Free Drum Lessons

Exploring the "& ah" Drum Lesson

This lesson explores adding a syncopated crash on the "ah" of beat 4.

Stickin' with the Bass - Drum Beats

Enjoy 8 grooves that feature an additional hi-hat stroke each time the bass drum is played on an "e" or "ah."

Rockin' the Ands

We often find ourselves in a straight-8th-note rut when it comes to playing the hi-hat. Step out of the rut with these 8 beats featuring an "and" ostinato on the hi-hat.

Moving Hands - Simple Drum Fill Technique

The Moving Hands technique is a simple way to create a drum fill by playing the same drum beat while moving your hands around the toms.

Layering a Groove

This drum lesson begins with a foundational groove and gradually adds layers to fill out the groove. Use this technique to make your playing sound fuller.

What is a Drum Fill, Really?

What constitutes a drum fill? Could a single stroke be considered a drum fill? Find out!

Short fills are perfect for light transitions or breaking up repeated bars of drum beats. If overused, they can become annoying and predictable. Used with purpose and judgement, short fills are a great addition to the song.

7/8 Beats From Patrick Marsepoil's Ebook

This lesson introduces 7/8 timing using Patrick Marsepoil's latest ebook, "7/8 Beats: Odd-Time Coordination."

Simple Swing Sixteenths - Drum Fills

Some simple patterns, when orchestrated around multiple drums, create complex-sounding, syncopated grooves. In this lesson, we're orchestrating a full bar of sixteenth notes around the kit.

How Do You Stand It? - Music Stands for Drummers

A sheet music stand is an important piece of equipment for the working drummer and student alike. There are some great options available which suit the specific needs of drummers. The following list contains the names of the stands in the above collage, their approximate price, and some helpful links.

How Fast? You May Be Fast Enough

As drummers, we're often drawn into the desire to play fast. We've seen drummers put on amazing displays of speed, endurance and athleticism behind the kit. It's impressive and quite an experience to watch. However, the need for speed can also be a hindrance.

Balancing the Hands - Swing

This is an exercise designed to balance your hands through playing the jazz swing rhythm with either hand. In the first bar, the right hand leads, playing the rhythm on the floor tom. In the second bar, the left hand leads, playing the high tom. The spaces are filled with ghosted snare drum notes. These ghost strokes help you to hear and feel the underlying triplets in the swing feel.