Education

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.

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Simulated Double Bass

Double bass drum techniques have increased the repertoire of drummers, both in playing beats and soloing. Here are some ideas which can give a player with a single bass drum setup the opportunity to effect double bass drum sounds. By…

by Richard Meyers
Aug 10, 2018

Memories Of Shelly

I first met Shelly Manne in the late ’50s in New York City, when he was performing at the Village Vanguard with his own group. I introduced myself on a break between sets, and Shelly instantly treated me as a…

by Roy Burns
Aug 10, 2018

The Drummer's Dream

A good friend of mine, named Ron Behr, once asked me if I had ever experienced the “drummer’s dream.” I wasn’t sure if I had or not until he explained a recurring dream that he has had for some time.…

by Roy Burns
Aug 8, 2018

Stars Are Only Human

Perhaps some of the young drummers who took exception to Neil Peart’s comments on fame in the April issue misunderstood him. Sometimes we create an imaginary personality for people we admire. When the personality revealed seems different (as it always…

by Roy Burns
Aug 7, 2018

Adding Variety To Simple Grooves

A popular remark among drummers has always been that “simple is better.” Many drummers, especially beginners, tend to over-play, failing to realize that in most situations the drummer’s role is to lay down a foundation—a background for other musicians to…

by Bradley Branscum
Aug 7, 2018
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Centering And Breathing

My first Concepts article for Modern Drummer was entitled “Drumming And Breathing.” Since that time, I have received letters and requests to write more on the same subject. Whether or not you are into yoga or meditation, there is ample…

by Roy Burns
Aug 6, 2018

Back To Back Rolls

Here are some exercises in back-to-back rolls. These rolls are a series of the same stroked roll (five-stroke, six-stroke, etc.) played in a continuous fashion, so as not to break the flow of constant 16th notes or an 8th-note triplet…

by Stanley Ellis
Aug 6, 2018

Drumset Ergonomics - Part 3: Pedal Placement

In Part 2 of this series, we discussed the importance of setting your throne height to a position that will be optimal for your body to be comfortable and strong for a lifetime of playing. This time we’re going to…

by Brandon Green
Jul 31, 2018

Hiding in Plain Sight - Musically Applying Odd Rhythms

Unless you’re playing in a technical prog-metal band, you may find it difficult to apply odd rhythmic ideas to songs without getting deathly glares from your bandmates. Although I wouldn’t suggest that you start cramming polyrhythms and septuplets into pop…

by Aaron Edgar
Jul 31, 2018

Must-Know Grooves - Demystifying the Half-Time Shuffle

This month we’re tackling a groove that has confounded drummers for more than forty years: The half-time shuffle. This groove’s ghost note placement has been a mystery to many drummers since legends such as Bernard Purdie, John Bonham, and Jeff…

by Jim Riley
Jul 31, 2018

Belly Dance Rhythms for Drumset

Part 2: Exploring Odd Meters

Article by Ruben van Rompaey | Photo by Tom Dausner
Jul 31, 2018

Nick D’Virgilio on Spock’s Beard’s Noise Floor

Diving Into the Prog Veterans’ Overdue Reunion

Article by Austin Burcham | Photo by Simon Hogg
Jul 31, 2018
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Drumming And Prejudice

People like to talk, and will often repeat the most bizarre concepts and ideas without considering the harm they unwittingly do to others. Insecure people sometimes lash out verbally to discredit more successful drummers. When one’s career has not lived…

by Roy Burns
Jul 25, 2018

Drummers and Put-Downs

The drummer, more than any other musician, is routinely subjected to dumb, uninformed put-downs. It seems to start very early in life. For example, very young drummers-to-be might hear their parents say, “Oh no, not the drums. They are so…

by Roy Burns
Jul 18, 2018
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