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.
Dennis Chambers’ solo from John Scofield’s “Pick Hits”
Dennis Chambers’ solo on “Pick Hits” from the live recording of the same name is the “soup du jour” this month. I consider Dennis to be on the Mount Rushmore of drummers—a rare group who revolutionized how the rest of…
Master Studies: Stroke Combination Studies,7 Stroke Roll Combinations
Going from single strokes to double strokes, to buzz (multiple rebound) strokes, involves different pressures on the sticks. You must be able to change the pressure your fingers are putting on the sticks without tension developing in the wrists. When…
The Curse Of The Expert
As drummers we’re all passionate and energetic people, so it’s really easy to fall into the trap of more more more. But to speak your voice, you counterintuitively have to DELETE. I didn’t do this for a long time. “I…
The Encyclopedia of Double Bass Drumming: Power Three’s
In the new and revised edition of the Encyclopedia of Double Bass Drumming, Bobby Rondinelli 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…
Vocabulary Development Essentials Part 2:Embellishing Hand & Foot Combinations
Building on last month’s article titled “Vocabulary Development Essentials – Hand & Foot Combinations,” this time we’re diving deeper into how you can elevate your playing by transforming basic hand and foot combinations into more musical phrases. One effective way…
Understanding the Language of Music: Chord Extentions
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…
The 2024 Music City Drum Show
The Music City Drum Show, now in its fourth year, once again proved to be a spectacular event; this year it was held at the Nashville Fairgrounds on July 20-21, 2024. The show has grown and evolved significantly since its…
1929 Leedy Conn Tuxedo Trap Set with Butterfly Silhouette Painted Head
As we look at the history of the three leading American drum companies of the 1920s and 30s, Leedy, Ludwig, and Slingerland; their story leads us to the creation of the very rare drum kit in this article. In 1896,…
Out Now October 2024
Modern Drummer is spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer and/or musicians in the band.…
Hand-Picked Vinyl October 2024
As the music world continues to see a resurgence in Vinyl (LP’s,) Vinyl Me Please (VMP) is curating and producing some of the best vinyl remasters and pressings around. They are scouring the history of recorded music for forgotten gems…
Dirk Verbeuren’s Megadeth Touring Kit
Photos by Jason Mehler Drums: Tama Starclassic Maple Custom – 9×10,10×12,11×13 Rack Toms, 16×16,16×18, Floor Toms, two 18×22 Kick Drums.Snare: 5½x14 Signature Snare.Heads: Evans Drumheads: ST Dry, EC2, EQ3, G2.Cymbals: Meinl – 14” Byzance Brilliant Med Hi-Hat, 18” Classics Custom Dark China, 18”…
New and Notable October 2024
SABIAN MENTORSHIP AWARD, DW SOUNDWORKS EXPANSION PACK, NEW PORTER & DAVIES ENDORSERS SABIAN – Dom Famularo – SEN Mentorship Award SABIAN is proud to announce the launch of the second annual SABIAN – Dom Famularo – SEN Mentorship Award. Set…
Klook-Mop: A Rhythmic Signature of Bebop
The drum set is a uniquely American instrument that has played a central role in jazz from its inception. The invention of the bass drum pedal enabled one drummer to cover multiple percussion parts, and as the different styles of…
Obsession
Last month I suggested the idea of becoming “obsessed” with music and drumming. Unfortunately, the word obsession has gotten a bad reputation. Obsession is defined as a “compelling motivation.” Compelling means, “evoking interest, attention, or admiration in a powerfully irresistible…
