5 HUGE MISTAKES Most METAL Drummers Make (How to fix them)

Here are 5 huge mistakes that most metal drummers make & how to fix them!
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Metal drummers: you are awesome. Obviously, when drumming to metal it can feel (and sound) amazing to rip some double bass pedal drum beats or even some blast beats. While metal drummers have some big strengths like hitting hard and having high energy, there are also some mistakes that metal drummers make that can hold them back. So in this drum lesson I'm going too show you how to overcome them!
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#metaldrumming #blastbeats #doublebass #drumbeatsonline #drums #metaldrumlesson
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[@RC32Smiths01]

Metal drumming is so fun, and it is so better once you acknowledge and fix your habits or mistakes! Cheers for the information

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

My pleasure!

[@RC32Smiths01]

@@DrumBeatsOnline Thanks!

[@tieukhavu8832]

@@DrumBeatsOnline 05:36 Unless you play like John Bonham of Led Zeppelin (RIP).

[@solitudeparade]

Seems as soon as you started wearing hats in the videos the production level stepped up even higher. Get that hat from Spielberg?

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Hahaha yeah he's my Dad actually

[@noahcalland8316]

It looks like Ron Howard's hat tbh

[@isaacar1850]

The versatility part is so true. I used to only play metal, and I couldn’t really expand into other genres outside of metal and rock. But I started learning funk, jazz, etc, and it not only allowed me to play more genres, but also become more creative with my metal drumming. 💀

[@clynnae810]

I've been playing drums for a little over two years now and I'm soooohappy you mentioned knowing how to play other genres besides just metal because I so agree!! I'm in a metal band but I still play classic rock, punk and grunge rock on the side when I'm not playing with my bandmates. I can't wait to one day learn jazz and more genres eventually too!!

[@Kieranh4424]

I think a lot of metal drummers suffer from versatility because of elitism. I know so many people who’s attitude is just “no blasts? No chugs? No demon vocals? Must be pop trash!” Which really annoys me because playing other genres is what can make a drummer even better in their preferred genre. I mean jay Weinberg started as a jazz drummer and is now one of the best metal drummers out there.

[@benjamingaray5660]

People like that usually dont write very good music either. You should be able to be influenced by everything, not just the rest of the metal scene or whatever scene. Better to go off knowing what you absolutely dont like rather than think you know everything you do like.

[@Hellwyck]

So did John Dolmayan, John Otto, Bill Ward, Ian Paice...

[@SomeRandomPerson163]

Irony that metal already is a part of POP scene...

[@ryanpgallant7769]

I have gone from only metal playing to alot of pop now in my new projects and man these are legit!!!!! Having to learn that a fill isn't always necessary was one of my toughest learning points. Now that I am in this pop world more, it seems fills are sparse, and have more "power" or "umph" when they show up in key sections of the song. Thanks as always for the great content Gabe. Cheers!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

You are very welcome Ryan!

[@caelebdrums6919]

Thankyou so much mate, the stuff im learning from your videos have improved the quality of my covers more than i could have imagined, i still have a long way to go but considering how hard i find learning things and my lack of coordination i didnt think id be able to make it far but for the first time since ive started i finally have people making cover requests and even had someone try to scout me, so thankyou so much and i look forward to continously improving with your videos ❤

[@sneaky_general]

Switching to a single pedal for the past year has been huge for my playing!

[@austinsatterfield4981]

My goal this year as a right handed drummer was learn how to play with a lefty set up. It improved my double pedal, high hat, right foot control, and independence tremendously! Be cautious though cause now gotta have a high hat on both sides. It's just too fun!

[@AlexanderTate.]

Hey Gabe you should have at least a million subscribers. Your content is good and video quality and your skill and ability is better than about any other channel I’ve seen. Keep doing great. More people need to see your videos

[@mariopantoja5727]

I was focused on 300bpms and I became on a robotic drummer... amazing video. Now it's time to try new techniques and remember another that I left behind trying to get faster

[@josephrado6750]

One thing I am really learning after 10 years and a few studio trips is to not neglect the time and care put into creating fills. Very easy to repeat but take your time and get your basic grooves down then and play around with what comes naturally.

[@lauragalvan6285]

Heck yes! I’m glad you talked about this. I love drumming to other genres. Especially hip hop and rap bc I can be more creative since there are usually no real drums 🤘🏼

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

I hear that!

[@CorbianOfficial]

I feel that lack of fill ins. Often i play the same fill in, again and again, because i pushed myself up to 250 BPM with Heel Toe and forgot to work on fill ins or rudiments. Now this is my current challenge and yeah i agree. Matt Halpern is a great example or Alex Rudinger in my opinion. Greetings from germany, alex!

[@KyleCastroTheDrummerBoy090613]

Thanks a lot Sir Gabe, I learned a lot everytime I'm watching your Video, I'm a Beginner from the Philippines 😊🥁🇵🇭

[@ShauryaChawla12]

Tysmmmmm Gabe. It's been just 1 year of me playing all metal songs on drums. But thanks to you for making me realize these mistakes. I have been making a few of them all the time. I completed a lot of iconic metal songs with double bass in this 1 year, but it's always a way to go. As a drummer, versatility plays a major role. We should be able to play every damn genre!!!!

[@oneinfinity]

Totally did the first one. I improved my dynamics so much when I started playing in a pop cover band as a side project.

[@stinkbud2]

I’ve been sat in a rut for a while now,I’m guilty of most of the examples. This is really helping me improve thank you 🙏

[@dcarney19]

yup!! same here!

[@justinthomas9463]

Absolutely love the sound of your kit!!!

[@pablinatorskits7233]

I broke my leg and I’m in a cast right now and the using one pedal has definitely came at me real hard and figuring out new ways to play like that 👍🏼

[@tobiart1617]

Finally a video that actually explains stuff! 😃

[@lucasjacks3594]

Great job with this video. It definitely gives me a lot to think about as a metal drummer.

[@Max_v.E]

Woah these Ghost notes really scared me xD

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

👻👻

[@somerandomguy8725]

Uh Oh, fractions.... math.... I'm no good at this!

[@drakausdromgatti58]

My fraction fills just started really coming in. After a year of practicing them they finally sound smooth and fast....well im excited about it.

[@MrThe1onee]

When you introduced yourself, i was subconsciously expecting the phrase "My name is Mud" tho. Guess, Primus fucked my head

[@the6ig6adwolf]

Primus Sucks

[@hectorfranciscoaguirreneir547]

great sound and sooooo useful to me THX

[@mortaldrumming]

It might be like that in the beginning, but then you get more into sub-genres and a whole bunch of universes open up.

[@sonicacoustics9176]

Enjoyed watching this content! Awesome!

[@Crypticsunkiss1]

Definitely the fills for me I'm absolutely great and doing the same thing, I actually recently have stepped back on my down time and started relearning rudiments and single kick beats. It's all most like starting all over

[@tigatitikhitam6583]

Neat editing as always

[@danielstalnacke1894]

I was way to reliant on my double bass playing for so many years, which hindered me alot when i was supposed to play other genres. After graduation, i bought a new single bass pedal, and havent been playing double bass in over 1.5 years, and have been really working on other genres like jazz, fusion and funk. Will probably buy a new double pedal sometime soon, and I think it will be interesting to see how my technique, creativity and level of understanding has progressed! Great video!

[@donnypatoine4475]

Dude I had no idea you were with I prevail! Good shit man, great video too.

[@manupbritain5232]

I've had some time out from the drums and catching back up again and your videos have really gone up a level.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Welcome back!

[@kennethschwartz898]

Great Video.. What is that cymbal stack on the right that you were playing quarters on ?

[@sabinamorgagniofficinaplay8608]

Thank you so much!

[@Nickysticksofficial]

Sick video! Thanks Gabe🙏

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

My pleasure! So glad you liked it!

[@NinPossible]

Gabe, you're awesome! Best of luck!

[@DrumForTheSongPodcast]

Great video, thanks! I'm similar to you where I'm currently more of a rock/pocket drummer but I would like to expand my metal skills a bit more. I've subscribed to your channel so will check out more of your videos. Cheers from Wales!

[@nmaikowski8013]

wow love 5 minutes in. I played in an ancient fife and rum corp with a rope tension snare and bass also. I think. This sounds like it and hits close to home. Has a little marching band texture too

[@fitsdrumms2293]

Thanks for the lesson. I really don't know where I fit in all this. I don't even use a double bass pedal iv became a custom to. Throwing my single pedal to adapt the double bass sound.

[@lochlanrivers1021]

I also started backwards like you gabe. More of aa pocket straight rock drummer turned metal drummer but still do both so I'm still trying to work on thee metal side of things.

[@himanshusebastian9060]

I'm really inspired by Matt Halpern and Luke Holland, I always wondered how to improve my 👻 notes. Thanks for this video!!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

You are very welcome!

[@jakeloranger1419]

I would add working on internal dynamics, where different limbs play at different volumes. Playing ghost notes on the snare is a good place to start, but playing soft notes on the hi-hat while hitting consistent loud backbeats can really make a groove happening. I saw David Garibaldi at a clinic years ago where he talked about a sort of hierarchy of internal dynamics in funk, R&B and Blues. The snare backbeat is loudest, followed by the kick, then accented notes on the hi-hat, unaccented notes on snare and finally with unaccented notes on hi-hat and ghost notes on snare being the softest. I find it really adds depth to a groove and helps to develop a good pocket feel. It also keeps a player from sounding too robotic by adding emotional tension and release within the groove itself. Matt Halpern is a good example of a player with fast chops and great feel who's constantly creating a sense of ebb and flow through the use of dynamics..

[@Arambulance911]

Bro continuum and 21 were literally the first albums I’ve ever played and now I’m pursuing metal, thanks for calling this out early for me haha

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Haha that's awesome!

[@snrdrm]

Amazing video!! PLEASE bless me and tell me that splash stack combination near your hi-hat please please please!! Sounds incredible in combination with that polyphonic ride :)

[@funkysanta9052]

For me I think Mario Duplantier (Gojira) epitomizes the quintessential modern day drummer. Precise, hard hitting but not sounding robotic. Odd note groups, orchestration around the kit, tons of ghost notes, good at double as well as single pedal, dynamics you name it.

[@kevinwhite6176]

I wanted to say the same thing. He can lock in with machine-gun double kicks with the rest of the band and somehow it feels like it flows instead of just pummels. Brann Dailor is also another extreme feel drummer - kind of the opposite of Duplantier in that Dailor loves his snare.

[@dangerzone667]

dude that fill excersice in the end is niiiice

[@michaelprior6452]

That fill you just introduced. Whoa.

[@kevinanthony3144]

Oh my god the double bass thing is a crutch for me for sure. I automatically suck when theres only one bass pedal hahah

[@Hav_Nfun]

Great videos, I’m ready to see I prevail in sept at blue ridge rock fest🤟🏻

[@MartinBellamyMBDrums]

The versatility point is soooo sooo important! Gotta mix it up! Even shrink your kit down so you aren't tempted to go NUTS Haha Awesome video 🤘

[@joaopedro273]

normalmente os bateristas de metal (pelo menos os considerados icónicos ) nunca tiveram em conta esta informação simplesmente seguiram a musica com o que sabiam e o que achavam melhor na altura ... este tipo de vídeos só serve para por ainda mais barreiras à criatividade de um género que já é bastante vago hoje em dia

[@vishnugiridran8847]

Yo metal drummers are the only drummers who r the most versatile so save it man

[@1toonhead]

The one thing I hate in metal drummer are one's that rock up with a tiny minimal kit. I grew up in the 80's and kits took up half of the stage and drummers weren't afraid of using every drum in a single song.

[@evilervcowart6234]

I can relate...small kits are not for me. I can tear up a 3 or 4 piece, don't get me wrong, but I much prefer a 9+ piece (always with 2 kick drums, never double pedals) and an assload of cymbals 🤘

[@davidalvarado2833]

Small kits limit your overall sound and leaves your overall drumming feel empty like something not all there because you are missing beats. The bigger your kit and true double bass gives you more to play with and do more within the entire song.

[@SheaRecordmetal]

I have been learning drums for the last few months. I play Metal guitar so naturally i want to be able to play to the songs i write. I happened to write a slower song, kind of out of norm from most of my riffs. I am learning how to play drums with this song. I am hooked. I started out just using one bass pedal and starting adding double bass to the song. I record drums so i get the bonus of recording then listening to my mistakes. I realized in the moment the fast stuff felt good, was in time , but when i listen back it’s just too much. Less is more sometimes and that’s hard to get into a metal fan’s head😁Think Vinnie Paul. He could go off but he could easily just sit in the pocket and let the groove hit so hard as well🤘🏼

[@Drummerboi1245]

Definitely fill diversity I do use rudiments in my fills paradiddles mostly but I feel I need to add some more to my repertoire. Thank you for the guidance 🤘

[@larrytate1657]

6 strokes are great.

[@jonnycowan2299]

I'm struggling to even play any genre, I feel like at some point I'm just drum doodling after a little four four beat on the high hat with some little doubles here and there. Just diddle doodle diddle doodle nothing great. I need to find my groove! I'm getting there, just takes time

[@jamesvandread6695]

I think i started like you did gabe I started learning in church with pocket and groove while learning metal in my own time I still have issues with fills and rudements because no one taught them to me I just learned by listening amd trying to mimic what I heard being played so though they might not be exact to whats really played in stuck on the ones I know

[@westonjones4886]

I totally relied way too much on the double bass at first. 1 thing totally, helped me though: Iron Maiden. Nicko only plays single pedal, and it lets him do some super cool stuff with the beats and fills he does.

[@alyxl4mb904]

Same I broke my double pedal a while back and it thought me to be more creative with a single pedal

[@lochlanrivers1021]

I definitely don't soley rely on my double bass pedal, and I have been trying to get double strokes down with my single pedal but it is hard to get the proper technique, also one that suits me and feels good. So definitely need to work a little harder on getting that down, but at least I acknowledge this. Pretty good with dynamics, however, need to work on incorporating dynamics into fills a little more as I usually only do a few accents. But I have started practicing more rudiments and putting those into my fills which has opened up so much more for me. I even came up with 2 or 3 new fills that I absolutely love as they are different and I thought of them. Also trying to work on less "straight" fills which this also helps with. Instead of 4s or 8s etc. Doing 3s and 6s, sounds so much different. RRL is a new favourite of mine to move around the kit. And even RRLK is cool to make it more straight or even. Even tried to play 16ths obut do it as RRL try it, it's difficult but sounds so cool and brings a whole new feel to it

[@chatcache23]

Please do drum vlogs I love it

[@lerakxkorb]

so im a starting metal drummer (as in played other genres) and this is super helpful but do you have some tips for what songs to use as an introduction to double bass in the nu metal / heavy metal genre?

[@Kieranh4424]

I’d recommend looking at metalcore for some intro to double kick. I used a lot of architects songs aswell as I prevail and some slipknot. These colours don’t run by architects really helped my double kick

[@flyingsplice]

memphis will be laid to waste by norma jean and A shot below the belt by August burns red. start slower if need be but trying to learn those is about as good a metalcore crash course as you could need

[@keithalbaniskickdrum]

Jeez, I think I got to say that I'm actually so overloaded with returning to the kit after a 15 year break, that it's a huge construction site. I think one of my biggest issues is that all this time off "my" kit and tinkering on other kits.... kind of led to a dominant right hand as a left hander. (every freaking body is right handed...so when you get on someones' kit....yup, right handed) So what I find myself doing is firstly: seriously contemplating going center hats, open handed. Next, with a huge foot focus recently, I forgot all about the power of ghost notes. Thanks again... you just remind me day in and day out to never give up man.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

I'm so happy to help! Congrats on making your way back to the kit my friend!

[@joeypaul4699]

I will not remove either of my pedals 😡 lol love your videos man. Thank you

[@lettysharp578]

My Tuesday just got better

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

🎉🙏🏽

[@abhishekaby941]

Gabe all of your vids are awesome i heard you are doing something with Cole rolland

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

I’d love to!

[@victorsupreme214]

Two things for years I never knew existed: Hi-hat pedals and Ghost Notes lol

[@insertmetalusernamehere]

What's a high hat pedal? Do you mean bass pedal?

[@robbiesmith7468]

I wonder if any of these metal fills you played will be in the new IPrevail music 🤔

[@SupahStar247]

Yep. I need to work on fills and playing other genres aside from metal.

[@vapeghost9001]

I learned some things from this 60 year old jazz drummer. Made my sound a little more versatile. No matter what genre you play.. look to the old school players. Learn outside the norm so your sound is outside the norm...

[@cristianmk]

About fills... check all Iron Maiden albums featuring Nicko McBrain. Also the live versions of those songs. Never playing the same, yet sounding musical.

[@lesterrosario3494]

I love your Channel 💗💗💗😍 Can you do Planetshakers drum beat?🤗

[@squirrel8016]

I have respect for metal drummers 🥁✨✨🤘🔥

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Agreed!

[@amongthungamongthungngulli5086]

I've been waiting for this moment (Gabe)......How long I tried, I cannot do it myself but since you're here to help us to get our goals ,I honestly Thanks for what you've done // for this Exercise I'll go for third. Thanks Gabe we always support you 😍😍 By Unknown drumhead 😁 Thank you Gabe ❣️

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Happy to help my friend!

[@wickedwidget3812]

Man it is flipped for me to I have learned the softer rock bit want to learn metal I want to be not the best drummer but a well developed drummer that can adapt to all playing styles it is more of a love for the beat of the drums for me as a beginner I have always loved the drums just now am I able to buy my second kit and really have a great hobby

[@ChristopherLopezDrums]

This is the video I wish someone had made 14 years ago when I had to transition from being a full rock/metal drummer to a gospel drummer. Thank you so much!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

My pleasure!

[@sugarfoo4]

I got a double pedal a week ago and ahhhh… I just practiced One, you know the part. My hardest issue is playing straight quarters on whatever. I just am used to grooving so this is just so strange. The hihat pedal moving over was a sad thing for me but I’m used to it.

[@benbritton1368]

I always fall into playing the same metal fills, if you could show more that would be much appreciate!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Definitely!

[@benbritton1368]

@@DrumBeatsOnline Thank you man!

[@quake1792]

I definitely feel naked on a single-bass kit. I'm not a speed metal drummer but I do rely on my of those fraction fills (didn't know that's what they were called btw) as part om my toolbox. I learned a lot of that from Mike Portnoy.

[@Ayushdrums]

Can you upload more drum fills like the fill at 10? Thanks

[@ronvallejo7987]

What’s your stack made of? Looks like a wuhon linear on top.

[@attempt58]

I just need to work on my Jazz and my fills. I guess I'm not that bad afterall.

[@larrytate1657]

Is there more to the beginning pedals than just one being double and one single? Meaning do you not like the eliminators?

[@fredrikh3547]

I want nothing more than being the first guy! Class act

[@benjisidzett4632]

I'm a rook drummer to. I try to learn that kind of metal stuff too.

[@gav1n046]

I know this isn’t *always* the case… but I think it’s worth the mention that the majority of metal drums these days is sampled on record… at least for non-label bands cause it’s cheaper to sample midi. The studio is the best place to learn your own strengths and weaknesses

[@20smgreen]

You need to address how people set their sets up. I saw a clip of the kick pedal beater coming back and hitting the shin........

[@La_sagne]

pretty much every fill with a bell in the middle is great

[@innocenthedgehog8367]

I think my main issue here is not being able to play as well without double kicks. I'm getting better at it now thanks to playing a lot more pop, disco and funk over the last year, but it's definitely a problem.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

It’s good to recognize, now you know what to improve!

[@dbmdrums1105]

I need to work also work on the Metal stuff!

[@kennethbuser2644]

Your so scientific. That's good. Cozy powell one of the greatest ever.

[@GoldNettle]

Man if you dont know him already, check out chris turner, talk about ghost notes and groove, also zero drum samples needed. His producer said even -2db of compression could destroy his performance

[@maltes666]

Im not a metal drummer but I love your videos so...

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Haha well I’m glad you are here anyway!

[@allcolorsareentombedinblack]

Very circular and whole drummers in metal are: Jamie Saint Mérat, Flo Mournier, Marco Minneman and Matt Garstka... Also Chris Turner

[@mrgreentheking527]

Keep going gabe

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

🙏🏽

[@kermitdafrogisback]

Like always another great video. Trust me everyone, get on the wait list. It will be worth your time. Gabe is an amazing teacher.

[@kpalmadrums]

YES! Love the Style Boyz crewneck. Connor4real for days! Gabe, let me see that donkey roll!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

We are now best friends.

[@kpalmadrums]

@@DrumBeatsOnline Hell Yeah bro! Let's do a drum collab video of Finest Girl or Incredible Thoughts!

[@lorenzkachelrie1799]

6:06 is this a flying cow in the crowd? 😂

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Gosh I hope so

[@andrewmurphy5310]

I thought the title was clickbaity but this is very solid advise. I'm guilty of heavy hitting.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

So glad it was helpful for you!

[@mondragon9282]

I rock 2 bass drums so TECHNICALLY I play a single pedal on each side 😜 But seriously, I need to build that single kick style up a lot. I do a lot of closed hi hat stuff, so my single kick needs some improvement to give the beats some more razzle dazzle.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Haha I like the loophole!

[@jacksonwhittier3646]

A lot of metal drummers need to learn to groove, im saying this as a death metal drummer, you have guys that can blast beat and play fast double bass at super human levels but they can't hold down a simply 4/4 beat that grooves. I recommend just incorporating some pocket or groove into your practice session once your down doing your exercises for the metal stuff, or even learning some rock and pop somgs here and there will help!

[@joshrichards6486]

You forgot to mention Alex Camarena for metal drummers with a lot of feel.

[@neilmac3731]

Never heard of you before but with those flying around hands when you talk to the camera you could also be a conductor