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.
Michael Shrieve - A Drummer’s Circle
The original set player in the most famous Latin-rock band of all time has always placed a dedication to the larger musical picture well above any attempts at stylistic authenticity. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Septuplet Fives - Polyrhythmic Permutation
Seven over five can be a challenging polyrhythm to master. We’ll start building this rhythm by playing every fifth septuplet partial in a measure of 5/4. It can take plenty of dedicated practice to master this figure, especially when we…
Ash Soan
Ash Soan has built an enviable studio drumming career—topped by a Grammy win with Adele—a burgeoning social-media presence, and his own recording studio. Housed in a 200-year-old windmill located on his property, the striking, round-shaped studio has recently found Soan…
What Do You Know About…Bob Henrit?
His recent autobiography tells a fascinating tale of rock ’n’ roll survival, navigating ups and downs and twists and turns with seminal British acts like Argent and the Kinks. As usual, constant work and artistic growth provide the fuel for…
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…
