Complete Breakdown: Alex Van Halen's "Hot For Teacher", by Gregg Bissonette

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GREGG BISSONETTE'S DRUM SCHOOL
Known for his incredible musical skills, Gregg Bissonette is known as one of the most versatile drummers in the business, his broad experience ranging from big band, blues, and rock, to Latin, fusion, and much more. He's been touring the world with Ringo Starr's All Starr Band for over 10 years!
Under Gregg Bissonette's section of the DC Academy on DrumChannel.com, the versatile drummer explains and demonstrates the educational system he created and still uses to develop his grooves, fills, beats, and more.
The open-ended website has hundreds of short, engaging, easy to understand lessons and exercises with more content added regularly, that range from technique, independence, reading, playing, and more: www.drumchanne...
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USEFUL LINKS
Gregg Bissonette Classic Drum Beats:
www.drumchanne...
Learn more about the DC Academy:
www.drumchanne...
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Connect with Gregg Bissonette!
📘 Facebook - / greggbissonette
📷 Instagram - / greggdrums
🐧 Twitter - / greggbissonette
Stay in touch with Drum Channel!
📕 Facebook - / drumchannel
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🐦 Twitter - / drumchannel
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#GreggBissonette #AlexVanHalen #HotForTeacher #VanHalen

[@drumchannel]

Who's ready to learn one of the most epic drum grooves of all time?! 🤘

[@augsdoggs]

Man, Greg Bissonette is a treasure to the drumming (music) community! What a player. What a personality!

[@rycher2007]

I saw him in drum clinic a few times you are right he is just a fountain of knowledge knows how to talk to a crowd very entertaining. Great guy all around

[@jayoh6813]

Absolutely. Not only is he an incredible player and instructor, he comes across as down to earth.

[@MetalHeart8787]

Yeah he is Good, became a fan in 1986 when eat em & smile came out. can't really compare him to any other Drummer, BUT he does Sound / Talk Like Bill clinton. LOL

[@MGM1105]

I totally agree.

[@shyboy2112]

I'm a guitar player, I watch all off his stuff in awe and after listening to him I feel I'm a little wiser.

[@djmylesmatisse]

Drum Channel should really try and get the actual Alex Van Halen in the studio and behind his drums to actually show how to play Van Halen grooves himself. A talent like Alex is way too quiet when it comes to interviews, tutorials and presentations. It would be nice for him to come out of the Shadows while he still can.

[@t3hgir]

Id imagine it may be even harder since Ed's passing but I know a lot of fans my self included would love a deep dive lesson/clinic from him on how he wrote and played some of the greatest recorded rock drum performances ever.

[@charlesgarnhum6963]

Alex retired after Eddie died.He's done.🥁RIP Edward ✝️❤️

[@t3hgir]

@@charlesgarnhum6963 makes sense, all the best to him and the family

[@casanovafrankenstein8538]

Long Live Eddie Van Halen🎸🎶🤟🏿💜🎸

[@gigitonsvajv]

Alex will never play (at least publicly) ever again. He’ll never get over Edward’s death. He’s done. 😢RIP EVH 😢

[@paradiddle16]

Gregg is not only a great player but also a great educator. That's awesome!

[@tylermorrison7051]

And a nice person.

[@richardcarlson7076]

I saw the clinic he was talking about with Peter Erskine in Denver

[@djb1470]

I could listen to Gregg play and talk all day, what great drummer and teacher he is

[@adityatyagi4009]

Great to see Billy Cobham get the recognition that he deserves for being the inspiration for AVH on this iconic drum part!

[@t.freeman7769]

Check out Parchman Farm by Cactus, about 3 years before that cobham tune....Carmine Appice....Bissonette fails to even mention this song, probably more in line on multiple levels not just drums

[@deansnyder4515]

I love the way you sing the drum parts when you explain them. My drum instructor in high school marching band, always said,”if you can sing it, you can play it”.

[@naitgutierrez6946]

Most of the people just remember Vai guitar and the speed of Sheehan, on that era. But Gregg was the master of those songs. FILLING them with talent.

[@bmphil3400]

That's band was a true supergroup....then he played for Toto and Ringo Starr's all star band.....plus tons of sessions.

[@christopherw3221]

Gregg is a great drummer, historian and ambassador for drumming

[@scottlagana2388]

Would love to see an interview done with AVH

[@gonow234]

Even without the breakdown of the song, this was like one of thee most inspirational videos I've ever seen.

[@CobyBassett]

I'm not a drummer but I'm always up for a Gregg Bissonette video. 👍

[@SonnyGTA]

Same here

[@davidperez5089]

How Is that posible? Bass player? Percusionist?

[@stevecaithness4157]

Same here, I’m a bass player but love watching Greg’s videos.

[@ghostlandgrand64]

My favorite drummer, the allusive Alex Van Halen. Just imagine if there were drum cams or drum clinics with him on KZbin. I know he’s enjoying his retirement. Thanks Gregg for this!

[@reneg8223]

I never knew back in the DLR days how good Gregg was.Thank you, DC, for sharing his great drumming and insights.

[@drummachine86]

Man, he still is :D

[@reneg8223]

@Mario Marcinek He sure is. I meant that I didn't know like I know now.

[@drummachine86]

@@reneg8223 Oh, I'm sorry, grammar misunderstanding on my part.

[@jimpeck6437]

Along with Steve Vai and Billy Sheehan it was really kind of a supergroup

[@reneg8223]

@Jim Peck Unfortunately, he didn't tour with them when I saw Dave. 😔 Only Gregg.

[@flashy5150]

Gregg, I saw you guys with DLR in 1986, the best band ever, you were awesome at Maple Leaf Gardens, with Cinderella opening. I was more horse than you after that concert lol, and deaf as heck … and I loved every minute of it. I have never had more fun at a concert as I did that night. You, Steve, Billy and Dave should have stayed with the harder rock like you did on “Eat ‘em and Smile”, but Dave didn’t want to, I hated when I heard that. What a waste, Dave screwed himself by going softer. I was really sad that all of you started going your separate ways after 1986, but I was happy that I witnessed you all together, playing some of the most amazing musical artistry that Ai had ever heard. I still have my ticket stub and tour program, I was 15 in 1986 and I’m 51 now and still remember the concert like it was yesterday. Awesome playing Gregg. 👍👍👍🤟🤟🤟😉

[@AMGallant1]

I was at that show! Halloween 1986 at Maple Leaf Gardens. Amazing show, and Dave came out riding that giant microphone and wearing a Leafs jersey. The musicianship was just top-notch.

[@ricjamesbtch-jm2vh]

for sure , well said , I seen that same tour at Hampton Coliseum near Virginia Beach VA, the one thing I never could get past with Vai was his ego, I do understand that kind of Dave and Steve flamboyant behavior , Yngwie Malmsteen included, I'm sorry really man , it's just they're are such killer players out there that don't act like they're literal living Gods, when I was at the Eat Em Smile tour all I could do was laugh and that's great too but, man disregard my comment I'm sorry , I'm still laughing at those guys, I'm 55 now lol . check out Guthrie Goven his much better than Steve and no ego in sight anywhere and please my apologies, I mean no disrespect... rock on..

[@longdrums]

I love how much wisdom Gregg drops in what could've been just a straight up groove tutorial. World class player and educator ❤.

[@Frankietomatoes6189]

AVH top 10 drummer all time all day long. Thank you

[@kimmartin8977]

Top 10 rock drummer for sure. I have been playing for decades and overlooked him. In the last year or two he has become on my very very favorite rock drummers.

[@danleal3303]

This is one of the best things I’ve ever seen!!! Bissonette is a beast!

[@cirocism]

I read somewhere Alex wanted to mimic the sound of a Harley idling (which it does!), interesting that there are more specific influences behind his construction of the intro.

[@GrassRoots-fp4ty]

Absolutely on point with Louis Belson!! Incredible drummer, but, also, by all accounts Ive ever heard, a really incredible human being.

[@zombenut]

Finally, mentioning Billy Cobham and Simon Phillips. 2 of my favorite players. Saw Gregg with Ringo and the all star band in Chicago. Awesome.

[@kennetheavey8921]

I’ve been trying to figure out Space Boogie since 1980. I just never could reconcile what I was hearing with how to get the hands right. I watched Simon Phillips demonstrate it in his video, but it still didn’t make sense to me. Your video was the “eureka” moment for me. NOW I get it! Playing it in context is another matter, with all of the fills and such😂, but I can sleep better now knowing how it goes. Thanks!

[@billwang5462]

What an amazing video. I love this legend. Saw him live December 12.1986 cow palace San Francisco California. 1st night. They played 2 nights .

[@dmstewart66]

I've seen so many drummers get this wrong. Even other tutorial videos. Gregg is one of the few that really understands this beat inside out.

[@stromghouls]

alex is a monster drummer. a huge influence for a lot of drummers.

[@RandyHanley]

Gregg is so amazing! One of the best teachers I've ever seen!

[@scalad.o.o.scalad.o.o.7591]

Man, you are a friend and professor. Long live!

[@johnmcdonough666]

Wow. I'd never heard Quadrant 4. So good.

[@tommyron]

Gregg man, I really love the way you get ideas and history across: clear, concise and vivid. You connect the past and the present in the manner of a true and passionate historian of your (our) field. Thank you so much!!

[@TheWarriorSongProject]

I love wtching a pro break shit down like this,. Thank you Gregg!

[@jimmycoleman5853]

There weren’t a bunch of drummers I could recognize just by sound of their drums. For me it’s a short list but Alex is near the top along with Bonham

[@jacksmith5045]

Greg is incredible, just all around awesome. This guy makes drumming so much with his enthusiasm. Thanks Greg

[@outofround9373]

I saw that double-header clinic in Denver with Gregg and Peter Erskine around 1990 or so at Bangles nightclub. Amazing day!

[@GrizzlePawz]

Absolutely loved this--how he shows that music is an ongoing dialogue with prior masters. Excellent.

[@scottstedeford7575]

Cobham, yes, but also Cozy Powell had put out his solo album “Tilt” in 1981, with the song “The Blister,” that featured the same double bass shuffle in the rock context, which was very present in the scene at that time.

[@JonnyJayJonson]

He also played a double bass drum shuffle on 'Killer', from the 1979 album Over The Top. As with 'The Blister', it was written by Don Airey and features Gary Moore.

[@braxal6983]

Gregg is an awesome person. Totally Genuine!!!

[@EnzoMusico-jj6zz]

Thanks Gregg for this insight on the main groove and inspiration of this classic!

[@bigwillie5717]

The most clear and concise breakdown of “Teacher” yet, IMHO. Thanks to the UNT alumni (well, back then it was NTSU)…thanks Greg!!!

[@kummer45]

This is what an awesome teacher looks like. Experience, talent and passion.

[@pokes986]

Yes! Finally I've always wanted to see this done! Great job

[@aaronreeves8376]

That was a fantastic video Greg thx!!!!

[@pixelpusher8986]

Wow! Such a good breakdown. Thank you. Love the old references to gene Karupa and billy cobham influences.

[@phatbackbeat6553]

Wonderful drumming Greg !

[@DrummingMan1]

Greg, you are a true gem, and a real asset to humanity!

[@robertosilveira2384]

Incredible video Mr Bissonette, you are such a MASTER! With all due respect, maybe the great Carmine Appice should be mentioned as well, with his double bass shuffle in "Parchman Farm" , that is even older than "Quadrant 4 " by Billy Cobham?! Mr Appice recorded the song in 1970 with Cactus, while the Spectrum album came out in 1973. Thank you for the inspiration!

[@roby6993]

Thank you!

[@tonyvincent9753]

Carmine would be the first to tell you he was the pioneer of the fast double bass drum shuffle. And yes, VanHalen poached the intro to Eruption from Cactus “Let Me Swim”.

[@MrCaveman8]

Beautiful Greg, you ALWAYS inspire me every time I watch you brother! Maybe some day I'll meet you. God bless!

[@scottleitch2957]

That kit is super sweet with those hoops! Beautiful!

[@charlyhrs]

Kudos for mentioning it was Cobham's band that did it first in 1973. I heard that both Eddie and Alex loved the Spectrum album and specifically Quadrant 4. Understandable seeing that Eddie probably loved Tommy Bolin's guitar work and Alex loved the beat. Thank you again for acknowledging Billy's influence

[@jeromenymo5520]

Once again, thank you very much, Sir! You know what you're talking about (for sure), and you talk about it masterfully.👍👍

[@ericolson326]

The day it first occurred to me that Hot For Teacher is a big band swing tune with Eddie instead of a horn section, the world made a lot more sense.😄

[@cindypalmer7788]

Great educator, great encouragement, fantastic player !

[@TheNoladrummer]

Right on! I was a 11 year old KISS fan who discovered Gene Krupa through Peter Criss interviews. Once you cross that threshold, there’s amazing drummers everywhere just waiting for you to discover them!

[@garycordle5295]

Very good job 👌 thanks for breaking everything down.

[@ReubensLair]

What a great insight into his iconic intro. Thx Greg!!

[@w4tkn]

Simon Phillips I think was only 19 when he did Space Boogie, I'm going from memory. However back to Bissonette, he is a drummers drummer. I hope to meet you one day and attend a clinic you are a proper gent and a brother in the Lord if the internet isn't telling fibs.

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

Greg is amazing. I love when these guys give us a glimpse into what goes on in their heads when playing this stuff.

[@drewsibleyloans]

Greg is a prince of a guy. Tremendously talented and very generous with his knowledge. Thank you for posting.

[@caffeineatedalley]

7:16 Gregg Rules!!! His knowledge and positivity is inspiring

[@SuperQdaddy]

My dad loved louie bellson..he came in second at gene Krupa contest

[@ScottyColoradoKid]

You didnt mention that Louis Belson basically invented the double bass kit; Yeah I used to play drums with Tommy Bolin here in Boulder in the early 70s....He was in Zephyr; and the reason Deep Purple hired him to replace Ritchie Blackmore was because they heard him on the Quadrant Four album...wow I never realized there was so much Gene Krupa in HotForTeacher! Cool!!

[@chrisscott1017]

Yes!! I LOVE Gregg Bissonette! I got to set up his drum set when I worked at a drum shop in high school. Got to go to dinner with him after too! Such a great drummer and an even better person! Great insight on this song and the connections to the chops! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@vintagevinylvets1187]

Great job Gregg and thanks for the nod to Alex. Good stuff! 🥁

[@percussionistanthonyrobert12]

Looking forward to seeing it, hope to see a breakdown of Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger) grooves. It's not illegal to rock in America yet! lol

[@LaMarinaDrums]

I met Greg 30 years ago and he wanted to drum with me, but I was too shy. He's very inspiring to me. 🥁

[@Ben-Jamminalot]

I would've suggested, Gregg add the example of his double bass shuffle. Off of the great album Skyscraper.the song... Bottom Line. maybe tomorrow on the live chat🙏🎬🥁

[@danyheld9952]

Greeg you are really a first class drummer. with what ease you play it, amazing. Thanks 👍🏼

[@markmahoney5255]

AWSOME, AWSOME advice! And of course superb playing.

[@leoquesto9183]

@Greg Bissonette, you are such a solid soul. Bless you.

[@keymusic]

I’ve known Gregg since he first came out here to LA in the early 80s with his brother Matt, after playing with Maynard Ferguson. I played in a band with Matt for a while and I played with Gregg on and off here and there. Gregg is the real deal. I’ve never known anyone in my life who has been so consistently upbeat, positive and enthusiastic. He treats everyone with respect no matter what your status is in life. And he’ll play any gig from a two-year-old‘s backyard birthday party to Sofi Stadium with the biggest names in the world. Not to mention he’s one of the most talented and knowledgeable musicians ever. What you see in this video, as well as every other video of him, interviews, etc., is exactly what his personality is.

[@scottyahney8565]

Greg Bissonette is CLASS !!!!!!!!!!!

[@rogerdat7807]

Gregg's verse beat on "Friends" (Joe Satriani - The Extremist) stands apart in rock&roll drumming time and space. Love your drumming Sir!

[@sf5912]

As a VH fan and a starting out drummer in 1985 I would have killed for this 🤣. Thanks Greg. I saw you live with the DLR band in the 80s and met you once at a clinic. You are not only a top drummer but a great guy too. Thanks for the inspiration. RIP Eddie!

[@gregrochon4807]

Gregg is incredible. Love his videos and the history lessons.

[@blainetrahan8883]

I kid you knot, Gregg comes across so down to earth. A genuine kind soul.

[@MrSharky104]

Excellent breakdown from a true professional!

[@EarthAltar]

As a guitar player I could listen to Gregg play and talk about drums all day long.

[@nigelsmith721]

Ditto. I'm a guitarist who's a frustrated drummer - I really enjoy watching drum tuition vids but, man, some of the "educators" are so self-absorbed it's hard to tolerate more than 2 minutes. Every second of this, however, is golden.

[@shinner65]

I’m not a drummer (or any other type of musician), but this was pretty damn fascinating. Really cool.

[@patrickl6932]

NEVER skip on Greg Bissonette. This guy is a fucking legend. Great teacher.

[@bobweber4140]

You sir are the man thankyou for your time and info god bless

[@davedicenso9743]

Great vid! Great playing, Gregg!

[@christophersimpson4968]

Thank you on what you said everybody needs to hear that in the drumming community

[@mattkenney57]

Thank you for this and a huge thanks to Gregg. We are blessed to have Gregg and all the greats, both past and present to learn from and enjoy watching and listening to. Life is better with music.

[@readmore4178]

I’m not even a drummer. Don’t ever plan to be. But, I’m loving these videos.

[@t3hgir]

Spectrum!! what an album...

[@Pure_KodiakWILD_Power]

Indeed.

[@barryphillips1082]

Cobham one of the greats, of course - sheesh, Gregg, you ARE one of the greats! Had a chance to see you maaaany years ago at a clinic in Dallas. A small venue back in the 90s but knew you were an A-list player. Thank you for breaking down the history of this beat and for your unbelievable contributions to drumming through the decades. As a UNT Alma mater, I respect and admire your style of playing and education.

[@iamnoone9041]

Those drums sound absolutely amazing!!

[@urosjovanovic3142]

Gregg Bissonette is the kind of guy all drummers should listen to. He's not only an amazing musician, but also the kind of guy that can make you WANT TO become a better drummer. Mr Bissonette, if I ever have the pleasure of meeting you, the drink's on me!

[@ajbambino]

Can we take a second to appreciate how absolutely beautiful that drum kit is? That, tied with the cymbal setup and perfect execution just makes this video freaking perfect!

[@KurtSmith-ks3zn]

Brilliantly done! I was very pleased you worked in the GREAT Billy Cobham's influence on this groove. Billy is one of the great humans, as well as one of the greatest drummers. Many years ago, I was pleased to purchase his 15-piece red Mapex kit from him with his Taurus Rising icon on each piece. He invited me to hang out with him and Sylvain Luc, Victor Bailey (RIP), and Didier Lockwood (RIP) as they rehearsed and played a 3-night gig at The Cutting Room in NYC. Incredible people and one of the highlights of my life! I've always loved Alex Van Halen's work on this piece and I've always associated it with Billy's work on Spectrum, so it was very pleasing to see you connect those, explaining in detail the similarities and contrasts. Simply brilliant!

[@davidperez5089]

What happened to VB?!

[@t.freeman7769]

Should have worked in Carmine Appice...Parchman Farm by Cactus

[@bryanst.germain4963]

you have by far my favorite tom tom and floor tom sound in drumming you tube land. ear candy!

[@Ben-Jamminalot]

I want to believe all Drummers & Percussionists, want to hear Alex Van Halen from his Professional Prospective. His drum sound is singularly dominant & ground breaking. His snare tone,cymbals & ultimately his musical phrasing. He truly orchestrated parts. He is exactly the product of two brothers feeling one heart rhythm together can achieve. Example( Gregg Bissonette🥁💪🎵🎵🎵🎶 🥁🙏 Matt Bissonette🎼🎸🙏🎶🎵🎵💪 (Jeff Porcaro & Mike Pacaro)I have learned from One of my favorite artists. "Closing your eyes to musical diversity. is equivalent to driving blindfolded." I can't wait for this! ,Lombari Live with AVH!!I know someone can step up to the center & make it happen. It would be Magically informative. 🥁... not to mention, it would rip the roof off of the ratings.

[@t3hgir]

I'm a bit late to hearing the Van Halen albums properly (as in not through radio/films) and wow, Alex's drumming is incredible... I pray for him now that Ed's gone.

[@riceflatpicking4954]

I’ve heard that Alex is so devastated over his brother that he basically has just disappeared from regular life I seriously doubt this will never happen but it would be awesome.

[@t3hgir]

@@riceflatpicking4954 that is heartbreaking to hear

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

Alex van Halen is one of the very very best 👌

[@julesdrums6167]

Amazing. Love you Gregg. Great teacher, great drummer, great guy. Love him

[@leemcintyre3943]

Great video! Great history! Thanks!!!

[@sandyhanson6082]

Awesome as always Greg! Thank you!

[@TheMeJustMe75]

I'm not a drummer but I will watch Gregg any day of the week. The guy is a master!

[@HollywoodRecordingStudio]

I love the history of the beat that Greg B brings to this video.

[@monty4336]

Greg is correct when he says go back to the original inspiration. My favorite guitar players liked to indulge in playing fast at times. In order to learn when they were doing, I went back to old school guitar players that played similar but without the speed picking. Helped like no other lessons could.

[@JulesFox]

Love this guy and his words of wisdom. Thank you Gregg

[@Mysterywhiteboy78]

Another fantastic drummer loved his playing on Eat em and Smile and Skyscraper