Subscribe or I will steal your cymbals: bit.ly/2AyH1Fb I can't TELL you how many times I asked myself early on in my drumming "am I a good drummer?". How do we know if we're good drummers? How do we know if we're "bad" drummers? Is there a checklist for drummers? Through my years of teaching thousands of drum lessons to thousands of drummers around the world, I have come up with some very solid criteria for what makes a "good" drummer. Let's face it, everyone deserves to feel good about their drumming. If you're putting in the work, you should get some satisfaction out of that work. So here are 10 things that I look at in a student to judge where they are on the accomplished drummer scale. If they have all of these, does that mean they should stop working so hard? Absolutely not! These items will simply give you the satisfaction of knowing (especially on those rough practice days) that in fact you ARE a "good" drummer...you're just a good drummer having a bad day. And that's an ok thing. Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts on what you feel classifies a good drummer!
@russkennedy51465 жыл бұрын
45 Years playing at all levels and still learning everyday.
@RecycledFirefighter5 жыл бұрын
This needs to be a podcast episode too dude! I think you’d kill a podcast!
@jimsmallwood14455 жыл бұрын
Stephen, Your assembly line method and website member lessons have helped me get better in a very short time. As I have improved I now remember parts better and am able to pickup my mistakes and correct them more easily. The net is I am enjoying my own playing more which makes me want to work to improve further. Thanks,
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
RecycledFirefighter you’re gonna like what we’re working on 👊🏻
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
I’m right there with you. All about that journey
@AM-eg2kw5 жыл бұрын
I feel personally attacked every time you play the "incorrect" parts
@bigkickleo5 жыл бұрын
HAH! I just spit out my drink! 😂
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
Lol 😂😂😂😂😂
@crazyjoedavola54305 жыл бұрын
Same....
@runejsvendsen14185 жыл бұрын
🤘😂✌️
@whity724 жыл бұрын
Ooh, attacked, haha! So there is not only a normal bed wetting liberal whining "generation snowflake", but also a generation of SNOWFLAKE DRUMMERS! omg...
@jjdrummer10005 жыл бұрын
Crash course: 1 - Can you play with consistent time? 2 - Are your transitions solid? 3 - Can you play with articulation? 4 - Does what you play groove? 5 - Do you play with authority? 6 - Can you play with dynamics? 7 - Can you flow with your playing? 8 - Do you understand songflow? 9 - Do you play well with others? 10 - Are you an unselfish player?
@jonpryor26565 жыл бұрын
#10. Serve the music, not your own ego. Do THAT and every other musician you encounter is going to tell you that you're a good drummer! The combination of all those gets you gigs but if you fail #10 nobody's going to want to work with you more than once.
@abrackas15 жыл бұрын
This list goes with any instrument. Can’t tell you how many guitarists don’t play to what the song needs dynamically or in complexity. You can be showy but those are few and far between. Listening and awareness to what the song needs are criminally underrated.
@xtermn82015 жыл бұрын
@@jonpryor2656 That's very true, but as a drummer myself, is it greedy to ask for a solo or a 4 bar break to do your own thing? Because yeah I play to benefit the music, but all work and no play...
@user-id2dx4qd6j5 жыл бұрын
Lopyt *Sir_Guy* bonham lol!
@user-id2dx4qd6j5 жыл бұрын
Lopyt *Sir_Guy* not the best ever.
@parallaxart4 жыл бұрын
When I started playing, I was 10 years old. I didn’t give a flip about it till I saw Ringio playing with the Beatles in 1962, and he is who got me started. That gives you some idea of my age. I came from a family of very modest income and there was no way they could afford to buy me drums. So I set out hardback books on my bed in the places that the various drums and cymbals would be, saved up my allowance and bought a pair of sticks, pulled a kitchen chair up to my bed, and that became my first drums. I had a little transistor radio that I would turn on and play to and I just literally beat the covers off of book after book as my way of learning to play. They certainly didn’t have the feel nor response of a nicely tuned set, and my pedals were just me tapping my feet on the floor, (which drove the people downstairs crazy) but it did give me the training of timing as I taught myself how to play. In those early days I hung around the lucky kids I knew who did have drums and jumped at the chance to play their sets whenever I could. My first “drums” were a set that came in one box and were made of cardboard. They were basically just toys, with rubber bands for hoop tighteners, but to me, they were everything! They replaced the books and I can tell you I beat those things into pieces- literally. I put the bass drum from that set on an old TV cart and it became the floor tom on the first real set of a snare, bass, one bass tom and one cymbal. No hi-hat yet. And with that junk i got into one of my first bands and i have played ever since. i remember seeing Buddy Rich play on the Tonite Show once way back then and that showed me what a drummer could actually do. All of that of course was a long time ago, and for the last 40 or so years I have played and sang lead vocals in and out of more bands then I can even remember, even a church choir for a few years...that is until i started to get sick. i crushed my left ankle in a construction accident, but that did not stop me from playing. But catching Hepititis from a blood transfusion I received during the surgeries finally did, because unbeknown to me, it was eating up all of my internal organs. So finally I had to sell my set to help pay bills, and meanwhile I had a liver transplant and right now I am on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. But in all honesty, I just can’t wait any longer to be at it again- especially after seeing Neil Peart play- it really- reignited the fire in me to pick up my sticks again and get back into it. Believe it or not, I am 67 years old, but neither age nor sickness has put out that fire to play like I thought it would. So now I am looking for another set and I guess I will be starting all over again. I thought perhaps you might appreciate this story of how much a man can love being behind that trap set. I just saw some of your videos here on KZfaq, and I appreciate what you are doing for the percussionist community.
@StephenTaylorDrums4 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Ric!
@prsgroove31174 жыл бұрын
Wow, that is a very motivational story. Ever thought of becoming a motivational speaker and helping the youngsters find their way in life?
@TheButcher833 жыл бұрын
Haha I like it by the fact that Ric writes a fantastically thrilling story of life, and Steven responds back in four words 😂 But great story my friend 🙏🏻😊
@mycheesesteak3 жыл бұрын
How are you feeling these days Ric? Did you get your transplant? Did you get a drum set? Good luck!
@hizzilary54913 жыл бұрын
dude I have wanted to play drums for about 5 months and I have made these junk drum kits from dads old garage stuff that he doesn't need anymore (buckets) and one day my friend from school gave me his old drum sticks and it was like the best day of my life. I think I have broken about 15 books and like 3 school binders. One day I used my homework as a snare drum😂my teacher was NOT happy at all.
@T-Hawkeyes5 жыл бұрын
2:24 1 - Can you play with consistent time? 4:30 2 - Are your transitions solid? 8:25 3 - Can you play with articulation? 12:30 4 - Does what you play groove? 14:20 5 - Do you play with authority? 16:14 6 - Can you play with dynamics? 19:35 7 - Can you flow with your playing? 21:35 8 - Do you understand songflow? 22:50 9 - Do you play well with others? 24:49 10 - Are you an unselfish player? Big thanks to Jared Jacknow for starting this Crash Course
@rjl1onawi4 жыл бұрын
Thanks
@oddballskull19414 жыл бұрын
Currently binge watching crash course..not even in school
@georgeuzzle4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for quantizing the video
@charshii37455 жыл бұрын
Even when Stephen is pretending to play bad... it still sounds pretty good lol
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
Thank you my friend
@BasedChadman4 жыл бұрын
It's extremely technical, but the timing definitely hurts
@PotatoeChipz4 жыл бұрын
yeah, if you're out of time with the movie in time and about to die. it's pretty bad
@crispylemonman96954 жыл бұрын
That's the big problem for good drummers pretending to play badly. They'll either still be good, or they'll over exaggerate it. That's a problem people like me never have, because it's not fake.
@swati75773 жыл бұрын
'CAUSE YOU ARE A BAD DRUMMER sry no offence but i couldn't stop myself from writing that
@Weadababytsaboy4 жыл бұрын
Been a drummer my whole life. As musicians we are our worst enemy. I finally know that I am definitely a good drummer. What I can say to new or other drummers; don't get discouraged with all the talent out there. There will ALWAYS be someone better than you. Don't worry about that. Focus on being solid with all of these things Stephen pointed out.
@0943404 жыл бұрын
Pretty much my philosophy too. There will ALWAYS be drummers that make you feel inadequate, but if can stop the inevitable comparisons, you can understand and appreciate your own value.
@chuckhenley5754 жыл бұрын
Ditto here. There will be days when you get behind the kit and not "feel it", that's when you have to take a minute beforehand and get focused, remember what Steven is saying here that you need to play with authority, feel and groove. And also work with your band mates as part of the band, being a "team player". As the adage goes; "Repetition is the mother of skill". It will come with time and experience.
@mrf5072 жыл бұрын
Dead right
@HidefVince5 жыл бұрын
All those examples you gave at the beginning is what I call "Odd time signatures"
@HidefVince5 жыл бұрын
You, Mr. *Sir_Guy* ...get it. 🤟
@alphasaiyan57605 жыл бұрын
Nope. Just off beats
@AnotherWorldYT4 жыл бұрын
and it's not an odd time signature, because it's still mainly in 4/4. it's just shitty subdivision.
@victorglaviano4 жыл бұрын
Yes.... I have those down solidly, I believe I'm an expert in "odd time measures"... Otherwise known as being off time 6
@BasedChadman4 жыл бұрын
But they have to go hand-in-hand, and these did not. There would be no way to incorporate that type of play into actual music.
@RaynaVandel5 жыл бұрын
Dude! I take my hat off to you. It's SOOO hard to play that out of time on purpose 😂 good job!
@justinturner6535 жыл бұрын
That's what I was thinking. I can't imitate "bad drumming" to save my life, I always seem to get back to my "internal metronome"
@SaintNine4 жыл бұрын
My thoughts precisely. Your ‘bad’ playing is superb and I mean that as a compliment! I think it's very difficult to play badly convincingly when you can play well. 😁
@asylumrain4 жыл бұрын
Rayna Vandel yeah it’s like it takes practice be bad once your At least decent.
@jeffreypinter52264 жыл бұрын
YES!!! lololol
@RogersPhotographyGuilford4 жыл бұрын
I know right. I was cringing all the way through.
@lukejbonner3 жыл бұрын
I love how genuine and down-to-earth you are, man. It's really refreshing.
@roofklimber1015 жыл бұрын
I once had a really good friend who played lead guitar in a funk band. I ended up playing congas and singing for the band even though I’m a drummer. After the drummer quit it was a natural progression (I thought) for me to step up to the drums, but my friend just wasn’t having it as I was trained mostly in rock music. Long story short, I took huge offense to this thinking I was just a really bad drummer even though I had played live for years. It’s about a year later now and looking back on it, he was right. I just simply didn’t have the funk chops on lock to jump into this awesome band. Thankfully I’ve spent many hours behind the kit ironing out my funk so now I have my own funk rock band
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
I love it. Use those moments as opportunities to grow
@jonathanhaley99675 жыл бұрын
That is sick dude. Keep up the hard work
@JeffPenaify5 жыл бұрын
"Fuck you guys, Ill start my own funk band. And call it Megadeath"
@NateRange4 жыл бұрын
I like how Everytime he says "quantize" the X-Files theme played.
@tieukhavu88324 жыл бұрын
Lol
@mattbond66994 жыл бұрын
Reaper's Musics It was super funny, but it was driving me mad that he wasn't saying quantify. Great video though haha
@asverlov5 жыл бұрын
11) Am I serving the song 12) Am I following gig/rehearsal etiquette (arrive on time, know the parts, know how to tune the kit and work with a sound guy etc.)
@DaveLambertITA5 жыл бұрын
Point 11 is basically point 10, because if you're not being selfish it means you're serving the song rather than your own ego. (Like Tré Cool said, you must play the song, not the instrument)
@a.j.wilkes63525 жыл бұрын
"You can go far in life being a solid B and showing up on time."
@donf37394 жыл бұрын
13) Never pass up an opportunity to STFU, especially between songs. You're not impressing anyone except yourself.
@edwardk34 жыл бұрын
I'm insecure
@superjanembaishappy55125 жыл бұрын
The bit about authority is so true. When I changed my drum teacher the first thing he asked was to simply play. And after that he just fixed some really simple thing like how I hit the kick with my foot, how I played ghostnotes, etc... But the thing that really stood out was when he said: "Hit that Hi-Hat harder man. It looks like you're scared of hitting it". And then you realise how much barriers that guy broke for you.
@debralynnpaxton52385 жыл бұрын
My strength is 'grooving', no matter what style I'm playing...I need work/confidence with 'closing', getting past that annoying mental block...also, am not a stick-twirling, throwing, fancy drummer; therefore, if going by great time-keeping, I'm 'golden' :D I also sing while I'm playing in a show and other places/events here in Branson, MO and out of town...am very lyric(what we're singing about/emotion of lyric) /dynamics/Keyboard, Bass,(try to be 'twins' with Bassist on my kickdrum ), Rhythm Guitar, other instrument patterns...
@ronrlm65 жыл бұрын
I was accused of speeding up on my breaks. I denied it. I thought for sure the Lead Guitar was trying to kick me out of the band and take it over. In the end, I realized there was some truth to his accusation. I've learned that it is better to 'lay back' both on the difficulty with your breaks AND the speed of them. If you delay your break and finish strong on the beat Usually 1, that you are back in on after the break - the band and the audience will love you for it. The FEEL will be better for all.
@weareallbeingwatched46024 жыл бұрын
practise with a metronome at least one time in ten.
@henryraymond86764 жыл бұрын
Yes, it may be right but I can tell you that often, too often, people who are not really good players try to blame someone else. Musicians tend to be an arrogant, egotistic lot and some are quite strange indeed. I often say, O.K., let's put the record on and see. If it's cover, and guess what, that puts an end to that argument AND they will be reluctant to try it again. If they want you out though, and some do, especially if you are better than they are, they find a way. OR you do. Many bands break up not because of the music though.
@golfhound4 жыл бұрын
I played in a band where the drummer was constantly accusing me of missing the beat - blaming me for his incompetence. I had the band record one of our practices and I set up a metronome next to the stereo speaker as we all listened. Lo and behold, he was the one going off beat, off time. I was on, he was off. I think it is essential for all musicians to have perfect time or you'll never be tight. Keith Richard, who can hire any drummer in the world, has said that Charlie Watts is one of the greatest drummers in the world. I think it is because he keeps perfect time.
@weareallbeingwatched46024 жыл бұрын
@@golfhound charlie watts is not one of the greatest, he is famousest not best, nor is he even above average by African village standards.
@bobyost424 жыл бұрын
@@henryraymond8676 to my experience, most bands break up because of ego cancer.
@Motorcitypower14 жыл бұрын
Truly a Great teacher that can articulate his wisdom thru words as well as showing you on a kit. Thank you !
@StephenTaylorDrums4 жыл бұрын
Thanks my friend
@kiiiedxplorer5 жыл бұрын
i'll get there someday 😁 Still working on and learning to be consistent with time. Transition for me is very important, specially that I mostly drum at church and still learning though. This is kind of a reminder ❤️ I love these kinds of tips and lessons. I still have a lot to learn.
@Amarilliobrillo5 жыл бұрын
Don’t we all
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
I’m right there with you. All about the journey
@TheButcher833 жыл бұрын
Stephen Taylor I would so like to start playing drums again, and learn it from scratch again. I am 37 years old today and played in amateur bands when I was 13-16 years old, but mostly played guitar. Can't get enough of your videos and I'm almost drawn to all kinds of drum videos on KZfaq now and can watch it for hours
@zephyrgutierrez40465 жыл бұрын
I've been following you for a while now, and let me tell you, my playing as massively improved. Not only, is the content good and helpful but also, your teaching makes it really easy to absorb! Keep up the good work! And thank you!
@MrWotsy4 жыл бұрын
Hi, Stephen. I´m from Argentina. Sorry for my French. Absolutly brillant. All of your videos but best of all, your concepts. I´m a huge fan of your way of express, the simplicity to get to us. Every time i´m in conflict with my way of playing drums, i come here and listen to you. I get calmed and back to confidence. Thanks for that. Would like to see you playing in my country sometime. Abrazo de rock (hug of rock)
@Glurbschnurb5 жыл бұрын
Great video. I am going to keep these principles in the back of my mind as I continue on my drumming journey.
@ryandavis605 жыл бұрын
The x files "quantize" thing 😂 Very helpful video though, thank you!
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
Just kept on using that word wrong lol
@nicholas_james5 жыл бұрын
@@StephenTaylorDrums Quantify
@Razorrr163 жыл бұрын
This video is great! I'm proud to say that I already kept these thing in mind before watching this video (and of course, I agree 100%). I also noticed these points you make can be applied to any instrument, not just only drums. Thanks for taking the time to share this with us and keep it up! These are the videos people need :)
@nickferrence85935 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much Stephen for this video. It really IS a great checklist that I found myself asking the same questions. It's a very in depth and very relevant subject. Nick
@mcsequoia51075 жыл бұрын
Excellent video! Great examples! I hope every aspiring drummer watches it many times. I would add 2 things that others who have done similar videos have missed. 1. Stick control. Most of the things you talk about such as basic time keeping, articulation, dynamics, transitions are all predicated on having good control of the drum stick. 2. Understanding of time signatures and note subdivision. How do you keep good time, if you don't know what 4/4 time is? How can you be good at transitions if you can't move between fluidly between quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes?
@jackmaddesty4 жыл бұрын
11: When you’re in the groove, does your head fall down so you just sit there and stear at the floor behind the HiHat, or is your head up so you can register what’s going on around you and comunicate with the rest of the band in a live setting?
@nils14 жыл бұрын
Maddesty Yeah, I tend to not look at the others, but I have my ears at everything that happens and communicate through my playing.
@remoevans27934 жыл бұрын
Just look like you’re a mental patient on Thorazine, Charlie Watts made a career out of it 😂
@rwbz283 жыл бұрын
@@remoevans2793 I learned a lot of bad habits from that man that were hard to break. But he is still a great drummer.
@mrf5072 жыл бұрын
@@rwbz28 Never could listen to that band more than 10 secs. About the topic, always looking up and ears opened. At least, doing my very very best in that aim.
@mattshank224 жыл бұрын
I like the simple way in which Steve expresses drumming constructs. This was a good watch as I had never had anyone articulate the key metrics of a "good player". Well done.
@rusthie36475 жыл бұрын
Thank you mr. Stephen...all of your teaches about this topic,it helps me a lot and also improves my drumming transitions and dynamics..because before i was drumming at the church..i played not so clean...but now when i see this video..my drumming style was changed....you're right mr. Stephen even if your not the best drummer but..i believe that you are one of the great teachers that i have been known in drumming..God bless to you mr. Stephen..i love this video..and im expecting for your new video again to upload about drumming techniques,style,and procedure. -from philippines
@johnboyle32974 жыл бұрын
50 years of being hired never fired always striving to improve, understanding that LESS really is MORE, being easy to work with, checking my ego at the door, earning enough to live and raise a family and a whole lot more lead me to boast that I was a drummer and percussionist of an acceptable standard.
@parallaxart3 жыл бұрын
You are very fortunate indeed to have made a living at it. The ego part is supreme in making a band work. That one thing has torn apart more bands then I can remember.
@reesebranch94725 жыл бұрын
I’ve been playing for 7 years, so I feel like I’m an experienced, or “good” player. But I’m definitely going to go over some of these points in my next practice. Thanks for the video!
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
You bet
@davidmcarter70314 жыл бұрын
So good to have all this in one place and easily articulated. Thank you for all the helpful content
@christophersoprano-sculptor11 ай бұрын
Thank you so much for breaking down this lesson into different steps. This will help me focus on one specific aspect at a time.
@theteddybearthief72605 жыл бұрын
Hey man I just started doing the drums and your videos been really useful for me thanks for everything.
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
Makes my day to know they’re helping. And welcome to the drum family!
@tonylomas97735 жыл бұрын
Thanks for a great lesson. As a beginner. I don’t know what I don’t know. I now know that I don’t know how to articulate well. So massive thanks for that. It’s great to be able to ‘quantify’ where I am :)
@dangermartin695 жыл бұрын
Once of the biggest tips I can give is this: Don't try to emulate anyone, be yourself. Setting your kit up just like your favorite drummer will not make you drum like them. Move things around so that you are comfortable and things are efficiently placed. Most important, relax and feel the music, and don't let guitarists tell you how to play, unless they can actually play drums.
@tonylomas97735 жыл бұрын
Homer Simpson thanks for the tips. Useful advice. 👍
@joemarlow465 жыл бұрын
I begin to feel more confident and consistent about my playing now. You are such a great teacher! I've finally began to realise that being a good drummer isn't always trying to pull off the most impressive or fastest drum solo without light or shade, but to sometimes tone it down and allow the music to breathe.
@TKrause54 жыл бұрын
This video really helps you find your weaknesses. First part of fixing a problem, is admitting you have one. My biggest weaknesses: Are your transitions solid? Now I know what to work on. Great video.
@Strellock5 жыл бұрын
This needs a part 2 focused on writing drum parts. Great video!
@boblevey5 жыл бұрын
You are an excellent teacher and player. We have a friend in common, Henrique De Almedia. Love your videos
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much bob. And Henrique is such a great guy. Humbled and grateful to be one of his students.
@kinrhor7925 жыл бұрын
thanks for the valuable lessons. I've learned a lot from you. This video was a great checklist for what you should work on.
@timobatana67055 жыл бұрын
Great video. Great advice. I drum for my church and I think this advice is great. Staying humble/unselfish is so important
@carlrest65535 жыл бұрын
A good drummer holds the pocket - time. That means consistency throughout the song. That's it! Everything else is a bonus. Lots of drummers can't even do that.
@mittens711995 жыл бұрын
5:19 "I'm not waking up any family," said the drummer 😂😂
@parallaxart3 жыл бұрын
but he always did anyway...
@martinpeham4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Stephen for that video! I agree with all you said 100%! Especially the last point, that's the thing for what I get booked most!
@shocktrooper84434 жыл бұрын
I love the little (X Files) snippet @ 12:36! Had to sell my kit back in those days so my little sons could have a decent Christmas!, but got some new Premiers a few years later, '94 APKs...still got 'em & still playing 'em! STILL LOVE 'EM TOO!
@rakimaje84335 жыл бұрын
Great video! What are your thoughts on this. I am a late beginner, started on 31. I enjoy playing in a band. I am focused on being consistent. It is a challenge not to slowly speeding up during the song. Sometimes we play faster at the end of the song. When I check with the members they say it felt fine, but in my opinion not consistent. Am I to hard in myself? Do you regonize this? Greetz from the Netherlands
@kdailey43155 жыл бұрын
I still struggle with transitions. I'm always coming in soft in the back of the beat because I'm focused on the fill and not nailing that hard One.
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
Sounds like you know where to work then 👍🏻
@davidkeller78934 жыл бұрын
You're a great drummer and an even better teacher. This is my first time watching one of your videos. Just subscribed. Looking forward to watching more of your videos.
@kingmusic36173 ай бұрын
Im going on 23 this year and been playing since i was 10-11 years old. What an amazing journey music and Percussion has been and will continue to be.
@raulgranados745 жыл бұрын
Love the Dynamics!!!
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Raul 🙏🏼
@punkrocker13775 жыл бұрын
Since i started playing, about 18 years ago, i always wondered if i was really any good. And, since my band members never tend to say "Hey that sounded awesome.", i never really knew. But this video definitely helped me know for sure that, at the very least, im solid.
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
That’s exactly why I made it. Glad it gave you some peace of mind man
@punkrocker13775 жыл бұрын
@@StephenTaylorDrums keep doing what you do, boss. You're amazingly helpful for beginners, novices, and vets, alike.
@mr.dizini55865 жыл бұрын
Wow! Thanks alot for the video. Many of the points were things that I was looking for, because i knew, i overcomplecate things. (Actual my skill Level I Think is quite high, but I didnt know how to Use it.)
@shooz4unme5 жыл бұрын
SPOT ON THIS!! GREAT VIDEO N MOST VALUABLE INFORMATION!! GREAT INSIGHT!!
@mikedolan61765 жыл бұрын
Can I Play With Madness? As long as you have a cowbell. 🤘 Thanx for the vids. Always helpful. Cheers
@eddiekitzhofer42454 жыл бұрын
I want a T-shirt that says, "Buzzing some and diddling others."
@StephenTaylorDrums4 жыл бұрын
Lol
@mrf5072 жыл бұрын
Man you speak (and thence play) the truth. Wish I had that sum up a long time ago and not having to understand EVERY BLOODY POINT over time at my own expense. Thank you, truly.
@melissapaulson72154 жыл бұрын
Hi I had so much fun listening to you and trying to take it all in! I have really no clue on how to play the drums, however I filled in at practice and harmonized. I never played before but I got 2 right on your list I know the format of a song and I'm quite on guitar solo I'm trying to figure out how to do it? Only when real drummer is sick. Only at practice.
@TheStClair20115 жыл бұрын
I try and practice humility as well. Serving the song.
@chuckhenley5754 жыл бұрын
That's it! All about working together to create the sound of the music with your fellow band mates, being an accompanying player instead of a virtuoso. Well said!
@remoevans27934 жыл бұрын
Jeff Porcaro was my biggest influence. Keep time, stay in the pocket and serve the song. He didn’t believe in drum solos either.
@JukeboxProductions4 жыл бұрын
I play with "real musicians" who regularly have me second guessing my skills. I am definitely not a "great drummer". I know this and I don't care. But, I do want to be a "Good Drummer". After watching your video, I realized I am a good drummer. F*** those guys!
@stevenbushong51024 жыл бұрын
Hilarious.
@pimtool93514 жыл бұрын
Fuck you too.
@RogersPhotographyGuilford4 жыл бұрын
For real.
@ballhawk3874 жыл бұрын
Sometimes if another band member is asking you to play something Stewart Copeland would have to rehearse for hours to get down, you have to read them the riot act and remind them the groove comes first. Or even invite *them* to take the drum throne play what they want to hear.
@nigelkeyworth52554 жыл бұрын
If you record your rehearsal and feel ok with how it came out in regard to your drumming then it's not you. If all they do is complain about how you should play then it's time to walk. You will find something better. Drummers work the hardest in the band and have the most kit. You deserve not to be treated like a hired hand unless your are being paid per session. Good luck.
@gracegeek46784 жыл бұрын
Another video of great service to the online drum community! Thank you Stephen!
@just82much514 жыл бұрын
Great video with wonderful tips!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
@catkeys69114 жыл бұрын
Listen you yourself in a recording!!! VERY important, and good way to hear how you actually sound vs how you THINK you sound. You may find that the microphone can be quite cruel. When I was much younger, I used to think I was playing a lot better than I really was, but when I'd hear myself played back, I'd think "WHAT??" I'd thought I'd done it pretty well, but something just doesn't sound right. Here's the thing: If you play to a metronome beat, you should not be able to actually hear the metronome, because each of your synchronized beats should be at the EXACT SAME instance as the metronome, and should therefore drown it out. The metronome should be loud enough that you can hear it when your beat is off by, say, a 500th of a second or so. So if, let's say, your playing the ride cymbal- tick, tick, tick, tick. If you'r just SLIGHTLY off the metronome, you'll hear chick, chick, chick, chick, instead. It may seem difficult at first to get this perfect, but the human nervous system has an innate ability to produce metronome-like precision (think heart beat- but, with this in mind, also be aware of the effect of adrenaline. Adrenaline is your enemy when playing drums, but it can be controlled with concentration and practice).
@nathanpoovey62115 жыл бұрын
I had a moment about a week ago, even if I check these boxes off myself in practice, I struggle through jams with other musicians. Really humbling experience there, but mostly embarrassing
@joecooper85275 жыл бұрын
Are the musicians you're jamming with understanding ?
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
We all have those days. I just try to view them as real life workshop learning experiences. I’ve learned so much from 10 seconds of being embarrassed on stage. And the lessons stuck lol. It’s like shock therapy
@themonkeyswrench3 жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed this video. Song structure was always extremely important to me as I had somewhat rushed playing drums (only started because no one local around my age played and we needed someone to do it) in live settings and the amount of issues I ran into early on at venues was that you won’t always be able to hear what the rest of the band is doing. 10 years later, I may not be the flashiest drummer but I am better for learning the songs and practicing them by myself. I actually generally get thrown off more regularly when I can hear everyone else now!
@deepotter67745 жыл бұрын
Excellent points, Stephen; as always. Thanks for taking the time to itemize the essentials of being a drummer.
@wescarroll364 жыл бұрын
Sonovabitch, I just became a better drummer. Best 30 minutes I've spent this month. *Thank you Stephen* for explaining and demoing this so clearly. (I "knew" all this stuff, but there's something in the way you structure and demo this that hits on a deeper level.)
@StephenTaylorDrums4 жыл бұрын
Thanks Wes. Makes my day to hear that.
@paparicu4 жыл бұрын
i was looking for good info about being a good drummer and you help me a lot , im gonna give a class here in mexico online because of the pandemia we are living in , thank you stephen , keep spreading knowledge
@abramplaysdrums21194 жыл бұрын
Great insight Stephen I check all of them except for knowing the music like chorus pre chorus intro ect I still play every Sunday with my church fam and nail it most of the time but I could brush up on that thanks again.👍
@nospoon175 жыл бұрын
Being an unselfish player is so underrated as a valuable skill as a musician
@MaureenC1433 жыл бұрын
Once I get into a band, I believe I would be an unselfish player, just happy to be playing, while embracing the varied roles of drumming in each musical piece...
@vasilias22304 жыл бұрын
I'm good enough to play with musicians and keep the beat and energy of the song
@Matt-qc5ug4 жыл бұрын
Sounds like a good drummer to me!
@thesolajets97995 жыл бұрын
thank you for your insights ,a very good checklist to review on a regular basis .. i appreciate your efforts and can relate to your clear communication of ideas.. 10/10 !!!
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@a.j.wilkes63525 жыл бұрын
Love the video. This falls firmly in the "How you anything is how you do everything." Patience? Unselfishness? Being a good listener? Oh we're well beyond just being a "good drummer" attributes.
@dkelban4 жыл бұрын
You're a DAMN GOOD drummer
@StephenTaylorDrums4 жыл бұрын
🙏🏼
@Lucknow4725 жыл бұрын
When I drum, it sounds like 2 raccoons fighting in sewage water... Edit: thank you for liking my comment Stephen!!!😃😃
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
Unrealistic Freddie this is such an accurate description lol. I love it
@tararichards14335 жыл бұрын
Love it! Raccoons can really groove, so I hear....
@cj_ssfsm5 жыл бұрын
I like meeko from pocahontas 😆
@debralynnpaxton52385 жыл бұрын
Lol ! Love your sense of humor...I'm sure it's great :D
@victorglaviano4 жыл бұрын
I know that beat!
@alexcannon19144 жыл бұрын
you are my main source of drumming education together with drumeo, i really enjoy your videos
@shanewilson33454 жыл бұрын
I lack in a lot of those areas your talking about but I'm okay with it because before I didn't even know those keys points you were talking about.. I'm learning my flaws so I can improve ty
@Lazy_eye_blobFish5 жыл бұрын
If one of the steps is having a beer and then I'm sorry I feel that miserably. I can't grow a beard to save my life.
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
My wife can’t either. It’s been a real sticking point in our relationship.
@ryansatnik65515 жыл бұрын
I wish I’d seen this video 10 years ago! I used to be very focused on “that cool lick” or being able to play 7/16 at 400 bpm, or some other inapplicable skill that I’d never be able to use in a song. When I started realizing that it’s a lot more valuable to be able to keep solid time, or play with authority (etc), I stopped comparing myself to every drummer I came across and really started becoming more comfortable with who I am on a kit. Ironically, this has also helped me appreciate what others bring to the instrument, which has inspired me to discover my own craft even more. Thanks for this!
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
That’s an important switch to make man. Instead of comparing begin to appreciate what others bring to the game.
@csontosmilan91505 жыл бұрын
Thanks Steven This is great video and really helpful. Thank you
@MotricMedulation5 жыл бұрын
This is fantastic content. I think this is a great resource drummers of most levels. Thank you!
@terryk1233youtube4 жыл бұрын
Good drummers never talk about how good at the drums they are. Good drummers are also never going to show up to a gig and have animosity towards other drummers
@grantkirkpatrick98865 жыл бұрын
I think the word you were looking for was quantify 😂
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
Oh, I for sure just repeatedly used that word wrong lol. If you make a mistake, make it again...then it’s a part of the song 😂
@EversonBernardes5 жыл бұрын
As Adam Neely says, repetition legitimizes.
@revtks3 жыл бұрын
@@StephenTaylorDrums This is one of my goto rules. Especially when live and winging it. If nothing else, it looks like you intended to do it :)
@kld56174 жыл бұрын
Just come in and watched this. Thanks mate it's a brilliant piece explained really properly I can relate to this I'm made up watching this I was watching joe mirrello and it lead to this brilliant this mate thanks for putting this up 🥁🥁🥁🥁
@CINO08165 жыл бұрын
I have been playing for 20 plus years and its crazy how getting back to basics can always help me learn new things. Always Love your videos. Great stuff!
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
Thanks my friend. The basics are always healthy to return to for sure
@richsackett34235 жыл бұрын
1 Way To Tell If You're a Good Drummer: Ask your bass player. Saved you half an hour. You're welcome.
@ThePredsedatel5 жыл бұрын
Can't say that i'm anythere higher than begginer
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
DeanWinchester88 nowhere to go but up! We’ve all been there and that’s one of the things I love about this community
@planetcool22403 жыл бұрын
Excellent video and so true on all 10 tips. The click track is my heartbeat in every song I record without making it sound mechanical with the bass guitars or drums. Great videos and tips on the drums. Learnt a lot from you. Every songwriter and other players that are not drummers should watch this video.
@adolfohernandez61344 жыл бұрын
I’ve been playing since I was a kid..I’m 47 yrs old now and have always played by ear..I want to teach my grandson how to play but don’t know how to explain it to him..except.....do it like this!..lol..so you’re video was awesome and will not only help me teach him..but myself as well...thanks bro!
@matthewforce5 жыл бұрын
I'm surprised you were able to quantize all of this information into a single video!
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
Lol 😂
@Thecyclingeconomicsdoc3 жыл бұрын
Seriously! I've learned that the key to drumming success is to simply quantize the crap out of everything!
@rockyvsrambo824 жыл бұрын
You are NOT a good drummer... Your a GREAT drummer...
@bmillerdrums4 жыл бұрын
At nine minutes got some fast singles there bro. Amazing, just so important content for drummers of any level beginner intermediate advanced ETC. I play professionally as well as teach and any student of yours should be extremely thankful that they are working with the best great job
@troyfarnsworth34294 жыл бұрын
Been playing for many years and kept finding myself returning to the same musical rut your ideas helped me remember to try different ideas to stay out of the rut thanks
@darki45075 жыл бұрын
If ur a real drummer, u don’t need this video. You only need your ego
@JayA-uq6gb5 жыл бұрын
Darki I certainly hope this comment was a joke!
@kevinsloan55705 жыл бұрын
@@JayA-uq6gb - So do I , and if he means that - there is a shit!y drummer !
@timobatana67055 жыл бұрын
So this encapsulates so many drummers I promise you guys. Its satire yes but it's from the stubborn prospective of the bone headed, stuck up, full of himself, egotistical mindset many drummers fall into. Do not be that guy.
@lancehollum55664 жыл бұрын
Yes its a joke. Yea we all need someone or two in the band that have huge ego, . Yea that's a blast. So much fun to be around. Lol
@lancehollum55664 жыл бұрын
Kevin Sloan Unfortunately he could be a really good drummer. But the huge ugly ego makes it just terrible to bare. And if he's a shity drummer with a huge ego then we can always change the channel/ drummer. Lol
@sneedville805 жыл бұрын
I really enjoyed this. When I am drumming especially at gigs I always try and envision there is a really good drummer in the crowd and at the end of the night he will give me feedback. So I always try to do my best and play with class and musicianship.
@bibop9692 жыл бұрын
great!!! i got that custom session hihats too. 13 7 to 14 inch . steve gadd style
@IRo4155 жыл бұрын
Appreciated contrasting specific elements of drum play. It is hard to describe movement and sound with words; but, you helped me understand better. I remember Peart talking about Grubber teaching him to think of moving in circles with hands/sticks and paying attention to the SPACES between sounds. Like your point regarding using enjoyment of playing as indicator of mastering each element. Thanks.
@IRo4155 жыл бұрын
Oops... meant NEIL PEART of course.
@peterknispel40205 жыл бұрын
Thankyou Stephen. This is a fantastic lesson and a great check list on this topic. I love all of them and I was put in a situation this past 3 weeks being offered a gig and only having 2 rehearsals without the bass player and one rehearsal with the bass player doing 28 covers and then trial by fire. All of these 10 items came into play for me that night and we rocked the house. Lucky I guess but they were all important items to our success that night. Thanks Stephen. These 10 ways are a great way for all drummers to keep themselves accountable for their drumming and musicality playing with others. Rock On..........
@StephenTaylorDrums5 жыл бұрын
You bet Peter
@fadyrayes5 жыл бұрын
Excellent lesson! Really made me self-reflect on my playing and my strengths and weaknesses.
@cbensuardisimo44054 жыл бұрын
Watching your videos make me want to practice so hard. Thank you for that
@sujayanarula39133 жыл бұрын
I watch your videos even when I am not a drummer, drumming is something I instinctively feel connected to I do not know why😄 it could be because when I listen to music first thing I notice is the beats( rhythm) how did it end up learning Guitar while my interest was to learn drumming! Thanks to my children's School 😊 I can see your videos and learn few things before I ever get a chance to buy or play! This pandemic isn't doing good for any of these activities! Hope everyone is safe, stay blessed!
@GiannisVeronis5 жыл бұрын
Love your insights man! I am guilty of many of them and working my ass everyday. Would love to take an interview of you on my channel as a pro musician