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Chris Lesso LTR DRUMMING
Canada
Registrace 24. 05. 2012
YOUR BEST SELF THROUGH DRUMMING
Chris Lesso is an expert at optimizing the power of drumming to elevate focus, confidence, and self expression. LTR (Life Through Rhythm) is an attitude and way of life, and it leverages drumming as a force to help you reach your fullest potential and live the art of possibility every day.
Chris began his journey early, drumming and playing piano at the age of 7 - and he’s never looked back. He has studied with world-renowned educators including Dom Famularo and Jim Blackley to name a few, and has traveled the world performing with some of the best in the business, while also leading his own band modus factor. Having studied all over the world with a ‘boots on the ground’ approach and seeking out the very best to learn from, Chris now distills years of learning to serve you on your quest to become your best self through drumming.
chrislesso.com
Chris Lesso is an expert at optimizing the power of drumming to elevate focus, confidence, and self expression. LTR (Life Through Rhythm) is an attitude and way of life, and it leverages drumming as a force to help you reach your fullest potential and live the art of possibility every day.
Chris began his journey early, drumming and playing piano at the age of 7 - and he’s never looked back. He has studied with world-renowned educators including Dom Famularo and Jim Blackley to name a few, and has traveled the world performing with some of the best in the business, while also leading his own band modus factor. Having studied all over the world with a ‘boots on the ground’ approach and seeking out the very best to learn from, Chris now distills years of learning to serve you on your quest to become your best self through drumming.
chrislesso.com
3 DRUMMING FLOW HACKS (You Can Use Today)
*Get your FREE drumming flow guide at chrislesso.com
What blocks flow?
- Overthinking and the inner critic
- Tense movements
- Lack of balance
Flow is the space where high performance lives. Athletes call this ‘being in the zone’, that magical sphere where you're almost watching yourself from above. Flow is mastery of your inner world to feel and perform at your best on demand. We're now channeling our craft; it's playing us.
I believe getting into flow is one of the main reasons we drum. This is where that feeling of 'the drums playing you' comes from. We all have those days that feel like the furthest thing from flow, when we stiffen up and overthink every move. But knowing how to surrender and drop into the zone is what keeps drumming fun, making it a lifestyle for the long game.
'How you move is how you groove!'
Drumming IS movement. It’s a dance, an effortless flow where our signature sound is an echo of our motions. Think of your drums as a 'dream catcher', the conduit that catches your unique movements for the world to hear. Your movement creates your sound. To sound consistent, relaxed, and flowing, we must move in the same way. This is big magic at work!
*Get your FREE drumming flow guide at chrislesso.com
What blocks flow?
- Overthinking and the inner critic
- Tense movements
- Lack of balance
Flow is the space where high performance lives. Athletes call this ‘being in the zone’, that magical sphere where you're almost watching yourself from above. Flow is mastery of your inner world to feel and perform at your best on demand. We're now channeling our craft; it's playing us.
I believe getting into flow is one of the main reasons we drum. This is where that feeling of 'the drums playing you' comes from. We all have those days that feel like the furthest thing from flow, when we stiffen up and overthink every move. But knowing how to surrender and drop into the zone is what keeps drumming fun, making it a lifestyle for the long game.
'How you move is how you groove!'
Drumming IS movement. It’s a dance, an effortless flow where our signature sound is an echo of our motions. Think of your drums as a 'dream catcher', the conduit that catches your unique movements for the world to hear. Your movement creates your sound. To sound consistent, relaxed, and flowing, we must move in the same way. This is big magic at work!
*Get your FREE drumming flow guide at chrislesso.com
zhlédnutí: 719
Video
Get creative with OPEN HANDED DRUMMING
zhlédnutí 172Před 14 dny
Get your FREE open handed drumming guide at chrislesso.com/OHD If you're still 100% crossing when you drum, you're stuck in the past. At about 9 when I started drumming, my teacher basically told me, 'Everybody else plays drums cross handed, so do it like this because it's always been done this way.' He meant well, but this kind of thinking holds back our evolution, and stifles individuality. T...
Drumming for FLOW and Peak Performance with Dr Pamela Seraphine
zhlédnutí 141Před měsícem
TRANSFORM through DRUMMING: chrislesso.net/LTR We're going live on the LTR DRUMMING podcast with Dr. Pamela Lynn-Seraphine! Dr. Pamela illuminates music's profound impact on the brain, inspiring others to harness the power of rhythm to enhance their overall well-being and performance. She empowers individuals to unlock their hidden potential, heal from past wounds, and achieve peak performa...
A quick FOOT exercise for your DRUMMING CORE
zhlédnutí 213Před 3 měsíci
TRANSFORM through DRUMMING: chrislesso.net/drum Forget the old school 'hands down' rudimental approach. Drumming needs to be felt from the feet up, not the hands down. Hunting for ultimate self expression we need to be grounded, using gravity as a tool. I started with hands first, and I couldn't shake the feeling of being unbalanced for years. I didn't find my solid balance behind the kit until...
OPEN HANDED DRUMMING: If you're crossing, you're stuck in the past
zhlédnutí 142Před 3 měsíci
Experience OPEN HANDED DRUMMING with my free guide at chrislesso.com/OHD If you're still 100% crossing, you're stuck in the past. Crossing is a relic, an old story that's stunting your growth. Open handed drumming taps into the body language of inner power. With our arms at our sides with our chest out, our physiology moves to deep breathing and a calm strength. Our heart is now open to the wor...
The Shape Of Drumming To Come
zhlédnutí 367Před 3 měsíci
TRANSFORM through DRUMMING: chrislesso.net/drum The future of drumming is: • Feet First • Singing Rhythms • Open Handed Stagnation is the death of our evolution. Staying still is the opposite of flow. As we embrace change, we're reinvented along with the instrument itself. To stand still is to die. The drumkit has only been around for just over a century, and it's not done growing. Drumming is ...
Drummers: Stop playing so many BACKBEATS!
zhlédnutí 2,4KPřed 4 měsíci
*TRANSFORM through DRUMMING: chrislesso.net/drum *Get your free open handed drumming guide at chrislesso.com/OHD Backbeats are great, but there's so much more to the picture. Rhythm is vast, and backbeats only make up a fraction of our potential. I hear from drummers all the time, 'I'm stuck playing the same-old same-old.' Getting into anti-backbeat rhythms opens the door to unlimited possibili...
Use OPEN HANDED DRUMMING to layer your grooves
zhlédnutí 212Před 4 měsíci
Get your FREE open handed drumming guide at chrislesso.com/OHD I love playing in 6/8! The feel and blend of the 4's and 3's are so creative, making way for FLOW through drumming. Try it out yourself! Use the layered rhythm I show here, and feel it deeply to unlock your own creativity. Have fun on the path! Unlock your open handed drumming with my free guide: chrislesso.com/OHD
The Spirit of UBUNTU in Drumming and Life
zhlédnutí 82Před 4 měsíci
TRANSFORM through DRUMMING at chrislesso.net/drum “None of us is as smart as all of us.” Kenneth Blanchard There's an ancient African word UBUNTU, and what it means is this: You are stronger because of the strength of the group, and the group is stronger because of the best within you. It’s with this spirit that the LTR DRUMMING WORLDWIDE family uplifts each other on the path. The power of th...
The CORE of the Drumkit: Kick-Snare-Hats
zhlédnutí 456Před 4 měsíci
TRANSFORM through DRUMMING at chrislesso.net/drum Can you command the core of the drumkit? If someone took away your toms and cymbals, could you survive? Playing kick, snare, and hihats only, challenges us to get the nucleus of the groove first, only adding the other layers once it's solid. LTR DRUMMING, or 'Life Through Rhythm' is a global tribe of drummers living confidence through drumming. ...
Dom Famularo's last words to the next generation of drummers
zhlédnutí 107Před 4 měsíci
TRANSFORM through DRUMMING at chrislesso.net/DRUM Dom Famularo, 'drumming's global ambassador' and my teacher and mentor, was an inspiration to drummers all over the world. In this emotional live session, we play one of his last recorded messages before he passed away for the next generation to carry his legacy forward. His message is from a lifetime of passion and dedication, and will inspire ...
Achieving FLOW On The Drums (live masterclass)
zhlédnutí 157Před 4 měsíci
TRANSFORM through DRUMMING at chrislesso.net/LTR How do we flow around the kit effortlessly? There can be blocks: tension, overthinking, self doubt. The way to CONFIDENCE behind the kit is through FLOW. This is that effortless place where it all clicks, almost like you're watching yourself play. In this series on flow, we're doing a 3-pronged attack: starting with the feet, moving up to the han...
Staying MOTIVATED In Drumming (with David Bowie drummer Mike Hodges)
zhlédnutí 132Před 4 měsíci
TRANSFORM through DRUMMING: chrislesso.net/DRUM Ever felt it hard to stay motivated? Like the world just doesn't want you to drum? I hear you. I definitely have. We ALL have. That's why 'isolation is the enemy of excellence'. Getting in a group of like minded drummers to motivate and inspire you through the dark times is the key. To help us with this, we had on David Bowie's drummer Mike Hodges...
SIMPLE is not EASY: Drumming Permutations (David Garibaldi DG's Notebook)
zhlédnutí 86Před 5 měsíci
TRANSFORM through DRUMMING: chrislesso.net/LTRDRUMMING True confidence in drumming comes from being able to take one simple idea and express it back in 100 different ways! 'Less, but better.' One mentor I've had that inspired me to take a phrase and play it anywhere in a rhythm cycle, is David Garibaldi. This is his playground! It's one of the secrets to his mastery. Here's a phrase from Davi...
How to get UNSTUCK and reach your DRUMMING GOALS
zhlédnutí 60Před 5 měsíci
How to get UNSTUCK and reach your DRUMMING GOALS
'The Long Game Of Excellence' (Dom Famularo tribute)
zhlédnutí 63Před 6 měsíci
'The Long Game Of Excellence' (Dom Famularo tribute)
OPEN HANDED DRUMMING: The 'One Handed Fill' with Jay Z
zhlédnutí 297Před 7 měsíci
OPEN HANDED DRUMMING: The 'One Handed Fill' with Jay Z
Drumming INTUITION (Nas hiphop to drums)
zhlédnutí 114Před 8 měsíci
Drumming INTUITION (Nas hiphop to drums)
Zen In The Art Of Drumming: The Teachings Of Jim Blackley
zhlédnutí 1,2KPřed 9 měsíci
Zen In The Art Of Drumming: The Teachings Of Jim Blackley
STUCK playing the 'same old' in your DRUMMING?
zhlédnutí 196Před 9 měsíci
STUCK playing the 'same old' in your DRUMMING?
Drum Grooves: BASIC BEATS that aren't so basic
zhlédnutí 479Před 9 měsíci
Drum Grooves: BASIC BEATS that aren't so basic
Rhythmic FREEDOM for drummers (live masterclass)
zhlédnutí 85Před 9 měsíci
Rhythmic FREEDOM for drummers (live masterclass)
Drumming Technique: DANCE the drums from the FEET FIRST
zhlédnutí 2,3KPřed 9 měsíci
Drumming Technique: DANCE the drums from the FEET FIRST
Drumming Technique: FLOW around your drumkit EFFORTLESSLY
zhlédnutí 8KPřed 9 měsíci
Drumming Technique: FLOW around your drumkit EFFORTLESSLY
'Brownian Motion' short drumming groove clip
zhlédnutí 100Před 10 měsíci
'Brownian Motion' short drumming groove clip
Tools of excellence: VIC FIRTH DRUMSTICKS
zhlédnutí 26Před 10 měsíci
Tools of excellence: VIC FIRTH DRUMSTICKS
Drumming tools of excellence: SONOR DRUMS
zhlédnutí 1KPřed 10 měsíci
Drumming tools of excellence: SONOR DRUMS
“Tapping into??”😂😂😂😂
Absolutely Kentucky! With drumming, we tap into what makes life rich: creativity, energy, and progressing towards our dreams. Drumming is the fountain of youth, where we get BETTER with each passing year, like Viola showed us with a life well lived!
Shawn drover is my only favorite open handed drummer.🥁
Hi Nelson! I know Shawn's playing well, he uses open handed amazing with Megadeth and anything he does. That approach works so well with that music to open up creativity and ability. Let me know how your drumming journey is going Nelson! You can get my free open handed drumming guide at chrislesso.com/OHD
Just found your channel Chris and I'm digging it. Subscribed
Excellent Kenneth welcome to the family! There's nothing like being with a global tribe of drummers. What's inspiring you right now that you're excited about? To elevate your drumming, I've got a free open handed guided to help you on the path at chrislesso.com/OHD
Nice Chris....
Fantastic Tony! Keep the open handed journey going strong!
Hey Chris, thanks for links. I love the way guitarists have free reign....And they have no idea what's going on behind them. And you're trying new stuff out at the same time? Great post and an amazing band.....And you must be in the south of our little country. We're north and on an island! Thanks again.....p.s. Dom! You lucky, lucky man.....Ta, J.
Fantastic Jay! Keep the fire burning, and let me know if I can help you on the drumming journey. (There are drummers in the community from all over the world) The future is bright!
Sorry I missed this one😎
We'll be doing plenty more, this is what we do!
I'd like to see a clip on how to "cut down" the high hat. I can't get mine low enough. Also, is your right HH cut down too, or is it another low height brand/model? Is there a company that makes low height HH's?
Hi Lindy, this is an EXCELLENT point! I am frustrated that no brands are open handed friendly, and none allow the hihat to drop down low enough. (If it's not in a natural position, you'll get a kink/cramp in your wrist from straining it) What I have done every time is take the bar off the hihat stand, make a couple with a black sharpie marker of where you want it cut (just a few inches off is usually good), and take it to a hardware store and they have always sliced it for me for free because they have the right tools to cut through metal piping, only takes 2 minutes. Once it's done to have that comfortable position for life! It makes drumming much more of a joy every day, because it's an extension of YOU. Great to hear you are exploring open handed drumming Lindy, stay inspired! I have much more on this in my free guide with a book and video lessons at chrislesso.com/OHD (Also subscribe to the channel, a few new open handed lessons are going up in the next few days!)
@@ChrisLessoDrums Hey Chris! Thanks for the quick response to my query. I had no idea where to cut the stand down or how. I want the HH to be at about same level as the SD to make f ..or a smooth transition. So a second HH on the right side needs to be cut down as well. I haven't experimented with a remote HH yet, but I'm thinking it might be my next addition. An y advice on what brand/model cable-operated, etc.? Thanks again for quick reply?
@@lindyloulie80, you're on the right track! Once I got my hihat to the same level as my snare, it was SO much more effortless, and made drumming a joy. Just take those stands to the hardware store and slice about 4 inches off! As far as the cable hihat, this is an excellent investment. I'm surprised they aren't more popular! In a way, we should all just do a way with the old straight design, and EVERY hihat should be a cable. I think there are only a few choices actually! Not that many companies make them. Danny Carey from Tool uses the Pearl RH-2050 Eliminator HiHat Cable and DW makes a good model too. Connect with me and the drumming community at chrislesso.com with any questions or help you need, and let me know how it goes Lindy!
Again Chris, thanks for the info! I actually believe using a remote hi hat - in addition to, not instead of - a standard one next to the SD opens up even more freedom for both left and right hand techniques. I like to use my right hand on the ride and left to share SD and left side HH for some interesting rhythms and o+ on hat. I like the idea of having a HH on right side to eliminate the need to cross over the left hand. I might just have to invest in a cable high hat at some point in the near future. 😉
@@lindyloulie80 go for it, this is an amazing investment that will give you more FREEDOM on your kit! (Once you've got it, post a pic in the LTR DRUMMING community page! facebook.com/groups/lifethroughrhythm)
What a LEGEND OF DRUMMERS WOW WOW 💜❤️🧡💛💜❤️🧡🌞🌜🌟🌎🙏🌼🌸🌳🌴☺️💕
Exactly, I totally agree! Her spirit comes out in every note, she is an inspiration as a person AND a drummer:)
Thank you. Great information and Great inspiration!! I'm so happy about this
Right on Bobbi! I know it can seem intimidating at first, but it doesn't have to be that way. This holds so many people back from starting, and it doesn't have to be this way! (This way you won't get the the future and REGRET never having tried) That's why this approach is so different ... it's not so much about having all the fancy gear, but that 'we are the drum'. I've got some free courses that will help you at chrislesso.com. Stay inspired, and enjoy every note!
How much do you charge?
Hi Ezra, great to hear from you. Awesome to see you investing in your joy of drumming! I don't know what the tuition would be for you until you apply. This is where we see where you're at, and where you need to go. That's what people already in the LTR DRUMMING community love about this and what sets it apart, is that no two drummers are the same. This journey is about bringing out your true voice through drumming, which is where ultra confidence through drumming lives. Once you're ready to apply, START HERE: chrislesso.net/DRUM What makes this work is that you join a community because none of your favourite drummers have succeeded alone. We are stronger when we drum together! Anything specific you're struggling with that I could help with? Looking forward to meeting you and starting the journey Ezra!
And watch…..he’s 100% open handed. He should get so many more views for that alone…….
Appreciate your good vibes Tony, thanks for spreading the word and growing this awesome community!
Thx for this I am a guitar player but always thought drums were inferior now looking at this I have a fresh perspective watching Taiko & I have trained in Muay Thai & tai Chi the drums are actually high level but in a different way seriously you have inspired me
Right on Adrian! This comment means a lot, thanks for taking the time to connect. I love that you are taking from other disciplines to grow your own craft. Since you've trained in Tai Chi, I HIGHLY recommended the book Art Of Learning by Josh Waitzkin, it has heavily inspired my drumming, and I know you will take these ideas to your guitar, music, and life. Connect with me at chrislesso.com, and stay inspired Adrian!
ROBERT SPUT SEARIGHT IS MY FAVOURITE , MY BEST MENTOR. IT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND HOW HE JUGGES TIME WITH HIS RIGHT AND LEFT HAND, BUT HE HAS AN ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE IDEA OF PERCUSSIVITY
Hi @mauri76able, thanks for reaching out! Fantastic to hear you're on the OHD open handed drumming path, Robert Sput is awesome! Finding maximum expression through CELEBRATING our uniqueness is what it's all about, so you're on the right track. To get to your next level check out my free open handed drumming guide I've put together at chrislesso.com/OHD
Nice chat, gentlemen! I enjoyed being a fly on the wall for the discussion between you two. Points to consider and unwrap to apply to my personal path. I appreciate you both taking the time to have this conversation and share it with the rest of us. All the best to you both. With gratitude & respect, Dave Abbruzzese
Hi Dave! You've been an inspiration of mine since Pearl Jam Unplugged, and I saw you live since then many times, and so great to see you with an even better groove and smile today. Thanks for all you do Dave! Connect with me at chrislesso.com
Spent seven years studying with this amazing man and family. Didn’t miss a month. Profound doesn’t even begin to describe that experience.
Fantastic! I love you said, 'man and family', that was what the experience was like, having a tea while drumming and learning. Having a profound impact is a common story from all his students, not just on drumming, but on life. His son Kaja has on Facebook the Jim Blackley tribute page with similar stories from his many students over the years, check it out!
This is amazing, and I know you know your stuff. I would have never stopped back beats unless I was introduced to playing jazz. I actually played what would have my bass drum rhythms on my high hat and almost completely took my right foot off the bass pedal. I learned to swing and played melody with my ride and my snare. Changed my life!
Fantastic Edward! You're right, it's beautiful how jazz, reggae, afrobeat, it all starts to blend together into one big mosaic of rhythm to equal self expression with no limits. love hearing about how you switched the roles of the sounds, like playing the bass rhythms on the hihats, and thinking melodically. It changed my life too! More on this at chrislesso.com, and keep up your drumming exploration Edward;
Im a left handed drummer that plays on a righty set. So my interplay is between my right foot and my right hand on the snare. I always have to translate what drum videos tell me to do for that reason. I also don't read drum music so any advice on drum jargon is lost on me as well. I feel like I need a more direct approach and or some tips of how to get around the righty set. I also use matched grip so any suggestions on technique using traditional grip is of little use. I think I need to find a teacher that can help me overcome my problems of being a left handed drummer playing a righty kit. I only had a half a book of lessons when I was 8 and my teacher never even noticed that I was a lefty. That kind of made things harder for me and I lost interest and gave up learning to read. I just wanted to play like Ringo anyway. I did teach myself to play all kinds of styles. I get hired all the time for jazz gigs, rock gigs, wedding band gigs etc. but I really feel clumsy to this day. I don't know where to turn. I can't play all the rudiments but I do use them in my playing by accident. So I'm an ear player with lots of roadblocks stemming from being a lefty on a righty kit, that doesn't read and plays matched grip. I think I'm needing some specialized guidance to take my drumming to the next level.
Great to hear you're on the OHD open handed drumming journey! I know what you mean about translating the hits to other limbs, I've heard this a lot and been through it myself. I'm sorry you had that experience with your teacher, that sounds like it was a tough to get past. I've had a LOT of drummers join this community with the same challenge of righty/lefty roadblocks that overcame it using this very different LTR DRUMMING system. It also helps joining a community where other drummers are going through the same thing, and have overcome it! My free open handed drumming guide will get you started, and then when you're ready you can book your first free live session and I can get you the guidance you need! chrislesso.com/OHD
Thanks so much Chris !
Fantastic @@googlyschmoogly7830! By the way, on my podcast and CZcams channel I'm always putting new content about open handed drumming (new lesson coming out tomorrow), everything is a chrislesso.com! Looking forward to connecting to make this happen for you;
I started many years ago, took a lesson here and there. Stopped playing after 15 years, then picked it up and stopped again. But I loved drums and percussion when I was a tike. I regret not begging my mom to get me a set and a teacher. Watching Simon Phillips made me start loving open handed playing, not because it was novel, but because it seemed to be calling to me decades ago.
Hi @MP-ju4ol, thanks for sharing a bit of your story, this is inspiring! The open handed mindset is so much more than 'not crossing' ... it's about expressing all of who you are through drumming, which often means reinventing yourself. That's how it was for me, and I'm glad you're using it in this same way! I've put together a free guide that will help, get it at chrislesso.com/OHD
Super helpful content and tips. I'm a left handed playing right handed and now with the open hand technique, I can make a good use of the left hand😊 still work in process, but it worth practicing this. Thanks for the vid
Hi @TomDichter, great to hear from you! Really glad you're on the open handed journey, there are big things ahead for your future self. You're on exactly the right track, where your strong left hand can become an ASSET this way, and turn into your superpower. Keep it up Tom! I've got a free guide with a 90 minute masterclass along with my Modern Drummer article and much more all on open handed, get it at chrislesso.com/OHD
That book in your hand was my go when it came out and still is. Take what you need from everywhere and don't get stuck in traditionalism. Humans have such a hard time staying open.
Right on Tony, fantastic response ... my copy has so many penciled in notes, and I related it all to drumming. It's bold self expression and flows of energy, or in Bruce's words, 'the art of expressing the human body'. Take what works and discard the rest! Simplicity, Directness, Freedom. Most will not embrace this, and stay in the safety of the known. Glad to see you taking Bruce's knowledge into your drumming Tony!
GENISUS 6 VS 3 says how long to live in the world 🌎!!/ NO joke!!
Thanks for this, but can you elaborate?
love his work!!
Yes @udomatthiasdrums5322, Jim's work is so needed to drummers around the world. Get all his books and you'll be motivated and inspired for a lifetime!
I recently stated learning drums and decided to go open hand from the start. I got a snare drum, bass drum pedal with practice pad and a couple weeks ago got a hi hat stand and a used set of hats. I thought this would be a great place to start working on sticking and developing coordination between limbs but at the same time felt that with just the 2 1/2 pieces I would be limiting growth. After you talked about the 6 month challenge of just using kick hi hats and snare I now think I am giving myself an advantage as I won't have room to set up a full kit for maybe 4-6 months. The 3 piece will be my comfort zone.
Hi @quincyberman5629, this is great news you're going open handed right from the start! There are SO many drummers that have been playing crossed for years, and wish they could go back to the beginning to build a better foundation. I love the 'Obstacle Is The Way' thinking, of taking your small space challenges and turning it into an advantage to go deep on kick-snare-hats. Get my free open handed drumming guide at chrislesso.com/OHD, and get more inspiration on the kick-snare-hats approach HERE: czcams.com/video/7G7dzTdKoiI/video.html
love it!!
Thanks @udomatthiasdrums5322, glad you're having fun learning from one of the great masters! Jim Blackley was a treasure, and his teaching will help any drummer not just musically, but personally. Pass them on!
i kind of needed this. im playing a lot of gigs and im playing with a lot of people at the minute and they dont always want that backbeat and i realized slowly its a big step to move stuff around like that.
Right on @antgarce, I'm really glad this video found you. It's a different way of thinking and seeing rhythm, but the changes will happen gradually. It starts by expanding the ears. Sounds like you're moving in the right direction!
great video
Thanks so much @brianj7247! My passion is genuine, I love playing these grooves. Keep drumming and enjoy every note!
Today I played at a get today lots of Latin grace notes accents on 2 4
Love it @mecdrum7! Any time you sit behind the drums and express your soul, it's a good thing. Keep it up and stay inspired!
#ShakaZulu
Thanks for this. Can you do the same for toms?
@MrRICHARDGOMEZ, thanks for this question. Oh, definitely! Why not utilize the toms for grooves instead of just fills? I totally agree, and this is FUN to create! It's also about thinking differently than the average drummer to speak your voice, loud and proud. I love the band Faith No More, the drummer mike Bordin loved to create grooves from the toms, Check it out! What is your favourite tom groove?
So then why are you playing so many backbeats in the end of this video? I was expecting something sans Snare. I'm Confused.
Hi @bassman4179, thanks for this question. I'm putting the snare on the 1 and many other syncopated places, so it's not a backbeat because that would be the 2 & 4. (If I made another alternate video playing a backbeat over that song instead of what I did, you would notice a stark difference) But I think I know what you mean; it's definitely a GROOVE, not completely random, but just not centered around the typical 2 & 4. Also, with African grooves sometimes it's challenging to hear where the 1 is, so you may be hearing the count in a different place than I am. Either way, glad you enjoyed the rhythms, keep playing and learning!
what ever you do never mention learning to play rudiments those allergic have adverse reactions online. never learn to bounce your sticks and just play singles. stay right where you are. call it punk or something then you never have to improve your playing.
@popeyesailor9571, it sounds like what you're saying is that having the solid fundamentals down and a respect for the foundation is the way forward in drumming. It is all about rocking the basics!
There are always blast beats😝
Yes @kaislivesoundchannel4706, great insight! You are bang on. One of my favourite players Eloy Casagrande uses them tactfully combined with Brazilian grooves. I love blastbeats too!
Oh those are for the guys who can only play singles right? yea never mind
Don't tell rock drummers that they should learn African, Cuban, or Brazilian music. I have rarely heard an American or European drummer playing the samba correctly. Because you have to live there, speak the language, learn the pandeiro, the tamborim, the repique. Rock drummers only know two patterns tchak poum / poum tchak. Leave them be. Of course, I'm joking, but if you study a style, you have to go deep to capture the essence. Look at Cuban musicians dancing. If you can't dance, how are you gonna play this music ?
You are 100% right @ofdrumsandchords that to really learn a style, you have to go deeper than just the patterns. I remember I had one lesson with a Cuban drummers, and he said that same thing: 'These are just notes on a page, but if you REALLY want to get the feel, take some intro Salsa dance classes.' And he was right! I'm not telling drummers to learn other styles, and I'm not trying to play Afrobeat authentically. What I AM saying, is that drummers overuse backbeats, and to think outside the norm to tap into your true expression, using whatever means possible to 'think different'. Thanks for the comment, and stay inspired!
@@ChrisLessoDrumsI get your point. But if I had to play "What's going on", I would certainly play a convincing backbeat, au fond du temps (you'd say laid back ?). Anyway, I play Cuban music, where it's not a good idea to play the snare on 3. Which is the backbeat. Learning Spanish is not the hardest part for a French.
@@ofdrumsandchords well said. What I love about 'anti-backbeats', is that when you DO play one (like on What's Going On) it makes it that much more meaningful and expressionistic. Thanks for sharing your perspective and knowledge on this!
I second the anti backbeat campaign and double second the afrobeat! 🤩🤩🤩
Yes @skafazzation666! Keep up the 'anti-backbeats':)
Tony and Fela rock! great video!
Right on @Daddytang67! They are SO much fun to play, and changed my drumming for the better. Step into unlimited possibilities!
Wtf is a backbeat?
Snare on 2 & 4
0:37 hope this helps 👍
Lol he talks about this for the entire video if you watch from 0:35 . Good lesson, i agree backbeats become a trap if overused!
Thanks for everyone helping out! Backbeat is the 2 & 4, but there is a whole world waiting if we can see past it. The irony is, then when we play backbeats, we enjoy them all the more! And great point @7dreamband that it can be a trap we can fall into, but we can break past it. Stay inspired, and enjoy every note!
What stick do yo use?
be the drum
Exactly, love that you put it that way David! 'We don't play the drums, we ARE the drums.'
@@ChrisLessoDrums not me I don't play the drums at all, not until today, I just got my first set still putting it together, any suggestions for my first lesson. Thanks
Congratulations@@davidallen7404 , welcome to the family! I've got some free starter courses and resources for you at chrislesso.com, and here is a great first lesson for you that covers every you need to know about MOVEMENT and MUSIC! czcams.com/video/kE7ABX7OEbk/video.html
@@ChrisLessoDrums thanks, I'll check it out!
Thank you for using a South African word 😊
Absolutely, it's a beautiful word with so much within it, english doesn't really do it justice.
@@ChrisLessoDrums agreed. Have you ever been here?
@@andrewworrall4302 not 'yet', and I'm saying yet intentionally! (I'll get there ...:)
@@ChrisLessoDrums you will love it. I'm in Cape Town. The most beautiful city in the world
so cool
Fantastic Andrew, great to see you living the joy of drumming! Welcome to the family;
This was great
Right on! Great to hear from you, and keep rocking you kick-snare-hats:)
God Bless Viola Smith. I've seen other videos with her playing drums and it inspires me. I'm 70 years old been playing drums for the most part of my life since age 13. Certainly a passion in my life. Currently playing snare in three pipe bands and have played set in rock bands and jazz groups. Been away from playing set in a band for awhile but am going to attempt to form a trio leaning towards 'surf rock' just for fun. Just can't stay away from playing! This video is an inspiration.
Thank you Thomas for taking the time to write this! You are right, Viola Smith is a blessing on the global drumming community. So glad to hear you are 70 years YOUNG and rocking your passion! Love that trio idea, that does sound like fun, and that's what drumming all about. You're right, we can't ignore this voice inside us, that only leads to regret, so this is amazing to hear what you're doing. You rock Thomas! If you need some help or resources, connect with me at chrislesso.net/drum
Good luck with the band endeavor. Not much call for old broads in the music industry I know, I'm an old broad that plays the drums alone
"The fastest girl drummer" Viola Smith...she's a legend! She played a never before seen 17pcs. drum kit in the 1940s !❤❤❤
Exactly! She broke so much ground, hard to imagine how big a deal this was in that time period. And you're right about the 17 piece kit with high mounted toms, WAY before Virgil Donati!
You rock my love❤
Thank you, and keep your momentum going strong!
Are there drummers that play the hit hat with the left hand ( open handed ) but the ride with the right hand ? ( Traditionnal playing ) 'causethat's my case and i don't see any drummer like this 😂
Great question! In my LTR DRUMMING community, this is exactly how we approach the instrument. Then from there if you want to cross, you can! This way, you have ultimate freedom to say anything you feel in your heart, any time. My mentor Dom Famularo also approached the kit like this. For more info, grab my free open handed drumming guide at chrislesso.com/OHD
What books did you guys work out of, if any?
Hi Bill, great to hear from you! We did mainly Essence Of Jazz Drumming and Syncopated Rolls, as well as his two latest books based on the Flam Accent. Have you got into his content Bill?
@@ChrisLessoDrums No, just heard of him & you.
@@Bill-vy3fx fantastic, your life will change as you go through it! I recommend going to the Jim Blackley Appreciation Page on Facebook, his son Kaja runs it, there you will find lots of great posts and info on how to order his books. Have fun and stay inspired on the path Bill!
Thank you so much for this! 🙏🏼 Let's not waste our time getting obsessed with things like what is the"correct" way to hold the sticks! 🤷🏻♂️
Exactly! Let's ask better QUESTIONS: 'How might we work on our weaker side and have more freedom to speak our voice through drumming?' Open handed gives us this, but there are no rules to this journey! Great to hear you're having fun drumming, get more with my free open handed drumming guide at chrislesso.com/OHD
I've been driving myself crazy trying to get my hands on one of his books! Do you know where I could find them?
Hello, happy to help out! They were unavailable for a while, but his son Kaja has taken on sharing the legacy. He has made some posts about how to get the new reissues in the Official Jim Blackley Appreciation Page which he runs on Facebook, I highly recommend joining. Once you're there, you'll see the posts about ordering the books, he is saying 'DM me for details'. Let me know if you need help, but contact Kaja and you will get these priceless resources! (Also, so great to hear you're seeking them out:) Join here: facebook.com/groups/319980388021082
@@ChrisLessoDrums Thank you, man! You're a lifesaver!
@@Leviathan_de_su , outstanding! I needed them as well reissued in the e-versions, so it's a lifesaver to me too. Stay inspired!
I’m open to trying this😎
Awesome! This will only improve you as a player, and even if you go back to crossed you will be better for it ... higher creativity, a better weaker side, and more CONFIDENCE. Get my free guide here: chrislesso.com/OHD
When I was a kid, I first got a snare. Then mom and dad got me a hi hat out of the Sears catalog (eek). I sat there… and I’m right handed… and thought, well, these are the only two things… why put the hats to the left and cross over? So I played like that and pretended to play a bass drum with the left foot. Then I became obsessed with Phil Collins. The high tom on the right made sense when I got a full kit. So I set up left handed, with the ride on the right.
Thanks for sharing! You're not alone, many drummers like Claus Hessler and Carter Beauford discovered open handed 'by accident', but stuck with it and were very glad later on that they did. You're in good company! Get more in my free guide at chrislesso.com/OHD
🥁🤘🏻
I'm a 'Lifer' too so thanks for connecting! Keep drumming and stay inspired:)