Mental Chops: 12 Guided Exercises in Drumming Improvisation
By Gino Robair“Play a rose.”If you had taken lessons from Paul Motian, this might’ve been the first thing he asked you to do. The message? If you are go... Read More...
How To
Drumming Remix: How to Play ‘Tom Sawyer,’ ‘Smooth Criminal’ & More in 10 Different Styles
By Andy ZikerDo you become bored or uninspired while repeatedly playing the same cover tunes as closely as possible to the original? Do you sometimes ask y... Read More...
Vinnie Colaiuta: 10 Ways to Master Multiple Drumming Styles
By John PayneIt’s not as if Vinnie Colaiuta just decided at one point to learn to play different styles, and indeed it wasn’t always easy for him to adapt ... Read More...
Elements Of Style: 49 Beats Every Drummer Needs To Know
By Brad SchlueterWe’ve all been there. Someone in your band wants to play a song and you’re uncomfortable within that style. Worse still, they unexpectedly... Read More...
Pursuit of the Perfect Bass Drum Sound (Many Mics for Many Songs)
By Garrett HainesThe bass drum is one of the most important elements in a song. It works in partnership with the bass guitar to create a pulse for the musi... Read More...
5 Soundcheck Rituals From Gov’t Mule’s Matt Abts
By Matt Abts, as told to Robert L. DoerschukFrom its foundation as a trio in 1994 through the tragic loss of bassist Allen Woody and on to its present conf... Read More...
8 Creative Challenges For E-Drums to Mess With Your Mind & Body
By Norman WeinbergDo your beats suffer from stagnation? Are your chops chipped? Is your independence inadequate? Well, have we got the solution for you!... Read More...
5 Ways to Record Ideal Drum Tracks
By Strother BullinsMost drummers would agree that collaborating with a seasoned, knowledgeable engineer and/or producer is an ideal recording situation. Ho... Read More...
The Art of Cymbal Striking
BY WALLY SCHNALLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVE CONSTANTINNo matter how big or small, your drum set is a collection of bangables containing innumerable sonic possi... Read More...
10 Questions To Ask Before Buying Your First Drum Set
By David E. LibmanMost of us like to think we are not overly materialistic, but whom are we kidding? Certain purchases provide us with an almost spiritual ... Read More...