Education
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.
“Amber” by 311 from the recording From Chaos, drummer Chad Sexton
This month’s transcription takes a dive into this month’s cover feature interview Chad Sexton’s laid-back groove on the 311 song “Amber.” It’s a deceptively simple and deeply felt part that is built entirely on restraint, groove, and phrasing. Chad settles into a relaxed,…
The New Breed: Advanced Systems
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,…
Master Studies II: Developing the Single Stroke Roll
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,…
Progressive Drumming Essentials: Making Four Sound Like More
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…
The Blackbook of You
A lifetime can go by before we realize we’ve only been regurgitating the ideas of others, never giving value to our own. The ‘blackbook of you’ is when we get into the rhythm of practicing our own core motifs over…
A Constructivist Blueprint for Drum Education
Rudiments sit at the foundation of drumming, yet their relevance is often questioned, ignored, or understated. Still, the world’s greatest drummers consistently return to rudimentary vocabulary as the source of their phrasing, coordination, creativity, and expressive identity. From Buddy Rich…
“Can’t Stop,” Red Hot Chili Peppers, By The Way, Chad Smith drums
“Can’t Stop” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, from their 2002 album By the Way, provides a compelling example of groove-based drumming rooted in stylistic funk. Performed by Chad Smith, the drum part integrates elements of funk, rock, and hip-hop, forming…
The New Breed: A Couple of More Melodies
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,…
Master Studies II: Control Studies with Fill-Ins
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,…
Progressive Drumming Essentials: Implied Metric Modulation Madness
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…
The Martial Arts of Drumming
The drum set covers a whole lot of physical space, more than most instruments. We must dance through it, like a painter’s brushstrokes. A fascinating fact is that our sound isn’t created by the tip of a stick hitting a…
Gregg Bissonette, “Mars” from Gregg’s album Warning Will Robinson
This month, I have the great honor of shining the transcription spotlight on a fantastic drummer and an even better human being: Gregg Bissonette. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to see Gregg perform live and to watch him teach a full…
The New Breed: Melodies to be played with the Systems
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,…
Rhythmic Vocabulary Development, Part 8: Exploring 15/8
For drummers who have followed this Rhythmic Vocabulary Development series exploring meters like 7/8, 9/8, 11/8, and 13/8, this final chapter brings us to one of the most open and fascinating meters yet—15/8. At first glance, it looks daunting. But…
