Watch Chad Smith Unleash Deep Purple's 'Burn': High-Energy Footage and Riff Breakdown

Discover curated insights surrounding Watch Chad Smith Unleash Deep Purple's 'Burn': High-Energy Footage and Riff Breakdown.

Q1: What makes Ian Paice's drumming on Deep Purple's "Burn" so difficult to play?

A1: The track combines an exhausting tempo of roughly 190 BPM with intricate single-stroke rolls, fast snare-to-tom transitions, and continuous ghost-note accents. Maintaining that speed without stiffening up or sacrificing dynamic swing requires exceptional forearm stamina and loose wrist mechanics.

Q2: Does Chad Smith use a single or double bass pedal during this performance?

A2: Chad Smith plays a single bass drum pedal. True to Ian Paice's original vintage approach, Smith generates the rapid bass-drum triplets and continuous sixteenth notes entirely through right-foot sliding and heel-toe techniques rather than relying on a modern double pedal setup.

Q3: How does Chad Smith's technique differ from Ian Paice's live style?

A3: While Ian Paice used a traditional left-hand grip and drew heavily from jazz-style hand balance, Smith employs a powerful matched grip. Smith hits with heavier rimshots and more shoulder leverage, blending Paice’s swing phrasing with modern arena funk-rock attack.