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.
In The Studio: Seeing Sounds
All of us appreciate a signature and stylistically appropriate drum sound. This can range from the perfect overall kit tone on your favorite CD to a uniquely recorded snare tuning. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Drum Miking 101, Part 5: Multi-Mic Setup
Electronic Insights Drum Miking 101 Part 5: Multi-Mic Setup by John Emerich Over the past few months, we’ve explored miking a drumset in a studio environment by adding microphones one at a time. This article takes all of those concepts…
Dynamics Mechanics - Loud, Soft, and Everything in Between
Strictly Technique Dynamics Mechanics Loud, Soft, and Everything in Between by Bill Bachman I believe that a drummer should be able to pick up sticks and make music on any sound source. The two biggest keys to doing this are…
The Drumset Drag - Orchestration Options for Powerful and Melodic Textures
Rock ‘N’ Jazz Clinic The Drumset Drag Orchestration Options for Powerful and Melodic Textures by Powell Randolph In this lesson we’re focusing on orchestrating the drag rudiment, which is traditionally played on the snare, by moving the two grace notes…
Elvin Jones–Style Triplet Fills
Jazz Drummer’s Workshop Elvin Jones–Style Triplet Fills Part 2: Orchestrating Accent Patterns by John Xepoleas Welcome to our second lesson covering triplet fills based on the playing of jazz great Elvin Jones, who made a huge impact on drumming as…
Traditional Percussion on Drumset
Around The World Traditional Percussion on Drumset Part 3: Timbales by Arturo Stable In a previous article (February 2013) I shared some of the history of the timbales and a few of the main rhythms of the instrument, and I…
Jazz Drummer's Workshop - The Stick Shot
This month we’re spotlighting the stick shot, a technique that’s fairly specific to the jazz lexicon. To obtain this alternate sound, press one drumstick tip against the head at approximately 30 degrees, while striking that stick at the shoulder with…
A John Bonham Foot Pattern
Rock Perspectives A John Bonham Foot Pattern Creative Ideas Based on the “Four Sticks” Ostinato by Powell Randolph Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham is considered by many to be rock’s greatest drummer of all time. He’s definitely one of my favorites,…
Focus on Elimination - The Key to Success
Concepts Focus on Elimination The Key to Success by Russ Miller Here’s one of the topics I get asked about frequently by other players. It probably stems from my work in pressure situations. From sight-reading live on TV on American…
Maxwell Drums - Nesting Kit
Product Close-Up Maxwell Drums Nesting Kit Big, versatile tones in an ultra-compact package. If you’ve ever had to pack up your set and navigate city streets, stairs, and sidewalks, you might agree that bigger is not always better. It’s no…
Paiste - Masters Dark Crashes and Hi-Hats
Product Close-Up Paiste Masters Dark Crashes and Hi-Hats Rich, warm, mix-ready tones from Switzerland’s super-consistent cymbalsmiths. The Masters series started in 2011 as a dozen ride cymbals, made from Paiste’s CuSn20-formula bronze and designed for use in a variety of…
Vic Firth - Barrel 5A and 5B Drumsticks, Split Brushes, and Tala Wand Bamboo Slats
Product Close-Up Vic Firth Barrel 5A and 5B Drumsticks, Split Brushes, and Tala Wand Bamboo Slats Clarity, balance, and control are what’s up with these new implements. Always looking to fill voids in its catalog with products that drummers need,…
The Flaming Lips' Steven Drozd and Kliph Scurlock
Oklahoma’s favorite psychedelic sons take yet another road less traveled. We talk to the group’s main sonic architect and his drummer-in-arms about what went into their ambitious new album, and how it’s being presented on stage. TO READ THE FULL…
Gimmie 10! Brad Mehldua/Chick Corea Regular Jeff Ballard
Big-picture tips from the drummer who’s an integral part of Chick Corea, Joshua Redman, and Brad Mehldau’s trailblazing ensembles. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
