How to Sound Like Charlie Benante — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Charlie Benante's Anthrax / S.O.D. / Pantera drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Charlie Benante use?
Charlie Benante plays Pearl Reference Pure drums as his primary kit, with an all-maple shell configuration. He has been a Pearl endorser for decades and previously used Pearl Session Masters and Pearl Reference kits. His setup uses dual 22" bass drums for independent kick control, and a two-up, two-down tom configuration that gives him an accessible spread for his polyrhythmic fill patterns.
What cymbals does Charlie Benante use?
Charlie Benante plays Sabian cymbals, primarily from the AAX and HHX series. His live setup typically includes 14" AAX Stage Hi-Hats, AAX Stage Crashes (18" and 20"), an AAX Chinese (18"), and an AAX Metal Ride (20"). The AAX series provides the bright, projecting character needed for his open hi-hat thrash patterns to read clearly at 200 BPM over dense guitars.
What is Charlie Benante's signature drumming technique?
Benante's most recognizable technique is his open hi-hat thrash drive, where the hi-hat opens slightly on the eighth-note upbeats (the 'ands') while the snare plays on 2 and 4. This creates a churning, breathing quality distinct from the tight closed hi-hat patterns used by many thrash drummers. He pairs this with syncopated kick placement that follows guitar riff accent points rather than running preset patterns.
What pedals does Charlie Benante use?
Charlie Benante uses Pearl Eliminator Redline double pedals. The Eliminator system features interchangeable cams that allow players to tune the feel between round cam (lighter, faster feel) and oval cam (heavier, more linear feel). Benante's syncopated kick technique benefits from the precise, responsive feel the Eliminator provides.
What are the best Anthrax songs to learn Charlie Benante's style?
Start with 'Among the Living' and 'Caught in a Mosh' from Among the Living (1987) — both showcase his open hi-hat thrash drive and syncopated kick patterns in clear, learnable contexts. 'I Am The Law' demonstrates his kick-guitar lock technique, while 'Indians' shows his mid-tempo range with iconic cowbell and tom patterns. For more technical depth, 'Got the Time' and 'In My World' from Persistence of Time (1990) demonstrate his dynamic control and polyrhythmic fill approach.