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.
A New Look At Technique
I have heard professional drummers say, “I don’t care about technique at all. 1 am only interested in the music.” I have also heard top players say, “Of course technique is important. Without it you can’t play anything.” It would…
Phrasing With Triplets
This article deals with the use of triplets within a compound phrase to embellish and create more interesting patterns. By inserting the 16th-note triplets into the duple feel, these patterns become more exciting to the ear. Practice each exercise at…
Drumming And Automatic Learning
Why is it so difficult to break a bad habit? Why is it so difficult to learn a new skill after some years of playing? Why do players get “stuck” on certain patterns, and play them over and over again…
The Benefits Of Left-Hand Ride
What do Billy Cobham, Simon Phillips, Kenny Aronoff, Daniel Humair, and Lenny White have in common? They all play ride patterns with their left hand. Left-hand ride refers to the technique drummers use who play drumset in a normal, right-hand…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
