*HEY Y'ALL! CHECK THIS VIDEO OUT THEN CHIME IN WITH YOUR THOUGHTS* 🤔

"Skills give chills, but groove pays the bills" - Steve Gadd I'm not even old, and I felt what you were saying.

Its about damn time someone said this.

"G-chops" is the pentatonic sweep of drums.

Honestly drum channels make drums seem like a martial art more than music expression.

Here’s the question we should always ask ourselves... “Does what we’re playing support the music?”

"12 year olds wildin' out on the kit" had me dying 😂😂

In other words, don’t throw a solo over the whole damn song.

You are by far the most balanced cat on KZfaq

Gary Chaffee's linear concept is very easy to understand - always lead with the right hand, play an even number of notes with the hands, and then play one or two notes on the bass drum before starting with the right hand again. So for example, you could play 8 notes as 4+BD+2+BD, and it's grouped as 5+3. Combinations of longer phrases that avoid downbeats (or beats in general), and how you orchestrate and accent the notes around the drumset, is what makes it cool and difficult. David Garibaldi's concept is mostly linear, but he also plays two notes at the same time. As he described, the Soul Vaccination groove was based on the Swiss triplet sticking. You'll find that flam/double stop "note overlap" all over his playing - for example, two 16th notes on the snare and two on the hi-hat, with the 2nd snare note and the 1st hi-hat note played at the same time, in the aforementioned Soul Vaccination. One person who doesn't seem to get mentioned much is Terry Bozzio (even though I think most of us are familiar with U.S. Drag). His concept really is anything in any order, not structured like Chaffee's. His was based on Dahlgren & Fine's 4-Way Coordination. He sounds amazing, but you have to really know what you're doing - musically, not technically - to make it work, as there aren't really any limitations to keep you from going off the rails. These guys are musical as hell with linear drumming. G chops is a travesty. I don't even think it's that big a deal. If you want to show off technique, something like improvising over left foot clave is much more impressive than a super-fast linear chops-fest IMHO.

Phil Collins said something to the effect of "It's the notes you don't play.".

Linear Trap is equivalent to a lead guitar player that never stops playing leads during a song and loses the groove. The groove is what matters :)

5:35 "It's not so you can get up on stage and pull your pants down." Hahaha. That's a great way to put it. So true though.

Excellent points that you made. I like the fact that you didn’t shut down “G-Chops”, but made it relevant and gave understanding to how to utilize the style within the concept of MUSIC👍🏾

This guy just gave FOR FREE an invaluable lesson for EVERY young and up and coming drummer. This message is spot on and should NOT be taken lightly.

You nailed it this video. I fell into the "linear trap" when I was younger as well. My first time playing Sunday service at church is a great example of this. I can remember having 16th note fill ins and was playing more than less. At the time I thought it was cool, but down the line I definitely started to really listen to the music, and not focus so much on my drumming and came up with a term I call "Musically correct" (I know it sounds silly on paper). I still like busting out chops and play technical, But listening to the music and starting with the back beat and building off of that helped my drumming and my musicianship over the years.

I gotta say though, the few drummers that can incorporate linear drumming ARTISTICALLY into their playing create a whole new level of musicality. But I still agree with you Rob (like always)!

Rob... making this video is so brave and so smart of you! Thank you!! I hope as a drumming community we can continue to embrace the power of linear drumming, while still remembering all of the incredible things that have been done without it. I love seeing super balanced drummers that know how to do all of the "new" and all of the "old"! Those are the best ones!! 😉

100% agree! I’ve never really thought about it but you’re spot on!

G chops sound like a washing machine that has issues.

I been playing guitar for almost 20 years and have decided to take up the drums to record my own pieces. The advice here is taken so much appreciated, bud. Thank you

Hello Rob. I'm a self taught drummer and I think there are many traps to fall as a self taught drummer! Would like to see a video that has some must know and must avoid things for us self taught drummers. Thanks brother!

Thanks for video. It was a great advice. Keep on drumming!!

Awesome Rob. I thought I was the only one feeling this way. Thanks for expressing it so artfully.

About time about time. Big Shoutout Mr. Rob Brown thank you thank you. I've waited a very longtime for someone to step up and represent about this Linear Trap style. And I agree witn you 100%. There's so much to drumming vs linear Trap Gchops. I've played over 30 years. Soca,Calypso,R&B,Soul,HipHop mostly. The linear style I used for practicing not showcasing it on stage. I like to keep the crowd moving.

Rob, I completely agree with you. Its as if its become a spectator sport rather than anything musical. Even the great Buddy Rich himself who always played like he had something to prove was keenly aware that there is a time and place for that kind of stuff. Its called a solo. Love the channel! Thanks Man!

There are so many rabbit holes and very deep wells in drumming , take any variation to it's limits . And it gets deep quick !! Great message as always Rob !!

You and Ash Soan have quickly become my favorite drummers on social media. Ash is an excellent example of less is more with an insane pocket. You guys are amazing musicians and something a drummer should aspire to achieve on a musical level. Thank you for all of the free information.

New to this channel. Just wanna shout out and say this has been one of the most informative and influential channels on KZfaq for drumming. I know I'm late so I have a lot to catch up on. currently just turned 29 and basically relearning everything I overlooked through my journey. My pop Michael McGloiry and uncle David Daniel highly recommend watching you and I've been getting immensely better since turning in. This videos confirmed a lot of my theories on this subject so I'm glad that somebody has put it out there for the world to know. - bless

100% agree with the Gary Chaffee recommendation. His books (especially Linear Time Playing and Time Functioning Patterns) opened up my playing a lot.

Really appreciate this video Rob. I am a younger drummer and I’m guilty of falling into this linear “rut” so to speak. Really helpful. I think everyone should expand their musical vocabulary, and not stick to just one style.

Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!!!...for making this video. I've been having the same exact thoughts for years!

Well stated Rob, and thanks for spreading the word on Gary Chafee, his ideas are so creative and fun to mess around with.

Amen Brother Rob!! There is a time and a place for everything. Word ☝️👊

I am still a young drummer myself(23) and mostly into metal music (one of my fav drummers is Brann Dailor from the band Mastodon). But I always recognized the importance of the „classical“ drumming like Jazz etc. I find it alot harder to play because of the complex structure and thats why I want to learn it, like you explained to extend my drum vocabulary and to get in more variety in my playing. It helps so much for almost every aspect and expands the creativity to play. I find you on youtube due to searching how to get the best sound of a basedrum. Eversince I sticked to your channel cause its so helpful and you seem to be such a genuine and honest person who can give you the tips and tricks to become a better classical and overall good drummer. Thank you and keep the great and instructive videos on. Sry for my grammar mistakes, greetings from Switzerland.

I’ve just spent the last six months getting some g-chops, I now have a bunch of fills I’ll never use - or worse still, that I will use. Great advice Rob. It has been useful for independence and grouping though

I'm not quite an old guy yet, but I'm certainly not young anymore either. I want to learn this stuff, but I don't ever want to stop being a musical/groove type player. I appreciate your opinion on this, and I'm glad to hear so many others feel the same way.

Thanks for the fluid output.i found many years ago that playing various percussion instruments ,even just a tasteful cowbell ,was a remedy to getting stuck in the machine like habit.Also taught me to sit back and listen in a much sort of wider manner,so I could put in things with more taste.Then coming back on the kit with that frame of approach .In the long run its just one more fluid expression ,like the difference from studying dance and dancing when you feel it.thanks for your time.

Mad respect for your take. Once in awhile I enjoy watching and learning to play fast. There is a place for every type and style of percussion. That said ,groove is king. Got a better kit recently, doing better with the things that you taught me. Many thanks , both your skills and your teaching is pure inspiration.

Hi Rob, Great video. I studied with Gary Chaffee in West Roxbury Boston, Ma. at his house, downstairs in 1997-98? and it was nice to see you mention him. You are spot on. His books on linear time functioning patterns kicked my ass. He is the master at this and the drumming patterns I've learned to this day are still with me. He kicked my ass for 6-8months back then as I was and still am a huge Dave Weckl fan but couldn't figure out his styles and it was worth every penny. Great instructor. This style in Moderation with Dynamics is great.

Yes totally 100 percent spot on Rob; been saying this for a long while and finally someone putting this out! A lot of drumming today sounds the same with with all this chops stuff and very little or no musicality

Hey Rob, Just getting back into playing after many years off, your videos are making it very easy. Love the way you teach. Thanks

Bless you Rob, I dig the way you present this whole topic! Been getting tired of hearing that same style all over the place.

Very valuable advice. Thanks mate

This is exactly what i tell my students. The whole Linear thing is a tool in your bag of tricks. It's not about -Not having it..it's about using it in moderation and with musicality. Great lesson Rob.

I love the way you explain the subjects Rob, thank you 👍

one of your best vids......great subject and your right !!

Always great stuff!

I love your playing and teaching Rob. I’m an Elementary School Music Teacher and composer and can say that you have a beautiful talent in presenting applicable concepts and drumming technique.

WELCOME BACK DR. BROWN BEEN AWHILE WHERE YIOU BEEN? U DA MAN I THANK YOU.

Very informative always on point!!

Thank you to say it, and choose the right approach! Shared!

Beginner drummer here, (got my kit less then a week ago.) I've just started listening to the Japanese band called "Toe" and the drummer Kashikura Takashi, in my opinion makes the drums sound super beautiful and poetic. After reading some comments I heard it was called "Linear drumming" and that's how I got here. This video was great and will help me keep on track thanks.

Linear combined with layered. texture, tone, colors, space and all the rest to play MUSIC.. Great video. well said!!!

Interesting post. I'm old school, old guy, back beat drummer. I can see the value in this style, if nothing else, being able to pull it off in the right situations. Plus as you point out, in warming up. Vinny C is one of the best. Love his playing with Bernie Hancock. By the way man, love your videos. I've learned so much from you. Thank you.

Your the best on YT at communicating points in a clear and concise way!

Spot on Rob!!! I’ve had this conversation with a very well known drummer that actually stopped doing clinics for a while because he felt his playing was being misinterpreted as the very thing you speak of. The sad truth is it’s very rare to hear anything new with a lot of the younger players. Not that they aren’t great technicians but most of them sound alike. It’s like the difference between someone constantly yelling and a decent conversation.

I wish I had another set of hands....so I could give this video 4 thumbs up!! The fact that you touched on the "pros and cons" of this type of linear drumming made it digestible. Again thank you man!

Rob's videos help out a lot and that's an understatement. I'd highly recommend for anyone new here to take a look at every video he's done.

Thanks. Informative video. I also like the Drumhead Halo!

Love your lessons Rob. Thank you!

Hey Rob One of your most important video's to date. A voice of reason in a cacophany of ultra fast 32's. There's a place for it in drumming, but increasingly that place looks more and more to be at the Olympics rather than anything musical. Kudo's to those that can do it through a 5 minute solo. Technically tough for me. But I'd much rather drop in a beat or two of 32's to embelish a phrase in a solo, rather than chop 32's all the way through. But what do l know? Thanks Rob.

Hey Rob! Love the video man, I've been a drum teacher for close to 3 years now and I do teach linear chops; BUT I teach them only when it's musically appropriate to the song that we're learning. But I also teach rudimental chops and tying the two together and it really helps my students; as well as they have a lot of fun. I also have a discussion of where something like this is appropriate in a band situation.

Love the massive voice of that snare, A&F? It’s got lovely presence.. thanks for breaking it down!!

Man chops are great but if you don't have any groove then there just ain't no point in playing.

Amen. Four way independence and feel are 100x more difficult to master in imho. Agreed with the Chaffee comment. His books are intense. Years of work are required to really absorb the material. Don't get me wrong. I love g chops and many of the up and coming drummers that play in the linear style. But I agree it is limiting. Love your channel. You are one the most on point,lucid and poignant presenters on ytube. Great stuff!!

This was great man. Props!!!!!!

Great message Rob! thnx for the video.

Balanced and fair. So, each drummer has to make his choices for his personal way of drumming. Cool.

A really useful topic choice. I have sometimes felt too many drummers rely upon blazing speed and fast blast beats with blistering double bass playing and I don't hear musicality, so it is great the approach that you took in this video. I completely agree that linear drumming has a place and is useful but not at the expense of the music.

So on point. Laid out, true and bare. Well said!

...good stuff man!! Good advice all the way around and nice playing!! Cheers!!!

Rob you are my favorite drum instructor on drumeo and your channel. A lot of your videos have made me a much better drummer. Hats off to you sir. Thank you! Earl Evans aka Misfits on the kit.

I was 17 years old (59) today... I was studying with Jim Blackley in Toronto... He told me, be careful you don't fall into that trap As long as you use it in a musical way, and try to think about it as a musical phrase, not muscle memory phrase... Rob! I am so glad you brought this up...

Totally dig this. I started drumming on funk grooves. They're not hard... but absolutely non-linear. When jamming with my band, i tease the guitar player with fills he calls bubble bursts. Thanks for this video

Just seen this video for the First time today, its been out for 4 years & This video was RIGHT ON!✅️ Now today more than Ever. EVERY Video is a Linear phrase to practice. It's fun but does get old.

Linear grooves...Messers Garabaldi & Clark. Love your channel Rob. Thnx

You are the man. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks a lot for this video man! You rule. I feel like Im falling in that trap. Started learning from sticking patterns and the whole fatback concept from chaffee years ago. Now I love to play all those sheds... but yes, I feel like im stuck. Im going to try to re learn everything back again, so I can create some ideas on my own. Cheers! You're da man!

Great advice man. Not gonna lie I have been doing this. Gonna keep an eye on it.

Linear drumming is fun but not too exiting to play. Doing a smooth shuffle well, I am working on that still. Love your vids and great instruction!

Well said. It definitely has its place, but as you said, it should not be the ultimate, one and only goal. I have actually learned how to do it . . . but yeah, I couldn't do that all the time. It gets old . . . and it's exhausting to do . . . and to listen to after a while. And you're absolutely right, it's great for warming up. Thanks for the video. Great advice. Keep up the great work!

That is great drum wisdom. Well done.

dude i LOVE what you played at 8:40, that goes to show how musical can you be when practicing linear drumming the right way! ahah

Great stuff, bro. Ty

I couldn’t agree with you more Rob! But I have to admit, being in my teens has made me dip a whole leg into this trap. Thank you for jolting me back to what’s most important, which is musicality. The goal is to play music, not to show off, but like you said, it’s not bad to learn linear playing. Great video as always!

FINALLY! Thank You!

Thank you Rob!

You have a dope style man, appreciate the vid!

Dude don't stop making vids. So much learning. My brain has been exploding.

I don’t care for it myself but I salute those who can do it

Thanks bro! I agree, one should bring their entire toolbox to work on your plumbing.

Haha, speaking the truth. I totally thought I was the only one being tired of the whole linear fill stuff. Great video as usual!

Over focusing on “G chops” makes using high quality samples with midi files much more attractive to producers and other musicians. BUT, right ON with the Gary Chafee style. So musical! Bottom line, you need more than technical chops to avoid getting replaced by software. Great video!

Thanks for the reference to Gary Chaffee. I vague remembered hearing about linear drumming when I was in high school but could place one of the major names that came up. I really was into how Vinnie, Steve Smith and Dave Weckl applied the ideas. I also agree that it very, very quickly devolves in terms of musicality without a ton of care. I must admit that I can't approach near the speed of many of these drummers, so I can't say there isn't some bias on my part.

Preach it brother Rob!

Great advice! That's awesome you recommended Gary Chafee too!

I was on snareline back in my high school drumline days. I use my old snare drum books and exercises and try moving my hands around the kit in order to build my linear chops. Of course it's something that needs to be used tastefully. I'm right now trying to work on paradiddle grooves....but, between my left hand and right leg while doing different ostinatos on the hi hat and ride.

It's a great focus for progressive music that is based on linearity, intended to push and swell towards a climactic section in a song/track. But most of the time a basic groove is all that is needed (and wanted) from the drummer. Taking a step back is usually more musical than going bombastic behind the kit. Great video!

Great advice bro.