Free Drum Lessons
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.
Simple Man - Intro & Verse Beat
Learn the intro and main verse beat used by Bob Burns in the song Simple Man.
Drum Technique in a Bottle
Learn the tom-layering technique used by Stewart Copeland in the classic hit Message in a Bottle.
Thunder & Hi-Hat Technique
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.
Put this Warm-up in Your Grooves
One of my favorite go-to warm-ups, this pattern can also double as a slick technique to use within your drum beats.
Hi-Hat Ostinato Over 7/8 - Building Grooves
These grooves explore a steady, quarter-note hi-hat foot played over a 7/8 groove. Drum fills included.