Dave Grohl, the legendary drummer of Nirvana and frontman of the Foo Fighters, has left an indelible mark on the world of rock music.
His journey from the grunge powerhouse Nirvana to leading one of the most celebrated rock bands of the 21st century has been nothing short of extraordinary. But for drum fanatics and aspiring musicians, the real magic lies in the gear that powers his iconic sound.
In this article, we’re going to explore the drum sets that have been a part of Grohl’s remarkable musical journey.
The main components of Grohl’s DW kit include:
The drums are maple shells, selected for their warm and full tone. Grohl’s drum heads are chosen for durability and consistent sound quality, suited to his robust playing style.
Here’s a chart detailing the typical sizes of the drums in Grohl’s DW kit:
| Drum Type | Size |
|---|---|
| Kick Drum | 22" x 18" |
| Snare Drum | 14" x 6.5" |
| Rack Tom | 12" x 9" |
| Floor Tom | 16" x 14" |
| Floor Tom 2 | 18" x 16" |
The drum kit often features a custom finish, aligning with the theme of the Foo Fighters‘ albums or tours.
In essence, Dave Grohl’s current drum set is a combination of quality, versatility, and durability, reflecting his dynamic and powerful drumming style.
Dave Grohl pairs his DW drum kit with a select array of Zildjian cymbals. His cymbal setup is a crucial part of his signature sound, providing a range of tones that match the intensity of his performances with the Foo Fighters.
Here’s a breakdown of Grohl’s typical cymbal setup:
Zildjian 15 inch A Custom Mastersound Hi-hat Cymbals – These are essential for the sharp, clear patterns Grohl is known for, particularly in faster-paced tracks.
He often uses a combination of sizes, including a Zildjian 18 inch A Custom EFX Crash Cymbal for a bright and cutting sound, and a Zildjian A Custom Projection Crash 20-inch for louder, more pronounced accents.
Zildjian A Series Ping Ride, 22-inch – Known for its high-pitched, clean sound, perfect for the driving rhythms Grohl often plays.
Grohl’s selection is tailored for durability to withstand his vigorous playing style, ensuring consistency in sound and performance.
In his groundbreaking time with Nirvana, Dave Grohl’s drumming was the backbone of their grunge sound. During this era, Grohl’s drum kit was characterized by its simplicity and powerful sound, a perfect match for Nirvana’s raw and emotive music.
Grohl primarily used a Tama drum set during his tenure with Nirvana. This kit, known for its robust build and powerful sound, was well-suited to the aggressive and dynamic style of Nirvana’s music. The Tama drums, combined with Grohl’s ferocious playing, became a cornerstone of the band’s iconic sound.
The main components of his Nirvana-era kit included:
| Drum Type | Size |
|---|---|
| Snare Drum | 14" |
| Rack Tom | 15" |
| Floor Tom | 18" |
| Bass Drum | 24" |
For cymbals, Grohl used Zildjian A Series, including:
This setup was integral to the sound of Nirvana, complementing the band’s style with its powerful and straightforward approach.
In recent years, the Foo Fighters, led by Dave Grohl, have primarily used drum kits from DW (Drum Workshop). These high-quality drum sets are known for their durability and excellent sound, fitting the band’s dynamic and powerful style. The specific models and configurations may vary depending on the album and tour, but DW kits remain a staple for the band.
Dave Grohl is known for using the Vic Firth American Classic Metal drum sticks. These sticks are longer and heavier than standard models, suited to Grohl’s hard-hitting playing style. The added length and weight provide more leverage and power, which is essential for the energetic and forceful drumming that Grohl is famous for.
For the recording of Nirvana’s “In Utero,” Dave Grohl used a Tama drum kit. This kit included a 14-inch snare, a 15-inch rack tom, an 18-inch floor tom, and a 24-inch bass drum. The Tama drums, known for their robust build and powerful sound, were perfect for capturing the raw and emotive energy that defines the album.
For the recording of Nirvana’s “In Utero,” Dave Grohl used a Tama drum kit. This kit included a 14-inch snare, a 15-inch rack tom, an 18-inch floor tom, and a 24-inch bass drum. The Tama drums, known for their robust build and powerful sound, were perfect for capturing the raw and emotive energy that defines the album.
Dave Grohl’s journey through the world of rock music, from his early days with Nirvana to leading the Foo Fighters, is marked by his distinctive drumming style and choice of equipment. Whether it was the raw power of his Tama kit in Nirvana or the refined versatility of his DW setup with the Foo Fighters, Grohl’s drumming has always been at the heart of his bands’ sounds.
His drum kits and cymbals, ranging from Zildjian A Series in Nirvana to his diverse selection in Foo Fighters and Them Crooked Vultures, have evolved to match the changing dynamics of his music.
Grohl’s choice of drum sticks reflects his approach to drumming: energetic, powerful, and always impactful. His unique blend of technical skill and emotive playing has influenced countless drummers and music enthusiasts worldwide.
From the grunge scenes of the early ’90s to the global stages with the Foo Fighters, Grohl has consistently shown that the right gear, when paired with talent and passion, can create a lasting impact on the world of music.
Founder of TheDrumNinja
I’m crazy about drums, it’s been my passion since I was 12 years old. I played in numerous bands going through different styles like Rock, Progressive, Pop & Jazz-Rock. After being featured in major music publications (Drumeo, Guitar Guitar, AudioIssues, MusicThinkTank) I started this website to share my knowledge and create a resource for drummers of all levels.
Find useful lessons, tips and reviews for any drummer. From beginners to professionals there’s always something new to learn and improve. Join our Newsletter for exclusive advice!
11407 SW Amu St Suite #ABM436 Tualatin, OR 97062
There may be affiliate links on this website, which means we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to our readers.
© All rights reserved Copyright 2024
Subscribe to our ninja mailing list and get a Free E-book!
Subscribe to our ninja mailing list and get a Free E-book!
