5 Ways To Become A Better Drummer 🖐🏾😬...Instantly!

[@jeffsr8300]

Hey kids; after 53years of playing drums, Rob's 2nd tip was the one you've got to remember, it always starts from the bottom. If if doesn't flow it won't groove, if it doesn't groove they won't dance or even want to. Take a guess at who'll they'll blame. Thnx Rob 👍👍

[@marcpompette7431]

Hell yeah! 32 just took up lessons did an open jam last night at a local establishment...never played live drums, and played on the house kit! It was awesome man. Exactly as you said, don't get too fancy, keep the beat👌👍

[@bayzedgossiper2852]

I always tell my students “think with your feet they are the foundation of the beat

[@MarimboKing]

Yeah man! I've been following Robs channel for about a year, working on my hands and stuff, but I just realized I got to devote a whole lot more time to my feet, and especially getting the kick hits precise. Still doing hand work to try and maintain my progress, but I'm mostly practicing this now. I guess it goes for any genre, but I'm a funk drummer so it's super cruicial to have that steady beat.

[@jeffsr8300]

@@MarimboKing please remember that practice is the foundation of being a good/great drummer, 3-4 hrs a day is pretty common amongst the really good/great drummers.

[@MarimboKing]

@@jeffsr8300 I wish I had that much time, but I got a full time job and kids to raise. But I do practice every day though

[@ricklord7144]

2 1/2 years ago I started playing again after a 25 year hiatus. I started again by r=watching Rob online. At least one hour per day practicing all of the hard ugly crap he teaches has grown my playing to unbelievable levels! Disciplined tenacity applied with Rob and baboom! A 68 year old that rocks! Jazzes! Swings and blueses!!!! Ha! Thanks muchly, Rob!

[@SoleymoonPercussion]

Nice! Go Rick!!!!

[@wannabeadrummer]

Same here Rick, he's a great inspiration.

[@lucaswedderburn]

That’s great to hear! Always love the motivation I get from Rob and his followers. Love to see it!!!! Rock on!!!!!!!!!!!

[@paulrevelli]

Regarding Tip #4: I actually took a tip from Ringo one time. Technically, he's a lefty playing on a right handed kit. And he was saying he almost always leads with his left hand when he starts his fills. I started doing this occasionally (even though my dominant hand is the right) and I was quite surprised at how much more relaxed my fills sounded. I ended up having to employ a few more doubles on my left hand to get my right to land on the downbeat sometime. But depending on the tempo, it was a nice change. Food for thought. Thanks again, Rob. ☮

[@adambradley2605]

You are a positive, encouraging, knowledgeable presence here in the KZbin drumming community, and I thank you for what you give to all of us!

[@SteadArcFab_Ministries]

👌👊👊

[@davidbotkin3895]

Hey everybody, I don’t say much normally, but I’m here watching AND LISTENING! Rob is the real deal and please listen to what he’s saying at 13:24 my family has been in the music biz since the 1930s and I started playing drums when I was 11 and my dad was cool enough to take me to see guys like Ed, Shaughnessy, and Buddy Rich and bring me to sessions he was doing with Jim Gordon or Hal Blaine, when I was about 14 or 15 we’re going to Disneyland to see buddy rich, my dad introduced me to him after the show and asked him “hey buddy, got any tips for my kid here he’s becoming a pretty good drummer” Buddy looked me straight in the eye, then sat back down at his kit and said “ kid there’s two things, make sure you can get to every piece of your drum kit easily, you won’t need to move your arms more than 6 to 10 inches” then proceeded to do some bad ass fill and crack every one of his cymbals and it looked like he was barely moving, then he said “and relax” then he patted me on the back and walked away, that was the 70s and he did not have the reputation of being a relaxed guy! Now I’m sitting here about to turn 61 and six weeks ago I was doing a casual bar gig, went for the fill at the beginning of a song, wasn’t relaxed, then went to crash My 18 inch on the left side of my ride and felt my right shoulder go pop, wasn’t able to finish the gig or load my gear, the orthopedic surgeon said I snapped my bicep tendon clean in half and tore my rotator cuff as bad as he’s ever seen but he could see that it had been torn before And there’s no surgery that will be able to repair this injury, physical Therapy has enabled me to keep playing but I bought a little Ludwig pocket kit, and brought everything in super tight and use that 18” crash as a ride/crash. The moral of the story is I’m lucky I can play at all and if I had listened to what Buddy Rich had told me all those years ago I would not be in this position. Rob, thank you for everything you’re doing and for the casual way you’re going about it, people are hearing you, I am hearing you! I think a character defect that a lot of people have, including myself is; when someone’s giving you some good advice, we hear the words, but how many people are really listening? It’s not easy being a working 61 year old arthritic drummer, but believe me, I’m listening to you! Thanks again, Dave Botkin

[@carlinmuccular]

#1 is it for me. Staying relaxed! Great video. Thanks for the tips Rob!

[@thomasennis1697]

Thank you Rob. I've played drums for 20 years and never thought to relax. It always took a song or 2 to start flowing. Love your content. You are a gift to the internet.

[@steffendyhr-nielsen425]

Being a 100% beginner, one thing that greatly improves my focus when digging kit improvement, point 5 in this video in particular, is very, very simple and I recommend any other beginner give a try: Close/Blind your eyes when playing the kit. Thanks for, yet, another great video!!

[@kevinleboeuf5169]

The best tip is to subscribe and watch this channel. At 63 years old I still pick up good information from Rob all the time!!

[@offshoretomorrow3346]

Love the 'lead with the bass drum' comment. Been playing drums only a few years, but tapping my foot to bass beats all my life: it's the heart and soul of the kit to me.

[@luiszuluaga6575]

Your wit is subtle, your advice wise and your instruction is direct. Thanks for being so awesome!

[@1Giuseppe007]

Just getting started with drums here tomorrow and i am watching this tips 20 times already , very professional the way you explaining it! Thank you Rob!

[@DavePilotCH47]

Hit the kit this morning for more practice on 6 stroke rolls and low and behold I relaxed my hands and arms and the speed and sound changed dramatically. Thank you “Mr Jackson”!!

[@kiddynamite3931]

Man, everything you mentioned is right on! When I'm playing well, it starts with being able to relax, but that's a mental thing for me. When I'm balanced and my foot is working solid It's way easier to stay relaxed. I have RELAX written on my snare head. Great stuff

[@jimlaw8199]

#2 is spot on. Was listening to a drummer practicing in the next room, and when his hands were out of time it wasn't too bad, but when his KICK was out of time, it was like nails on a blackboard, the groove just died every time. Then I listened to my own recordings, same thing... :(

[@krioni86sa]

#2 is my favorite!!

[@Br3tt23]

Great advice, I worked for years to figure this stuff out naturally so whoever gets this in one video is lucky. It’s a great idea to be self aware and reflect on your playing now and then. I’ve designed my kit and style over 23 years and totally comfortable now. Great vid 👏👏👏

[@MicahJoelDrums]

Great tips! Thanks for another awesome video!

[@mrmisfit635]

Drumming is pure joy, and these tips allow you to enjoy what you're doing even more. Thanks Beatdown! ✌🏼❤️

[@yozhp]

Thank you very much. The best and the only tips you need to become a drummer, 300% true, everything else is your imagination and hard work if you want to level up. I started drumming because I finally relaxed not only my body but my mind too. And I f..... LOVE it.

[@vacuumelite2065]

Further thoughts on Number 2 : any Grid line that genuinely contains TWO voices.... Typically : Hat/snare, Hat/kick, Hat/Tom. OR the Ride cymbal equivalent. Play them bang on top of each other. Then play them sloppy. Learn the difference. Many thanks Rob...... and relax. 😊❤️

[@jazz4asahel]

Beginner here who very much appreciates your help. I wrote down the tips and placed them on the top of my bass drum.

[@juliecroussette]

Great tips as usual! :) I'm not a beginner, but I certainly needed a reminder for the set up of my kit hahaha! I'll add this task to my practice time tomorrow. Thanks!

[@theshaker6458]

Thanks Rob. Actually I had a flashbak when I saw this video. So many years ago when I just had a few years playing drums I met Enrique Pla from Irakere (cuban latin jazz band) who was delivering a drum clinic where I used to take drum lessons. Embarrassing enough, as a student I was asked by my instructor to play in front of him (yes...I was a scared to death). He noticed that I was playing with my arms and he told me to use my wrists instead and said "Otherwise you won´t be able to play when you´re old"...I took his advice seriously...I was 24 back then...now I´m 59 and thanks to this valuable tip I expect to play until I have to leave this world...

[@michaelgallegos8811]

Ihad not been on lately hurt my wrist dealing with firewood this winter saw, axe ,I hurt my wrist not good ,drumming is alot of wrist ,but I got on get today relaxed so I hear u man I knew I could still play considering my wrist pain felt good to roll around the kit again.I got only 3years under my belt but glad I got back on it today .Winter been way to long this year

[@drsvc-drummer]

Rob always tells it like it is. Good stuff all.

[@stockphotomusic2690]

I really just started on drums and I stumbled onto "playing from the foot" a couple days ago. I noticed when I really honed in on what my Kick foot was doing everything seemed more solid. I honestly assumed that was some kind of bad habit I'd have to kick eventually. I'm glad to know that's actually a good thing to fall into the habit of!

[@danielward7252]

Pure gold in this clip

[@BradBarker-uw5cj]

Thank You.64 and trying to learn.

[@rhythmkeeper]

I always enjoy your content. You may have framed this video for beginners but this is for everyone. Foundational thinking never gets old.

[@robertthompson5568]

Gotta have that beautiful blue hoodie that you have on! I predict that you will sell quite a few of those. Playing "from the foot up" got me quite a few gigs. Practicing a simple 2 4 and putting the bass on 1e+, e+a, +a1, and a1+ will get your foot where it needs to be. (Love the channel Rob)

[@DonAlthouse-iy1of]

Rob your the best teacher....you make me relax everytime I see you play...great stuff....

[@fiddlinang]

Wise words as always, Rob! 👍 I actually started learning the drums with a rotator cuff injury which forced me into exactly the kind of set-up you're talking about! Also I think you need to assess your set-up almost daily depending on what your body is saying.

[@GuidoTube69]

“Don’t set you kit up for aesthetics but for ergonomics” 👍

[@andreasbreitwieser1449]

9 of 10 of my students - are so tense while playing, they get sweat by playing only straight eighths on the hihat at 80 bpm......- just think in their hands - play from the arms - have just one level of imagination for rhythmic sequences - don't have any look for the architecture of their drum set....... 100 % hit with your advises Mr. Beatdown !! So useful !

[@HOUSEDOMEFUNKofficial]

110% solid... Rob's the shiznit. So stoked to see the drumeo connection- great on ya, man- HUGE fan. FLOW, baby... t'ain't just for drum and bass and surf and zen, anymore- follow your stoke and it's a way of life

[@mikeingman4841]

Rob, thank you so much for all these good tips you give us we’re trying to be better drummers, I went back playing about a year and a half ago after not playing for 40 years, the best advice and tips I’ve ever gotten from Rob. Thank you so much for sharing all your knowledge and information with all of us. It’s much appreciate it. Thanks, Rob.

[@IrishStoner]

"Relax" man I get so relaxed sticks start flying lol eyes close grooving it out and where'd my stick go?

[@seele.001]

Literally me

[@chadphillips1950]

Thanks Rob❤️ I write on my snare head with Marker Relax n loose heads. Helps me when I look at my snare to relax. 🥁🤘

[@arthurphillips1512]

Great video! Great advice! Great lessons! Thank you Rob!

[@Hagen55555]

Rob rocks! 🔥🥁🔥

[@johnbmx4christ]

I'm just a KZbin drum cover guy. When you talked about moving your arms, that's exactly what I do. But that's just when the cameras are turned on. I actually talked about that in one of my videos and said that you really can't do that very long. It's very tiring and it's very bad for you. So when I'm practicing I don't do any of that stuff but as soon as the cameras are turned on I'm going big. 😁 I love your channel dude. I have been learning a lot from you.

[@debralynnpaxton5238]

Excellent advice as always, Rob.

[@TheTayedrums]

thank you for your tips....so cool and i feel what you are saying too..thx

[@sandyhanson6082]

Amazing tips for beginners to seasoned players! Because sometimes we forget these things!! Thanks for reminding us of them!! 😃👍

[@dairyairman]

About tip #1, relaxing, like tip #5 (ergonomics) that one can also prevent injury. For a long time I used to play with a lot of tension, and sure enough, after a while I developed some tendonitis in my wrists and shoulders. Like you say, it's a steady drip, but if you do it long enough it can cause injury. Over the past few years I've learned to relax more and I never have tendonitis problems anymore, even though I play a lot. I did also set up my kit more ergonomically, so maybe that helped me too.

[@xrybgfyuknnderhn9567]

Yeah, I had the first habit of not relaxing. It made my faster notes sound stiff and not so pleasant. I am practising this, and my playing feels much more natural now thanks

[@mick_c_horror_and_pop_culture]

Thank you, Rob, for your advice and instruction. Your channel....ROCKS!🤘🏻

[@dcbedeker]

You’re such a great teacher. Thank you!

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

Can't thank you enough for your channel RB ! Respect E'time B !!

[@brettthomson3689]

Something for everyone. Definitely endorse the kick drum and lead hand tips. Sometimes I think these fundamentals get a bit lost in the quest for getting a rudiment or some fill down. From a rock perspective, Phil Rudd is probably the epitome of this approach.

[@andrewchaney242]

This has been really helpful. Thanks Rob.

[@drewjonespdx]

Love these kind of vids

[@marcpompette7431]

You the man Rob!

[@hokkid]

This is perfect for a beginner like me. Thank you so much

[@michaelgallegos8811]

Great video Rob thanks 🥁🥁🎛🎸🍻

[@vincenzoa2929]

Great advice! Especially how to set up a kit to be ergonomically correct.

[@peterbartone4123]

Great advice!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Very great tips presented here. Cheers, Rob! ✌️🥁

[@TheKenEdiT]

Thanks, Rob. I just started to understand the world of drums.

[@keithcramer9246]

Thank u for ur vids and drumming

[@joshuajuaire8757]

Also another tip make sure you have enough sticks with you when you’re on the gig / show /Concert/performance

[@Scott.B70]

Rob, you are seriously the fkn man!

[@lauragrl16]

I love your videos. Great tips !! 👊🏼

[@jazzkelley]

This is awesome! Thank you!

[@miker5233]

So you don't get enough credit you're a really good teacher on the internet guys hit that sub button

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Hey thanks a bunch, man 👊🏽

[@drindy5166]

💯% full on #1 right off the hop, couldn't have said it any better... being relaxed, let alone giving yourself that added confidence of being relaxed, makes all the difference in the world! If there was any take away from this video... this would be thee most important tip ever 🔥👊🧡👍🔥

[@jackoondrums2763]

Great video, as usual Rob. After hearing about tip 5, and the placement of all your gear, I'm curious here, have you ever tried playing your kit with your eye's closed? I do it every once in a while, and that has helped me get more familiar with where everything is. Plus, it helps should the lighting be dim at the venue, you're playing. I swear to God, his videos are getting better and better as each year goes by. Still playing at 70 years young, I've learned so much, 🤘I watch all his vids. Rob, thanks again for what you do💪👍

[@SoleymoonPercussion]

Lol I do feel like caveman Jack 😂 Rob always cracks me up, thank you for your teachings, wisdom and humor, cheers ✌️ 🔥🥁🔥

[@ScottyDrake]

Wrists and fingers...yes! Watch any Buddy Rich video. Wrists and fingers. Wrists and fingers.

[@DrummClem]

Hey, I wanted some advice regarding tip #4 I use mainly my right hand as my dominant hand, but I sometimes switch with my left hand, because it helps me in some circumstances. It was also some kind of personal goal for me to try some open playing…. Has anyone some advice/hot take regarding this ?

[@woody4269]

Cheers RB. 🍻

[@michaelgallegos8811]

Hey Rob

[@debralynnpaxton5238]

LOL ! "...lookin' like 'Caveman Jack'..." :D

[@dbmartingroupmusic]

Good tips, groovy.

[@stevenclifton-jn6ce]

I like this cat,,,keep on keeping on

[@bh995-h3q]

Can you talk more about how tension can be a tool? You mention it at 2:41

[@rhythmwarrior3859]

Playing is more about meditation. Learn to do that and stay calm when you play. Accept the flow, to flow through you and it will. This is how I like to look it anyway. 😆.

[@aristin62]

Can I play a clean double one billion percent the right way to check for relaxation.

[@SullenMorbius]

funny how the wrist & fingers thing gets lost on people -- absolutely fundamental. you wear yourself out using shoulders.

[@tonyeads9257]

nice hoodie

[@robpearson108]

How to tell when I am not relaxed at gigs- Getting looks by lead singer I am rushing!...

[@youngprofessor]

Carlin Muccular pronounced Mc-CUH-ler. Shedtracks is what’s up!

[@jeremiahsmarketing]

Cave man Jack 😅😂

[@jimbarcelona1078]

Great tips been relaxing before I start. Always check my entire body to be sure if hands are relaxed feet relaxed and my brain is in tune with the song. As always good job man.Thanks Rob. Your friend and follower. I sent many people your way.

[@icetech6]

weird lighting on this one

[@poppop-24]

HELLO, I'M KENNY M. FROM WASHINGTON DC, I STARTED PLAYING DRUMS IN 1966 AT AGE 10 BASICALLY, USING PADS BECAUSE MY FAMILY COULDN'T AFFORD A REAL DRUM SET. I PLAYED FOR A FEW LOCAL BANDS IN THE DC AREA BUT NOTHING TO WRITE HOME ABOUT. WELL I STARTED MEETING AND PARTYING WITH THE WRONG PEOPLE THE LAST TIME I PHYSICALLY PLAYED WAS 1975, WELL HOWEVER, I'VE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT I WAS BORN TO PLAY BECAUSE IT WAS SO EASY FOR TO PICK UP ANY BEAT THAT I HEARD I WILL BE 68 ON JULY 1, 2024, HOWEVER, ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT I WAS NATRUAL

[@cskeise]

💙👊😎

[@nickmatthewsmusicstudio]

But how do you relax? Focus on your breathing, listen to your body

[@mscocopiyal3112]

I've been struggling with tip 3 , using my wrist and fingers. It's hard, especially for my non dominant left hand. My left hand is obviously weaker and I really struggled with holding the stick I've been practicing since September last year and I'm finally starting to get it. Sigh ..

[@petermpeti1919]

Doctor 😂

[@o0junglist0o93]

Captain obvious 🤣🤣🤣