13 Levels of Drumming: Easy to Complex | WIRED

Professional drummer and educator Larnell Lewis explains drumming in 13 levels of difficulty, from easy to complex. The Snarky Puppy percussionist explains how drum techniques build upon each other as the easiest levels incorporate the hi-hat, bass and snare drums, and more difficult levels include polyrhythms, the floor tom, ride cymbals, syncopation and much more.
Website www.larnelllewismusic.com
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Director: Sean Dacanay
Director of Photography: Paul Neal
Editor: Jordan Calig
Talent: Larnell Lewis
Producer: Maya Dangerfield
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Associate Producer: Samantha Vélez
Production Manager: Eric Martinez
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Sound Engineer: George Seara
Audio: Alain Letourneau
Cam Op: Jerome W. Tan
Gaffer: Jason Ballesteros
Production Assistant: Gavin Lee
Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
Audio Mix Engineer: Ben Lindell
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[@LarnellLewisMusic]

THANK YOU @WIRED FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY!!! 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 Thanks for the love everyone!! ❤

[@drumpetbass]

AMAZING job Larnell!

[@ach31337]

Nobody deserves the exposure more than you, killed it.

[@TheSeeking2know]

Awesome video Larnell! You were the man for the job!

[@12LbBaby]

Absolutely smashed it 👏

[@troytaylor6457]

Fellow drummer here, your explanation of drum principles is spot on! Thanks for sharing

[@TiJoe6]

It’s crazy how easily you can tell someone is just a great educator. Concise, clear, measured, passionate.

[@kofosuonbass]

Say no more! 💯

[@johnybrokeit]

You said what I wanted to say about this gentleman. I'm a drummer wannabe and I live in india and somehow his words, his timing, and pacing of the entire video and calmness about everything he says... it was a fantastic introduction to the school of drumming perhaps. So approachable and easy to follow along. I thought he sounded like an older brother or a teacher, didn't know he actually is a teacher. Perfection! (I'm like a chick with talking, I'd go with your comment.. better said. Thanks haha!)

[@videogamesruinedmylife3769]

don't forget "articulate"

[@dsxa918]

I assume it's still a paradiddle if you use your left hand twice before the right and another left?

[@iVideo1011]

@@dsxa918can be RLRR or LRLL

[@swimseven77]

Massive props to whoever edited this on the Wired team. Wired is not a drumming or music-centric organization, but I could tell that whoever put this together either has some decent knowledge of drums or really took care to research terms, gear, etc. while editing. Great visual aids and annotations, as well as placements of inserts and B roll. Very good job!

[@AngrySkipperGC]

Or they just brought in a musical engineer to setup the microphones and balance the sounds.

[@tigermafia]

@@AngrySkipperGC I think he's speaking about the accompanying visuals and video editing and not the audio. I agree with him. Great edit.

[@TheSeeking2know]

@@tigermafia Yeah that's what he's about. The visual look, camera angles, and explanatory text visuals.

[@xincheng999]

As an editor myself, that’s exactly what I was thinking when watching. 😅😂

[@kofosuonbass]

100%

[@TheDayisMineTrebeck]

As a touring drummer with 30 years experience, this is the most concise and well presented summary of playing drums I have ever seen. Easily digestible to the audience, not structured based on difficulty like most of these KZbin videos, and the visual editing was absolutely flawless so people could see and hear what was being explained. I'm going to show this to my bandmates so they know what goes on in my head when we're playing haha. Superb video.

[@TheSeeking2know]

Great !

[@vmforno]

i doubt that with 30yrs drumming this goes in your head. Pretty sure it's more of a muscle/feeling/hearing thing.

[@atomsk1972]

@@vmforno Dear friend, please look up the processes of the brain and mind.

[@vmforno]

@@atomsk1972 I don't disagree on how complex the machinery it is. My point is, that it should be so natural for him @thedayisminetrebeck

[@elisabethkonig4267]

​@@vmfornoIt still happens in his head lol. Just because the process happens faster than most people could understand it doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Like when you do maths, it'd feel very complicated to the point of being incomprehensible for a first grader. The fact that you need all this knowledge and experience to process the information so quickly makes it more impressive, so it's good to know just how much experience and knowledge goes into it.

[@falconshock3677]

Please give this editor a raise, what an absolute legend

[@LarenceDominicStoTomas]

True!!

[@markiep8477]

For real.

[@owenlarson3289]

yuh faxxxxx

[@zerla6018]

Thought of it aswell

[@velatoget]

Yeah, I was constantly impressed by the editing! The drumming too of course. As someone who hates editing though, this took some insane patience and skill.

[@kamodius]

The best part of Larnell is that he doesn't talk down to the audience. He conveys that we're smart enough to get it, and discusses level 1 just as importantly as roving paradiddles.

[@marquisdelafayette1929]

I never heard of Larnell before til I saw his videos on Drumeo, like playing Enter Sandman after one listen. He wanted to do something “outside his box” and so tried a heavy metal song. Just watching him process the song and start to anticipate the next hits was amazing. Him playing it was also awesome.. you could see him get into it by the middle of the song and by the end he was adding his own fills to the song, and actually IMPROVING it while keeping with the style and theme. The guy also seems like a humble and truly down to earth artist who doesn’t take his talent for granted. Supposedly, years ago, he was offered a position to tour and be the drummer for Drake. Once he got there and started learning the materials he dropped and because it conflicted with his moral values. Like seriously, how many individuals would do that? He is truly an extremely rare talent and human being.

[@brunomonlevade769]

a great thing about the way he explains it is that when you're getting to higher levels of complexity, it seems a lot less complex thanks to how he's built the steps into them

[@benjaminisrael2337]

Paradidiles could play every rhythm ✌🏻

[@wazy1852]

This isn't a normal drum lesson. This is a masterclass!

[@daffy627]

AMAZING drummer AMAZING teacher AMAZING communicator AMAZING video Really loved not only listening to the music but the way he explained everything was so enjoyable. Couldn't of picked a better musician to explain the drums.

[@not_adventure9907]

​@@kevinstellar434 Too bad no one asked

[@psiwone]

​@@kevinstellar434lmao shut up

[@yazurai4667]

fr@@not_adventure9907

[@Philip69]

@@kevinstellar434 Nerd

[@35mmonica]

i love how larnell, despite his immense talent and skill, doesn’t use this video as an opportunity to show off. he’s simply here to teach. i love him!!

[@thebeatclinic9000]

Did you watch till the end?

[@rawLmaobigDImEs]

Ok

[@noahleach7690]

@@thebeatclinic9000 did you read the title?

[@Dsworddance22]

The instructor does show off a lot towards the end lol. Nothing wrong with that

[@StealthSwith19136]

@@thebeatclinic9000 what do you mean? He's literally playing what he's explaining. If he's at level 12, you shouldnt hear him play a basic 4/4 groove, thats what level 4 is for. Why is it considered showing off if he plays an advanced groove? That's literally why you chose to click on the video. To see what said level (12) would incorporate. but then you get upset about how he's "showing off".... i don't get it. Its Larnell Freaking Lewis, he doesnt have to "show off". if you're a fan, you'd know that everything he plays has all of theses mixtures.

[@ckimchi]

As a drummer and drum educator I really appreciate the visuals in this video. Simple and Accessible. Editor knew what they were doing.

[@mastod0n1]

The editor did an amazing job. There was a Wired "Tech Support" involving music where it was pretty obvious to me the editors didn't know much about the subject.

[@BradsGonnaPlay]

This editor had to have been a drummer or just a very knowledgable individual.

[@metallsnubben]

One spot where captions were off and put "30-second note fill" instead of "32nd-note fill" but hey

[@ashlindholm7685]

​@@metallsnubben oh that makes so much more sense tysm - someone that uses captions

[@asherbank1941]

this.

[@cazuallyorange4915]

Here are the time stamps for the video. Level 1: Bass | Downbeats (0:24) Level 2: Snare | Backbeats (0:46) Level 3: Hi-hat (1:08) Level 4: Finding the Groove (1:31) Level 5: Rudiments (3:42) Level 6: Hi-hat Bark (4:58) Level 7: More Complex Grooves (5:52) Level 8: Polyrhythms (6:54) Level 9: Orchestration (8:18) Level 10: Drum Fills (11:26) Level 11: Advanced Drum Fills (12:50) Level 12: Embellishments (13:16) Level 13: Drum Solo (16:37)

[@EspeonMistress00]

I wish they pin this

[@AhjussiWRLD]

Thank you for the effort ❤

[@Noshied]

Still waiting for the Level 14: El Estepario Siberiano

[@cazuallyorange4915]

@@Noshied Lol

[@malizedits]

thanks man

[@Mike-ge7pe]

As people praise his communication ability, it should be said that Larnell also communicates the essence of music through his drumming at an elite level. Truly one of the most skilled, expressive, and calculated musical performers you’ll ever come across.

[@Stuugie.]

As a drummer I totally love how Larnell set this up. These levels aren't ordered by difficulty - there are dozens of drum fills that are far easier than even a 2-3 or 4-3 polyrhythm for example. It's ordered in a foundational way - of course you need to learn basic rhythms before moving forward, then rudiments to build technique, polyrhythms to give flexibility and develop limb independence, bringing in fills and ornamentation last not because it's harder than the previous steps but because by following the steps in that order you have released all limitations on how you can perform the fills and grooves. It really says a lot about Larnell's philosophy as a drummer and shows that his style is developed completely consciously. Straight up you're one of my absolute favorite drummers.

[@greggriffith7599]

Extremely well said. My feelsings exactly. The levels are not difficulty. The levels are building blocks. Love it

[@WhalesOnTheMouth]

I love your comment but I also want to bring attention to the fact that you have one of my favorite albums of all time as your profile photo!

[@evilasiobjr]

Haken, huh! 🤘🏽

[@benpeterson7530]

The most difficult (level 14), tuning was left out because he didn't want to discourage new drummers.

[@stevenlee_1]

Exactly what I was thinking too. Even as a drummer myself I enjoyed watching Larnell explain these concepts and definitely learned a few things as well!

[@Christopher-md7tf]

Not only a truly exceptional drummer, but also a top-level communicator and teacher. And just a super-chill dude lol.

[@therealone8725]

100% love Larnell!

[@marquisdelafayette1929]

I never heard of Larnell before til I saw his videos on Drumeo, like playing Enter Sandman after one listen. He wanted to do something “outside his box” and so tried a heavy metal song. Just watching him process the song and start to anticipate the next hits was amazing. Him playing it was also awesome.. you could see him get into it by the middle of the song and by the end he was adding his own fills to the song, and actually IMPROVING it while keeping with the style and theme. The guy also seems like a humble and truly down to earth artist who doesn’t take his talent for granted. Supposedly, years ago, he was offered a position to tour and be the drummer for Drake. Once he got there and started learning the materials he dropped and because it conflicted with his moral values. Like seriously, how many individuals would do that? He is truly an extremely rare talent and human being.

[@diveshjangid9172]

I'm your 1000th like

[@Christopher-md7tf]

@@diveshjangid9172Cheers man

[@yourmomsdaddy9130]

I've been drumming for 37 years and have never understood what I was doing, or attempting, or wanted for my drum parts until hearing Larnell break it down and attach labels to these techniques. Like: embellishments, leveling up, and grounding the pattern. When you have a name for what you are doing it gives it legitimacy, and helps to relay what you're doing to other instruments. What a great teacher Larnell is. ;

[@Jordan.Vaughn]

Jazz percussion is the single most difficult instrument and style to master. Even more difficult than classical piano, but once you’re an adept of that style, you’re a magician, a sorcerer…it’s one of the most beautiful things to watch

[@kaelrage]

As an experienced drummer for over 25 years, feeling like a student again. This was beautifully taught by Larnell.

[@xSCHEF]

Upload a video! I am too but have never played at 25yo! I’ve been watching drums for a good 2-3 weeks now!

[@alessiosandro123]

cant believe your words

[@isrey]

Couldn’t have picked a better person for this project! Larnell is one of the best, most well rounded drummers of this generation

[@prod_adrian]

100% Guys like him and Matt Garska, Nate Smith, Ash Soan, Gergo Borlai. Just golden musicians!

[@chasm9557]

@@prod_adrian I would throw Elliot Hoffman in there just because the man's got tons of talent.

[@H43N]

since they just did tim henson, i was kinda expecting they'd use polyphia's drummer

[@israel_started_it_ALL_in_1948]

Rob 'beatdown' brown, Todd Zuchero

[@danielkuhn4360]

@@israel_started_it_ALL_in_1948 rob is a great player and educator, but I'm not sure you can put him in this category

[@h45hc0d3]

Thank you @WIRED for choosing Larnell to represent the art of drumming to your wide audience. The production team that filmed and edited this understood the assignment. Perfectly captured and presented. 🔥🔥

[@dearreader9739]

Today I learned: after two decades of being a drummer, I am a level 5! Take that, you level 1s.

[@pwnisher]

Love me some Larnell! So great to see him here! Even his early lvl stuff is sooo good. Despite it being “simple” the groove at 3:24 hits so hard cause his timing is just impeccable.

[@BharatRajagopalan]

Did NOT expect to find you here. A welcome surprise indeed

[@edaro636]

i have a feeling this man is not real because of how good he is, did you make him in cinema 4d..... something is fishy.....

[@mike__durrett]

Hey! Cool to see you here. Larnell is a legend.

[@atmisguile]

Holy crap Whaddup son

[@pxelprime]

Yeah he makes complicated stuff sound so simple!

[@supraphonic88]

Larnell is so good at this that I’ve been playing drums for 25 years and I still sat down and watched the whole thing just to hear his take.

[@carlmarks8170]

Larnell is so good at this that I’ve never played drums in my entire life and I still sat down and watched the whole thing just to hear his take.

[@ericmsandoval]

WOW Pete! Congratulations! You watched an 18 minute video!

[@trblmkr5139]

word

[@TheSentinel909]

It is so clear Larnell is an educator - as a drummer, I can safely say this is some of the clearest, concise and well spoken instructions on drum basics I've ever heard

[@deebo1186]

I gotta say as a drummer of 13 yrs. With both jazz, R&B, Gospel, and extreme death Metal backgrounds. I thought this video wouldn’t really teach anything new. But I put my ego aside an watched it anyways. Glad that there is still always something to learn. As we are all students to another persons views. Thank you Larnell Lewis and WIRED!!

[@CoasterStuff1]

I also have 13 years of drumming. I’m 14 😂. I also do jazz, R&B and soul/gospel

[@JazzyJonas]

You can tell this man has the heart of a teacher - somewhat rare for such a phenomenal player.

[@anvinhable]

Can't believe this is free on KZbin. It should be Masterclass. Larnell, you're also an inspiration! Thanks so much.

[@muhwezisimon6197]

Just know it's sponsored somehow somewhere.

[@kefkapalazzo1]

its an 18 minute video.... you can only learn so much lol

[@rjwolf8873]

don't give them ideas 😩

[@josevaldez1347]

yup yup yup, I was thinking the same thing man

[@KingJerbear]

This right here is an elite level musician, teacher, and human being. The editing to make this easier to to visualize for those not familiar with drums was also incredible. Thanks for sharing

[@Moonfaster]

I've been drumming for 27 years, but his way of explaning kept me mesmerized for 18 minutes straight! I wish he could explain everything in life to me this way 😅

[@H43N]

whoever mixed the drums did a great job. love that its not all snare

[@SeeMick1]

George Seara is one of the best engineers in the biz

[@herculesbrofister265]

he needs some new cymbals though. some of them are old and beat up, you can tell because they have a bunch of holes in them.

[@Zaacdrums]

@@herculesbrofister265 lol it’s the design. It’s part of the cymbal. Check some of zildjian new cymbals out. There really good

[@careem3463]

@@Zaacdrums check sarcasm 101

[@IsaacLLandry]

Anybody else not understand how drummers keep in time with their feet while doing complex rhythms with their hands? Its so impressive to watch

[@squanchysquanch1840]

It’s extremely difficult. As a beginner/intermediate drummer trying to develop this skill, it feels completely unnatural. You have to basically re-wire your brain and practice it to the point that it becomes second nature. That’s pretty much true for all aspects of drumming. It’s like solving a complex puzzle. You develop all the pieces through practice, combine, and then learn to layer them onto eachother into something coherent. It’s also just extremely fun to play along to your favorite music lol

[@IsaacLLandry]

@@squanchysquanch1840 man that sounds really fun

[@ludvig3242]

Yeah, many of these seemingly impossible things are surprisingly simple to practice through muscle memory repetition. It's important to focus exclusively on the accuracy of the movement; speed should not be a thought in your mind. If you try to run before you can walk, you'll end up forming bad habits which are going to be harder to unlearn later on. It feels impossible at the beginning; as if your mind and body aren't connected, but even a day of training and rest can have you doubling your proficiency; it's a crazy feeling.

[@IsaacLLandry]

@@ludvig3242 that’s amazing!

[@caspervanhelvoirt9460]

If youre not sure whether or not to start with some drumming lessons, give it the benefit of the doubt! You don't have to want to be a professional drummer to have lots of fun, like squanchy (lol) said; it's extremely fun to play along to your favorite music. I'm lucky to be making a career out of it now, but the fun's always in playing the music! PS: Learning music/drumming is really great for your cognition, as well!

[@Domitianvs]

Larnell just comes across as one of the most humble, genuinely pleasant people in music, which is impressive since he possesses all these skills that are just above and beyond. Truly a great musician!

[@jamestheredd]

Larnell is a good teacher. He doesn't only explain what to do, he explains why to do it, and how it affects the music.

[@emilesmid6861]

Larnell is one of the few drummers that could teach drumming in a way that is both very simple and intricate at the same time. The stuff this guy is doing is so insane

[@lijah1611]

For those haven't heard of Larnell, check out his playing on Snarky Puppy's "What About Me?" Killer groove the whole time and one of the best drum solos ever at the end.

[@krisskywalker6368]

Favorite part of the song

[@jupiterwilkymay5161]

i just watched bc of this comment and HOLY MOLY! brought me to tears.

[@TheRoniverseOfficial]

exactly how i discovered the guy~ he has a signature style, where i can just listen to the drums and go "oh, that's larnell" kinda like people with ringo back then.

[@ondolite3789]

@Jupiter Wilky May Now go to Zildjian Live Larnell Lewis and you will get even more emotional.

[@laskoo3311]

@@ondolite3789 Such a dope video but the best part is the last cymbal hit with his hands! true expression!

[@alantremonti1381]

This video; Every person who supported its existence; This performer--every single entity involved in the dissemination of this experience is DIRECTLY involved in the philosophy of "information is like water." Bless the lot of ya.

[@alantremonti1381]

No no no, Level Thirteen is unreal. This man is a Paragon.

[@wibby2143]

And of course throughout everything Larnell is demonstrating impeccable dynamics, feel, time, musicality. One of the greats no question

[@Follower77710]

And u are a sweetie ❤😬

[@maddo-md4mu]

True!

[@drumlabtaipei]

Larnell is one of the most talented drummer in the world, plays the simple stuff that every drummer knows,yet can not manipulate like Larnell master it . Well explained!

[@CamJames]

Jesus. I've performed with drummers (i rap), and until now I never truly understood what was happening during those solos. Unbelievable level of talent and coordination.

[@glassosiris]

The editing, directing and cinematography of this video is truly next level. Thank you

[@Loctorak]

I love how no matter how intense it gets, every single beat is played so clearly and precisely. One of the best drummers I've ever seen. 👏

[@alexeonbel4304]

Glad he gets more attention. His drumming on snarky puppy’s lingus was nothing but phenomenal.

[@gustafsone]

He recorded with them on that entire album called "We Like It Here". I know that most people get introduced to the band by "Lingus", which is a perfect song for that, but the rest of that album is just as good, if not arguably even better. Larnell's solo on "What About Me" makes "Lingus" sound like his warm-up song. Anyway, I mainly just wanted to recommend everyone check out the rest of that album, along with anything else involving Snarky Puppy. That band and everyone involved are on another level.

[@Darkser37]

@@gustafsone Agree, the album is worth listening to! His solo album is good too

[@danielkuhn4360]

Saw him play over the summer and he was simply unreal. In my opinion, one of the top 5 drummers currently alive, in any genre. He can play anything and he's just so creative. Love all that he's doing for the Toronto scene!

[@jhorneman]

Wait, Toronto?!

[@JasonKucherawy]

@@jhornemanyeah he lives here in Toronto. I worked with his wife (also a drummer) at a Samba drumming summer camp for kids about 10 years ago when they just started dating. Super nice dude!

[@heuxheux]

absolutely agreed!

[@RoseRamblesYT]

I'm not a musician, and I know I'd have trouble with coordination, but with someone like Larnell Lewis as my teacher? I definitely believe I could not only learn how to play the drums, but really enjoy it. He's so clear and patient, and just loves what he's doing.

[@HikmetYolcusu]

18:05 Love the final comment, which is applicable to any art or other endeavor in life :) The whole demonstration is so cool.

[@rickycrabtree]

It's official; Larnell Lewis is now my favorite professional percussionist.

[@tljohn24]

I love the way this guy teaches. So eloquent in speech and technique. He builds in such a way that is understandable.

[@USFighter]

When i was a kid and teenager i used to stop doing things because of difficulty or complexity. When i became an adult and had my first child i stopped thinking in that mindset. I said just keep going and smile through it. Ive learned so many skills since changing my mindset.

[@marcioportugal9389]

Masterpiece! Larnell Lewis and this amazing team. Thank you: Director: Sean Dacanay Director of Photography: Paul Neal Editor: Jordan Calig Talent: Larnell Lewis Producer: Maya Dangerfield Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi Associate Producer: Samantha Vélez Production Manager: Eric Martinez Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila Sound Engineer: George Seara Audio: Alain Letourneau Cam Op: Jerome W. Tan Gaffer: Jason Ballesteros Production Assistant: Gavin Lee Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen Assistant Editor: Billy Ward Audio Mix Engineer: Ben Lindell

[@Xai-ju3ro]

when stars align

[@metashrew]

Im glad to see Larnell doing the 13 levels of Drumming. The guy is a beast

[@seanogdenrooster]

This is one of the best drummer of our time , and got 20 years worth of knowledge in one short video , man what a great time time to be alive!! Thank you …. I did rewind a lot.

[@buxedobro4372]

Despite not being an instrumentalist myself, I absolutely adore music. And Larnell has become one of my absolute favorite people to see when it comes to anything musical in recent times. I could listen to this guy forever and always be engaged. What an awesome opportunity to learn.

[@stoopit123]

0:24 - Level 1 0:46 - Level 2 1:09 - Level 3 1:32 - Level 4 3:43 - Level 5 4:58 - Level 6 5:51 - Level 7 6:53 - Level 8 8:20 - Level 9 11:26 - Level 10 12:50 - Level 11 13:15 - Level 12 16:38 - Level 13

[@MukulAnand050]

thank you so much

[@sredna518]

Level 14 : breathe

[@Ami-ut2us]

Thanks 🎉

[@malinowski4691]

Level 14 Asian level

[@matthewmuller7429]

So valuable for us non drummer song writers, this breakdown helps so much!

[@MalikEmmanuel]

What did it help you with?

[@SirBloxy]

@@MalikEmmanuel general understanding - what if you want to write/play with a drummer but he starts blabbering on about drumming terminology as you stare at him with a blank expression?

[@MalikEmmanuel]

@@SirBloxy I cannot imagine why I would ever need to start “blabbering about drumming terminology” most of what he talked about in this is just plain old music terminology anyway

[@DefenestrateYourself]

@@MalikEmmanuel Not sure who pissed in your cereal this morning? But bless your little heart

[@SirBloxy]

@@MalikEmmanuel Christ almighty what's gotten into you today, it's just useful man 😂😂 No need to question its existence entirely

[@nellie1692]

I love how concise he is with his teaching

[@pablogaldino9753]

This vídeo. This drums lesson. This masterclass made what ALL music I ever heared in my life didn't. Make me fall in love for the drums. Larnell Lewis, in less than 20 minutes, made me to want learn Drums!!!! Thank you Larnell! You are one of my greatest drum and music heroes!!!!

[@janmartens7954]

What a very very gentle and exiting man this is! What i like the most is that he’s really really enjoying his skills and the music!

[@djembe_]

Larnell has got to be one of the top 5 drummers alive, too

[@cameronlee309]

Larnell is one of the most brilliant and innovative musical minds around right now. Y’all are in for a treat watching this, take notes! 🙌🏾

[@alexandruradu1119]

Man, i love this guy's attitude and laidback tone as he explains the fundamentals

[@codem0de]

Larnell Lewis always blows me away. Everything is so fluid. Brilliant musician.

[@hughfaulkner2500]

Larnel has been one of my favorites ever since seeing him with Snarky Puppy. My biggest takeaway was the always useful "pro tip - make sure you're breathing when playing the drums."

[@UnderGraySkies]

I'm so happy Larnell Lewis did this! Fantastic drummer, one of the greatest of all time. I would have expected some super famous mediocre drummer but you guys selected a true master of the craft despite him not being one of the most famous.

[@itsDelfi]

What's also insane is the editing of this video. GREAT job. Thank you!

[@Atilowski]

Larnel is such a cool drummer. And a very expressive as well. I just love to listen to him both playing and teaching.

[@wonderfalls2]

Saw him and the band at the Montreal Jazz fest. Incredible performer and musician. Thanks for having him on 🙏🏾🇨🇦

[@binniesandhu3983]

I’m not a drummer but your explanation is wonderful not to mention how incredibly talented you are as a drummer . Wow!

[@LarnellLewisMusic]

Thank you so much!!!!

[@mitchellclark4377]

I could seriously listen to this man drum all day. Such virtuosity yet so clearly unpacked.

[@Nariji197]

16:45 Pure mastery. You cannot watch Larnell play without smiling really!

[@portal432]

This guy… he is an Amazing talent. For you non drummers check out the drumeo clips where he plays a song after hearing it twice. Blows my mind how fantastic he is

[@ferryvantichelen6521]

You mean "non-drummers" because all drummers have already soon those, right 😄

[@OhYeah10100]

As a drummer and fan of metal music, what I love is how he puts so many notes in a beat with his hands instead of a double pass pedal, it sounds really nice

[@Rulon1986]

For me, this video is a must for anyone who takes drumming seriously and respects the instrument. Thanks, Larnell

[@Ugrasrava]

It does my heart good to see a drummer that can lay down knowledge as easily as they can lay down a groove.

[@calebolson3711]

When I saw that Larnell had one of these I stopped every I was doing. This man is my favorite drummer. He is so humble yet a great communicator.

[@adambaker3958]

I love that 32nd note fill down the toms. Like “Yeah, for y’all that don’t know, now you know.” So awesome.

[@tomhalbouty3653]

Superb framework for helping drummers break down and understand the range of complexity on the kit. Many thanks, Tom

[@Neill.E]

Just beautiful. Love Larnell’s articulation - both as a truly phenomenal player and educator.

[@michaelfaeth]

What a treat to have Larnell explaining everything so eloquently and precisely and then demonstrating. He is on top of his game!! And the video production is outstanding.

[@LioneldS]

Few years back, Larnell Lewis came and gave a workshop in dubai, UAE. His Explanations were lucid and clear, he went over ever thing he was teaching so many times, and also how he learnt things. It was so inspiring. I didn't know who he was at that time, but he left me with an impression which i've kept in my head for so long now. I talked to him and he just seemed like a really nice and down to earth person.

[@michaelfox3259]

I hold so much respect for the clarity in his explanations and examples and his reflections on how understanding the drum’s purpose in a greater musical context drives creative decisions, vs. playing for personal/ego gratification. The greatest musicians are actively listening and responding to, while also challenging their collaborators, as they mutually navigate to a collective creative emotional experience.

[@alexsmith7313]

This is absolutely phenomenal. I’ve been playing drums off and on for more than a decade now and this made me feel so hopeful for what else there is out there, and also gave me knowledge of there being words for the things I’ve been doing by feel. What an excellent educator you’ve found as well, so soft spoken and calming to listen to so you don’t feel drowned in jargon.

[@bobaganush]

And perhaps one the greatest living Jazz drummers in the world.

[@kaiwilliams141]

Musicians are like magicians to me. The ability to do something different with both hands and your feet is insane to me

[@hughjazz4936]

I love how when he's explaining stuff he has some calm and collected demenour but when he plays his face changes. Bro is a true musician you can tell!

[@mellenix]

Larnell is so talented, likable and a great teacher. At 13:50 I really like how the groove is still so solid throughout his playing.

[@amneenja5720]

this video is incredible a good teacher, drummer, and speaker presents a well put together lesson along with perfect camera angles, and stellar editing a subtle masterpiece.

[@RaethFennec]

This could be a whole drum circle, but this guy said "I'll do it myself." Amazing showing of an incredible talent. His understanding of rhythm and musicality is wondrous and well-presented. My only complaint is that level one wasn't "drumming on the steering wheel in traffic."

[@Coldcloves]

How can this be so specifically accurate😂

[@Emma_Z1]

Thanks for picking one of the best drummers right now, Larnell is such a legend

[@beepboop7151]

What a legend, had the honor of being at one of Larnell's workshops a few years back, always amazed by his sheer skill and unique sound. Such an inspiration!

[@dfrolovXIII]

probably THE BEST intro to drums. the ease of explanation is on the top notch level

[@helgijonsson3537]

Larnell is the master. His drumming on We Like it Here (Snarky Puppy album) is so good it almost makes me cry

[@_hexes_]

His internal tempo is so good, he sings the beat and it lines up perfectly with what he played on the kit earlier haha. Truly a master of his craft

[@allenblum6257]

I played drums for about 8 years. This is a superb video to explain the basics and add increasing structure as the layers of the rhythm are added.

[@Pr0HoN]

Wow! This might be the best shortform instructional instrument video I've ever watched. I don't know if you brought Larnell into the editing-room, but BIG respect to whoever edited this: visually expressing Larnell's teaching all the way through, and with great detail! 10/10

[@rayazkhan9498]

It’s impossible to watch this, and not immediately feel inspired to get behind the kit. Thank you Larnell 😭

[@jimlingmusicchannel]

How amazing it is that you can start with beginner's level all the way to the maestro level of drumming within 19 minutes, AWESOME!!

[@chuckmott7766]

this guy presents in such an articulate, concise manner that you get everything, and I mean everything he's trying to convey.

[@ZyanTheWisp]

Don't we all wish someone looked at us like how Larnell looked at the ride cymbal at 10:28?

[@craig5322]

In addition to being a phenomenal drummer, he seems like a genuinely nice guy and good person

[@Th3xCyph3r]

That crispiness in Larnell's Dry Cymbal Setup! Zildjain definitely nails the sound quality of the cymbals. ❣️

[@inyoung2cho385]

I like how drum sounds, but didn't know what drum part exactly it was. But not only I know the part (bass drum), but also I'm dazzled with the drums! Thank you so much for opening a new world to me

[@SmidgeMulah]

Larnell, so beautifully taught brother! I love that it started with the basics and clearly explained the levels. And then we got to watch you absolutely shed at the end to see where all of that practice can take us one day. Love your phrasing and interpretation of where to place grooves. Cheers!!

[@coltonmykael]

He's such a wonderful musician, educator and performer! Nothing but love for Larnell Lewis! If any percussionists are looking for recital pieces he composed a pieced called Slice for two snare drums, hi hat, and electronics. :) Happy practicing everyone.