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.
Dirk Verbeuren
Features Dirk Verbeuren He describes himself as meticulous. Anyone who’s a fan of his remarkably detailed drumming with Soilwork or the Devin Townsend Project—and there are many of you—will find no surprise there. But what you might not know is…
What Do You Know About... Barry de Souza?
What Do You Know About…? Barry de Souza He was ubiquitous in British studios during the ’70s, a favorite of producers and artists for his elegance and efficiency—and occasionally for his ability to navigate some weird and wonderfully ambitious art-rock…
In The Pocket: Funk Drumming Training Camp
In part one of this series (May 2013 MD), we talked about the importance of developing a tight, solid, feel-good groove. Things you can work on to tighten up your playing include gaining an intimate knowledge of the feel of…
Jamie Miller
Features Jamie Miller …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead is a drummer’s dream gig, largely defined by tribal tom pounding, unexpected rhythmic devices, and a sense of drama unrivaled in modern rock. Judging from his previous…
ROCK ’N’ JAZZ CLINIC - Hidden Rhythms Part 2 Odd Groupings
Last month we explored the endless rhythmic and textural ideas hiding inside a measure of 16th notes, including clave and cascara patterns, partido alto phrases, and more. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Shinedown's Barry Kerch
“So heavy” and “So pro” are two typical compliments paid to Shinedown’s founding drummer. But as the group’s latest album, Threat to Survival, makes clear, “So smart” and even “So subtle” are part of his essence as well. MD contributor…
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,…
