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.
Master Studies: Stroke Combination Studies
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…
Drumset Duets
The concept of using two drummers on stage has a long and celebrated history. Artists like the Joshua Redman Double Trio in jazz and John Mayer in his live performance in Los Angeles (“Where the Light Is”) have utilized this…
Sound Quality Essentials: The Mechanics of Hitting a Drum
Years ago, I was sitting alongside my teacher, Ralph Humphrey, in a private lesson. We were at the drums, and he was demonstrating a stroke. When he played it, it sounded as big as the wall. When I played it,…
Understanding the Language of Music: Chord Voicings
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…
2024 Chicago Drum Show
The Chicago Drum Show, one of the largest and longest continuous running events of its kind, just completed its 34th year thanks to the tireless efforts of Rob Cook and his crew. Over 1400 attendees from around the world flocked…
1941 WFL Ray Bauduc De Luxe Marble Capitol Outfit
Dixieland jazz, also referred to as traditional jazz, hot jazz, or simply Dixieland originated in the early 1900’s in New Orleans. The stock market crash of 1929 started the Great Depression and lasted for next decade. During that time a…
Out Now August 2024
Modern Drummer enjoys spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include a high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer and/or musicians in the…
Al Cleveland III’s Melanie Martinez Touring Kit
Photos by Jason Mehler Drums: Pearl Masters Maple – Matte Olive Burst (color) – 7×10 rack tom, 8×12 rack, 16×16 floor, 16×22 kick. Snares: 6.5×14 Pearl UltraCast, 6.5×14 Pearl Ian Paice signature, Pearl M1060 6×10 Maple. Heads: Remo – 14-inch snare drums:…
ETS: Embrace The Suck
Are you one of the sheep, or the sheepdog who leads the pack? Sheep wander in a crowd semi-aimlessly, going where the majority go without much thought. They’re easily led, and easy to pick off by wolves. The sheepdog is…
Nick Buda Created a Path and Kept Going
From Dolly Parton, to Lionel Richie, to Taylor Swift, to Kenny Chesney… Coming to Nashville from South Africa is a unique musical path. Nick Buda’s mom didn’t want their family to have anything to do with apartheid, and she didn’t…
Nick Buda’s Kenny Chesney Touring Kit
Photos by Jason Mehler Drums: Noble & Cooley Union Series – 6×10 rack concert tom, 8×13 rack, 12×14 floor, 14×16 floor, 16×22 kick. Snares: main- 6×14 copper, Side 5×13 chrome/maple, 7×14 tulip (union series) Heads: Evans – Snare drums UV1…
Out Now July 2024
Modern Drummer is excited to spotlight new recordings that have the drums at the center of their musical sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include a high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performance from the drummer and/or…
Frank Ferrer’s Guns ‘N’ Roses Pork Pie Drums
Guns N’ Roses are one of the most influential hard rock bands ever. The band has endured one of the most tumultuous roller coaster rides in the history of rock and roll, but they’re still going strong and rockin’ hard…
