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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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Mighty Bright NuFlex, BrightFlex, DuoFlex, and Encore Musician’s Lights.

Mighty Bright Lights have been around for a while, and any musician or performer that works in a darker environment has probably used them, I have had one in my stick bag for years (just in case.) But Mighty Bright…

By Mark Griffith
Dec 1, 2024

A Year in Reviews

2024 was a great year for new drum gear, in this year alone I have reviewed new drum sets, new snare drums, some new cymbals, and some new thrones. As always, when I review a product, I really review the…

By Brian Hill
Dec 1, 2024

A Year in Reviews

2024 was a wild ride for gear reviews! From acoustic and electronic drum products and accessories to pro audio and software, I’ve learned a ton, and hopefully managed to share my insights in a way that was equal parts fun,…

By Jason Mehler
Dec 1, 2024

2024 Modern Drummer Hall of Fame: Bill Ward

Bill Ward created a style of drumming within the music of Black Sabbath. We’re not going to get into the musical differences between heavy metal and hard rock in this article. Call it what you want… but that slow, sludgy,…

By Mark Griffith
Dec 1, 2024

2024 Modern Drummer Readers Poll Results.

Another exciting year of drumming has passed, and it’s time for the 2024 Modern Drummer Readers Poll. Congratulations to all of the winners! Thank you for your drumming and contributions towards the history and evolution of modern drumming. Your recordings,…

Modern Drummer
Dec 1, 2024
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Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” drummer, Bill Ward

This month, in honor of the legendary Bill Ward, I’ve transcribed the classic song “War Pigs” from Black Sabbath’s iconic second album, Paranoid. This song showcases Ward as a true pioneer of metal drumming. From beginning to end, it’s a powerhouse…

Transcription by Marc Atkinson
Dec 1, 2024

Master Studies: Ostinato Studies

This month we will conclude our exploration of Joe Morello’s legendary Master Studies book. We started a few years ago with his application of the Stone Killer, and have traversed all his Master Studies concepts and excercises to develop control…

By Joe Morello
Dec 1, 2024

The 12 Week Year

There’s one problem with setting annual goals, a year is too long. How many people get fired up over their New Year’s resolutions, only to forget about them a couple weeks later? Have you ever set a goal and thought,…

By Chris Lesso
Dec 1, 2024

Encyclopedia of Double Bass Drumming: Five and Six Note Linear Cross Rhythms

In the new and revised edition of the Encyclopedia of Double Bass Drumming, Bobby includes nine new double bass drumming chapters. The new and expanded edition covers contemporary techniques such as bass drum double strokes, feet-only exercises, binary and ternary…

By Bobby Rondinelli
Dec 1, 2024

Vocabulary Development Essentials Part 4 - Hand and Foot Combinations with Flams

In last month’s edition, we explored the concept of enhancing your vocabulary through musical hand and foot combinations with diddles. This month, we’re diving into the world of flams, a powerful embellishment that will significantly elevate your drumming vocabulary and…

By Michael Packer
Dec 1, 2024

Understanding the Language of Music : Chord Alterations

Modern Drummer founder Ron Spagnardi wrote an excellent book called Understanding the Language of Music, a Drummer’s Guide to Theory and Harmony. This book spells out the basics of theory and harmony in a very easy to understand way. It…

By Ron Spagnardi
Dec 1, 2024

2024 Year in Review

Each year, there are several superb events that showcase vintage, modern, and custom drums, as well as phenomenal cymbals, percussive effects, cases, and related gear. These gatherings aren’t just about gear; they’re vibrant hubs for learning and inspiration, offering master…

Story and photos by Bob Campbell
Dec 1, 2024
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The Year’s Best of the Northup Drums Museum

Here at the Northup Drums Museum in Oneonta, NY, we specialize in vintage drums from the 1920s-70s, as well as collectible drums from today. All the drums are on display so you can actually play them! Our collection is always…

By Tim Northup
Dec 1, 2024

February 2025 – Volume 49 • Number 02

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Modern Drummer
Feb 1, 2025
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