Free Drum Lessons

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.

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."

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.

A Slick Almost-Linear Build

This linear groove starts off with a simple, but great-sounding, pattern. Each bar adds to the previous bar to gradually fill out the beat.

Version Confusion

Have you ever carefully learned a song for a gig, and then experienced an on-stage train wreck? Your band may have suffered ‘version confusion’ — where each band member learns a different version of a particular song.

Hi-Hat Technique - Steven Adler Style

This unique hi-hat technique is used by Steven Adler throughout the verses of the Guns N Roses hit Welcome to the Jungle.

Groovin' with the Samba Foot

The samba foot pattern is an excellent foot exercise to develop strength and endurance. It's not only fun to play but sounds cool, too.

Samba Groove

This groove builds from last week's "Samba Foot" drum lesson. This beat continues the samba foot pattern, but also includes a 3-note ostinato pattern with the right stick, as well as some other embellishments.

Three Dog Night Grooves - Hi-Hat Technique

Learn the grooves and hi-hat technique used throughout the first chorus of Mama Told Me Not To Come.Learn the grooves and hi-hat technique used throughout the first chorus of Mama Told Me Not To Come. This is a funky song with a lot of slick hi-hat technique. Experiment with applying some of these techniques to your grooves.

How To Play Enter Sandman Intro Beat

Learn the intro beat from the classic Metallica song Enter Sandman. Lars Ulrich's drum track features a hard-rock, tom groove in the intro. The syncopated crash/snare accents within the groove make this intro an instantly recognizable drum track. The bass drum drives the groove. Be sure to nail steady kicks. Bring out the high and middle toms strokes to bring home the backbeat.