Free Drum Lessons
Cleaning Your Drum Equipment
Learn how to clean your drum equipment. Tips for cleaning drum shells, stands and hardware, cymbals, drum heads and the finishing touches.
Introduction to Voicing in Drum Notation
Have you ever been confused by the presentation of a drum part? Were some of the note stems pointing down, when you were expecting them straight up? In this article, we compare the three most common styles of notation for drums and determine the best context for each style.
The Way of the Hi-Hat
Hi-hat patterns and articulations can change the feel of a groove entirely. Because of this, it's important to recognize the feel your hi-hat patterns create — and to use that knowledge to choose hi-hat patterns that match the feel of the song.
Keith Carlock - Drum Solo - Notation Excerpt
Keith Carlock, known for his work with diverse acts including: Steely Dan, John Mayer, Chris Botti, Wayne Krantz and Toto; performs an impassioned improvised solo.
Elements of a Beat
This is a quick reference for the basic elements and terminology used in rhythm notation.
15 Simple Beats used in Famous Songs
This printable page features simple beats used in famous pop and rock songs. Each beat is used for a significant proportion of the song, unless otherwise indicated.
Galloping Combos - Practice Pad Exercise
This drill features six sticking variations for the above galloping rhythm. It is designed to improve your coordination and stick control through playing combinations of alternating, double, and accented strokes.
Paradiddle Breakdown
The humble paradiddle's combination of single and double strokes lends itself to being accented on the beat. The double strokes allows a split-seconds extra time for the other stick to prepare for an accented stroke. Stick height is the most important element in playing accented sticking patterns with the right dynamics.
Marching The Drum Set
Steve Gadd immortalized the marching drum set with his solo titled "Crazy Army." The following march uses similar rudiments and concepts, starting with a base march and then embellishing with rolls and flams.
The Constantin Beat
When Dave Constantin sat down and played his groove at NAMM 2013, I knew I had to use it and share it with you (with Dave's permission, of course). This groove plays with a funky idea on beat 4, incorporating double strokes with beat 1 on the hi hat completing the 5-stroke roll.
Polyrhythm
Learn a cool polyrhythm pattern that can be expanded around the kit. Great coordination practice!
Snarin' The Boom Shalock Lock Boom - Drum Lesson
A great technique to groove up a groove is to play sixteenth notes on the snare drum instead of the traditional eighth notes on the hi hat. While this technique won't fit every situation, it really is a cool way to change the feel of the groove.
