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.
Brazilian Girls' Aaron Johnston
With his rudimental training, skillful electronic programming, and vast international influences, this New York City–based multi-instrumentalist and producer represents the future of drumming as well as anyone who comes to mind. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG…
Setting Sights - Ismael Cancel
When the rhythm ace with the enormously popular yet unclassifiable Puerto Rican band Calle 13 began working on singer iLe’s much-anticipated solo debut, he found that a no-rules approach worked best. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG…
Basics - Fundamental Fills Part 5
During the 1960s, Motown drummers such as Benny Benjamin, Richard “Pistol” Allen, and Uriel Jones introduced the six-stroke roll to the masses with their signature opening fills. In the following decade, session ace Steve Gadd expanded these ideas in the…
Strictly Technique - One-Two-Threes
In this lesson we’re going to work on a fun and challenging hybrid rudiment that does wonders for developing finger control. In the exercises, the right hand plays one note, the left plays two notes, and then the right plays…
Rock Perspectives - Advanced Overlapping Phrases
I’ve always been inspired by phrasing that seems to dance its way around the pulse. Bands such as Meshuggah apply this effect. You can bob your head in quarter notes and feel their phrases starting on different parts of the…
REO Speedwagon's Alan Gratzer
REO drummer Alan Gratzer was born in Syracuse, New York, and almost immediately displayed an interest in drums. After bugging his parents for a couple of years to get him a kit, they gave in and got him a toy…
Concepts - Are You Playing the Drums?
This month’s quote represents a classic sentiment that seasoned drummers often feel necessary to share with younger players. By this stage in my career, I’ve witnessed many occasions when it would have been useful to repeat—at a clinic, for instance,…
Do I Need an Attorney? Part 2: Navigating Contract Negotiations
In last month’s column, we discussed whether or not you should hire a lawyer for your business dealings. This time we dive a bit deeper into a few specific topics that you may have to deal with at some point…
In Memoriam - Johnny Craviotto
Johnny Craviotto, who died on July 15 at age sixty-nine, may have passed on, but his legacy isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Craviotto thrived in the music industry as an innovator and a dear friend to many. His handcrafted solid-shell…
In Memoriam - Dennis Davis
There’s much to love about every drummer who played behind David Bowie. From Mick Woodmansey’s workmanlike chops to slick groove merchants like Andy Newmark and Omar Hakim to Mark Guiliana’s envelope-pushing concepts, all did amazing work with Bowie. TO READ…
Product Close-Up - Gretsch Gear
The professional-grade Renown series drumset has been very popular among touring, gigging, and session drummers for its combination of classic Gretsch quality, clean and contemporary tone, and competitive price point. For the second-generation version, called RN2, the company incorporated more…
Product Close-Up - Zildjian - Avedis Series Cymbals
Given the great success of the vintage-style Kerope line, which was launched at the 2014 Winter NAMM Show as a tribute to highly coveted Turkish-made K cymbals, it comes as no surprise that Zildjian would do a similar reworking of…
Product Close-Up – Canopus Snare Drums
Canopus is one of the premier boutique drum manufacturers in Japan, specializing in reinventing classic designs from the past and refining contemporary drum construction methods. The Yaiba II series is the company’s foray into a more affordable price point and…
Product Close-Up - Tama Pedals
Tama has introduced the next generation of its Iron Cobra and Speed Cobra pedals with smart enhancements that focus on feel, stability, and sound. The company’s engineers managed to reduce weight in certain key areas while fortifying the pedals’ overall…
