Lessons

Practice Pad \ Groove \

Chad Smith: The Big Phat Funk Loop

Chad Smith gives us the lowdown on how he devised his drum part to “Power Of Equality” from the Red Hot Chili Peppers album Blood Sugar Sex Magik.

Practice Pad \ Fusion \

Schnalle Method: Ride Pattern Possibilities

Wally Schnalle helps us find the right groove pattern for our ride cymbals — something that only another fellow drummer can convey.

Practice Pad \ Metal \

Matt Byrne: Odd-Time Rock Beats

Matt Byrne offers an easy trick for playing odd time signatures. By breaking them down into more commonly used meters they feel more natural to play.

Practice Pad \ Groove \

Rich Redmond: Linear Hand Patterns

Rich Redmond gives us some exercises that he warms up with an hour before every show. They are also great for developing grooves and solos.

Drum Parts \

Keith Moon Hot Licks: Miraculous Thrashing

Keith Moon’s madness was evident in all he did, but his magic was found in the notes he played. Here are some of his most memorable performances.

Artist Analysis \

Hot Licks: Roger Taylor’s Regal Queen Licks

We take a close look at rock drumming icon Roger Taylor’s contributions to Queen, and put some of his most famous licks under the microscope.

Independence \

Path To Drum Set Independence, Part 7

Libor Hadrava assigns one pattern to the right hand and left foot and the others to the left hand and right foot, forming diagonals or an “X.”

Artist Analysis \

Pat Mastelotto: Permutations In 7/8

Nate Brown re-orchestrates Pat Mastelotto’s 7/8 groove from the song “Black Well Monotony” to demonstrate its many possibilities on the drum kit.

Practice Pad \

Matt Byrne: Drumming Dynamics

Playing with dynamics can completely change the feel and tone of a song. Here Matt Byrne teaches us how to practice and effectively use this skill.

Lesson of the Week \

Peter Erskine: Accented Triplet Illusions

Most drummers learn how to play triplets on the snare drum to every bass drum quarter-note. But things become interesting when you add accents.