The REAL Difference Between Good Drummers and Mediocre Ones

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Links to material featured in this video:
Nate Smith from Tiny Desk - • Nate Smith + KINFOLK: ...
Joel Turcotte, demonstrating you can have chops and still be musical - / ccbbhbigavo
Matt Garstka and Josh De LaVictoria - • Meinl Cymbals - Matt G...
Excellent cover of Skip Step (Please give them love) - • Skip Step by Nate Smith
Excellent cover of Rumples (Please likewise give them love) - • Rumples - Adam Rogers ...
Documentary on Chris Potter's Underground (Rumples starts at 29 minutes) - • Chris Potter Undergrou...
Bootleg of the underground band - • chris potter undergrou...
Kendrick Scott playing with a student band - • Pendulum - Kendrick Sc...
Danny Carey sitting in - • The Pot - Danny Carey ...

[@PorterWonacottPercussion]

People say drumming is about energy, but kit control and time and note spacing is what creates that energy.

[@PorterWonacottPercussion]

In addition to that, drumming is the most fun when you notice yourself improving and create good feel.

[@germaniumrocker]

So true, i could not said i better!

[@currywinborn3129]

People often misinterpret volume, speed, and body movement as having “energy.” You can fake a lot of people out by just hitting the drums hard and having a big ol’ smile on you face.

[@williamhatelmburg7870]

Truth! These bashers who view their drums as a fitness machine never have the subtleties and dynamics of the greats they're trying to emulate.

[@firstnamesurname6550]

I am a bass player, The drummers that I love are those capable to create the Ground Space and The Rhythmic Atmosphere for the ensemble musical narratives or tunes. "Energy" isn't a clear concept for getting the role of The player. Sometimes, an "energetic player" can be the worst choice for some ensembles.

[@ajb-drums]

“It’s really fun to be good.” Todd Sucherman

[@ambiention]

My band's currently looking for a new drummer, and you can bet your ass we care more about time, feel, lock up, kit control, keeping the 1, and learning the songs quickly than straight chops.

[@Breakbeats92.5]

Bro, if I had a nickel for every drummer I've come across that drops the beat and doesn't have a solid meter I could afford high end studio time.

[@nathanaelfeasel330]

where are ya cause im a drummer???

[@ambiention]

@@nathanaelfeasel330 Japan!

[@8020drummer]

So obviously I'm not very familiar with the Tool catalogue, otherwise I would have recognized that Danny Carey was playing his own tune. Apologies to all the Tool fans out there. I think the example still functions, though, and it's actually a perfect analogy to Kendrick Scott, who was playing *his* own tune in the earlier clip.

[@willderr1469]

Its ok, she was definitely not Maynard

[@beautynotstatic2419]

agreed.

[@ak4656]

@Stream of Consciousness they were playing The Pot, one of TOOL's most popular songs

[@xlcoldj]

No shame, bro! :-)

[@micgauth]

It’s ok. You should do yourself a favor and listen to some Tool though. “Lateralus” is a good place to start.

[@anthonydratnal1870]

The entire genre of punk is basically a case of solid drummers hugely elevating sloppy guitarists and bassists. I think the reason it was hard to find good rock examples of this is simply because without a genuinely great drummer, a rock band is highly unlikely to gel and become well-known.

[@susanmaggiora4800]

Anthony Dratnal The first thing that came to mind was what The Clash were able to accomplish once they got Topper.

[@michaelm4950]

The right drummer can really elevate a band! imagine zeppelin without Bonham or the who without Keith Moon who tho he wasnt techically proficient brought such imagination passion and showmanship to the band that once he was gone they lost a vital part of who they are as a band

[@anthonydratnal1870]

@@michaelm4950 Mooney was such a contradiction - especially live he'd constantly play these ridiculous fills that technically didn't synch with the band, but yet FELT like they did - I think it's because he was actually playing to Roger's vocals for the most part. Even after seeming for all the world as if he lost the rhythm during a bar, he'd reliably land back on the one. Kenney Jones showed what they sounded like with a normal drummer, and he did a great job - but it wasn't the same.

[@sleepyancient6655]

@@michaelm4950 Moon was extremely proficient from a technical standpoint. His personality was out of control, but when he played, he displayed great skill. In one studio recording he had been so on point that, when they slowed it down, they found out he was playing to the millisecond (iirc). Most professionals didn't think that was possible.

[@theevildrummingsithlord1492]

Matt Kelly of Dropkick Murphys could be a great example; he really holds the band up well - especially considering that Ken Casey isn't the greatest punk bassist ever.

[@chrispysthename]

Danny Carey looks like he’s having SO MUCH FUN.

[@8020drummer]

That's another common feature I've observed with high level musicians is they don't get nervous or self-conscious, and they generally bring a positive attitude and fun/buoyancy to the music.

[@paistefever]

The 80/20 Drummer So true! When truly skilled/gifted musician also actually own they stuff (playing) and genuinenly passionate, you can def hear and see it. It's what some call, "the lead drummer". Effortless, charismatic and often funny :)

[@odaydrums]

@@8020drummer as a drummer I hear "the band sounds so tight" a lot with just about whomever I played with. That comment always sort of bugged me and I dont know why. But later I heard from people they were touched by what they heard us playing and that sort of made it all make sense. That is all I ever wanted. I'm just a guy who enjoys playing. I like your takes on stuff and have your 1st course which I enjoy THANKS! I have played 2 gigs since the lock down and I am getting sick of practicing! : )

[@iqi616]

@@odaydrums Sounds like you're doing it right.

[@thegoodsgone1965]

A good drummer is a good musician who plays what the music calls for.

[@reidcampbell6743]

I read a great article in Rolling Stone this week featuring Chris Slade (AC/DC, Tom Jones, David Gilmour). AC/DC had auditioned 100 drummers before he got the gig. The drum beats in AC/DC's music one might perceive as "basic" but the fact that they had to audition 100 professional drummers before they landed on someone to nail a 4/4 120 bpm rock beat speaks to everything you're saying in this video.

[@jarodreddig63]

That’s pretty cool.

[@spencergsmith]

Slade still had nothing on Phil Rudd. His feel is still unmatched by almost any other rock drummer.

[@cgafken]

I suspect a decent amount of “haters” about these concepts don’t frequently record themselves or play with musicians of a higher caliber. I cant imagine any gigging musician would argue against these points. Locking up with a band, even note spacing, hitting drums/cymbals in the correct spots for good quality sounds, solid time and feel, etc are all crucial to making the music the best it can be. Ive always liked the sentiment, a professional is better than novices even on their worst day, and everything you highlight here is how you get to that level of skill. Love the videos btw, always informative and interesting!!

[@8020drummer]

Exactly. Before I started recording myself, I didn't get it either.

[@iqi616]

Yep, recording oneself is a must regardless of instrument.

[@jimbo-fk4dq]

Recording myself was the best way to humble myself even more. I thought it sounded good when I was playing, but hearing back, made me hear how sluggish and behind I was. It adds to my theory, that a mediocre drummer thinks they are great, when they have work to do, while a great drummer will sound great, while thinking there's always room for improvement.

[@remoevans2793]

First time I ever sat behind a kit at 13 (52 now) was with other musicians and we recorded the session on cassette tape. Because I had natural timing and could stay in the pocket with the bass player. I can’t remember what ever happened to their other drummer after that 😂

[@kfizz]

Here is me grooving with my current band. I think it demo's all points. kzbin.infoXeloEeqEXrA

[@tjnathan]

At my university we’d have pros that constantly sat in with the student ensembles for performances. Even if they aren’t the drummer, a cat who’s been playing music at a high level for decades will bring out the best in you. The difference is subtle but extremely palpable.

[@GuitarKitchen]

Also really experienced drummers can take a band to the next level, in terms of energy/hype/people dancing. For jazz situations a lot really good drummers can really bring out a soloist message, etc ...

[@outofdate2539]

Completely agree. Add a rhythm section pro (drums or bass) into an inexperienced band, and (caveat here) providing the band listen to the pro, they will up their game noticeably. I have experienced this may times.

[@coolatta1]

im in college currently, not studying music, but in active music groups like the basketball band. It is not filled w music majors etc, but i can tell you from experience for me to focus on feel, lock-up, touch, and putting the chops to the side. i’ve been told the group is more relaxed and fits in with the time. So all the points you made. 100% agreed

[@theevildrummingsithlord1492]

A basketball band? What's that like?

[@mrnelsonius5631]

Professional bass player, worked with some very well known and successful producers and I want to share a story about a drummer I played with for years. Toured with this drummer and almost never heard him “chop out”. Just wasn’t his thing to play a bunch of crazy technical stuff. BUT, playing with him and recording anything with him was always easy, things just felt and SOUNDED right every time. Every producer loved his playing. He just owned all the subtleties of good drum tracks innately. A total song guy. Would play what people suggested, no drummer ego. And again, he wasn’t overly concerned with chops. Oh and he was left handed and could play just about any kit configuration haha. So it’s not all chops, I’d say understanding how drums fit into the whole picture, how they support a song, how they lock down the feel.. I’ve seen it first hand, this is what’s most important to the people that are going to be most important to your career

[@parafizzle]

Great! Always appreciate your honesty and straightforwardness. Makes me wanna get good.

[@TheSicilian357]

Rite on brother, reality is a beautiful thing. I am always feelin your vibe in all your thoughts. Thank you for sharing the love of life

[@43sbra]

Well, taking some time off has made you a better video producer. And now I know why I hit subscribe and hit the all bell about a year ago. I like the new tempo of the video production. Your observations, perceptions and experience, are to me, unique and useful. You distill the essence extremely well, etc... Keep up the good work my man. I am paying attention.

[@citydrums7525]

Dude, that clip of you playing at 7:00 in was SMOKIN'... Great playing man! You sounded so clean and crisp. Sweet vid. Thanks for the great info. Your playing just jumped up a level...

[@BeaverVision]

You've been right from the start. I often share your videos with newer drummers coming up. I'm still learning a lot myself.

[@JohnathanDsouza]

I am going to Begin my Drum journey and am happy that i subscribed to this channel, thank you so much for this video ❤️

[@charlesavino8826]

I have watched all your videos (I think) and you are absolutely spot on correct. My oldest and fondest musical compadre (who played seven different instruments beautifully, but not drums) once turned to me and said, "A band is only as good as its drummer." That was thirty-five years ago and those words stung and motivated me to be the best musician possible. I practiced seven days a week for years. The result: dozens and dozens of offers and gigs, so many that in the 1980's my girlfriend wouldn't let me answer the phone on Friday or Saturday night if I didn't have a gig because it was usually somebody with an offer. Just last week I sat in with a band on a horrible beginners kit with toy cymbals and after one song they wanted to know if I was available. Everyone: read it and weep: THE 80/20 DRUMMER IS TELLING THE TRUTH. HE WANTS ALL OF US TO KNOW THE FACTS, GET BETTER, AND GET THE GIGS. PERIOD. Now go practice! :)

[@michaelm4950]

Timekeeping synchronization and to some extent feel and technique but I think mostly the ability to listen to and leave space for the musicians around you to do their thing too!!

[@jesseolsson1697]

man I just want to say thanks for everything Nate. I’ve been a huge jazz fan all my life, and a multi-instrumentalist since middle school. I’m going into junior year of high school now, (I started playing drums in July 2019) and your videos (along with lessons from Steve Lyman, who you actually recommended to me) have allowed me to realize what is really important to focus on when learning the drums, which have allowed me to bootstrap my learning process. you’ve allowed me to begin to realize the distinction between macrotime and microtime, and the concept that you can lock up perfectly with yourself without locking up with a band. your “new jazz standards” video basically gave me a crash course into modern jazz artists, who inspired me on my other five instruments as well. you recommended the two Riley books and the Reed book to me, which allowed be to synthesize what I was transcribing from Tony and Roy and Tain. when I could’ve just been aimlessly noodling around the kit like an out of time Aaron Spears, your videos have put me in intermediate/low advanced territory in less than a year. if I ever get a chance to meet you, I’ll hopefully buy you lunch and talk to you about the new ECM record.

[@alanhirayama4592]

Awesome video, Nate! As a saxophonist, I would say all of those qualities apply to ALL musicians, not only drummers. Thank you for sharing!

[@skahotandzrson1076]

You’re the boss dude keep up the extra work it’s appreciated thanks 😊

[@jakeklossing4352]

I noticed that in a scenario where you end up playing in an acoustic nightmare of a gymnasium, it's best to tune to the room and prioritize over simplicity. Knowing how your performance environment sounds is crucial to delivering a good show. In high school, I played for the show choir and in our recordings, every single fill sounded like a mess of noise, yet I was confident that I played a fast and clean fill. At the time I had Evans hydraulic drum heads on because in my perspective, they sounded great, but to the audience it sounded very low and boomy. Last year when I was hired to play for them again, I invested in some roto toms, and that alone solved my volume issue. Simply changing the heads didn't work because I had to dial back my dynamics so that I don't overpower the choir, so the normal toms were still too loud. The clarity from my rotos were a life saver, and I'll always have them in a gig bag, incase the room turns out to be a challenge. Instead of hearing a bunch of rumbling, I could identify each and every note.

[@alexterbi6998]

You are a damn great addition to the drum comunity man, keep it up and never listen to the haters. You are fantastic, I really mean that :)

[@sydhamelin1265]

One realization I had, and this is a big one - When I finally considered myself to be officially out of the category of "amateur" or "weekend" drummer, is when I started sounding good on poor recording devices. For quite a bit, I sounded really amateur, unless I was on a kit that was mic'd up and mixed. I assumed it was just how it was with drums, until I started hearing some really good drummers playing on some very poor quality recordings - and I noticed they still managed to get their good sound across. Even things like getting better at how your kit is tuned, and the dynamics, consistencies, timing...all comes through. I'm a far way from being a showstopper, but getting off the ground felt pretty good. Love these videos, thank you!

[@Pizzastealingninja]

Incredible video dude, thanks for your hard work!

[@Journey-of-1000-Miles]

In my own personal opinion, I have always believed that a good drummer plays the drums like a musical instrument. They don’t just smash the drums, they know how to make them sound musical!

[@alansmith7857]

Love ALL these posts on what makes a good drummer.I"m an old man who played over 7000 nights on the road and still practice 2hrs.everyday.[I'm sitting on the drum stool right now] I've come to a strong belief that in addition to all the great things you have touched on that a lot of intangibles enter the mix.Some key words I have written on a blackboard in my practice room are;purpose,intent focus,passion animation,movemnt ,momentum,effortless,feel ,soul etc.Ithink we all hear these kind of qualities in most of our favorite players,but often don't emphasize them enough in our own consciousness.Just a thought,don't want to sound preachy.Love your site,really appreciate your intellectual insights into what makes drumming such a beautiful art form and worthy pursuit Thanks for carrying the flag.

[@paistefever]

Amazing episode, as always, Nate! So spot on!

[@pianojonathan]

Totally agree and thanks for saying it. Smooth video too. Well played, Sir

[@adrianlyord5300]

Very interesting video and absolutely the Drummer should always be “ On Top Of Their Game”! I’ve been watching your videos lately and I appreciate your efforts and time to help “ US DRUMMERS” become better and for that I just subscribed to your channel! Thanks 😊

[@harryquantrill1314]

All this use of skip step and rumples, we need THIS Nate Smith to make a cover of them

[@alvinfrazierTV]

This was a great video! I love the sound of your snare. Feel is very important for any musician but ESPECIALLY for drummers and bass players being rhythm based instruments. A great drummer can make an average sound better. The LOCK is what makes a band sound experienced. Many musicians only hear themselves as opposed to listening who we are sharing the stage with. One last thing, the sound of the set can play a part too apart from the mix but the sound of the actual drums.

[@drummermomcjs]

I found this video to be helpful, thank you for sharing this. I have observed the things that you identified in this video throughout my life as well. I have seen great drummers make a mediocre band or crappy kit sound amazing. I have also seen great bands sound amateur and clunky because the drummer was rigid, or couldn't find the pocket. Things like Lock Up, Feel and Time make or break a drummer and wise drummers recognize this, and make use of it. :-)

[@nilknoc101]

Great video! At least haters can’t disagree with your editing skills. Tool being featured is definitely a treat.

[@tad5920]

Nice video. I recall many years ago hearing the University of Illinois jazz band play 2 sets - the first set which was great, and the second set which sounded like an amazing totally different band. The difference? Louis Bellson played drums for the second set. I was stunned at how much different the whole band sounded with Louis. Of course, this was the difference between a good drummer and a legendary great drummer, but still - it was an eye opening experience for me.

[@kassemir]

Great video. And props for being positive throughout and not showing the names on those comments.

[@andy_travis]

I love this vague and obscure video!

[@El_Bicho_Feo]

I was convinced the first time around on this topic... one thing I’ve noticed in my own playing is that I can go from ‘good drummer’ to ‘mediocre drummer’ and back in the space of a single gig, or even within a set... there’s a palpable comfort level that comes with some of the music I play, and then there’s tunes that make me scratch my head and wonder ‘What IS it with this’? One memorable case (for me) involved finding out how to count out a compound time signature in a different way (finding everyone else’s 1) after about 6 months of dread and struggle.

[@Ebidle]

All lockdown I’ve been avoiding practice due to lack of inspiration. No people to play with really sucked. But your playing snapped me right back into the drive to practice man. Love your videos. You helped me improve much more than any other channel. Thanks for your choice to start doing what you do

[@pheachshorbet916]

I completely agree with everything you are saying. I also love what you are playing in the little breaks and feel that really backs up your talk. It's so nuanced and personal and groovy and tasty. I cannot identify with any drummers that object to this content. It is absolutely right on the money and not really up for debate with anyone who has played drums for a living.

[@tommasogabellini9597]

Great video! Developing a good timing is really crucial to become a reliable drummer. However, I'm having quite a hard time at getting better at all those gap click/offbeat exercises and now that I'm recording some songs, it feels like only a fraction of the effort improved my ability to nail the parts while playing with others. So I was wondering if playing with more experienced people could at least motivate you to become a better drummer and stick to those exercise instead of throwing chops and double bass drumming during the practice time...

[@ColdSleep]

As soon as you started talking about student bands I immediately thought of that great clip of Carey playing with the young band. He makes that little kit sing! Such a funny clip watching his goofy smile the whole time. He definitely didn't have to "learn the tune quickly" though hahaha it's his song.

[@jozneptune]

Lol. This is awesome! Your acknowledgement of the hierarchy doesn’t mean you defend it, you just point out the existence of the phenomena and then people can choose if it’s valid or not. It is valid

[@frederikdallthomalla3184]

As someone who's nowhere near a professional level on drums but has played difficult songs live a fair amount of times (which didn't all go well), I agree with every point you make. It's how the process works, I'm guilty of every mistake on the list and try my hardest to work on these issues.

[@jimmiller2270]

I have had the chance to play with a high level drummer for a project, it was amazing. I had no idea the difference until I was face to face with it. What made them great are the reasons being discussed in this video. I truly believe a great drummer is an absolute treasure to any ensemble.

[@davidgomersall7185]

Immediately thought of that Danny Carey clip when you mentioned rock drumming examples. The best part about it is the massive smile he's got going on the whole time. So yeah, being good is also really fun...

[@JoeyvanLeeuwen]

Man so much respect to you as a drummer and teacher you've made this video like 5 times...forget the haters and give us some new content!

[@GhostRider-hy9zt]

This channel feels like the hard2hurt version of drumming. I love it.

[@drorpeleg4286]

Thanks. I like your snare sound. Which snare is that?

[@FernandoCuadro]

I think it was buddy rich that said something like "a band is as good as is drummer". and to be honest I think that if we want to push things we must see things as you put it even if we can't prove that that's the way it works. If I believe that everything is about talent I'm not going even to try to get better. But if I believe that it depends on me, that's a whole different game. Then the hours practicing are really worth it, and also it makes sense to have long and short term goals; It makes sense to think what type of drummer do you want to be, and what to study in regards to that. I don't know if you are right or wrong, but I choose to think that you are, because that mindset makes a better drummer. Thanks man!

[@SAHBfan]

I believe it was actually Duke Ellington who said a band is only as good as the drummer...

[@nicholasindalecio8211]

Pretty spot on. And what you’re saying can apply to any instrumentalist

[@MrCBiologyIreland]

Hey, I agree with your synopsis. Feel, keeping it tight etc. I’d also add dynamic range in there. I guess you could put that under ‘feel’, but ghost notes and accents make a huge difference to a drummers sound. What are you playing in this video? Rudiments around the kit? Sound great. Kinda like the drums in ‘birdman’ movie. ❤️

[@anotherDnightmare]

I thought I played pretty well until the band I was in went into the studio. Whew. That was an eye opener. But that was 2002-3 and by 2005 I was first call session drummer for a studio outside of Denver. Time. Practice and dedication.

[@ferewtrette]

100% man, yes chops are great but if your timing lock and feel with the music or band you are playing with isnt there then, its gonna fall apart.

[@A432Hz]

Im not a drummer by any means, Im just an amateur trombonist who messes around with a shared drumset (that I currently don’t have access to, thanks COVID). It seems like these skills relate to musicality involving time in general that can be applied outside the drums as well. As someone who doesn’t own a drum set but still wants to tighten up on time/groove, what exercises can be done?

[@iqi616]

Edit: I re-read and realized you were talking drums not trombone! I practice my bass and sax with the metronome playing the off-beat. Forces me to own the 1 and the groove. If the metronome sounds sloppy, I know who's not tight enough! For tightening up trombone I'd also suggest recording yourself playing along with really tight brass sections. Lots of great early '70s stuff with super-tight brass sections.

[@nospoon17]

Great video dude! Love it!

[@brucethomson168]

All excellent points, I would add choices s well. When, if at all, to commit to a fill and what type of fill etc..

[@allanmalloy8266]

One of my absolute favorite sayings is: A pro has failed more times then you have tried. I also notice a lot of these guys moving the goal post, almost indefinitely. Because it's much easier to object without evidence then to actually prove you wrong, and I guarantee that anyone who actually set out to prove you wrong would only prove themselves wrong.

[@adamblevins1435]

One thing I do with my students regularly is what I call "critical listening". We spend a lot of time listening to recordings of songs we are learning and I challenge the student to identify what makes the drummer sound so good. I then record the student playing the same thing and we listen back to it and try to identify things he/she can do to improve it. IMO, these types of exercises are lacking in a lot of young drummers' education. Thanks for the great content! Keep it up!

[@slingerland3g]

Timing, confidence and attitude are the qualities of good/great drummer and a willing to learn can be added as well.

[@cloudrepdom]

Man, totally agree! There is a reason we call the greats greats, and if you want to believe that there is no difference between a great drummer/ pro drummer and a mediocre one you are sorely mistaken, and will probably never breach the gap. We need to know what makes drummers great so that we can learn from them and eventually become great ourselves. I’m a mediocre drummer, been drumming for 10+ years, I’ve learned a lot, but I still have a long ways to go, and that’s ok. At least I recognize that. At least I’m aware of what I can do, where I have to learn, and how to be better! This video should serve many as a wake up call. Well, at-least those that strive for greatness.

[@jeshuamontelongo3953]

New subscriber btw everything you said was extremely good and true and drumming is about being musical and not just about speed and chops. 👍🏼 👌 🔥

[@Trykyl1]

It was quite pleasing to find comments that actually make sense, I was expecting a shit storm down here after seeing the video. A surprise, to be sure, but a welcome one. Also, it's really hard to have to tell people that they suck without discouraging them, but this guy tries. As we say in my native language, evala! (Bravo) :D

[@chasecampan-thornburg1721]

Best drum teacher on the net. Thanks for killin it all the time.

[@gregedenfield1080]

Steve Gadd talks about this same thing in an interview. Find it ,it is interesting. so are your vids man. keep up the good work, bro.

[@MatthewJJoss]

I Really like This Advice!!

[@mcsequoia5107]

Case closed. Musical/Artistic expression is real & legit. But also, time, groove/pocket, dynamics, and musicality are measurable. I appreciate your evangelism, but there will always be those drummers who don't want to hear it. They've no interest in learning and developing.

[@HR2635]

well...as a world famous drummer told me back in the day: "its all about what you DON'T play.. the stuff between the notes". That stuck with me through the years.. and I still practice with that objective in mind. Some day before I die I hope to achieve to become better at it ;-)

[@lambknot]

I like Fenriz from Darkthrone as a drummer. The raw sound he goes for and the attitude he has behind the kit.

[@maxwellbrewer8637]

Someone asked me once do I like doing sound for talented tight bands or crap bands. I said I don’t give a shit, as long as they’re nice.

[@LiquidFlairEnt]

Had to like for the “chops! He’s born with it. It’s the chops!” 😂

[@iCombs]

Hi. Producer/engineer guy here. Couldn’t be more spot on. Every great musician I’ve ever worked with and recorded has strong fundamentals. There’s no escaping that. Every session player whose name you know has a set of fundamental skills that are so airtight that their personal worst IS STILL PASSABLE IN A LOT OF CASES. In military circles, there’s a catch phrase...”under stress, you regress to the level of your training.” A working pro’s fundamentals are so locked down that their application feels like breathing or blinking. And that just takes hours and days and weeks and months and YEARS of seat time.

[@Funkybassuk]

Great video. Couldn’t agree more!

[@gxdhabakkagw6268]

In my experience in years past when I was less advanced. I sounded better with shitty audio quality. What I found when moving from shitty iPhone recordings to actual mic setups is that the mics were able to pick up everything clearly and for the first time I really heard how slightly off time my feet were. You gotta be spot on in a mic’d setting. Really made me realize I couldn’t play a song live just bc I could with headphones in.

[@davegregg1512]

While was attending a college who’s last letters rhyme with PEE, there was a faculty band that rehearsed on a Friday afternoon. I remember Alan Dawson wheeling in the saddest set of drums you’d ever see. I mean if he tried to sell it to a Pawn shop, they’d probably ask him for the money to take it off his hands! Guess what. When he sat down to play, it was just, plain magic! He made this junk into his own! Absolutely brilliant. Back to your video, the collective experience, the attention to craft and raw talent is my take on your question.

[@oldguy445]

Those qualities you outlined don't only apply to drummers. They apply to all musicians. I do a lot of jamming and you can definitely tell the difference between a good musician and mediocre musician.

[@Samuel_Curly_DuBois]

Easy way to find out: can they play to a click and hold the one?

[@irena7777777]

I've started listening to new band called Dream Theater. They have a Mike Portnoy called drummer. He isn't very good. Do you think I should suggest to their singer Jimmy LaFeta that Phil Collen is a good Mike Portnoy?

[@ARGBlackCloud]

Yep doing the hard work is the big part of the issue, most people me included are lazy, and to do this stuff really well requires a lot of hours of Work ( insert four letter word ) , So everything you've talked about the means to and end, playing like a pro or at very least faking it really well. Great vid keep up the good work !!

[@jermss_]

always keeping the one. I LOVE that!

[@bochini1]

You're absolutely right, but some of us just don't care how "good" the musicians are sometimes. We can appreciate all kinds of music, but you already know this. Your channel is great. Great content.

[@jasoncampbell3955]

Way better video of distinguishing good drummers from mediocre. It was less opinion and more empirical and evidence-based. Kudos!

[@stiffmata]

Great vid again dude, thanks!. Heard this a while back: "a bad drummer will make a good band sound like crap, but a good drummer can make a bad band sound a lot better than they are", time has proven this to be a factoid more than just a saying. What's the point of playing a fantastic and bombastic fill if you don't land the one? or playing a killer groove but dragging or rushing the beat and throwing the rest of the band off?? this applies to all musicians btw, not just drummers.

[@ChristopherMurtagh]

As someone who was a total 'chops' nerd back in my music school days, I can say that I've met some incredible musicians who might not have been able to rip through charts at full speed with insane articulation, but man where they musical. Those folks are just far more interesting to listen to than the speed freaks who aren't. It's also pretty much the exact thing that separated Miles Davis from his bebop contemporaries - not to say that Miles had no chops, but he definitely felt left out often by the folks around him. So, he created his own thing, and then it was magical.

[@twanner_]

I’m always paranoid you’re going to stumble upon my recital videos. One in which I attempt a Dave Holland tune which featured Nate Smith. Feels like I’ve been safe for too long...

[@twitrace]

When Professional Nashville artists request to speak to you, expect to receive great wisdom. When a drummer is told by a 40 year recording pro that after playing with & observing 4000 or so drummers, That you are the first of all in all those years to do it right.......profound shock is normal. Why, what prey tell was that magical difference? Remarkably, as I play with retired pro guitarists I get the same response..... I understand and agree 100% with you....there are a few magical ingredients not mentioned. I will not share that, it’s hear able, it makes ya wanna move, adds feeling to the story, moods etc. Keep up the good work. Cheers, Rhodester

[@coreyroberts47]

Great birthday present. I need to practice

[@jackstill4710]

People who can't be critical of their own playing or let people be critical of their playing will always max out their progression earlier than others

[@SERTOPTV]

I agree with you man 100%, i have a friend that is way better than me in technical aspects and to my drummer friends here, taught by one of those well know drummers here in our country, every time i see and hear him play i would say man this guy is good, but one time there is this veteran drummer played in one of our Jam and man I was amazed that he sounded better, he has these qualities: Time, Feel, lock up, kit control, and keeping the "1", i realized what was lacking to my other friend " Feel and Kit Control" but technically he is better than me.

[@afxmnstr]

Danny Carrey playing with those kids is pure class

[@drummonk3699]

Good Job NATE! and remember... "You can please some of the people all of the time, you can please all of the people some of the time, but you can’t please all of the people all of the time”. (John Lydgate) Keep on swingin!

[@johelectrix7927]

80/20 did you have many bands that joined?? To be honest the one that teaches better drumming your the one that is shedding light its great

[@MsKeith78]

Gold .. love it mate

[@davidsykes9331]

I think you made it excellent point. And I think you sound pretty damn good yourself.

[@williamhatelmburg7870]

2:45 Whenever I talk to a potential drummer over the phone and this is the sh-t that comes tumbling out of his mouth, I automatically know he's some loud, over the top, lead drummer who takes his agrressions out on his kit, bangs his drums like they owe him money, cant sit in the pocket to save his life, and steps all over everybody using the band as his practice track that he can try his latest "I learned this in a video" lick that he wants to superimpose over a tune where it doesnt fit. I found this video hilarious. These nether apes give themselves away over the phone so you don't waste time setting up an audition. What they're telling you during the screening process is "I suck" and they're not worth your time. NEXT!

[@theevildrummingsithlord1492]

What's the best way for a self-taught drummer like me to improve on my playing, especially with an electric kit?

[@LesterBrunt]

Get some drummer books (future sound from david garibaldi is awesome), learn styles you aren't comfortable with. But most importantly find a band and a place where you can rehearse on a live kit. You can learn a lot of an electric kit but you will never get that real feedback, a real kit feels very different. And playing in a band is essential, drums don't exist in a vaccuum, you need to interact with other players to learn how to keep time, keep proper dynamics, listening to the other players, etc.

[@theevildrummingsithlord1492]

@@LesterBrunt I definitely got the find a band part - I have my own band that I started some time back (and we've been using a live kit until COVID struck us down). I mainly go with ska (I have a ska band...yes I'm weird) and I also try punk. I think I've definitely learned a lot about playing from being in a band, but I'm not very technical.

[@theevildrummingsithlord1492]

@@LesterBrunt Thank you for the tips, though!

[@rick3747]

Drumming is about space, time, feel, groove, soul, shuffle........ Bonham, Porcaro(Jeff and Joe), Morello, Buddy, Purdie, Gadd, Mayer, Wertico, Gottlieb, J. Mercer, S. Smith, Gordon, Blaine, Olsen, Columnby, E. Jones, Shaunessy, Moon and Seraphine.... get my soul, blood and body feeling whatever they are trying to convey...........

[@nikitaptashko3430]

Thank you. Very informative