Paul Simon - 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover (drums by Jouxplan)

[mrskinneys1234]

i see you are a good drummer. but i can tell you are self taught. you need to loosen up when you are playing, it dosent look as good

[jouxplan]

@mrskinneys1234 Thank you. I certainly agree that I need to loosen up - you are quite right. Yes I am self taught, and it shows :-)

[1981lowrider]

Great job in tackling this piece - sort of a holy grail for some of us. Your video adds to the body of knowledge in helping us all learn. Well done.

[jouxplan]

@1981lowrider That's extremely kind of you - thank you :-)

[SwissedToast]

2:58 I see you have a nice dog

[partidoalto1]

The snare-sock cymbal pattern is like a flam paradiddle combination done in a very relaxed manner. More of wrist action going back n forth. Tricky as the tune is you kept the time quite close to the groove so that's a big plus. You can also do a nicer approach to the bridge instead of that rock-disco feel by making it more subtle and shifting the hi-hat pattern into a 16-note feel with the accent on the 3rd note giving it a reverse disco-rock-latin sound. Dynamics is key but good job Jouxplan!

[jouxplan]

@partidoalto1 All good points, particularly 'dynamics is key' - I agree with you :-)

Many thanks!

[davidntia06]

he sound pretty good to me but leave the song out everybody know it soften up the snair and bass drum and your set

[drummerkareemovic]

yeah to bad you cant play with wooden sticks, and an advice so you dont have to hurry too much try playing the first part so after the hihat part LR(flame)RRR i dont know if u would understand what im saying but i tried to explain it corectly.

[drummerkareemovic]

look. your playing is good but you should relax more while playing and play softer because u cant play somthing so groovy like 50 ways to leave your lover without relaxing and lower your left hand a little bit when u hit the hi hat but nice job in general

[jouxplan]

@drummerkareemovic That's very kind of you, and your comments are absolutely correct - I am tense as hell !!!!! That's 'cos I cannot play this groove, and it shows :-)

I have a very tense style anyway, from spending 15 years not being in an band, and playing without wooden sticks, only with brushes trying not to annoy neighbours. Kind of messes you up :-(

Cheers!

[drummerkareemovic]

@jouxplan

try playing everything like ghostnotes then the feel wil come

[jcs2000ful]

I love this! Good job!

[jouxplan]

@jcs2000ful Hey, thank you!

[airball7]

Your timing is way off and you're playing too hard. Know how I know? Because I DO THE SAME THING. 35 years playing and I'm pretty good and can play some complex stuff, but this song gives me a fit. I've dedicated myself to learning it if it's the last thing I ever do (and it just might be), and good for you taking your shot and posting the vid. This is a two year-old vid post so you've probably gotten a lot cleaner by now - most complicated easy sounding song ever.

[jouxplan]

@airball7 Ha! Ha! Ha! Well, I essentially agree with you completely, though the phrase 'way off' is perhaps a tad harsh :-)

Anyway, I also have been playing 35 years, and like you, I can play a lot of complex stuff, but this one just beats me - Mr. Gadd at his beautiful best. Yes, after 2 years practise I have got it flowing better, and the timing better than 'way off', and the dynamics better, BUT it is still no way like Gadd. Don't think I will ever get there, but it is great fun trying!

[1nDi5RucTaBl3]

Sounds like your choking out the snare.

[jouxplan]

@1nDi5RucTaBl3 Not quite sure if you are referring to my awful tuning or my poor technique, both of which are valid comments. Note that I am using Flix Tips, not wooden sticks, and so the bounce and sound on the snare are a long way from being what they might be.

[1nDi5RucTaBl3]

@jouxplan Sounds like your head is really tight and your snare is also a little tight. Its all up to you though. I personally to have a little throatier sounding snare for when im just kinda jammin. Otherwise i tighten it for some marches. There really is no right way to tune a snare. If you like the way it sounds, then thats all that matters. Keep rockin man!

[CareyVandenberg]

I particularly like the cat and dog running around in the background. It adds some levity.

[jouxplan]

@CareyVandenberg :-)

[apsdh340]

I was just speaking in generalities when referring to "beginners", just trying to be helpful.

[jouxplan]

@apsdh340 Ah ha! Ok!

Your technical comments are indeed helpful, and as I said, I agree with you. I find this track very difficult, and I suspect that whilst many people think they have 'got it' as soon as they can play the sticking, the real skill is in the subtle and beautiful dynamics of Mr Gadd. I am still working on that, and have a long, long way to go.

[apsdh340]

The hands area a little heavy for my taste, I would really lighten up and try to make all the notes outside of the rolls like ghost notes with the rolls being a tad more accentuated. Beginners usually pound the hi hat when learning this classic groove, getting a smooth ghost note like quality out of the hi hat parts is the trick to making this sound fluid and seamless.

[jouxplan]

@apsdh340 I am happy to agree to everything you say here, save for one thing - you appear to be implying I am a beginner! Jesus, I know my attempt at covering this is way less than perfect, but I have been playing for 35 years.

Note I am playing with Flix sticks, not wooden sticks. They are less than ideal for this style of drumming.

:-)

[gebzere123]

what version is this who is it by?

[jouxplan]

@gebzere123 This is the original version! By Paul Simon, with Steve Gadd on drums :-)

[weevilboy]

nice work--it was also fun to watch the animals frolic beyond the window

[jouxplan]

@weevilboy :-)

[angelltube]

Nice job jouxplan. I've almost given up learning this, as I'm also overhanded grip player. This is encouraging that you've been able to do it that well.

[jouxplan]

@angelltube Hey thank you! Don't give up! I am still trying to improve my version of this beat, even after all this time. I must admit that in the year since I posted this, I have managed to finally feel a lot more relaxed on this groove - my tension and the fact I have only just learned how to play it really shows in this video, as a few people have noticed :-)

[jackoneeightytwo]

Man points awarded.

[jman8489]

like the dog in the back ground gives the song it's touch. haha

[jouxplan]

it's a cat!

[RA710]

Use traditional grip. IT annoys me that ur not, but still good cover.

[jouxplan]

But I can't play with a traditional grip! Especially using Flix Sticks, which means less bounce.............

Sorry it annoyed you, but that's how I play :-)

Glad you liked the cover!

[sharpacumen]

@RA710 your comment annoys me

[xpinkdrummerx]

hey. Really well played. Perfect really. I'm learnin to play this right now and I'm using this video to help me, so thanks :)

[jouxplan]

Thank you! Hope my vid helps :-)

Make sure to check out CraigTube's version of this - he does it WAY better then me.

[XxKurt247Xx]

Random cat in window at :35?

[jouxplan]

Indeed.

[manorack]

50/10  THIS is a hot video

[GabeTheDrumme]

the people took it down maybe if i re upload as a vid responce it wouldent be tooken down they took it down like two days after i uploaded

[jouxplan]

Be very careful! If it has been blocked by YouTube or the Record Company, then you need to either dispute it formally, or do nothing. Whatever you do though, do not re-upload it. You could get your account suspended.

I wonder why it was blocked though? Mine is ok (so far). I have had 9 vids blocked over the year, and so far have successfully disputed all of them.

Doing it as a vid response will not make any difference to YouTube, so I repeat - be careful!

[GabeTheDrumme]

i did check it out should be the first vid on the list

[jouxplan]

I can't see a 50 Ways cover on your Channel page at all! Where is it?!

[GabeTheDrumme]

yeah agrreed you need to go way quieter theres no dynamics ...

[jouxplan]

Please post your version so that I may learn from it. Thanks.

[dk7691]

the best is the dog runnind outside!!!!

[jouxplan]

Cat. It is a cat.

[TheDice2008]

A little softer please

[kabalnightstalker]

Fantastic rendition of a great piece.

[jouxplan]

Hey, thank you!

[helmenthor]

Great :)

You can try to play the stroke in the in upbeat with you right hand during the verse? (es. on ride)

[jouxplan]

Many thanks!

I'm not sure what you are referring to - can you explain it a bit more for me? Sorry for being so dense!

[kissklassics]

very good

[Kandoomagic]

I love this beat, and you play it very nice! Thank you for sharing!

[jouxplan]

That's very kind of you, cheers!

[Medic83301]

"50 Ways " has to be the most difficult tune to learn and master and everyone has a different approach to it . The way Steve Gadd approached this song is classic , but Bazy's approach to it on his video made it easy for me , a novice .

[jouxplan]

It never ceases to amaze me how many beginners and novices tell us all how easy they consider this drum part to be. 'The most difficult tune to learn and master' - you said it.

I have been drumming for close to 40 years, and I cannot play it right, so you are clearly an outstanding drummer. Good for you.

For my part, I respectfully disagree with you about the Bazy video - sorry. CraigTube's video has far more of the dynamics, subtlety and groove of this track - THAT'S what is so hard.

[alvarro99]

great job, love it

[davidcollinder]

Why would you put this on here?!?!

[jouxplan]

'cos I enjoyed trying to play it and I saw no reason not to put it on this site - lots of others have, and it is fascinating to see the differing approaches that we have all taken.

Whilst I am the first to admit that my version is by no means spot on (did you read my description?), I am surprised at your tone, and your earlier comment - still, that's YouTube for you.......

[arthurkitchen]

Sounds like you need punched in the mouth!

[mokus45]

the dog and the cat in the background having fun together xD

[samm1809]

im doin this for music prac

[drummermahn]

goo d job

[MrNels0n]

lol this comment isnt about your drumming! there was a cat in the background, and you have a hell of a lot of flixsticks! any chance you could send a pair to a fan of yours??? lol! dude you kick nuggets...nuff said

[jouxplan]

Cat - yes, indeed! If you visit the FAQ page on my new 'jouxplan' website (link on my channel), you will find a little something about the many sightings of cats, goats, children, rabbits etc in these vids of mine............!!!!!

Flix Sticks? Ah, well, that's 'cos I am an official endorsee of Flix!!! Yes, me! As a result of doing all these YouTube vids! Full story on the FAQ page of the jouxplan website and on my channel. I can't send 'em all out though!! :-(

Many thanks!

:-)

[jamiemcshafto]

dis is brilliant man yuh gt some talent! :P :)

[burstmatress]

sounds good

looks awkward

[jouxplan]

It is awkward, and I have an awkward style, is all.

[burstmatress]

Well I just meant that you need to loosen up a little..other than that its great

[BEOWULF282]

whats your hihat

[jouxplan]

Istanbul mehmet radiant 13".

Lots more detail about the kit on my jouxplan website - see my channel for details.

[SilentBombr]

Dude loosen up a little, you look all pent up

[ShelterDogs]

This beat is more of a workout than you think.

[Jhdrum]

good stuff bro just relax a bit.

[BEOWULF282]

what rutes are you using

[jouxplan]

Flix Tips. (not Flix Sticks). They have a nylon tip at the end of a normal flix sticks. Have a look on my channel for details on Flix and how and wehere to get hold of some.

:-)

[ShelterDogs]

Very nice playing. Also, the Info Box was very informative. I appreciate the info and I will definitely be looking up the instructional videos you recommended for this song. I think that you too should do some instructional videos. You were very helpful in the typed word, I bet you'd be good at a verbal/playing video. I got some tips for you if you decide to do one. I've watched a number of them, and I know where teachers can go wrong. Feel free to message me.

[jouxplan]

That's very kind of you, thanks!

I have thought about doing some, and one of my subscribers talked me into doing some lessons (they are on the 'Other' playlist on my channel). Felt very awkward though!

It has been suggested that I ought to talk people through how I approach some of these covers of mine - again, I guess I could.

Really not sure if am the right person to be teaching though - I am not a pro' and never had lessons!

I will contact you for help if I do do any! Many thanks!

[davidcollinder]

No!!!!!!!! Not very nice playing, are you deaf?

[ShelterDogs]

Instead of calling me deaf in a derogatory way, why don't you provide some constructive criticsim about what you think is off in his playing?

[jouxplan]

Seems a tad harsh........

[RonG40]

Oh. certainly...Beyond the "normal" clips, I watch the clinic videos, and they are amazing to watch. So relaxed in his approach yet he grooves and has aggression in his playing.

Another guy I'm fond of is Steve Smith. That guy is sick! LOL!

Keep them coming, good sir, I'll keep watching...! I still have to check out your other videos!

[RonG40]

I love Steve Gadd...As a kid I never thought much of the drumming here until I saw him play it on the 'Live in Central Park' concert on TV. Lesson learned! I hold Gadd in especially high regard...His drumming on Aja by Steely Dan is one of my absolute favorites. I'm enjoying watching you attack all of these different styles of drumming. As a guitarist who dabbles in drums, I am always fascinated by anyone who can employ any sense of independent limb movement!

[jouxplan]

Ha! Ha! Ha! And as a drummer who does not even know how to hold a guitar, I have no idea how you guys do what you do!

Gadd is a beautiful drummer to behold. His sense of groove is just mind blowing. There are some great videos on YouTube of him doing all sorts of wonderful things. I could watch him play all day!

Glad you are still enjoying all these vids of mine!

[LouddrummerO]

Know this is what i am talking about! Very smooth! I like watching everyones interpertation on this. Steve Gadd is a master and you did him proud! I would give you more then 5 on this for technique

Man you have a ton of vids!

[jouxplan]

Hey, you again! You clearly have a wide taste in music, 'cos your drum covers are way different in genre to mine - hats off to you!

Lots of vids - LOL - yeah, will take you some time if you plan on watching 'em all! If you want to save time, the ones I am proudest of -

Police Walking On Moon, Roxanne &(Another) Message in Bottle

Genesis - Cinema (overhead), Sqounk studio, Suppers Ready Part 2 and 3 & Apocolypse 9/8 supplementary vids

Grace Jones Slave, & Golden Earring Radar Love

:-)

[KROMLIVES]

Another great cover my friend! I'm a huge Paul Simon fan myself. He's one of my biggest musical influences and his Graceland album is one that I listen to regularly along with all his other musical endevours. You did a really good job on this song. It's one of those decievingly easy sounding drum parts that I can't imagine how difficult it really is. Like playing "Paranoid" on bass...people think it's easy cuz it sounds basic but it's really quite challenging. 5*s from me LRRG...you rock!

[jouxplan]

Hey, thank you for that, my fellow LRRG!

[Detik2491]

its very good as covers go, but it takes u a while to get into the groove, u miss the tom hits fractionally nd it throws the beat off

all said and done it is still a very good cover

[motodrummer]

Excellent, I will be using this in the near future for a guide. I think something was chasing your cat outside the window. Have you seen him lately? LOL

[jouxplan]

Thank you!

Cat LOL! He is still around - anyway I think it was HIM chasing something else, probably a bird!

[Medic83301]

I seen him chasing another cat around !

[Colerosity]

A great book, for people who are having trouble playing it linearly, is 4-Way co-ordination. My teacher showed me the groove, and told me it took him a week to get it down. I had only done 3 pages of the book, and I got it in 2 or 3 days (not too dynamic, but hell). :p

[jdcoolmaster]

sorry, dont know why that comment came up again. What i meant to say was that i agreed and i like the technique of your left foot. Makes it kind of look more complicated as well!

[joelitoooo]

the hi-hat openings are not there to make it look flashy. Its part of the original groove by the Steve.

[jouxplan]

Hello - I think you misinterpreted jdcoolmaster's comment: the left foot thing he was referring to was my 'strange' movement/rocking of my left leg during the chorus (easy) bits, NOT the difficult and famous left foot hi hat opening / closing thing that happens during the verses.

:-)

[jdcoolmaster]

Not that hard and no offence but the ending could have been better. lus, when you do the more basic beat, why do you keep moving your left foot when you're not actually opening the hihat?

[jouxplan]

No offense taken!

I think it is unfair of you to say that this beat is 'not that hard'. For beginners, that must make 'em feel like shit. It is simply not true! Even for amateurs like me with 35 years experience and a reasonable level of ability, this groove is very, very difficult to get right. I have not got it right, for a start, but to beginners, it probably sounds great. If you find it easy, good for you!

I keep time with my left heel doing quarter notes. Habit. Hat stays closed.

[gritpod]

Nice. I've been trying to watch your vids. Man, you did a lot of them. Did you get the email about Sgt. Baker, and other Primus/Tim Alexander tunes? I saw where you mentioned your profession. What does the "MD" stand for in the Geo-Environmental Consutancy job? I'm curious. Looking forward to seeing some Primus!! Cheers!

[jouxplan]

Sorry I obviously have not got around to replying: I get a lot of mail!

I thought I had removed my 'profession' data! I am embarrassed about it! Er, MD stands for Managing Director. I am the joint owner of a successful consultancy. I wear a suit and look important and stuff. No one at work believes that their boss (a) can play the drums and (b) has this big YouTube website thing happening. It is quite funny when they find me on here though :-)

I need to think about Primus - not my usual style!

[gritpod]

Mng Dir, that's what I suspected but wasn't sure. Interesting. I'm an out of work TV promotions writer. One of the first to catch the lay-off wave that rippled across the states last February! Turned several jobs down out of state, I don't want to leave Nashville right now. Anyway, I think you can do Primus. Tim's biggest influences are Peart and the tribal fusion stuff, alas Copeland. Similar styles, I have faith! I'm going to borrow a friends's cam and put a few up of me soon. Cheers!

[missingremote]

very smooth. I like the ending with the splash cymbol ans Joux smiles.

[jouxplan]

Thank you! And glad you enjoyed the ending!

[chowdermint]

Definately got the groove down , dynamics I think could do with a little work.

[jouxplan]

Thank you.

Yes, I wholly agree on the dynamics. I only appreciated that the dynamics were off once I studied all of CraigTubes vids on this - he does a wonderful video discussing the dynamics of this drum track.

This Gadd part is so beautiful and complex and simple and subtle all at the same time - however close you get to copying it, there is always some subtlety missing: I love it!

:-)

[Imsocool1004]

out of all the videos i see of people attempting this on youtube, i keep coming back to yours. you did a fantastic job

[jouxplan]

Hey, thank you very much! I am really chuffed.

I have to admit I have felt a little dispirited that this vid has got only 4 stars - I thought I did as well on this as my other 70 vids, and this is one of only two vids with 4 stars: kind of stands out! Still I guess it is a totally different genre and it is a whole different set of critics!

:-)

[gerrymuccioli]

I like it but I also like that at 16 seconds in there is a white goat running across the backyard.

[jouxplan]

Ha! Ha! Ha! In actual fact, that is my CAT! And he is fairly small, being only a year old!! Damn funny comment though.......!

[jcsk8]

Long time no see man! I love this groove!

Nice video.

[tiedupsmurf]

FANTASTIC

[bubzat]

good job.I havent played drums in years I cold never get that song down.

[gH3tt012]

Awesome job on the endorsement and another awesome video,great job! Personally I would like to see some more Rush since they are one of my favs but im not bending you arm or anything even though I consider myself one of the Jouxplan faithful viewers lol.

[jouxplan]

Thank you, and thank you!

Rush is really tough for me! I love it too, but damn me its hard on drums. Doing YYZ almost killed me - it was my first upload on YouTube. I am thinking about doing La Villa Strangiata (er, up to a point), but not sure I can do any others - even Freewill is horrific and that's 'sort of' easy! I love Trees, but man! no way can I play it!

:-(

[gH3tt012]

Yeah Rush is tough but Neil makes it look so easy. I tried doing Driven from the Test for Echo album which wasn't too bad IMO but hey thats just me and I'm not so good. Damn it I gotta start uploading vids

[dolau12]

Yep- Thats Good!!

I am trying to get the groove but I cant get it anywhere near this- does anyone have it written down anywhere?

Do you have this in media player format so I can slow it down

Newbie drummer trying hard

Cheers

[jouxplan]

Cheers!

I can't write or read drum notation - sorry!

I don't have this in any other format, sorry. You might try looking at CraigTube's three videos on this - they break it down pretty well.

If you are a 'newbie' then you are choosing one of the most awkward drum parts to play that there is. As CraigTube says, there are real subtleties to this that make it very hard even for experienced drummers. Getting it 'mechanically' right is one thing, getting it to groove is another!

Good luck!

[dolau12]

Yep- I am finding that-Cant keep the speed up without making mistakes and loosing time.

You learn all these by listening then- amazing!

I found Nutha Jasons site and that has the basic lick written down so I can understand it.... its another thing playing it- excellent- I keep coming back to jouxplan viseos for a master class

[jouxplan]

'Master Class' LOL!!

Actually, 50 Ways is the only song I can think of where I could not learn it by ear - I thought I knew how to play it, until I saw his video, and then CraigTube, on here. It's only when you SEE the sticking and left foot work, that you suddenly realize what the hell is happening!

kepp at it - the groove and timing will come!

:-)

[Laaaacie]

You make it look so easy! Very good! This song shows us all what a drum-genius Mr. Gadd is.

[jouxplan]

Do I?!! I find it pretty damn hard to do, I can tell you! Anyway, thank you! I'm glad you requested it, and even gladder that you like it!

As for Mr Gadd - you are absolutely right.

[volendos2]

legend

[jouxplan]

Hey, cheers again!

[CraigTube]

You pulled it off very accurately. You're one of the only YouTubers who actually pays attention to those rolls and does them accurately. I made 3 videos on this topic, the first being a total "off the cuff" cover, the second one corrected that, and by the third video, I think, is the closest I'll get to Gadd's grove. In this video, you really did nail it for the most part. Great job!

[jouxplan]

Hey, thank you! I watched your video on dynamics just now, and it is great. If only I had seen it before I posted mine!

:-)

[Imsocool1004]

Amazing work

[jouxplan]

That's very kind of you! However, I am sure that the Steve Gadd experts out there will soon be giving me a hard time!

:-)

[Imsocool1004]

You're a very talented musician. you don't give yourself enough credit

[jouxplan]

:-)