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.
ROCK ’N’ JAZZ CLINIC - Groove Construction
In the second part of this series, we’ll continue to create new grooves by displacing the snare drum. We’ll start with a basic pattern that consists of 8th notes on the hi-hat, snare hits on beats 2 and 4, and…
CONCEPTS - Organize Your Gear
I’ve had many requests to discuss selecting, organizing, and maintaining equipment, so this is the first part in a short series on those subjects. I’m starting with the organization of gear and how to take it to jobs so that…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - KUMU
Founded in 1984 by Finnish builder Pekka Helanen, Kumu started out making acoustic and electric guitars and basses in addition to drums. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Masterwork
Masterwork, an Istanbul-based manufacturer founded in 2002, specializes in making cymbals using ancient Turkish traditions combined with contemporary tools and techniques. The company offers fourteen different series made from B25 bronze (75% copper and 25% tin). TO READ THE FULL…
PRODUCT CLOSE-UP - Doc Sweeny
Doc Sweeny is a high-end custom drum company whose mission is “to create works of drum art that will enhance the experience of drumming enthusiasts for years to come.” TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Hamilton’s Andrés Forero
Andrés Forero is booked. And it’s not just any old steady gig that’s keeping him working. It happens to be the hottest ticket in town, the critically acclaimed Broadway hit musical Hamilton. And by “booked” we mean for the foreseeable…
The Charlie Daniels Band’s Pat McDonald
The devil may have gone down to Georgia, but he hasn’t gotten in Pat McDonald’s way. The drummer’s journey began in the small town of St. Simons Island, Georgia, but for the past seventeen years McDonald has been the backbone…
CATCHING UP WITH - Jack DeJohnette
Jazz supergroups don’t come along often, but when they do—and especially when they include this legendary drummer—kaboom! TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
CATCHING UP WITH - Aric Improta
The Night Verses drummer has masterminded a multi-player video whose variety of styles, setups, and sounds make it one of the most compelling percussive productions in recent memory. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
BASICS - Five-Stroke Glue
The world’s greatest drummers have often laid the foundation of their grooves and fills with the five-stroke roll. It can act as a connective tissue that binds musical ideas together. Think about Steve Gadd’s hypnotic marching rhythms, Carter Beauford’s slick…
JAZZ DRUMMER'S WORKSHOP - Rhythmic Conversions
For Part 1 of this series, we’ll focus on accented 8th-note phrases and convert them into triplet patterns. I find this concept beneficial for students who struggle to create an even and consistent drumset flow when trading fours and improvising…
Catching Up With... Slim Jim Phantom
The drummer’s bold playing and even bolder stage presence with the ’80s rockabilly icons the Stray Cats helped prompt a resurgence of interest in rock’s roots. Though that wasn’t necessarily the plan from the start. TO READ THE FULL STORY:…
Up & Coming: Poly-Math’s Chris Woollison
The progressive British trio Poly-Math rocks. Hard. And all without vocals, because the music is already so full. Consisting of guitarist Tim Walters, bassist Joe Branton, and drummer Chris Woollison, Poly-Math has recently released a three-song mini album, Melencolia, its…
Pack That Van! 15 Essential Things to Take With You on Your First Tour
You got the gig, the band is rehearsed, and you’re excited to hit the road. All that’s left is to throw your stuff in the van and go. But before you do, consider bringing along these items to ensure that…
