Complete Percussionist Archives - Modern Drummer Magazine

Complete Percussionist

Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.

Transferring African Rhythms

One of the most interesting drum lessons that I’ve ever had was when Kwaku Dadey showed me how to transfer African rhythms to the drumset. Kwaku plays traditional African music on his tuned conga drums in much the same manner…

by George Marsh
Jan 23, 2018

Complete Percussionist - Chord Scales

In this article, I'll discuss the connection between chords and their chord scales.

by David Samuels
Oct 19, 2017

Complete Percussionist - Introduction To Tabla

Oddly enough, it was “Black Mountain Side,” an acoustic guitar piece from Led Zepellin’s first album, which turned me on to the exquisite sound of the tabla. “Tabla drum?” I asked myself. “What in the world is a tabla drum?”…

by Brian Knave
Oct 13, 2017

Complete Percussionist - Voicing For Mallets

There is a general lack of material written about chordal playing on mallet instruments.

by David Samuels
Oct 4, 2017

Donald Knaack

If you have ever complained about the problems of hauling around and setting up a standard drumset, imagine the problems faced by a musician whose instruments are made entirely of glass. TO READ THE FULL STORY: LOG IN Digital Access…

by Rick Mattingly
Jun 8, 2017

Complete Percussionist

Rolling is the term used in reference to sustaining sounds on drums. Each percussion instrument has its own techniques of rolling—each unique, but yet each similar in many ways. TO READ THE FULL STORY: LOG IN Digital Access $4.99 /month…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

Complete Percussionist The Beginning Timpanist

Because the timpani are among the "musical" percussion instruments they present special problems for both the beginner and his teacher. The intent of this article is to offer some practical suggestions which will render the teaching of this instrument less…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

Complete Percussionist: The Beginning Timpanist: Part 2

Complete Percussionist The Beginning Timpanist: Part 2 by George Frock ROLLS. One of the more difficult techniques to develop is that of producing a sustained sound. Much practice must be done to ensure a feel for the proper roll speed.…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017

Complete Percussionist: Interpreting Marches

Is it possible to "kick" a march in much the same way you kick a dance band? As long as we're not talking about dance band rhythms, but are talking about support (supporting the brass and reeds in a march…

Modern Drummer
Feb 23, 2017