Steve Smith Takes on Alice in Chains' 'Would?' for Drumeo's 'For the First Time' Series
Renowned drummer Steve Smith, known for his work with Journey, took on the challenge of learning and playing the classic grunge song "Would?" by Alice in Chains for Drumeo's "For the First Time" series. In this segment, drummers are tasked with creating their own drum part for a song they've never heard before, before recording a final take over the original stems. Smith embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, ready to infuse some added energy into his playing for this unfamiliar track.
As Smith listened to the drumless version of "Would?," he quickly picked up on the tempo cues from Jerry Cantrell's guitar and Mike Starr's bass. The song's changes surprised him, particularly the melodic bridge section that leads to the memorable final line. Throughout the process, Smith and host Brandon Toews discussed the song's structure and tempo shifts, with Smith noting the interesting guitar rhythms in the choruses and the dynamic range of the track.
Drawing inspiration from Mitch Mitchell of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Smith approached his drum part with a mix of jazzy finesse and powerful hits. After a couple of playthroughs, he found a balance between the tom-heavy style of his first attempt and the stronger hits of his second, capturing the essence of the song while adding his own flair. When he finally heard the original recording with Alice in Chains drummer Sean Kinney's playing, Smith praised the syncopated drum part and the tom work in the track.
In the end, Toews humorously declared that Smith was now ready to join a grunge band, highlighting the drummer's adaptability and skill in tackling a new genre. If you're interested in learning drums or honing your skills, Drumeo offers a 30-day free trial for new members. Check out the video below to see Steve Smith's journey with "Would?" by Alice in Chains.