Free Drum Lessons
Here Comes The Half-Time
You may not be familiar with the technical term half-time, but you probably have already recognized the unique feel of a half-time groove.
Hat This Way (Aerosmith "Walk This Way)
Borrowing from the classic and instantly recognizable intro groove from "Walk This Way" by Aerosmith, this lesson focuses on the concept of playing the open hi-hat on beat 1 of the groove.
Move It To The Snare
Moving your right stick to the snare instead of the hi-hat can produce a unique sounding groove. You can further develop the groove by moving the right stick back and forth around the toms.
Wrapping Your Head Around Syncopated Notation
To a lot of drummers, syncopated notation (and playing the notation, for that matter) seems to be an alien concept. However, taking a step back to examine a few of the most common syncopated patterns can ease our syncopated woes. They're not as difficult to read as they may appear at first glance.
Basic Linear Training Exercise with Stewart Jean
The third lesson in our exclusive Musicians Institute Hollywood lesson series, this time Stewart Jean explores exercises that are designed to help you feel a repeated linear pattern of three sixteenth notes that travel over the bar. By doing this exercise you will be able to feel syncopated linear patterns in all possible sixteenth note subdivisions.
Cross-Over Believer Groove
This lesson walks through the creative cross-over grooves used in the 2nd verse and pre-chorus of the song Believer by Imagine Dragons.
The Power of Dynamics
The term dynamics refers to how loudly or softly the music is played. Without changes in dynamics, music can sound dry or even robotic. This lesson is designed to show how greatly dynamics effect the feel of a drum beat.
Breaking Out of the 4/4 Rut
This lesson explores a slick alternative to playing in 4/4. The grooves are designed to be very similar to 4/4, but because they're actually in 7/8, the last would-be 8th note is missing. Stepping outside of your comfort zone is a great exercise to keep your drumming mind fresh.
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.
