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.
Jim Gordon Nothing But Music
This conversation took place one night while I was sitting at home in New Jersey and Jim was at home 3000 miles away in California. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Do Self-Taught Drummers Play Better?
Some well-known drummers, who have never taken lessons, play very well. Other well-known drummers, who have studied for years, also play very well. Drummers who have not studied sometimes tend to be critical of those who have. The following defensive…
Establishing Tempo
Drummers from every style of music have been interviewed in this magazine, and while they might express widely different philosophies or advocate various techniques of playing, they all seem to agree on one thing: the importance of keeping good time.…
Studies In Style: Part II - Tony Williams
Tony Williams joined Miles Davis in 1963, setting levels of drum technique, musicality and interaction which are models for drummers today. On Miles’ Four and More, the tightness of the rhythm section seems to give Tony the confidence and the…
Chuck Flores "Es Tiempo"
“Es Tiempo” from the album Flores Azules (Dobre Records DR-1001) TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Chuck Flores "Es Tiempo"
“Es Tiempo” from the album Flores Azules (Dobre Records DR-1001) TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Notes On The Making Of Moving Pictures Part II
I’d like to say a few words about the dreaded click track. With a purist’s pride, I resisted using this electronic metronome for many years, although the pursuit of really good time has been a constant trial for me. It…
Dennis Elliott
It isn't often that someone is entirely content and satisfied with what he does for a living, but Dennis Elliot of Foreigner is one such person whose accomplishments have surpassed even his goals and imaginings. TO READ THE FULL STORY:…
Vic Mastrianni
One can't help but be intrigued by a drummer whose playing experiences range from Ted Nugent to Crystal Gayle, who grew up in Florida, lived in Detroit with Nugent, and now lives in Nashville. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE…
Kendrick Scott
It doesn’t take long to realize just how much detailed analysis this blazing leader and sideman applies to his art. And that might be exactly why, when the time comes to create in the moment, he’s so free to…
Study Up!
You can learn a lot just by listening to drummers talk about their own educational backgrounds. This month MD asks two Pro Panelists about their unique paths of instruction, the teachers who’ve been the most influential on them, and their…
Cully Symington
The natural-born thriller’s curious, powerful beats have made him a favorite among indie-rock royalty. Any proper search for truth or wisdom is fostered by a healthy appetite for good, in-depth information, a burning need to ask all the right questions,…
Minimal Miking Techniques
One-,Two-,and Three-Mic Setups for a More Natural Sound by Mark Parsons Whether you use the term “minimal,” “organic,” “old school,” or “vintage,” there’s definitely a renewed interest in capturing that drumset-in-a-room vibe that was employed on pretty much…
Triplet Gear-Shifter
12-18-24 Exercise, Part 1 This month we’re going to challenge your hands by playing triplets as 12th notes, 18th notes, and 24th notes, with and without accents. (We’ll use two other stickings in the second installment.) First let’s define…
