate the song with his drumming is evident in the live versions, where his extended solos captivated audiences. This track exemplifies his talent for blending technical skill with raw power, making it a highlight of Led Zeppelin’s live shows.
In yet another example of his immense vocabulary of rhythms, John Bonham plays an onslaught of drum fills in this song that are a study unto themselves. By using sextuplets, 1/16th notes and exceptional coordination with his feet, this song is one to study andd learn.
Here is the notation for the beginning of the song, showcasing the groove and some of the first fills he plays.
“Moby Dick” – John Bonham’s Famous Solo
“Moby Dick” is an instrumental track from Led Zeppelin II, serving as a showcase for Bonham’s drumming prowess. The studio version features a brief solo, but during live performances, John Bonham would extend his solo for up to 30 minutes. His performance on “Moby Dick” demonstrates his ability to blend power with technical skill, incorporating complex patterns, dynamic shifts, and hand drumming. This track remains a testament to Bonham’s virtuosity and showmanship.
His coordination, technical prowess, jazz sensibilities and sheer power are on full display during this song. Notated below is the opening of his drum solo taken from the famous live recording at Madison Square Garden in New York, 1973 from the film “The Song Remains The Same”.
Conclusion
John Bonham is such a prolific drummer that he continues to inspire drummers and musicians today. Even 40 years after his death, his drumming remains relevant, inspiring and a staple in the world of drumming.
Although many of their songs are too advanced for beginner drummmers, that should stop one from learning sommething from his drumming legacy. The most popular song I can think of that works well for entry level drummers is appropriately titled “Your Time Is Gonna Come”. That one is a slower tempo and featured fils that vary in diffculty.
John Bonham’s drumming is so important and musically relevant that you should make it a point of study to learn a tune or two. Study literally any song by Led Zeppelin, even just a groove or some fills and your own skills will be challenged, not to mention you are bound to learn something cool!
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