12 Tips I Wish I Knew as a Beginner Drummer

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 30. 05. 2024
  • → KNOW WHAT TO PRACTICE! Build 4-way independence, Grip your sticks for speed & fluidity, and Reach your musical goals with the FREE e-guide, “The 3-Part Daily Practice Routine.” www.thenonglamorousdrummer.co...
    → Know what GROOVES & FILLS to play! Grab my “25 Practical Rock Grooves & Fills for the Beginner Drummer” free PDF e-guide.
    www.thenonglamorousdrummer.co...
    Hindsight is 20/20, so here are my 12 best tips I’d give to my beginner self. If you’re a beginner drummer, please listen closely because these are huge pieces of advice that helped my playing ability a ton over the years. If you’re a drumming veteran, tell me in the comments which of these tips you feel have been most influential for you.
    Even though this video is designed to help beginner and intermediate players the most, I can’t say that some of the topics touched on aren’t deep and fairly challenging! However, take these to heart as best you can, and work on implementing some of these techniques and mindsets in your practicing and performing. Let these tips become habits so that you don’t even have to think about them.
    We’re talking about tuning, bass drum technique, muffling, hand technique, improvisation, listening, fill creation, “what is great feel?” and more. Enjoy, and be sure to check out these videos and playlists referenced in today’s video for more info.
    “STOP Burying the Bass Drum Beater!”
    • STOP Burying the Bass ...
    “Computer vs Human: Proof that Feel Trumps Time”
    • Proof that Drumming FE...
    Hand Technique Lessons:
    • HAND TECHNIQUE & GRIP:...
    Bass Drum Technique Lessons:
    • Drumming Foot Techniqu...
    The Comprehensive Drum Tuning Tutorials:
    • DRUM TUNING
    I believe that ANYONE can learn the drums, and I believe you’re far more capable of becoming a great drummer than you think you are. Don’t sell yourself short! SUBSCRIBE for more Non Glamorous videos that get straight to the point of solving drumming frustration. Stay Non Glamorous, Everyone!
    Follow the Non Glamorous Drummer on Instagram!
    / thenonglamorousdrummer
    Contact me here at my email! I’m not always able to reply to comments on CZcams, but I’ll always reply to any question you send to my email. I look forward to hearing from you!
    stephen@thenonglamorousdrummer.com

Komentáře • 1,8K

  • @sccdrum93
    @sccdrum93  Před 3 lety +219

    → Learn the Unique, 5-Step Method that Teaches You ANY Song by Ear in 60 Minutes. ✓ Download my FREE, 23p. PDF guide, “5 Steps to Learning Any Song in Under an Hour.” the-non-glamorous-drummer-llc.ck.page/87b244e64d

    • @crateorzo8286
      @crateorzo8286 Před 3 lety +7

      Tip #1, nobody cares about your chops.
      *clicks off video*

    • @GeloAlcantara
      @GeloAlcantara Před 3 lety +3

      YEP, a very big agree on me on those ! lol nostalgic buut you will really wanna say to yourself... why didn't I?? lol, thanks Stephen! (I'm still laughing at myself *VERY Lol)

    • @drasonmeerrkat2617
      @drasonmeerrkat2617 Před 3 lety +2

      Do you know how to join a band

    • @joef9565
      @joef9565 Před 3 lety +3

      ...

    • @2ReaL4
      @2ReaL4 Před 3 lety +2

      Thanks man. Im lost my skill, its just was in me naturally, but last 2 years i didnt practice much. Now its time to get my skills back. Thank you for your work!

  • @Primusux
    @Primusux Před 3 lety +4541

    If I can add a rule, never get caught up in comparing your abilities to others. Drumming is an art, not a competition. It’s about making that art your own. And let it come from your heart.

    • @bennymac2997
      @bennymac2997 Před 3 lety +36

      @Primus
      That’s exactly what a shitty drummer would say. You know it as do I so let’s try and keep it real plz ffs.

    • @thepaacademy9227
      @thepaacademy9227 Před 3 lety +29

      100% true and it cannot be said enough!

    • @bennymac2997
      @bennymac2997 Před 3 lety +4

      @Koa -_-
      Who said that I play the drums?

    • @Anna-fc5pk
      @Anna-fc5pk Před 3 lety +120

      Benny Mac if you don’t even play drums how can you say what makes someone a shitty drummer?

    • @bennymac2997
      @bennymac2997 Před 3 lety +4

      @@Anna-fc5pk
      Because it’s my opinion...
      Who said that I didn’t play the drums?

  • @eldude-iv8dw
    @eldude-iv8dw Před 3 lety +1745

    100% record yourself. It’s a totally objective way to determine how you really sound.

    • @josephgurzynski1053
      @josephgurzynski1053 Před 3 lety +72

      Absolutely! No matter how painful.

    • @SonnyGTA
      @SonnyGTA Před 3 lety +5

      Joseph Gurzynski hahaha

    • @moodifi
      @moodifi Před 3 lety +4

      Record a video or just sound? If video with what angle?

    • @robbieboswell6190
      @robbieboswell6190 Před 3 lety +31

      Even shoddy recordings on your phone will help. I listen to myself sometimes and think "never again, that sounds horrible" or "I did not know that easy roll sounded so good"

    • @woozihae
      @woozihae Před 3 lety +3

      Yess!! I do it too with guitar lol

  • @johnryan3374
    @johnryan3374 Před 3 lety +895

    1- Practice with a metronome, 2- start slow... then go fast, 3- learn how to play with your left and right sides, 4- record yourself, 5- learn a song 100%... then move to the next one, 6- HAVE FUN and play what you like!

    • @sharonk7
      @sharonk7 Před 3 lety +7

      yeah ur right bro. i only practiced with metronome only once or twice and i play the drums at church. I always get the advice to practice with a metronome but don't know how to get the right app and how to use it lol. I also have problem in controlling my left hand haha anyways I'm just saying hehe

    • @windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823
      @windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 Před 3 lety +3

      @@sharonk7 Suggestion? If you need a V-drum kit, the very excellent Roland has a nice tiny kit. I'd put money it still has a metronome with a tiny Japanese man voice :) best thing ever.
      I use an app called Tempo, but I like the old wood kind or my Roland better, actually.

    • @sharonk7
      @sharonk7 Před 3 lety +1

      @@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 thanks i hope that app Tempo is on playstore gonna download it later

    • @theoutsiderjess4869
      @theoutsiderjess4869 Před 2 lety +1

      I was never able to practice with the metronome it always distracted me

    • @thepenguimoose562
      @thepenguimoose562 Před 2 lety

      Metronome daily is just general for any instrument

  • @D-Man_Jam
    @D-Man_Jam Před 3 lety +2196

    _"No one cares how fast you are"_
    Tell that to high schoolers.

    • @1herbiekritzer
      @1herbiekritzer Před 3 lety +20

      Tell that to Billy Cobham

    • @ts4gv
      @ts4gv Před 3 lety +32

      that's what he's trying to do in this video lol

    • @yungjansport9062
      @yungjansport9062 Před 3 lety +2

      Facts g

    • @arandommaggot4963
      @arandommaggot4963 Před 3 lety +53

      Highschooler here, and believe me, I regret trying to impress my friends with my "speed". That experience humbled me ever since...

    • @aa721ss
      @aa721ss Před 3 lety +29

      Not True. Metal Drummers and fans care!!

  • @jaredabvan20
    @jaredabvan20 Před 3 lety +545

    Lesson: don't play to impress, play because you love it, the more you like it better you play and sound. If you want to impress you get annoying

    • @skidmark6553
      @skidmark6553 Před 3 lety +5

      best one right here

    • @ArchieBC
      @ArchieBC Před 3 lety +4

      That should be a billboard.

    • @windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823
      @windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 Před 3 lety +9

      Don't play EVERY note you can POSSIBLY cram in there. I know guys playing DECADES, who STILL do that.

    • @boomerguy9935
      @boomerguy9935 Před 2 lety +1

      @@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 Exactly. Sometimes, "LESS IS MORE". No two songs are alike. It's about the music. The drums are the heartbeat.

    • @gravitydrums1391
      @gravitydrums1391 Před rokem

      So right on!

  • @talktalk2412
    @talktalk2412 Před 3 lety +814

    I tried playing fills with my ears but the sticks wouldnt fit in my ear holes.

  • @sh4rpys
    @sh4rpys Před 3 lety +608

    "Don't try to impress other by playing fast"
    Me as a thrash metal player:

    • @GeneralxMayhem
      @GeneralxMayhem Před 3 lety +34

      Me as a hardcore punk fan:

    • @ReviewRalle
      @ReviewRalle Před 3 lety +40

      Me as a Black Metal Player:

    • @darthvader4339
      @darthvader4339 Před 3 lety +33

      If you play any instrument fast but sloppy nobody’s going to care but if you play fast with near perfect timing, tone, and phrasing then that will draw people in.

    • @jakobstouffer7112
      @jakobstouffer7112 Před 3 lety +4

      Me as a Motley Crue fan

    • @ThrashBandicoot666
      @ThrashBandicoot666 Před 3 lety +2

      Agreed.

  • @timwallander275
    @timwallander275 Před 2 lety +263

    As a full time musician, drum teacher and hardcore practise freak I can tell you that what Stephen is saying is 100 % true. Music is really a great investment of time in Life. My advices are: be your own teacher, find out your personal struggles/problems and ask yourself questions. Do your research, but try to find the answers yourself before you look them up - it’s beyond exciting to explore! If music is important to you and you love it above all, then you better make sure you get the time you need to play, explore, research, practise, grow etc - no excuses!!

    • @gravitydrums1391
      @gravitydrums1391 Před rokem +4

      So many great tips here in these comments.. And this is one of them.

    • @organizednoise3477
      @organizednoise3477 Před rokem +2

      I’m a music teacher as well and whether we like it or not, students can smell the energy we bring to our art. If it’s a job, you will fail. If it’s a purpose, you will wear it.

    • @gravitydrums1391
      @gravitydrums1391 Před rokem +1

      Well SAid.

    • @rickardobernard7189
      @rickardobernard7189 Před rokem

      Wow thanks @Tim Wallander life lessons for me

    • @kegalormoon
      @kegalormoon Před rokem

      That was a great comment "you better find they time to play, learn" 👌

  • @joemasse4568
    @joemasse4568 Před 3 lety +793

    I’ve played for many years, and one of the best tips for a drummer, I’ve discovered? When sitting on your drum seat ,don’t hunch over them, sit so your balance is slightly tipped back, makes everything easier, and after you get used to it, much less fatigue, the sticks will bounce back effortlessly, better dynamics!

    • @bcp5296d
      @bcp5296d Před 3 lety +4

      yea, but Buddy Rich...

    • @h489agf
      @h489agf Před 3 lety +17

      @@bcp5296d buddy rich wasn't particularly tall, so had a lower centre of gravity. Anyone 6'+ is throwing their balance out if they lean into the kit.

    • @bcp5296d
      @bcp5296d Před 3 lety +3

      @@h489agf Yea but it is odd as you could adjust drum and cymbal height back then just like you can now.

    • @isopropyltoxicity
      @isopropyltoxicity Před 3 lety +20

      @@bcp5296d buddy rich suffered from severe back pain because of his horrible kit posture

    • @ishadrums
      @ishadrums Před 3 lety +4

      YESSS i slouch while playing too often and i find it almost always makes my playing worse

  • @midnight8ngel
    @midnight8ngel Před 3 lety +456

    I"ve been playing for 40 years. These are Excellent tips. I too wish I knew this when I was 15.

    • @robertclarkguitar
      @robertclarkguitar Před 3 lety +14

      Damn. Youve got a decade on me....I switched, not really by choice at first to guitar. I lived, breathed and knew myself as a drummer. Still to this day , I miss it bad. Sadly eviction was a worry since I moved to Ga as I had to move into apmt and was just awarded custody of my kids. They then were 10 and 5. I played a few sit in jams but never bought another kit. Hurricane Katrina took everything i had. So i had to focus on my kids and moved here. I taught my son guitar what I knew...And keys. When he grad I missed his playing from his room and bought a strat. Haven't stopped since. 2018. I threaten that I just may have to buy an Ekit at least to see if i still have it. 27 years active i believe. I took lessons really young for 4 to 6 years plus high school marching , jazz and concert. Man its cool to meet another old school drummer. Heheheh. Sorry you struck a small memory. Hahah Whats funny is I play ambient guitar stuff. Drumming was more prog , fusion Rock etc. Have a great day man.

    • @sammylenati8023
      @sammylenati8023 Před 3 lety +8

      I'm 10

    • @outtatime9746
      @outtatime9746 Před 3 lety +4

      @@robertclarkguitar that’s awesome, hope u get a kit. I’m only 14 but it’s insanely fun to jam out to songs

    • @michaelplemmons1906
      @michaelplemmons1906 Před 3 lety +1

      @@outtatime9746 I hear ya there. I'm 38, but started guitar when I was your age. Decided to learn some drums when I was about 18 or 19. Only stuck with that for about a month, then focused more on guitar. Winds of Change by the Scorpions was the first song I learned to play on drums. A friend just bought a drum set recently and I went over to check it out. Had him play that song on his Stereo and still remembered how to play Winds of Change on drums after 20 years, it was so much fun. I think I want to invest in another drum set.

    • @nashlucas6893
      @nashlucas6893 Před 2 lety +1

      @@outtatime9746 Same I'm 14 as well. I just literally became a church drummer and I'm having anxiety cause I'm having trouble to everyone on the music team

  • @lenamalecka3513
    @lenamalecka3513 Před 3 lety +158

    i just started learning drums and i feel so bad because my family is asking me all the time like “do you know how to play X already?” “can you play something to us?” and i’m trying to tell them that i’m just learning the basics and they’re putting so much pressure and rushing me....

    • @Jakknifed
      @Jakknifed Před 3 lety +28

      Hey, don't sweat it! Tell um it takes time, but don't just say it, say it with their direct attention to YOU. If that doesn't work then have them try the drums and see how difficult it is for a beginner. Good luck to ya!

    • @ryswyk5894
      @ryswyk5894 Před 3 lety +15

      Take your time! I’ve been teaching myself how to play for about 3 years, and I’m still learning! I recently decided to take a week away from my kit entirely and spend 2 hours a day on a practice pad improving my doubles/singles/bonham triplets because I hit a wall and felt I wasn’t getting better. If you ever feel stuck creatively I highly recommend letting yourself get a break to allow your motivation to build back up. One day you’ll be proud of how far you’ve come!

    • @waltersmidnightshack4063
      @waltersmidnightshack4063 Před 3 lety +8

      Play the ten-hour version of "They're taking the Hobbits to Isengard" and ask them the next morning how they think you did.
      Seriously, just play whatever you want. Learn some silly, short song to shut them up, or just explain to them that you're in no hurry to play full songs. And depending on how much they know about music, they won't even notice the difference between playing it note by note and just jamming a regular old 4/4 over some fairly easy song you can find. Don't worry, in a year you'll be way ahead if you just keep practicing, at some point you will just play for them if they so desire.

    • @ArchieBC
      @ArchieBC Před 3 lety +4

      Don’t take it the wrong way. They are just trying to show you their support.

    • @jameskerr7439
      @jameskerr7439 Před 3 lety +4

      Get a rudiment book. Listen to all types of drummers. Hands first. Drum music easy to learn to read. Takes lessons from a good drummer. Practice often. Go slow. Learn to be timely. Speed comes later. Play to music often. Proper form and setup of kit is important. Use volume effectively. Practice every day. Keep a routine. Posture important too. Do what's hard for you, not easy. Half to push yourself. You want accurate timely fills. Experiment is big part of playing drums. Start off on trap kit. Can do a lot on a small kit and two cymbals. Hats are most universal part of kit. Good luck!

  • @BenGone
    @BenGone Před 3 lety +213

    Know how you can tell when a drummer is knocking on your door?
    The knock speeds up.

  • @QazwerDave
    @QazwerDave Před 3 lety +47

    My tip that I learned too late is:
    Include the feet in fills !!
    Bass or hi-hat pedal.

  • @-As4me
    @-As4me Před 3 lety +132

    It’s important to feel the music 🎼

    • @BDX2BDX2
      @BDX2BDX2 Před 3 lety +9

      Without that there is no point, and no magic. I'm with you all the way.

    • @daddydothang8635
      @daddydothang8635 Před 3 lety +5

      It's just like making love. 😁

    • @davidiand7
      @davidiand7 Před 2 lety +1

      Agreed, a drummer told me that a long time ago, it took a while for me to feel it, now I fully understand. 👍🏻

    • @ronthesledge
      @ronthesledge Před 2 lety +1

      Back in the day "feel" was known as playing with "soul".

  • @frogtite
    @frogtite Před 3 lety +81

    I am an drummer in my 40s who has always buried the beater until 6 months ago. After watching this video I decided to follow your advice due to my leg literally giving out after 3 hr rehearsals. It is now so much easier to play , for longer, with no knee pain. I thought I was just getting too old to keep up and now realized I was working WAY harder then needed. I think there is a notable sound improvement as well. Thanks for the lifesaving tip.

    • @Poppa_Badger
      @Poppa_Badger Před 9 měsíci +3

      Do you play "heels up" on your pedals? If you play heels down, you may want to try a heels up style. I was surprised when I realized how much more control I seemed to have when I played heels up.😉👍🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

    • @AnalogzZ
      @AnalogzZ Před 7 měsíci

      @@Poppa_Badgerit’s hard to play heel up without burying the beater , ima newbie so any tips would be cool .

    • @lobbyrobby
      @lobbyrobby Před 4 měsíci +1

      I'm 42 and just bought my first drum kit a couple of months ago. I'm trying to learn good fundamentals from the start but I can't seem to not bury the beater. I'm currently trying to learn the beat from Radio Head - Creep. It would probably way easier to get that kick in if I didn't bury the beater.

    • @frogtite
      @frogtite Před 4 měsíci +1

      @@lobbyrobby Maybe check your foot position? I find it works best for me to have my foot placed a bit farther back on the pedal and use mostly the ball of the foot.

    • @lobbyrobby
      @lobbyrobby Před 4 měsíci

      @@frogtite I've been practicing more and I'm kinda getting it. I've played with foot position a little and I have moved back some but when I'm not paying attention my foot seems to move up again. I'll keep at it tho.

  • @grahamsalmons2027
    @grahamsalmons2027 Před 2 lety +34

    As a beginner drummer, being able to ‘rip’ the sticks is such an aspiration, whether it’s good playing or not. It’s something that in my mind separates someone who can play and someone who’s just a beginner. I have no idea when this will develop in my skills, and seeing others do it just contributes to the frustration. Hence focus on hand speed. It’s not showing off, it’s a measure of capability in my mind

    • @mysticsailor9
      @mysticsailor9 Před 11 měsíci +9

      His point is that the music and the audience doesn’t care.. playing a solid, appropriate groove is 100 times more important than speed

  • @munkhammer1880
    @munkhammer1880 Před 3 lety +490

    Many of the best players in the world ”bury the beater” instead of letting it bounce. It’s really all a matter of preference and depends on the sound you’re going for and what feels good. Just do whichever comes natural to you, there really is no right way to play the bass drum

    • @maltegunst4951
      @maltegunst4951 Před 3 lety +58

      @Rob Boss when you reach a certain speed it's impossible to not bury the beater. It'd be more of a bother to do that. Personally I like to bury the beater, because I like that dampened Bass drum sound and it gives me more control over the pedal. But I'm nevertheless practicing to not bury the beater, to enlarge my vocabulary

    • @midnight8ngel
      @midnight8ngel Před 3 lety +26

      I've found that whatever makes you most comfortable, then do it. Be comfortable while playing. It's one of the most important parts of playing this instrument.

    • @ljy17
      @ljy17 Před 3 lety +6

      @@maltegunst4951 Yea would retrain your muscles memory to let the pedal rebound, get more efficiency for multiple quick strokes and it opens the drum sound a bit more. Allthough I agree u can bury the beater if u want the tone.

    • @briancdexter
      @briancdexter Před 3 lety +24

      I fully support ‘Bury the beater’

    • @callanc3925
      @callanc3925 Před 3 lety +33

      The moment I saw the thumbnail I knew this would be one of the top comments hahah

  • @mrshll2005
    @mrshll2005 Před 2 lety +25

    I've just picked up a set of drums. As a 16 year old whose never touched a drum set in their life, these tips are really appreciated. Thank you for this

    • @TriscuitDixtwix
      @TriscuitDixtwix Před rokem

      you still play?

    • @mrshll2005
      @mrshll2005 Před rokem

      @@TriscuitDixtwix often but not every day

    • @LS-fr6if
      @LS-fr6if Před 11 měsíci

      @@mrshll2005 and now ?

    • @mrshll2005
      @mrshll2005 Před 11 měsíci

      @@LS-fr6if yeah I still do, not often but a couple times a week

    • @vogelvrouw
      @vogelvrouw Před 9 měsíci

      ​@@mrshll2005 couple times a week is still pretty often imo

  • @beans8269
    @beans8269 Před 3 lety +285

    Why am I even watching this, I don’t even play drums

    • @panamared2402
      @panamared2402 Před 3 lety +22

      Probably cause u have no life dont worry most of us drummers dont either

    • @reignrose3820
      @reignrose3820 Před 3 lety +19

      Not yet...

    • @the_Morbo
      @the_Morbo Před 3 lety +7

      Sounds like a classic youtube rabbit hole.

    • @NotUntoUs
      @NotUntoUs Před 3 lety +3

      😂🤣 me either! That’s how you know you’re a good CZcams-er right there!

    • @lmh247365
      @lmh247365 Před 2 lety +1

      Same 😂

  • @markcall1982
    @markcall1982 Před 2 lety +49

    An addition to #6 rule is to take the nervous energy and make it excitement also. I use to play in churches for like 15 years and the nerves always show up. I would put it into happy energy and would listen to a band that was similar to what I was playing and I got in a zone and the nervousness became excited energy. love the show. Rock on!!

    • @tyvianamarie
      @tyvianamarie Před 2 lety

      Nice! Transmute energy

    • @gregcoleman5485
      @gregcoleman5485 Před rokem

      How I’ve always played. I never get nervous now, but at the beginning I’d be nervous all day until back stage, then I turned it into excitement. Let me at em’ attitude

  • @ekambijral5697
    @ekambijral5697 Před 3 lety +102

    i’ve been playing drums for over half my life, but these are still very useful. great video dude 👍

  • @orti1283
    @orti1283 Před 3 lety +37

    2:50 or just sit wherever you feel comfortable, and play with the heel up so you get your whole leg to support the movement and don't get tired no matter how many hours you play

    • @khbgkh
      @khbgkh Před 3 lety +3

      Yeah just pretend we don’t all have spines and knees, and always pretend you are so unique nothing could apply!

    • @allaboutdrumz6263
      @allaboutdrumz6263 Před 2 lety

      Playing heels up tires you out because you are basically standing on your toes the whole time. The best way to play is to be relaxed after every hit you do, hands or feet. This means that you can just rest your right foot on the pedal without pressing or holding it up. A good sitting position is called ergonomics, which means it is paramount to sit correctly behind your drum set and have your drums set up correctly as well, just as you would want to do when sitting at your desk behind a computer all day.

    • @orti1283
      @orti1283 Před 2 lety +2

      @@allaboutdrumz6263 idk about you, but every drummer I know personally or in videos, including myself, play heel up and it's WAY more comfortable than lifting the tip of your foot then trying to slam it to get a decent strike. It's simple physionomy, you have the aid of your whole leg versus the tiny shin muscle. Unless you've played heel down your whole life, it's 100x more tiring, whilie you could play uninterrupted for hours and hours without getting tired at all heels up

  • @NikkoNikko98
    @NikkoNikko98 Před rokem +21

    I’m 23 & I’ve been playing since I was 10 in church & in school & I’ve had a lot of experience in different live environments, these tips even helped me! These aren’t just great for beginners I think but for all drummers, I’m a firm believer in there’s always someone who knows more & I’m never done imporoving so videos like this help alot! 🤙🏼

  • @dairyairman
    @dairyairman Před 3 lety +42

    I wish I could go back in time and tell my younger self to focus on sitting up straight while playing, or at least don't slouch. Today, I'm a notorious sloucher and that has been one tough habit to break! I can sit up straight when I think about it, but as soon as my mind is on something else I tend to revert back to my slouching ways.
    Another bad habit for me I wish I could've corrected a long time ago is not looking at the drums while I'm playing, especially during fills and other more challenging playing. Drums really sound a lot better if you hit them with authority close to the center (as the video points out), but it's hard to do that consistently if you aren't looking at them. I tend to close my eyes or look off into the void while playing, which often causes me to hit the drums off center, or even hit the rims. I've made a lot of progress breaking this habit, but it's tough! These bad habits can really get ingrained!

    • @capo_di_capi
      @capo_di_capi Před 3 lety +2

      Watch Danny Carey as he plays, he gets all his power from sitting up straight, you can train yourself as I did, by buying a throne with a backrest, best way to break that bad habit

  • @OGMizfit
    @OGMizfit Před 3 lety +91

    The tip about distance from the bass pedal helped me alot. Thanks

  • @lynnekuchel1
    @lynnekuchel1 Před 3 lety +12

    I am 100% non glamorous. 55 years old and after 2 months of practice pad drills, I bought a used lower end “learner set”. Having so much fun just learning and trying. Thanks for your videos - I learn something new every day.

    • @noahmay7708
      @noahmay7708 Před 3 lety

      Never too old to start! Good on you.

  • @leoncito__
    @leoncito__ Před 3 lety +6

    The most underrated thing about this video to me is the fact that he cut the audio when he inhales.

  • @DeeloGoodquest
    @DeeloGoodquest Před 2 lety +27

    I was a music business major and my theory teacher promised not to fail me if I played in his 3rd string jazz band. He showed me the swing is in the 1/4 note and I matured into a decent jazz player comfortable enough to sit in with just about anyone at school. I gigged in Austin and toured for a good 6 years and all these pointers are so painfully true. Great great advice!

  • @retro72h
    @retro72h Před 9 měsíci +3

    I just started at the beginning of 2023 and one thing that has helped me is learning to count everything in eighths. I don't mean just in drumming but even walking counting in eighths, learning something so simple helped me relax and keep the beat in my band class.

  • @thepenguimoose562
    @thepenguimoose562 Před 2 lety +3

    As a guitarist I love these tips a few themes came up, your not gonna be comfortable at first, your not trying go be the best, not everything is speed

  • @jjcar99
    @jjcar99 Před 3 lety +8

    #3 is SO important. Even after I feel like I've mastered a song I can still pick up on things by just listening. Kind of like a movie you've seen a few times than all of the sudden you catch something for the first time.

  • @capo_di_capi
    @capo_di_capi Před 3 lety +19

    If I would have known the secrets of the double stroke, and the "swiss triplet" which is actually two double strokes L R , sixteenth rest L R, which, depending on the tempo, sounds like any four legged animal running.Using sounds found in nature transposed to the kit, is used so much by Danny Carey, who is the God of drumming, right now. That, and learning four limb independence, or poly rhythm playing, is crucial for setting yourself apart from all the other kit players who can play a million notes without sounding musical. you have to combine rhythm and melody in order to stand out among the crowd, my opinion.

  • @samsutcliffe9048
    @samsutcliffe9048 Před 3 lety +7

    I've never agreed with the 6th point honestly relaxing and getting into the music really helps, it's allows you to ignore everything and everyone watching cos you're focus on your music not them

    • @alvinangus668
      @alvinangus668 Před 3 lety

      Yep, the #6 is nowhere a tip for a drummer

  • @DenaliDad
    @DenaliDad Před 3 lety +7

    Becoming "one with the music" will also help those who aspire (as I did) to become one of the thousands of unknown, unseen, but always heard session players. For them, their next callback will depend on two things: 1) technical flexibility and chops, of course, including the ability to read the lead sheet you are given, and 2) being fully supportive of the music because you're not the headliner. Fail at that and your career in sessions will be short.

  • @davidguzzardo6327
    @davidguzzardo6327 Před 6 měsíci +1

    Well said, good drummer can bring the song to a totally different level by even the simplest fills! That’s what great drummers do! Doesn’t matter how great your speed and difficult patterns you can play. Great if you can, but it all boils down to? What can you do to make the song come to life! And most of the time the iconic air drum fills that we love, are the simplest ones That’s what matters!
    VH-Beginning “Jamie‘s Crying
    Rush-the break in “Tom Sawyer.”
    VH-Beginning “Dance The night Away”
    This is just 3 and there’s so many more!
    Don’t play a song to show people how good you are, play the song Way needs to be heard!
    That’s what makes it a great hit!

  • @calebS.Buddy_drum_Rich
    @calebS.Buddy_drum_Rich Před rokem +2

    For the beater, one aka the third one, just use your full leg. You can use even more power if you need it in the drum and it doesn't hurt your ankle over time, You get used to it, The hi-hat you can either stay with your ankle or swap with your leg depending on your setup. Usually your leg will hit the hi-hat, but trust me, use the full power of your leg when you need it, You get a lot of volume

  • @taylorperks3769
    @taylorperks3769 Před 3 lety +32

    Imagine Zach groves face when he said no one cares about chops 🤣🤣🤣🤣

    • @oli2328
      @oli2328 Před 3 lety +1

      It's just *internalised screamimg*

  • @selmonb921
    @selmonb921 Před 3 lety +7

    My thing for a long time, was practicing the rudiments to all different styles of music, tempo's and time signatures. This way you can find a way of applying the rudiments either on one drum, around the drum, or using it as a beat. Another fun thing for me was taking the simple right-left-foot pattern, then changing it to easily to alternate hand right-left-foot left-right-foot, then of course, doubling the foot, then the hands, now take that pattern and start applying the different rudiments. This early on opened a lot of ideas for me......As a side note, there is a band called Focus out of the Netherlands, who's drummer Pierre Vander Linden did some crazy drum solos LIVE, that to this day i'm not sure of a few things he's doing. We're talking about 1971 and 1973 recordings. There is a 46 minute version of a tune called "Eruption" Where he does some great drumming, especially a section with just him and the Guitar player, then his solo....WOW! also a couple different solo's on another long 21/22 + minute versions of Anonymous II again some very unique drumming for its time, and he NEVER used double bass, and there wasn't double pedals out yet, that wasn't until 77/78. He is still one of my all time favorite drummers, along with another rather unknown, the great BOBBY CALDWELL; Johnny Winter and "LIVE" 1st and 3rd albums in a band Captain Beyond, Rick Derringer's "All American Boy" album and a band called Armageddon, they only did one record in 1974.

  • @allaboutdrumz6263
    @allaboutdrumz6263 Před 2 lety +2

    I agree, I had the same thought, "if I only knew what I know now ten years ago, I would be 20 years further than I know now". and agree with all your points!

  • @zeekwargnarok5030
    @zeekwargnarok5030 Před 3 lety +8

    Thanks so much for making this video. I've been playing for over 25 years and a lot of the points you mentioned really open my mind and thinking I need to take time of what I'm actually playing versus just playing and thinking I'm doing well. Thanks!

  • @masterfulmoose6717
    @masterfulmoose6717 Před 2 lety +4

    These are all pretty fantastic tips, most of which I came to myself as well over time and experience playing. They aren't easy lessons to stomach, especially realizing that no one cares if you can play faster, and that your dynamics compared to the rest of the song really are more important than just playing to a metronome or click track, but once you get that in your head and you're conscious of them, people will notice. I keep looking for ways to simplify my playing to ensure I'm complimenting the song rather than just trying to put on a clinic, and I've gotten so much more positive feedback since I started playing to enhance the song as a whole than to just make sure I stand out.

  • @HawgNutz
    @HawgNutz Před 2 lety +5

    Thanks for your videos, especially this one, I literally went through my old keepsakes from my childhood, I found a couple of cassette tapes that I recorded myself playing when I got my first kit and i had only been playing for approximately 6 months before I got my first kit so I was still a beginner and I have to say that it was better than I remembered it being and it was like a time machine for me, and I wouldn't have done it without you posting this,thanks again 🥁

  • @cubanoinnc8767
    @cubanoinnc8767 Před 10 měsíci

    When I was a teenager, my inspiration to pick up the drums was John Bonham. Unfortunately, after a couple of years, I failed to dedicate the time I should have into my playing and gave up on the idea of being a drummer. Needless to say, it has been the biggest regret of my life. I am positive I could have been a very good drummer. Fast forward 30 something years later and my new inspiration......is you, Mr. Clark. I've watched a lot of drumming videos on CZcams. And all of the folks I have watched are great and seem to really care about teaching you how to play. However, there's something to say about your style, man. I really like how you focus on reminding your viewers that "you can do this". Your teaching technique and demeanor really struck a chord with me. So much, that I went ahead and finally made the move on something that I've been procrastinating about for years: I finally purchased a practice pad and sticks. I am now dead set on becoming the best drummer I can be. I know I've lost a lot of time. But like you made clear in your "10 Lies" video: Just because you've lost a lot of time, doesn't mean you can't become a good drummer. I can only wish that I would have had your CZcams channel as a resource when I was a kid. But....the Internet as we know it didn't even exist then. Yes...I'm old. 🧓 I will continue to watch your videos and make sure to follow your practice advice for beginners. By the way, I watch CZcams videos for a lot of different things but rarely, if ever, subscribe. I know, that's usually considered almost sacrilegious to CZcamsrs. But I'm a pretty private person, so it's in my nature not to subscribe. Of course, for you, I have happily and gratefully subscribed. Thank you for inspiring me once again, Mr. Clark. And If you are ever visiting NC, I would love to chat over a couple of beers. God bless, my brother.

  • @PneumaNoose
    @PneumaNoose Před 5 měsíci +1

    I love your #1 rule especially. Both QuestLove and my all time favorite drummer, Danny Carey, both have talked about feeling the music and not worrying so much about perfection. That’s sound advice coming from someone as masterful as Danny, especially. Just look at how relaxed QuestLove is when he plays, too. That man couldn’t be bothered if we tried. It’s beautiful to watch. I cannot WAIT to get my first kit someday. I’m trying to learn before I lose my legs (old car accident injuries taking their toll).

  • @JKFaShiz
    @JKFaShiz Před 3 lety +5

    As a relatively new drummer that is looking for more information other than rudiments and warm ups - this video rocked. Thank you!

  • @RobertGrayMusic
    @RobertGrayMusic Před 3 lety +5

    It's really instructive how many of these tips are not specific to the drums: listen to the music around you, prepare/tune your instrument properly, good posture, don't rush, learn from listening to others etc etc. I respect the fact that you took that approach, rather than throwing out a load of technical 'tips'. It's important to remember that you are a musician first and a drummer second.

  • @claydogproductions703
    @claydogproductions703 Před 7 měsíci

    These are all great tips that one will learn as their ego slowly slips away. As a seasoned drummer, I learned all these the hard way, too, and dude here is spot on. Now I'm a lazy drummer who doesnt even try. I don't hear myself anymore, I just listen to the rest of the band play and everything seems to fall into place.

  • @ralphthomas7868
    @ralphthomas7868 Před 2 měsíci

    #3 is often overlooked, I started getting better when I started listening to some incredible groups.
    Sometimes I take a sleeping tab with music on a loop playing softly and let it seep into my subconscious

  • @67hundredthz
    @67hundredthz Před 3 lety +23

    I’ve been drumming for 15 years I didn’t start until I was 31 but by doing this it introduced drumming to my son at 3 yrs old. He’s 18 now and I consider him to be a real drummer. Me not so much. There’s some internal skill set I lack and I think I’ve figured it out. I cannot role my R. You know what I’m saying like burrrrrito. Every real drummer I know including my son can role their R. I’ve spent the last 5 years trying to role my R and all I’ve managed to accomplish in this is make my kids roll around on the ground in laughter which awesome but not my intention. So until I roll my R I m never gonna be a drummer. If anyone reads this and is a drummer confirm please that you do indeed roll your R as well thanks

  • @breckin867
    @breckin867 Před 3 lety +5

    Nice. I'm not a great drummer be any measure, but I am experienced, and wow, your tips should resonate to every drummer, whether they're a reminder for old souls or a revaluation for the beginner.

  • @michaelciccaglione3921
    @michaelciccaglione3921 Před 3 lety +1

    Great tips. What is being said about listening to music as much as practicing drums is a huge help to advancing your perspective and potential parameters. This gives a drummer the ability to get better all around.

  • @lracrellim2711
    @lracrellim2711 Před 3 lety +1

    I was told by the best musician that ever created music " If you want to be a good drummer" . A great musician has the ability to make the audience anticipate notes that are not really there. Your advice has been about the most sound words I've heard in the last..... we'll leave it at 40 years. I hope they listen! Thanks for sharing the experience.

  • @jackiechan7845
    @jackiechan7845 Před 3 lety +4

    One factor you should mention is proper set up and understanding of each piece of your kit. The learning curve of how to physically create a synergy relationship between proper playing and skill development is fundamental in growing as a drummer but to have a intrinsical understanding of what each piece has the capability to create when you apply proper skills will open doors for how you relate to sounds and creative applications to create new and challenging sounds and expand your skill levels. Proper kit set up to enhance your comfort and confidence will also go a long way in helping you shape your playing skills.

  • @JuanJacinto
    @JuanJacinto Před 3 lety +8

    #10 i think it’s important to know and use both techniques, as they produce a different sound.
    I personally never had any knee pain when using the burying one.

  • @zoliver89
    @zoliver89 Před rokem +1

    Not sure how I have gone so long without knowing about your channel. But I’m glad I’ve found it. Love the video! Playing in a country/swing band helped me a ton with several of these. I was always a metal drummer. So speed, energy, size, feel, they were all the same thing to me. I never slowed down and matured as a drummer until I was forced. Once I realized my old fills and go-to grooves wouldn’t apply well in this situation, I slowed down and really listened to the music and other instruments and found my spot within that framework. I couldn’t have articulated this very well if not for you explaining it. But anyways, super pumped I found your channel and love that you’re focusing on fundamentals and “non-glamorous” things.

  • @ramonalfaro3252
    @ramonalfaro3252 Před 2 lety

    I'm constantly amazed at the great info on this channel. So mature for such a young man. I've been playing 27 years and come here to get better. Stephen is a BEAST!

  • @donjohnson7189
    @donjohnson7189 Před 2 lety +14

    As a now 58 yr old self taught drummer I can definitely appreciate you for this video good job. Oh and I started when I was 10 yrs old prompted by my uncle. I use my electronic set for most of my practice time acoustic set for gigs but having said that one really needs to keep up with acoustic practice as well simply due to the overall dynamics of an acoustic set. 😉👍

    • @GeeRoy3
      @GeeRoy3 Před rokem +1

      I'm 58 and just began playing last week!

    • @donjohnson7189
      @donjohnson7189 Před rokem

      @@GeeRoy3 like I was saying it really is a matter of practice just as with any instrument (except tends to be louder). With my electronic set up and with my Zune my headset and poof I can practice with ANY band I wish to and now at 60 it's all about the "Classic Rock"😄

  • @alanpules4105
    @alanpules4105 Před 3 lety +6

    Number #11 was absolutely essential and I totally agree! Playing what you "feel" and playing what you "know" are definitely 2 different things. I was in a highschool jazz band many moons ago and we played at a venue called "Valley Bear Festival" in CA. This band stepped up to play and were facilitating this nice easy rhythm jazz song. Then all of a sudden the drummer forces these "triplets" that he does using the bass drum, 2nd tom, and floor tom. Gads, it sounded terrible and he kept doing this thru out the song. Needless to say, the judges had something to say about it. They brought up how it was unnecessary to add fills of that dynamic to a song of this stature. If he woulda played what he felt there probably woulda been a chance of them winning the festival. Thanks for bringing this up and here's hoping more will need the good advice from you....🤘😎👌

  • @FreedomfamilyOKC
    @FreedomfamilyOKC Před 2 lety

    Loving your page. Thank you for the tips. I played drums as kid then switched to lead vocals for over 20 years. Now that I retired from the stage, I have gone back to my first love. The drums. It's like starting all over again. Cheers!

  • @charlesavino8826
    @charlesavino8826 Před 3 lety +1

    My college band recorded every gig and many rehearsals- the tape don't lie! All good tips here- been playing for over fifty years. Still playin'!

  • @elirobillard3451
    @elirobillard3451 Před 3 lety +10

    Really great advice. I've been playing for 45 years, and these ideas are what it's all about. If you disagree anywhere, think about why. Getting better is about enlarging your vocabulary, and being able to adapt, to innovate, to combine these things and keep on surprising yourself with where your playing can take you. The best lesson I ever had was simply to play and to listen at the same time, with taste. That simple idea can be said in so many ways and ten of them are expressed here.
    -e.

  • @andrewkidd1869
    @andrewkidd1869 Před 3 lety +4

    Thanks Stephen, not only are you clear in your explanations, you're very generous sharing your knowledge and wisdom!

  • @user-ll9ty6eh1b
    @user-ll9ty6eh1b Před 5 měsíci

    Been playing for 50 years hardcore and EVERY tip here is spot on. Very very thankful I learned all of these at the beginning of my career. ALWAYS record yourself (you may discover a good fill by accident) and ALWAYS practice to a SLOW metronome. (Try to GROOVE at 40 bpm) Dynamics, groove, a good ear, and feel rule over chops ALL DAY EVERY DAY, and will keep you working. Play because YOU love it. TRY to play with other instruments if possible, so your feel can develop, rather than just trashing around in your basement hammering out your chops. Work on your attitude that you're PART of a band, not the STAR of the band. Put in the time and have FUN. Proper posture and breathing will help you not get injured over decades. Perfect practice makes BETTER. GREAT video Stephen. Keep up the great work

  • @roosart
    @roosart Před rokem

    Thanks for sharing your knowledge and talent. I love the split screen with you drumming as you explained each item.

  • @timothyclaffey9138
    @timothyclaffey9138 Před 2 lety +9

    Really great advice. So refreshing to see someone focus on the mental aspect to playing such a physical instrument! Thanks for this!

  • @emte8875
    @emte8875 Před 3 lety +5

    Man, you've got the best drumming channel on YT, I bet you. Thanks for the tips, I've been learning drums for a year now. Tomorrow I'm moving my set a bit futher from myself - I like my knees. Thanks a lot!

    • @robbieboswell6190
      @robbieboswell6190 Před 3 lety

      I also lowered my cymbals way closer to the toms when I first started. That may be an issue for you too, not sure if that helps any or not. It improves your speed obviously as the distance is shorter, but it helps tremendously with fatigue too.

  • @PeteChatteris
    @PeteChatteris Před 10 měsíci

    You've said what I have been taaching for over 20 years. I've played for over 50 years and get frustrated with many drummers who know drums but don't understand music. Cheers Pete

  • @mikemcintosh9933
    @mikemcintosh9933 Před 7 měsíci

    Supports what I want to hear: relax, listen to the music, support the song, take it easy on your body, slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Great advice.

  • @stevematin6050
    @stevematin6050 Před 3 lety +72

    'sit far back and don't bury the beater'
    *Laughs in Mario Duplantier*

    • @douchebagginsmctalibancock2510
      @douchebagginsmctalibancock2510 Před 3 lety +3

      I fucking love Gojira and Brann Dailor is one of my biggest inspirations to play drums

    • @adamnesbitt11
      @adamnesbitt11 Před 3 lety +3

      @@douchebagginsmctalibancock2510 +1 Gojira and Mastodon are my favourites

    • @leviathan3630
      @leviathan3630 Před 3 lety

      @@douchebagginsmctalibancock2510 hard same

    • @polostone8876
      @polostone8876 Před 3 lety

      @@adamnesbitt11 same here. I think it's caused by their distinctive drumming "sound", which is something I need in a metal band

  • @danielbentley7117
    @danielbentley7117 Před 2 lety +4

    Point #10 - I think your knees hurt with that technique because you're tall so your legs are really long. For us shorter guys we simply cannot sit that far back or we won't be able to reach the rack toms, because shorter legs means shorter arms.

  • @jezfoden6820
    @jezfoden6820 Před rokem

    I've been playing for 40 years and this is all really good advice. I think you covered all the fundamentals to being a good musician who plays the drums. Great stuff.

  • @danielcollins1671
    @danielcollins1671 Před 3 lety

    ive been playing gigs for almost 2 decades and this is still good advice to hear. thanks bro

  • @tommyron
    @tommyron Před 3 lety +8

    I’m new to your channel with this video, so apologies if you’ve covered this elsewhere, but one other tip that really helped me when I was young was - don’t learn beats, learn songs. Really learn right from the start how to put an effective part together. Also, really good point about swing coming from the quarter note. When you demonstrated it, there it was! The more people know that one the better. Very nice!! 👍🏻

  • @DoblyTufnell
    @DoblyTufnell Před 3 lety +42

    You got my like from your first comment. Nobody cares how fast you can play. Agreed.

    • @Mrcrazy80
      @Mrcrazy80 Před 3 lety +4

      *stares in metal fan* Yes, actually. Some care. Playing fast is cool and fun.

    • @bigmonk802
      @bigmonk802 Před 3 lety +3

      If you can't blast 32nd notes at least 200bpm I won't even speak with you.

    • @Mrcrazy80
      @Mrcrazy80 Před 3 lety

      @Koa -_- What if playing "well" includes playing fast?

    • @samueljames5893
      @samueljames5893 Před 3 lety

      These are excellent tips I like how fast you are

  • @ClaxtonDrums
    @ClaxtonDrums Před 3 lety +1

    Great video Stephen! Couldn’t agree more with these! Keep up the great content! 🤘🏼

  • @davidhazlett5809
    @davidhazlett5809 Před 3 měsíci

    Stephen, your advice has been integral to my understanding of how to get the most out drumming. You are a fabulous drummer but also a great teacher and a humble man with wisdom.

  • @Rec_Affect
    @Rec_Affect Před 3 lety +3

    Loved this video man! I was also a percussion performance major for a while in college, and I felt that pain of nervousness haha Very great advise, and also lines up with my personal discoveries as well. Awesome stuff!

  • @drummingdog5706
    @drummingdog5706 Před 3 lety +8

    I once had a teacher that said i would get fired sooner on later for overplaying, something ive never been known for. 44+ yrs later, that hasnt happened. Good vidio, good advice. Relax-liston-groove.

  • @JonBradleyFilms
    @JonBradleyFilms Před 2 lety +1

    Number 6 is a big one. Being present with the music is essential. It’s the whole purpose I feel. Both for the listener and for the musician.

  • @fweddyfwintsone4491
    @fweddyfwintsone4491 Před 2 lety

    All excellent tips. Thanks Sir for taking the time to share this.

  • @aaronlevy6454
    @aaronlevy6454 Před 3 lety +5

    The longest gig I played was playing with a cover band a few years back for a runner's marathon and at certain mile markers there were bandstands. We played from 6am to 4pm. for 35-45 minutes at a time, roughly 30-40 songs on the master list. This was when i was 33, I'm currently 39. I buried the beater, no knee pain.
    I'm not what may have caused you knee pain but I think there's more to how you were sitting, the height, and you may have left your beater deeply buried causing tension. Sorry to hear that you developed that kind of pain.

  • @adelaidedrummer
    @adelaidedrummer Před 3 lety +5

    Play the foot pedal with the ball of your foot and the heal off. This way you can control the power and speed more easily

  • @bobbrofloski
    @bobbrofloski Před rokem +1

    All 12 points you made were things I learned when I played at church from 10-18yrs old. Even when I still play from time to time, I care more about blending in. My style was never a “shedder” I added the color to the picture being painted.
    Listening to music, playing different instruments and understanding dynamics will always be more important than just shedding. You spoke all facts my guy. 💯

  • @jraelien5798
    @jraelien5798 Před 2 lety

    GREAT tips!!! Thank you so much for this video! I am just starting out learning drums. It is quite a challenge and a journey. You saved me a lot of time and frustration. I appreciate it.

  • @DrGray_Drummer
    @DrGray_Drummer Před 3 lety +3

    Great point about the muffling. If I need tape, and pillows all the time, I'd buy a kit with tape, and pillows. Lots of great advice here. Relaxing is incredibly important to me. Being a long 6'3, I rarely feel comfortable with my distance from my bass drum, toms....

    • @koifish528
      @koifish528 Před 3 lety +1

      I’m 5’5, the ground is always so close to me and I feel like a small child when I sit behind a kit

    • @DrGray_Drummer
      @DrGray_Drummer Před 3 lety

      @@koifish528 I hear ya, but opposite. I have to use a virgin bass, or everything is way too close. My throne doesn't go high enough

  • @cameronolson3257
    @cameronolson3257 Před 3 lety +7

    Wow! I've got a B.M. in Music Industry from Moorhead State University, MN and have been playing drumset since middle school. I learned almost all of these deceptively important tips very late in my drumset journey also. Very good video and one in which for a beginner, if taken to heart will improve their playing dramatically. Great education on the intangibles!

  • @SonidosMaurelChile
    @SonidosMaurelChile Před 3 lety +1

    I used to work on a place that had live gigs all weekends (I was the sound tech guy). What I used to do after the show (when I was putting everything back together in the scenario) was play the drums and take note of the differents tunnings that drummers played in! So, if you can access to the drum kit after a local show, totally do that if you liked the sound it had

  • @dukebrown4396
    @dukebrown4396 Před 2 lety

    Great tips! Thanks for sharing!

  • @philminas584
    @philminas584 Před 3 lety +4

    Regarding #6 - I still, to this day, get confused and uneasy looks from some musicians when I talk about supporting the song/band instead of their chops. In essence, they are playing "in their head" instead of in the song. I think this a huge key that makes some bands sound so much better than others. You see this problem all the time with local bands who haven't quite matured musically. Musicality and chops are two different but equally as important features of a good musician.

  • @blakenunndrums
    @blakenunndrums Před 3 lety +15

    Great video, bro! Fantastic demonstrarions and great advice! You're a great player and instructor! Happy drumming!

    • @fabfishing7422
      @fabfishing7422 Před 3 lety +1

      AGREED! 💪

    • @blakenunndrums
      @blakenunndrums Před 3 lety +2

      @@fabfishing7422 EXCEPT, I've seen pro after pro after pro digging into the beater! Pros do it ALL THE TIME to creates dynamics, eliminate resonance, etc. As long as you know how to use it, don't train your bodyto do only that, etc.; it's actually an asset. If you want the 80/20s video on a similar thing, he clearly shows huge pros burying the beater for specific things. Only technique to have? Definitely not! Another good one to have just like staccato and legato notes and rebound with sticks? Yep! ;) Happy drumming, buddy!

  • @melaniehaefner5981
    @melaniehaefner5981 Před 2 lety

    Thanks Stephen. Helpful as always. Thank you for your efforts.
    I really appreciate your videos.

  • @jonathandelaughter4102

    Been playing now for over 12 years and after practicing on a new kit today I had some pretty bad knee pain. Never happened to me before so I was really confused. But you are totally right! Looking back I was sitting way to close to the pedal. Great video!

  • @vukjovanovicofficial
    @vukjovanovicofficial Před 3 lety +7

    The number 3 is so underrated, i've actually got better way more when away from my drum kit and listening to Dream Theater, Transatlantic etc. Good one !

    • @corbinragan5649
      @corbinragan5649 Před 3 lety +2

      It is so important to listen to music. I recently started playing drums and I've been making, listening to music for a while. It feel like i improved a lot faster than other people.

  • @halolytical9375
    @halolytical9375 Před 3 lety +4

    I’m a musician and mainly came here for some quick drum set tips. #6 is the number one rule for performers. I used to get so nervous because I felt I had to be 100% accurate 100% of the time, but as I progressed and watched performances as well I realized that doing that only hinders the performance. If you hate performing, just listen to the music and the room around you and you’ll have 1000 times more fun performing. The reason we are hard on ourselves when we learn and practice is so that when it comes time to perform, you can just lock in and jam

    • @jimlassen9422
      @jimlassen9422 Před 3 lety

      Yes, I agree with you and when I heard all 12 tips on here, number 6 stood out. As a 64 year drummer in the UK, I have changed my playing a lot over the years and always listen to what is going on (especially the vocals) to guide my playing. Also, I am doing less now (more space) as the gaps make a difference, rather than filling them up all the time.

    • @windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823
      @windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 Před 3 lety

      Listen to the bass player (assuming they're great). Ignore everyone else.
      ESPECIALLY the singer and guitar player, lol. And I can sing. I'm awful on guitars, tho. Lol

    • @halolytical9375
      @halolytical9375 Před 3 lety

      @@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 funny thing is I AM the bass player 😂

  • @giladmusic
    @giladmusic Před 29 dny

    Excellent video . Bravo . very important points for all level musicians . thank you 🙏🏼

  • @NanLander7854
    @NanLander7854 Před 3 lety

    Thanks for all the great information and the comments are great. ❤️

  • @sunsetpond
    @sunsetpond Před 3 lety +3

    I'm a brand new drummer I and already do everything you said!! Really!! I feel pretty good right now!! Lol! I sit on my porch and listen closely to nuances - but hard not to air drum sometimes 😂- recently I've been amazed with approach - slightly on the outskirts of the beat. This is dynamics I imagine? I didn't realize about the rim shot. That's new to me! Cool stuff. Thanks!
    I'll tell you something that truly gets me and I'm so stuck on it is that Mick Fleetwood sound -you know that tight deep snappy snare fill which for the life of me I can't figure out when or how it comes in and it works so freaking great! "Go your own way" for example- I'm just enthralled with it everything about it- how he incorporates the toms - but specifically in the end solo he does this little lick and really demonstrates how much I don't understand about drumming!! I got that old book - stick control. I imagine the practice page for this is in there somewhere!

    • @dfinma
      @dfinma Před 3 lety

      Dynamics is more about relative volume, both within yourself and relative to others. The "outskirts of the beat" as you call it (nice description btw) lends itself more to pocket, groove and feel. Dynamics is more like; 50% volume on the hats, 75% volume on the snare and 90% volume on the kick (or whatever ratio is appropriate).
      For dynamics within the hats, let's say you're playing an eighth note pattern. The first note of the eighth note pair will be slightly louder, the second note will be slightly softer. The first note might be more of the shoulder of the stick on the edge of the hats and the second note more of the tip of the stick a couple inches from the edge. Then how tightly to you squeeze the hats, more sloshy vs more crisp. You can even vary the tension in the hats between the first and second notes to change the sound.
      To vary the feel it's more like; play the first note of the pair right on the beat and the second note slightly behind. This results in the first note saying "here I am!" and the second note is more of a suggestion which invites the rest of the band to come meet you where you are versus overpowering them with BASH-BASH-BASH. The intro to No Doubt's "Hella Good" demonstrates this quite well. Adrian Young isn't exactly a groove player -- I think he's terrific, don't get me wrong (but he's not exactly Steve Gadd ) -- but this is a simple and quite lovely groove that's deceptively subtle.
      Of course ALL of this is relative to the music. I mean, Veruca Salt's "Volcano Girls" would suck with a tippy-tappy little groove. Sometimes it needs to be B-I-G :-)

    • @dfinma
      @dfinma Před 3 lety

      Go Your Own Way isolated drums:
      czcams.com/video/eAzEq-L14lA/video.html
      (edit: it's such a luxury to have access to things like this nowadays.)

  • @user-se3yy7el5c
    @user-se3yy7el5c Před 3 lety +4

    My first 2 years of playing I recorded on an ipod with the microphone covered to avoid overloading.

  • @durhambuildingcompany7356

    Great video - great tips - short and to the point with not a lot of repetition and fluff. Nice work!