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.
Victor Indrizzo
The public profile of top studio cats might not be what it was during the heyday of ’60s star Hal Blaine, ’70s icon Steve Gadd, or even ’80s “it” guy Dave Weckl. But day in and day out the work…
What Do You Know About...Karen Carpenter?
One of the most iconic vocalists in pop history was also a drummer—and a damned good one. So why do we still need reminding? TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
In Memoriam - Alan Myers
The drummer from the classic Devo lineup of the ’70s and ’80s died this past June 24 at age fifty-eight. Josh Freese, who’s been manning the throne in the band since the mid-’90s, pays tribute to the highly creative, super-precise…
Strictly Technique - Chops Builders: Hemiolas, Part 3
In this final installment of our hemiola series, we’re going to add yet another accent to the half-note-triplet patterns we covered in parts one and two. Part one had one accented note within the three groupings of four 8th-note triplets,…
Rock 'N' Jazz Clinic - Bembe-Inspired Half-Time Shuffles
The original inspiration for these patterns came courtesy of Brady Blade’s wonderful groove on the tune “So Damn Lucky” from Dave Matthews’ 2003 solo album, Some Devil, and the parts have roots in traditional rhythms found in Afro-Caribbean bembe music.…
Rock Perspectives - Part 5: Paradiddle-Based Hand Patterns
In this lesson we’ll explore double bass groove ideas that incorporate paradiddle-based hand patterns. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Woodshed - Dylan Wissing
As a burgeoning studio drummer in his hometown of Bloomington, Indiana, Dylan Wissing studied with two giants of the session world: Kenny Aronoff and Shawn Pelton. His first recording experience was in the eighth grade, in Aronoff’s home studio. TO…
Portraits - David Langlois
Inventing an instrument often means inventing situations in which to explore it. This globe hopper has made a lot of things happen with a modest yet versatile and fun-sounding concoction that puts heirloom family items to brilliant percussive use. TO…
What Do You Know About…Frank De Vito
His story—which includes work with some of the most iconic artists of all time—is a timeless lesson in providing exactly what’s needed, and being open to whatever fate sends your way. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG…
Off The Record - Ilan Rubin
This year, drummer Ilan Rubin further secured his position as one of modern rock’s hottest prospects after putting out a third release with his solo project, the New Regime; touring with Nine Inch Nails; and making a guest spot on…
Strictly Technique - Chops Builders
In part two of our hemiola series, we’re going to add another accent to the half-note-triplet patterns we covered last month. To review, a hemiola is defined as a two-against-three (2:3) or three-against-two (3:2) pattern. TO READ THE FULL STORY:…
Rock Perspectives - Double Bass Workout, Part 4
This month we’re exploring advanced double bass groove ideas that mix 16th notes, 16th note triplets, and 32nd notes alongside 16th-note-based hand patterns. Remember to always play to a metronome or a click track. Also, start off slowly and master…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop - Approaching Standards
Welcome to the second installment in our series on approaching jazz standards. This article reveals ways of using the melodic rhythm as the source for creating accompaniment (or “comping”) patterns. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
In The Studio - Seeing Sounds Part 5: Specialty Mics
In the first four installments of this series we discussed very broad ideas for achieving stylistically appropriate drum sounds, from pop-rock to traditional jazz. Each setup employed different drums, head selections, and tunings, and we used miking techniques that ranged…
