Rock Perspectives

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.

Advertisement

How to Play Odd Time Signatures

Part 1: 16th-Note Meters

by Aaron Edgar
Mar 28, 2018

Organic Odd-Time Patterns

A Smooth Method for Uncommon Phrases

by Aaron Edgar
Feb 28, 2018

Seven-Over-Three Polyrhythms

Exploring the Space Between an Odd Grouping

by Aaron Edgar
Jan 31, 2018

Double Bass Workout

Part 6: Paradiddle Patterns For the final lesson in this series we’re going to have some fun with paradiddles, double paradiddles, and paradiddle variations over 16th notes, 16th-note triplets, and 32nd notes. Remember to play to a metronome or click…

by Todd Vinciguerra
Jan 24, 2018

The Art of Soloing

I may as well admit the obvious: I am, indeed, a practitioner and partisan of that much maligned and oft-persecuted musical form, that thudding, plodding, torment of tedium, that dazzling display of passion and virtuosity—the drum solo. Much contempt has…

by Neil Peart
Jan 23, 2018
Advertisement

A Beat Study

The following musical examples comprise what I term a “beat study.” It is by no means exhaustive (every possible variation), but simply presents related time feels. Bar 1 is the pattern on which all the others are based. The focus…

by David Garibaldi
Jan 18, 2018

Exploring Five-Over-Three

Mastering a Difficult Grouping, Step by Step

by Aaron Edgar
Dec 28, 2017

Accented Three-Note Groupings

Unique Variations and Phrases

by Rick Gratton
Nov 30, 2017

The Military Sound

The application of rudimental/military type patterns to the drumset has added another dimension to contemporary music. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

by David Garibaldi
Nov 21, 2017

Live Drum Soloing

Getting Started   In this article we’ll give some insight into how to conceive, construct, and execute a drum solo in a live rock context. For those who’ve never performed a solo, it can be a very scary idea. But…

by Paul Wandtke
Nov 6, 2017

The Half-Time Shuffle

Variations on One of Drumming’s Slinkiest Grooves The half-time shuffle is a signature beat for some of the most legendary drummers in history. Guys like Bernard Purdie, John Bonham, and Jeff Porcaro are all considered masters of this feel. Let’s…

by Dave Beyer
Nov 1, 2017

The Circuit - An Ambidextrous Routine for Ultimate Control

This month we’ll check out a challenging coordination study. The goal of this routine is to become comfortable playing any pattern leading with either side of the body. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

by Aaron Edgar
Oct 31, 2017
Advertisement

Rock Perspectives - Playing Simple

The following material is a presentation of some simple ideas I've developed for use with my private students.

by David Garibaldi
Oct 19, 2017

Quintuplet Madness - Superimposing Odd Groupings

In this article we’ll play quintuplets within the space of three 16th notes. This concept can create some unique rhythmic statements, such as subtle hi-hat embellishments or twisted double-bass grooves. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN

by Aaron Edgar
Sep 27, 2017
Advertisement