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The Drumming Genius of Ringo Starr: Skill, Professionalism, and Unique Style

Ringo Starr, born Richard Starkey in 1940, has long been a polarising figure in the world of drumming. While casual listeners and critics have sometimes dismissed him as the “least talented” Beatle—often due to his unflashy approach and self-deprecating humour—professional musicians, drummers, and music historians widely regard him as a genius behind the kit. His contributions to The Beatles’ sound were essential, providing a rock-solid foundation that elevated the band’s innovative songwriting. Starr’s drumming is characterised by its simplicity, creativity, and unwavering service to the song, rather than technical virtuosity for its own sake. As a left-handed drummer playing a right-handed setup, he developed a distinctive style that influenced generations, from Phil Collins to Dave Grohl. Even at age 85 in 2025, Starr continues to perform live with his All Starr Band, demonstrating his enduring professionalism and passion for music.

Early Career and Development of Style

Starr began drumming in the late 1950s in Liverpool’s skiffle and rock scenes, honing his skills with bands like Rory Storm and the Hurricanes. When he joined The Beatles in 1962, replacing Pete Best, his steady groove and personality fit perfectly with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and George Harrison. Unlike many drummers who prioritise speed or complexity, Starr focused on feel and dynamics. His left-handed orientation on a right-handed kit led to unconventional techniques, such as leading fills with his left hand, creating a “swinging” feel that’s hard to replicate. This is evident in his “windshield wiper” hi-hat patterns and counterclockwise grooves, which add a unique bounce to Beatles tracks. Peers like Stewart Copeland have praised his swing, noting that tracks like “Can’t Buy Me Love” are deceptively difficult to play correctly due to this nuance.

Starr’s professionalism shone through in his ability to adapt. He rarely practised alone, crediting his skills to jamming with friends and learning on the fly. This collaborative spirit made him invaluable in the studio, where he would experiment until finding the perfect part—often composed specifically for the song rather than relying on standard rock beats. His influence extended to modern techniques, like matched grip, lower drum tuning, and muffling for tonal control, which helped shape rock drumming.

Skill and Technique: Beyond the Basics

Starr’s technical prowess is often understated, but isolated drum tracks reveal his mastery. He navigated complex time signatures effortlessly, incorporated ghost notes and rudiments, and used dynamics to build tension and release. His fills are “funny” yet memorable—short, punchy phrases like two 16th notes followed by a rest and then a burst of triplets, reflecting his left-hand style. He also evolved with The Beatles’ music, from early pop grooves to psychedelic experiments and heavy rock.

Examples abound: In “Here Comes The Sun” (1969), Starr seamlessly shifts between 11/8, 4/4, and 7/8 time signatures, adding insane fills in the bridge that were improvised on the spot. “She Said She Said” (1966) features ghost notes, snare rolls, and flawless handling of time changes, with heavy compression making the kit sound explosive. His melodic approach, using toms as counterpoint, is highlighted in “A Day In The Life” (1967), where descending tom fills mirror McCartney’s bassline, inspiring drummers like Phil Collins.

Professionalism: Serving the Song

Starr’s greatest strength was his professionalism—he played what the song needed, not what would showcase his ego. McCartney often demoed ideas on the kit, and Starr would refine them, ensuring the drums enhanced the overall track. This is seen in simpler songs like “In My Life” (1965), where he uses sparse hi-hat and kick in verses, switching to cymbal bell and rock beats in the bridge to complement the harmonies. His grooves were danceable and recognisable, like the pounding ostinato and reversed cymbals in “Tomorrow Never Knows” (1966), which laid the groundwork for genres like Madchester.

Even in high-pressure sessions, Starr delivered. On “Twist and Shout” (1963), recorded in one take after a long day, his raw energy drives the track. His heavier side emerged in later works, influencing bands like Led Zeppelin, as in the dirge-like “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” (1969), with contrasting beats and a quasi-Latin feel under the guitar solo.

Unique Style in Action: Key Song Examples

Starr’s style—swinging, unexpected, and song-focused—shines in these tracks:

• • Ticket To Ride (1965): A wonky, swung groove with offbeat snares and flams, creating a chugging motion. Overdubbed tambourine adds texture, showcasing his inventive heaviness.

• • Rain (1966): Starr’s favourite; insane fills and a unique hi-hat-first break pattern make it his peak performance, feeling “possessed.”

• • Come Together (1969): Swampy, counterclockwise groove with ascending tom rolls and unorthodox fills, impossible to replicate without his left-lead swing.

• • Strawberry Fields Forever (1967): Heavy tom fills in the final section, using studio techniques for psychedelic drive.

• • Something (1969): Simple yet prominent fills, with a slinging shoulder approach that set new standards for rock drummers.

• • I Feel Fine (1964): Jazzy ride cymbal and sublime snare rudiments, echoing Ray Charles influences.

• • The End (1969): Atypical drum solo, part of Abbey Road’s medley, highlighting his brevity and impact.

Beyond The Beatles, solo tracks like “Back Off Boogaloo” (1972) feature his legendary grooves.

Ringo Today: Still Beating the Drum

As of 2025, Starr remains active, touring with his All Starr Band across the U.S. in spring, summer, and fall dates. Recent shows, like those at The Greek Theatre in 2024, feature him drumming classics with energy and joy. He continues promoting peace and love, with projects like the “Ringo Peace and Love” initiative. His legacy endures, inspiring drummers to prioritise musicality over flash.

In summary, Ringo Starr’s drumming was, and is, exceptional for its innovation, reliability, and heart. He proved that great drumming isn’t about complexity—it’s about making the music better.

List of Relevant Articles

Here is a curated list of relevant articles and sources on Ringo Starr’s drumming, drawn from recent searches (links open in new tabs):

• What are some good examples of Ringo Starr’s drumming ability? (Reddit)
• Analysis of Ringo Starr’s Drumming on Beatles Tracks, Part 5 of 5
• What is the best and worst drumming from Ringo Starr (personal preference)? (Quora)
• 5 isolated drum tracks to prove The Beatles’ Ringo Starr was a genius (Modern Drummer)
• A look at Ringo Starr’s enduring musical influence (Disc Makers Blog)
• 80 Years of Ringo Starr: Looking back at The Beatles’ drummer’s finest moments (Mixdown)
• What Beatles song best showcases Ringo’s drum skills? (Quora)
• The Case for Why Ringo Starr Is One of Rock’s Greatest Drummers (Open Culture)
• Ringo Starr: 5 Reasons The Beatles Drummer Is A Genius (Drumeo)
• Ringo Starr has often been underrated by casual listeners… (Facebook)
• Ringo Starr – In Defence of, A Drummer’s Perspective
• Ringo Starr credits friends’ help for drumming skills… (Irish Star, 2025)
• Ringo Starr (Wikipedia)
• Ringo Starr Official Website (Recent Tour Info)