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.
Brendan Buckley, Not Just Playing Patterns with Shakira
Brendan Buckley is one of those drummers who has created a long career by playing with big name artists around the world, and lesser name artists regionally, yet you might not even know his name. You are just as likely…
Joe Chambers: A Life of Cross Rhythms
Drummer, vibraphonist, composer, bandleader, educator… Joe Chambers has done it all in his long career as a musician. Now he is talking about all of it in his new book Cross Rhythms: An Introspective into the Life and Musicality of…
Bringing the Groove Home to Nashville
When Yamaha Drums throws a party, it’s not just another industry showcase. It’s a celebration of the very heart of drumming. On July 19, 2025, Yamaha hosted its second annual “A Night in the Pocket” event. An unforgettable evening that…
Yes, "Heart of the Sunrise," from the recording Fragile, drummer Bill Bruford
This month’s transcription comes from the classic 1971 Yes album Fragile. Featuring the legendary Bill Bruford, “Heart of the Sunrise” closes the album—and in my opinion, stands as one of the greatest Yes tracks ever recorded. Rhythmically it’s a fantastic…
Your Drumming PERSONA
“I pretended to be somebody I wanted to be until finally I became that person. Or he became me.” Cary Grant What core traits and attributes do you choose to bring to the kit? Your drumming persona takes shape the…
Progressive Drumming Essentials: Switching Gears with Double Bass Drums
Progressive Drumming Essentials is a collection of articles originally written for Modern Drummer magazine. They are exactly what the title says, PROGRESSIVE drumming essentials. This series of articles, and the book that contains them all, represent a great deal of…
Master Studies II: Triplet Variations
As a follow-up to Joe Morello’s legendary Master Studies book, he released Master Studies II in 2006. Joe was a masterful teacher and helped many great drummers with their musicality, technique, and touch. Joe was also masterful at creating exercises,…
The New Breed: 39 Systems Part 2
Gary Chester’s groundbreaking book The New Breed is legendary. The book, and Gary’s teaching methods are deeply intertwined, it is a lifelong commitment of dedication, study, and development. Gary Chester’s Systems, Reading Exercises, Advanced Systems, Advanced Reading Exercises, Composite Systems,…
Rhythm Vocabulary Development Series Part 5: Playing in 7/8
In our last installment, we explored 5/8—how asymmetrical subdivisions and maximizing intentional “space” can unlock phrasing that is both musical and conversational. Now let’s push further into odd-time territory with 7/8. 7/8 might seem even more challenging at first. But…
Alex Van Halen Signature Snares
It’s difficult to describe the massive influence that Alex Van Halen had on generations of drummers. His explosive energy, thunderous double bass technique, and unique snare sound combined with his blazing speed and showmanship helped redefine the drummer’s role in…
Out Now August 2025
Modern Drummer is spotlighting new recordings that have the drums at the center of their sound. These recordings might be drummer-led, or just include high-quality, special, or unique drumming and musical performances from the drummer and/or musicians in the band. This…
Mike McDermott's Joan Jett Touring Kit
Drums: SJC Custom M5 Maple Shells Black Stain/Black Hardware – 6.5×12 Rack Tom, 12×14 and 14×16 Floor Toms, 14×22 Kick Drum. Snares: CDC Custom 7×14 Maple, Modern Classic 7×14 Maple, Dark Horse Percussion 8×14 Wood Hoop Ballad Snare (Nickname “Santa’s lil’ Helper”).…
BE A FUSION DRUMMER
The word fusion gets a lot of use in this issue. Unfortunately, it’s become somewhat of a “bad” word in some musical circles. It’s (unfortunate) meaning has become the name of the style of music, born in the late 60s…
EVANS REALFEEL 10" ATTACKTILE PAD SCHOLASTIC PACK
The RealFeel drum pad was a trusted favorite among drummers long before it became part of the Evans (D’Addario) lineup. I still have my original HQ Percussion double-sided 12” RealFeel from the early 2000’s. The newer Evans model with its…
