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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.

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Episode 240: How to Play Polyrhythms, Who’s the Greatest?, Evans UV2 Drumheads, and More

In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss how to understand three-against-four and six-against-four polyrhythms. They also discuss who should be in contention for the unofficial title of the world’s greatest drummer. Next up, shares his experience comparing the new Evans…

Modern Drummer
Apr 23, 2020

MD Podcast Episode 238: Bottom Head Tuning, More Current Influences, Doc Sweeney Classic Series snares, and More

In this episode, Mike and Mike discuss more of their current influences and inspirations. The education segment focuses on how bottom head tuning affects the sound of toms and snare drums. In the gear section, Mike and Mike review a…

Modern Drummer
Apr 10, 2020

Video Lesson! A New Perspective On 2 Over 3 with Aaron Edgar

 This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the January 2017 issue, which is available here. Rock Perspectives A New Perspective On 2 Over 3 Displacing Two-Over-Three Polyrhythms by Aaron Edgar This month we’re going to vary…

Modern Drummer
Nov 30, 2016

Video Lesson! Advanced Overlapping Phrases with Aaron Edgar

 This excerpt is taken from the complete article that appears in the December 2016 issue, which is available here. Rock Perspectives Advanced Overlapping Phrases Superimposing Groupings by Aaron Edgar I’ve always been inspired by phrasing that seems to dance its…

Modern Drummer
Oct 27, 2016

VIDEO LESSON! Samba Independence Tips With Jazz Great Antonio Sanchez

In this short video lesson, supplied by Drum Guru and Hudson Music, August 2015 cover artist, Antonio Sanchez, shares his favorite exercise for developing complete creative freedom with the left hand in a Brazilian samba style. The right hand and…

Modern Drummer
Jun 30, 2015
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News: Slammin’ Simon’s Guide to Mastering Your First Rock & Roll Drum Beats Now Available!

To teach young aspiring rock stars all the rudiments, grooves, and fills they need to get drumming in no time, educator Mark Powers has launched a series of kid-friendly drum guides. Students are led through the fun, focused books (available…

Modern Drummer
Jun 12, 2015

VIDEO LESSON! Attack of the Juh-Ba: The Flat Flam Followed by a Kick Drum

The excerpt below is taken from the complete article that appears in the July 2015 issue, which is available here. Basics Attack of the Juh-Ba Harness the Power of the Flat Flam Followed by a Kick Drum by Rich Redmond…

Modern Drummer
Jun 5, 2015

Rock & Jazz Clinic: Grooving in Form, Part 1: AABA Beats (VIDEO)

The excerpt below is taken from the complete article that appears in the July 2015 issue, which is available here. Rock & Jazz Clinic Grooving in Form Part 1: AABA Beats by Mike Johnston One of the first things you learn…

Modern Drummer
May 29, 2015

Strictly Technique: Flowing Groupings and Fill-Ins Exercises for Increased Single-Stroke Control

The excerpt below is taken from the complete article that appears in the July 2015 issue, which is available here. Strictly Technique Flowing Groupings and Fill-Ins Exercises for Increased Single-Stroke Control by Bill Bachman This month we’re going to work…

Modern Drummer
May 29, 2015

VIDEO LESSON! Elvin Jones–Style Triplet Fills, Part 3

The excerpt below is taken from the complete article that appears in the July 2015 issue, which is available here. Jazz Drummer’s Workshop Elvin Jones–Style Triplet Fills Part 3: More Two-Bar Patterns by John Xepoleas Welcome to the third and…

Modern Drummer
May 28, 2015

Modern Drummer Education Team Weighs In On: Learning Other Instruments

We asked the members of the Modern Drummer Education Team if they felt that it’s important for drummers to learn to play other instruments (piano, bass, guitar, etc.), or should they focus on honing their craft at the kit exclusively?…

Modern Drummer
May 11, 2015

VIDEO LESSON! Dynamics Mechanics: Loud, Soft, and Everything in Between

This excerpt is taken from the complete review that appears in the June 2015 issue, which can be purchased here. Strictly Technique Dynamics Mechanics Loud, Soft, and Everything in Between by Bill Bachman I believe that a drummer should be able…

Modern Drummer
Apr 30, 2015
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VIDEO LESSON! John Bonham–Style Foot Pattern: Getting Creative With the “Four Sticks??? Ostinato

This excerpt is taken from the complete review that appears in the June 2015 issue, which can be purchased here. Rock Perspectives John Bonham–Style Foot Pattern Creative Ideas Based on the “Four Sticks” Ostinato by Powell Randolph Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham…

Modern Drummer
Apr 30, 2015

News: KoSA Cuba’s Percussion Workshop and Havana’s Drum Festival Fiesta del Tambor Celebrate Another Sizzling Hot Edition

KoSA Cuba held the thirteenth edition of its annual workshop and festival this past March 1–8. Participants came from the USA, Switzerland, Italy, Canada, and Argentina. The program’s itinerary included informative classes, hands-on lessons, and musical performances by the talented…

Modern Drummer
Apr 1, 2015
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