Free Drum Lessons

Simple Triplet Embellishments

This lesson introduces a simple way to embellish your hi-hat today. The technique doesn't dramatically change the feel of the groove, which is good. It adds interest to the groove without changing it too much.

Getting Started with Alternating Sixteenth Notes on Hi-hat

This drum lesson presents 8 beats designed to help you build your sixteenth-note, alternating hi-hat skills.

Cool Tom and Snare Groove

Tom grooves are cool. They can sound powerful, tribal, happy, you name it. This is a syncopated tom groove that was built by orchestrating a regular drum beat to the tom and snare.

Breaking Up #33

Many drummers have experience with the famous pattern #33 in the Stick Control book. When you apply it to the drum set, splitting it between the hi-hat and snare, it creates a great groove. However, breaking the pattern up into smaller chunks or beginning the pattern in unusual places opens up many opportunities for creative, great-sounding beats.

Starter Grooves and Drum Fills

This lesson shares some good sounding drum beats and fills designed to keep beginner to intermediate level drummers motivated (and sounding cool).

And You Thought I Didn't Paradiddle

Breaking up the paradiddle by placing half at the beginning of the measure and half at the end creates a unique sound because the natural repeat-feel of beat one conceals the paradiddle. This lesson explores the technique.

Crash Your Groove

Last week's lesson explored using the crash cymbals to create new levels and dimensions within drum fills. Another overlooked concept is including crashes to create new layers and dimensions in your drum beats. Who says crashes are only for drum filling? This lesson explores some ideas of adding crash cymbals to a foundational groove.