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.
Gabor Dornyei
U.K.-based drummer Gabor Dornyei is among the busiest touring player/educators on the international scene. His highly developed technique and advanced proficiency with multi-pedal patterns allow him to explore polyrhythmic, layered ethnic concepts with authenticity and passion. TO READ THE FULL…
Chloe Saavedra
It’s often pointed out that life’s changes can be particularly stressful on young musicians who balance a “normal” existence with that of a performer. But anyone who’s been following Chloe Saavedra’s career knows that she seems to not only deal…
The Evolution of the Tom-Tom
To most drummers today, the tom-tom is an indispensable part of the drumset. Aside from cymbals, the toms are the drummer’s main tools for adding color, drama, and excitement to a performance. Throughout the years, the sound of these drums…
Hemiola shifter With Three Stickings
This month we’re going to play half-note-triplet hemiolas in four positions, with three different stickings. Each sticking will require a totally different technical approach and will have its own unique sound. For good measure, we’ll also add some flams, which…
Drum Soloist: Elvin Jones Solo "Effendi"
Elvin Jones Solo "Effendi", from Inception transcription. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Creative Comping - Crossing the Barline Using Seven-Note Groupings
The material in this article is designed to increase your independence and give you some fresh ideas for how to play behind a soloist. It’s important to always use discretion, of course. Make sure to play these advanced figures musically,…
Traditional Percussion on Drumset, Part 1: Congas
My goal with this set of articles is to share a few traditional percussion rhythms and techniques that can be applied to the drumset. This first installment is dedicated to the tumbadora, aka conga drum. We will explore variations of…
Concepts - Building, Not Burning, Bridges
I was recently asked to do an oral-history interview for the Percussive Arts Society. During the interview, we talked about developing business relationships and how that relates to continuing to work in the long term. As an exercise, they asked…
Diamonds in the Ruff, Part 2: The Sexy Four-Stroke
Welcome to part two of our miniseries on the ruff. I consider the three-stroke ruff to be the workingman’s rudiment. The four-stroke is much sexier, but it’s not easy to master. And it takes a certain amount of precision, which…
Carmine Appice: Leadin' The Way
Since Vanilla Fudge, Carmine has anchored Cactus, Beck/Bogart and Appice, and KGB. Now he is the driving force behind Rod Stewart. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
Bill Bruford
Bill Bruford has never attained the widespread fame of Carl Palmer or Billy Cobham. But whenever Bruford's name is mentioned, it is almost invariably prefaced by the term "drummer extraordinaire" or "precise percussionist." TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO…
Max Roach: Back On The Bandstand
Max Roach remains the essential modern drummer. The quality of his work has been proclaimed world-wide as melodic, subtle and intensely musical. Over the last thirty years, jazz percussionists have studied and imitated Roach's unique style. TO READ THE FULL…
Les DeMerle Up Front
Les DeMerle enjoys spending his free time improving his art. Lately, he has found less spare time for such a venture. With a recently completed itinerary of clinics and his new book Jazz/Rock Fusion ready for release, DeMerle is busier…
South Of The Border: Calypso
Along with reggae, calypso is one of the most popular rhythms of the West Indies. Although its roots are African, calypso originated in the plantations of Trinidad. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
