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.
The New Breed: 39 Systems Part 2
Gary Chester’s groundbreaking book The New Breed is legendary. The book, and Gary’s teaching methods are deeply intertwined, it is a lifelong commitment of dedication, study, and development. Gary Chester’s Systems, Reading Exercises, Advanced Systems, Advanced Reading Exercises, Composite Systems,…
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 5: Playing in 7/8
In our last installment, we explored 5/8—how asymmetrical subdivisions and maximizing intentional “space” can unlock phrasing that is both musical and conversational. Now let’s push further into odd-time territory with 7/8. 7/8 might seem even more challenging at first. But…
Alex Van Halen Signature Snares
It’s difficult to describe the massive influence that Alex Van Halen had on generations of drummers. His explosive energy, thunderous double bass technique, and unique snare sound combined with his blazing speed and showmanship helped redefine the drummer’s role in…
Out Now August 2025
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. This…
Mike McDermott's Joan Jett Touring Kit
Drums: SJC Custom M5 Maple Shells Black Stain/Black Hardware – 6.5×12 Rack Tom, 12×14 and 14×16 Floor Toms, 14×22 Kick Drum. Snares: CDC Custom 7×14 Maple, Modern Classic 7×14 Maple, Dark Horse Percussion 8×14 Wood Hoop Ballad Snare (Nickname “Santa’s lil’ Helper”).…
BE A FUSION DRUMMER
The word fusion gets a lot of use in this issue. Unfortunately, it’s become somewhat of a “bad” word in some musical circles. It’s (unfortunate) meaning has become the name of the style of music, born in the late 60s…
EVANS REALFEEL 10" ATTACKTILE PAD SCHOLASTIC PACK
The RealFeel drum pad was a trusted favorite among drummers long before it became part of the Evans (D’Addario) lineup. I still have my original HQ Percussion double-sided 12” RealFeel from the early 2000’s. The newer Evans model with its…
SOME MOST EXCELLENT FOOTWORK!
Yamaha Corporation is Making Waves again with their new high-end kick and two legged hi-hat pedals! Modern Drummer received a box full of these impressive pedals to take through their paces and see what we thought of them. What we…
Billy Cobham "Quadrant 4" from the Billy Cobham recording Spectrum
Let’s rewind to October 3rd, 1973—the day Spectrum by the legendary Billy Cobham hit the world. Recorded in just three days, the album captures a raw, live energy, with most tracks laid down in only one or two takes. That urgency and…
The 5th Limb: SING YOUR DRUMS
Singing anything we can hear or imagine births it into the world by giving it shape and substance. Now we’re no longer just drummers, but sound-crafters. Singing rhythms taps into the soul of the drummer, awakening consciousness of a deeper…
Progressive Drumming Essentials: Double Bass Boot Camp
Progressive Drumming Essentials is a collection of articles originally written for Modern Drummer magazine. They are exactly what the title says, PROGRESSIVE drumming essentials. This series of articles, and the book that contains them all, represent a great deal of…
Master Studies II: Variations of the Triple Paradiddle
As a follow-up to Joe Morello’s legendary Master Studies book, he released Master Studies II in 2006. Joe was a masterful teacher and helped many great drummers with their musicality, technique, and touch. Joe was also masterful at creating exercises,…
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 4: Playing in 5/8
In the last installment of this series, we explored the concept of “filling the spaces” in 6/8—how understanding rhythm as spatial awareness can give your vocabulary new dimension and depth. This time, we’re venturing into slightly more angular territory with…
