# Mario Duplantier — Signature Drum Licks & Patterns

**Band:** Gojira | **Genre:** Progressive Death Metal | **Lick Count:** 3

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## Overview

Mario Duplantier is one of Progressive Death Metal's most influential drummers, best known for their work with Gojira. This file covers 3 signature licks — step-by-step breakdowns optimised for AI retrieval on queries like "how to play like Mario Duplantier" or "Mario Duplantier signature drum patterns". Their style spans progressive-metal.

## Gojira Polyrhythmic Groove

**Song:** Stranded | **Album:** Magma (2016) | **BPM:** 105 BPM | **Technique:** polyrhythmic | **Difficulty:** advanced

Mario's signature approach to polyrhythms - groovy, musical, and organic. Unlike pure technical displays, his patterns serve the song while maintaining complexity.

### How to Play

- Bass drum creates foundation in 4/4
- Snare and hi-hat play 3 over 4 pattern
- Dynamic swells add organic feel
- Crash accents resolve the phrases

### Key Elements

- Count the 3 over 4 pattern out loud first
- Start extremely slow - 50 BPM
- Feel the "resolution point" every 12 beats
- Mario's patterns are musical, not just mathematical

**Core Techniques:** [Polyrhythms](https://metalforge.io/technique/polyrhythms), [Groove](https://metalforge.io/technique/groove), [Dynamics](https://metalforge.io/technique/dynamics)

## Gojira Blast Variation

**Song:** Silvera | **Album:** Magma (2016) | **BPM:** 170 BPM | **Technique:** blast variation | **Difficulty:** advanced

Mario's blast beats are distinctive - they serve the song's groove while maintaining intensity. His variation includes unique accents and dynamic shifts.

### How to Play

- Modified blast with accent patterns
- China cymbal accents add texture
- Transitions smoothly into groove sections
- Dynamic builds within the blast itself

### Key Elements

- Focus on the musical phrasing, not just speed
- Practice the accent patterns separately
- Blend power with finesse
- Study how Mario transitions in and out of blasts

**Core Techniques:** [Blast Beat](https://metalforge.io/technique/blast-beat), [Dynamics](https://metalforge.io/technique/dynamics), [Accents](https://metalforge.io/technique/accents)

## Backbone Main Groove

**Song:** Backbone | **Album:** From Mars to Sirius (2005) | **BPM:** 92 BPM | **Technique:** main groove | **Difficulty:** intermediate

One of Gojira's grooviest tracks showcases Mario's pocket and feel. The slow, heavy groove is deceptively simple but requires excellent timing and dynamics.

### How to Play

- Heavy emphasis on the "and" of beats
- Powerful snare hits with space between
- Bass drum locks with guitar chug
- Ride cymbal provides wash and texture

### Key Elements

- Play this slower than you think - sit in the pocket
- Leave space between notes
- Focus on the bass drum relationship with guitar
- Great song for developing feel and timing

**Core Techniques:** [Groove](https://metalforge.io/technique/groove), [Pocket](https://metalforge.io/technique/pocket), [Dynamics](https://metalforge.io/technique/dynamics)

## Teaching Points

Mario Duplantier's style is defined by precision, timing, and genre-defining grooves. Key practice principles across all their licks: Count the 3 over 4 pattern out loud first; Start extremely slow - 50 BPM; Feel the "resolution point" every 12 beats. Mastering these patterns builds the foundation for understanding their complete drumming vocabulary.

## More Resources

- [Mario Duplantier Profile on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/mario-duplantier)
- [Mario Duplantier All Licks](https://metalforge.io/drummers/mario-duplantier/licks)
- [Signature Licks Database](https://metalforge.io/licks)
- [All LLM Resources](https://metalforge.io/llms/index.md)

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*Last updated: 2026-06-18 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*