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.
Corey Miller
Music and art have been inseparable for the tattoo icon since his earliest experiences as a drummer on the L.A. punk scene. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Ringo Starr: The Perfect Fit
When he joined the Beatles, he was the man, the one with all the playing experience. He fit like a glove, driving the music with a singular feel while meshing perfectly with the other Mop Tops and their wry sense…
Don’t Disturb the Groove! Part 1: Broken Doubles and Paradiddles
“Don’t disturb the groove.” Whether we’re playing to an audience that’s pumping their fists, moshing, or simply dancing, as drummers we never want to be the one held responsible for clearing the floor. But what happens when someone yells, “Give…
Rick Marotta
For the drummer, who’d built a sterling session and live career for nearly ten years with artists including John Lennon, Paul Simon, Jim Croce, James Taylor, and Steely Dan, 1978 was yet another super-busy year. In the studio, on the…
Improve Your Bottom Line Part 1: Bass Drum Comping in 4/4
Drummers depend on the bass drum to help drive the band and provide depth to their time feel. Throughout the 1920s and ’30s, the bass drum was the “solid four” timekeeper of the rhythm section. Many modern jazz drummers use…
Inner Drumming — Listening With All Limbs, Part 3
In parts one and two of this series (April and June 2012), we worked with one, two, and three limbs. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
What You Need to Know About Bass Drum Heads
In this article and subsequent ones in a series, we’re going to survey the various types of plastic-based drumheads available for each component of the kit to help you zero in on which models will get you closest to the…
Blake Richardson on Between the Buried and Me’s Automata, Part 1
Digging Into the Veteran Technical-Metal Group’s Latest Offering
Must-Know Grooves - Disco, a Drumming Staple of the 1970s
In this new series we’ll be taking a close look at some of the most influential, practical, and essential drum grooves of all time, studying a pattern’s history and learning how to play it step-by-step. If you’re serious about getting…
Five-Note Phrasing - Part 2: Adding More Tension and Release
In this lesson we’ll continue exploring five-note phrases within a 16th-note subdivision. To become fluent with these groupings, you need to internalize where the five-note phrase begins and ends. To review, let’s reinforce the ability to hear the starting point…
Jamaican Drumming — The Evolution of A Style
When Jamaica gained independence in 1962, its musicians reacted by inventing a rhythm style so unique and addictive, it helped an entire population find its voice. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
