Drum Lessons

This week's lesson explores a quick drum fill in the style of Blink 182's stickman, Travis Barker. The fill can be played as either 16th notes (2 bars) or a single measure of 32nd notes.

Learn a sweet linear groove ideal for intermediate level players. The pattern is a single measure of solid 16th notes between the kick, snare, and hi-hat, but experimentation with other orchestrations can get you a lot of mileage out of this single idea.

This lesson explores a slick single-measure drum lick consisting of sextuplets and sixteenth-note triplets orchestrated around the kit. Every beat uses a different sticking pattern between the hands and kick drum, with dynamics being the key to making this chop sound great.

Learn four patterns from Ted Reed's Progressive Steps to Syncopation.

Learn a cracking four-measure drum beat on the toms. The groove is aimed at intermediate level drummers who are looking to spice up their tom grooves with this musical orchestration that sits on a basic four on the floor pulse.

This lesson borrows the sticking pattern from the previous lesson, combining a number of paradiddle variations to create a drum n bass style groove. In this lesson, we use the sticking pattern to create a more conventional drum fill between the kick, ride and snare. You could also loop this pattern and combine it with other ideas in a drum solo context.

Learn a killer two-measure groove in the style of Drum N Bass that utilizes a number of paradiddle sticking patterns. Learning this drum beat will help improve dynamics and double strokes, especially when played at 160bpm and up.

Learn a short 32nd note drum fill over beats 1 & 2 and ending on beat 3 with a big fat snare hit. Beat 4 is rested. The idea is to create tension via a fast drum fill followed by a dramatic pause before returning to our groove.

This lesson explores one of my favorite exercises/warm-ups. This groove is a great way to work on your ghost strokes and double kicks. With all four limbs playing different patterns, it's an awesome independence workout, as well.

This lesson explores five cracking drum fills, all of which have featured in some of the world's greatest rock tracks. Each of these sticking patterns include the kick drum, which is the main focus for these intermediate level drum licks.

Learn a two-measure drum fill for intermediate level drummers. The fill is meant to be played at high tempos in a rock or pop context. The pattern is predominantly between the kick, snare, and hi-hat with choked hi-hats occurring throughout.

Learn to play the chorus groove from Thunder by Imagine Dragons and a simple hi-hat technique to bring a new feel to your grooves.

Learn a "cracking" little groove using a five-note sticking pattern (RLRRL) along with a six-note (RLRRLL) played between the snare and floor tom.

This week we are back on the practice pad with this fun four measure sequence that combines paradiddles and hertas.

This lesson explores 5 great drum fills simple enough for a newer player but slick enough for everyone to enjoy.