Drum Lesson: Understanding Metric Modulation

Understanding the concept of metric modulation will strengthen your roots in time as well as your understanding of how groupings & subdivisions can be used together to change the listener's perception of the tempo. This is big kid stuff though so PLEASE do not use this on your next blues gig! lol :)
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[@grandolddrummer]

"Yeah, let's make everyone feel weird for a second."

[@imacashew.]

My bass player’s favorite activity

[@m3tatr0n]

I drum in a Grateful Dead tribute band so we do this all of the time 😅

[@andydrums4333]

It's fucking epic. Only the musicians know what's going on as the entire audience is like "THIS IS OFF TIME BUT ITS STILL IN TIME HOWWWW"😂😂

[@carlupthegrove262]

This is great... and the best part is you saying "DON"T do this on your blues gig tonight" I've done it and EVERYONE in the band turned around and looked at me like I'd just lost my mind.

[@My2Drumsticks]

It’s called the dance beat killer.

[@mikeslessons]

The "gig losing, groove killing, let's get fired tonight while doubling your Instagram following" concept. LOL Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@ChrisHoffmannTube]

"My practical application is to not use it." very wise. Thx bro

[@mikeslessons]

Sometimes you have to drop a few truth bombs on the folks, lol :) Miss ya dude!

[@terrytk9398]

One word to describe Mike’s teaching method irrespective of the actual topic is ... humanity! Well done Sir.😀👍

[@mikeslessons]

Awe Terry... you just made my day brother 🙏 Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@felixmarques]

Not cutting your doggo out of the video was a wise choice.

[@simultaneoussounds2684]

1:50 how to prevent „what’s your metronome called“ comments 😂 amazing vid, keep it up ✌🏻

[@mikeslessons]

Trying to outsmart the system, LOL :) Thanks for the kind words brother! Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@Kannonify]

I'm not a drummer but a drummer friend of mine mentioned metric modulation earlier today and I had no idea what he was talking about so I went to KZbin to learn about it. This is the first video I watched and I'm really glad I did. I've now got enough of a grasp on the topic so that I'll know what the heck he's talking about next time, it sounded ridiculously complex up until watching this. Your approach to teaching is incredibly effective, it was fun, funny and a bit cute (Juno!!), and your choice of language and delivery was encouraging, engaging, unpatronising and elementary enough for someone like me who has only a surface level knowledge of drumming to walk away having learnt something useful. If I played drums I'd know where the first place I'd go to start learning. Drummers everywhere should be grateful to have an earnest and brilliant mentor at their disposal. I'm gonna go ahead and subscribe even if I'm not looking to learn drums any time soon. You deserve the support. Thanks!

[@magicdrummer411]

Your passion for teaching and playing makes me wanna push myself. Really. Thank you!

[@smallsignals]

Okay, I've watched a bunch of videos and straight up, I'm giving the thumbs up. You demonstrated before explaining. Excellent grasp of the learning process.

[@stevendunton5520]

Great lesson Mike! Perfect timing too cuz that’s what I’m teaching a few of my advanced students this week. I’ll definitely turn them on to this video. Keep up the great work. You’re an inspiration!!

[@mikeslessons]

Awe man, that's so great to hear! Thanks a ton Steven :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@XxXRonirXxX]

Always sooo clear explaining and playing! I know that sensation of excitement and happiness while teaching, it's really enjoyable to play and work of teaching the instrument we love... Greetings from Argentina, can't wait to see you around here! Joshua Rava

[@ea_gas]

So I'm starting to explore more complex playing and I'm challenging myself to play different things, and your explanation of metric modulation has by far been the easiest to understand. Thank you so much for the help!

[@mikeslessons]

Awe man, you just made my day! Thank you Elijah :) Mike J - www.mikeslessons.com

[@filomeelo]

Finding you on KZbin has been a vitamin B-12 shot to my playing. In the 80's I listened, learned and applied from a cassette and I mastered the rewind. Being naturally right-handed but learning how to play drums on a left-handed kit has been a 34 year challenge for me, if only someone would have just said..dude, your playing those backwards. At times I didn't even play because I was weighed down with frustration. I did pick the sticks back up years later, but I used cd's instead of cassettes, yeah. Now in my 50's I have new found fervor, drive and purpose because of you and the how and why of drumming you teach. I feel like you are talking to me and not at me, huge difference for the listener. Watching your videos, I feel like Neo from The Matrix, hell yeah give me more!! I have new growth from a once thought dead limb, I truly appreciate all you do, Mike!

[@dspmusik81]

Clear, quality teaching as always. Thanks mike!

[@christianschonberger9695]

Love it when a drummer throws me off. I play the keyboards and play the drums just enough to appreciate great drummers such as yourself. Trying to turn triplets in into an even number subdivision is tricky and I often find myself in a mixture of screaming in anger and laughing hard! Awesome stuff!

[@DrummerJez86]

been watching your vids for years. i like how you take crazy concepts and explain them in "human" words not nonsense jargon that makes it more complicated

[@mikeslessons]

Thanks so much. The drumming is my hobby, the explanations are where my passion lies :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@evanwest4059]

I'm not a drummer but my brother is and he uses this technique and I didn't know what it was called until today. Now that I know how it works, his fancy playing won't throw me off (I play piano/organ)

[@SimonAspsund]

You explained this in such an easy way. One of the best drum teachers out there, IMO!

[@mikeslessons]

Thanks a ton Simon, I really appreciate that! Mike J - www.mikeslessons.com

[@cldn4629]

Killer lesson Mike.👍👍 I love seeing the joy in your face when you play

[@mikeslessons]

Awe thanks mn, that means a lot! Mike J - www.mikeslessons.com

[@tobygore6976]

Great video bud, you nail the delivery so well! I feel like I can explain it now to someone else! Awesome!

[@roneystapes]

This always felt natural to me, I instinctively felt that there is a lot going on inside simple bars, so many paths to explore, used to do this a lot in school, everybody freaked out, good times 😂

[@tradgrip]

You love what you do..I love what you do and you're so dang good at what it is, that you do!! Keep on doing it! Thanks for posting this!!

[@mikeslessons]

Dang, that's a lot of stuff to do!!! LOL Thank you though my friend :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@luismoncada9280]

Awesome. Thank you. I hope you get thousands of likes. I love the way you explain and how excited you are about it. I love it.

[@mikeslessons]

Much appreciated Luis 🙏🙏🙏 Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@topramen1694]

You have the best lessons for sure. Nobody else is doing this

[@ChrisInmanDrums]

Very excited for this lesson! And you can bet I’ll be on the website for the full course when my next pay cheque comes through 😎 Not a tricky topic for me I don’t think, but certainly one that I’ve never really studied in depth - looking forward to getting some proper study and practise done towards this 🥁🥁

[@The73rdSecret]

Great lesson. Extra points for your dog

[@nuke97]

Clear explanation and great energy throughout the video. Thank you.

[@kawabungadad8945]

Rob Turners drumming on 'In Amber by Gogo Penguin' is an excellent example of metric modulation used in a modern song. Thanks for teaching me what it was Mike!

[@SeanStephensen]

Temecula Sunrise by Dirty Projectors is another one!

[@ZuLLeT]

Another awesome lesson! For free! You the man, Mike.

[@cinephiladelphian]

Nicely broken down! One of my favorite things to play around with.

[@kencosta71]

Mike...your awesome! You have a great way of being able to explain things in such a simple way for me to understand!!! Thank you!

[@nbieghler]

Seriously, he's great. I don't need a teacher but I'd love to have him teach me.

[@deville3319]

I play doom metal which has intentional slowdowns. Understanding this can make these changes more fluid, thank you!!!

[@charlievan4029]

Great explanation, especially with the visuals. Definitely saved to my Mike Johnston video list. Ur the best buddy!

[@mikeslessons]

So great to hear old friend! Have a blast with it :) Mike J - www.mikeslessons.com

[@citrinosma]

Hello mike, I want to tell you that you are one of the clearest instructors or teachers that I know, and I have your linear drumming book, which I learned a lot with that ... I dream of going to your camp at some time, regards

[@mikeslessons]

Awe man, thank you so much! Look forward to having you here one day :) Mike J - www.mikeslessons.com

[@rhymewave6777]

Well played and taught too. I enjoy the lack of desperation in this presentation. Cool dog as well.

[@PlayToxia]

You explain It so good that 8 minutes video have turned into like 1 minute, awesome explayning!

[@grimfiddle578]

This was an amazing explanation. So good, I subbed.

[@MattyLang24]

I do this a lot but never realized what I was doing! Haha thanks for the theory lesson, Mike! You make sense of so much!

[@mikeslessons]

lol, that's pretty common. Glad to be of help :) Mike J - www.mikeslessons.com

[@mario-vena-barista]

Thank you so much for explaining this! Your video is the first ever that made me really understand!✌👊

[@christ9393]

Love this camera angle! And you explain this topic better than anyone else I have seen!

[@mikeslessons]

Awe man, that's great to hear! and thank you, that means a lot to me :) Mike J - www.mikeslessons.com

[@aaronreeves8376]

Love it!! Great job Mike, as usual🤓

[@mikeslessons]

Much appreciated Aaron :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@SeanFlamDrummer]

Juno puts the buttery in biscuit. Serious. Smooth. Didn't see her till the camera switch.

[@FeonaLeeJones]

thanks for your vid! Elliot Carter uses this in his music. I am trying to incorporate this more in my compositions.

[@thomaaz]

I just did this at a blues gig, mentioned your name and got away with it. :). Thanks Mike!

[@mikeslessons]

and they just called me and asked if I knew any good drummers that could "just keep time" lol :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@trevormcmanis]

American One Productions Rehearsal and Drum Studios in NJ gives two huge thumbs up 👍🏻🥁👍🏻. Fantastic Video! Thanks for sharing.

[@claesblomquist3510]

Love this... and your dog too. Thanks for sharing. I am now a subscriber.

[@CharlieViking95]

Metric modulation is lika an OCD-parentheses. Facts. (sick lesson too btw)

[@chad-tacular]

YO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥 I’m all about knowing how to count music & knowing the value of notes. This is WHY!

[@mikeslessons]

BOOM! Great to hear Chad Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@servantelijah03]

Its like you've mentioned it is not difficult it is the way that had been presented to us , you are and awesome instructor thank you so much AEJ New Orleans

[@adityatyagi4009]

Very cool lesson. One (possible) way to understand metric modulation is to think the quarter note pulse has "sped up" by a multiplying factor. For example, play the simplest rock beat at 80 bpm with 8th notes on the high hats with bass drum on 1 and 3 and snare on 2 and 4. If the quarter note division changes to triplets with each alternating note in the triplet as the "new" 8th note, this is exactly the same as the new overall quarter note tempo increasing from 80 to 120 since 80 * 1.5 = 120. Why 1.5? Because 2 eight notes in the quarter note are sped up by a factor of 1.5 if the subdivision changes to a triplet. If it changes to 16th notes, then the multiplying factor is 2 and it would shift the tempo from 80 to 160 which would exactly be cut time. Metric modulation can be understood as either 1) keeping the quarter note pulse bpm the same and increasing the subdivision length or 2) increase the quarter note pulse bpm and keeping the subdivision length the same. That's how I understand MM.

[@toddcooper3599]

44yrs.and going strong behind the kit. I'm still learning.Thank You Mike and I also have a big dog 160lbs.BullMastive. Luna is daddy's girl and she's 2yrs.

[@payableondrummer]

My dude started playing that blue sparkle kit the same time I got my blue sparkle Legacy Maple. Awesome video

[@redlightclinicdrummer]

People! Metric modulation is literally the key to writing a song!!

[@mikeslessons]

Especially pop ballads! lol :) Mike J - www.mikeslessons.com

[@UserNameNiemand]

This planet blessed with this humble gentleman! Amen all the drum Bros)

[@MrFalkodieselta]

Understanding this concept, while you play it seems easy. Applying this concept completly f***s my brain :D It feels really nice to me though. And it's something I heard pro's do but never understood what was happening.

[@gameplayti2909]

"Don't use this in your blues gig... don't mention my name..." LOL. This excercise is just so much fun. Thanks for sharing.

[@JDSC4life]

What a great explanation, cheers Mike!

[@mikeslessons]

That makes me happy! Thanks Joel :) Mike J - www.mikeslessons.com

[@KevWhitehead]

Love your video's, really helpful!

[@junglefett]

This was very helpful, thank you!!

[@kittenassassin]

A lot of Chon stuff has some really dope metric modulations!

[@satanjd666]

AJ Story has a really cool one towards the end of the song

[@kittenassassin]

Smash Mouth that ending is legendary. I remember seeing a video breaking it down a few years back. Found it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jIPdZnhqm56Uaa8

[@richill0]

Sounds really cool Thanks Mike !

[@mikeslessons]

So happy that you enjoyed it Ricardo :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@markandeyraman8891]

Wonderful lesson Respected Sir. Thank you so much.

[@mikeslessons]

Thanks so much my friend. I hope this helps :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@nixneato]

- The world: This video couldn't be more perfect. - Juno: Hold my treat.

[@mikeslessons]

LOL! Glad ya dug it :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@barakarbel6424]

Brilliant thank you so much for the video!!

[@dominic8129]

Great explanation Mike. Even your sweet doggie loves metric modulation 😍

[@BeyondTheMind007]

Very cool, thanks man. I'm a guitarist but i enjoy that

[@samgreen8865]

Awesome job!

[@lindsaybrowndrums6110]

Fantastic lesson 👍interesting, educational, and funny 😁😎great combination 🥁👌

[@mikeslessons]

So glad you enjoyed it Lindsay! Mike J - www.mikeslessons.com

[@gigalyrics]

THIS is a cool drum lesson :)

[@Cheezeeeee]

I like the fact that you're able to pass the hype you have as you teach something that's exciting... Or am I just too caffeinated. Hahahahaha! Nice lesson man!

[@joeporter107]

Awesome lesson

[@maxadrums]

I feel like the best use of metric modulation is going between songs in medleys/etc, and the best use of implied metric modulation is to make people fall off their chais, haha.. ..Well, not really.. But kinda..!

[@spencermay5029]

Great vid, Mike

[@mikeslessons]

So glad you enjoyed it :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@Danomite1]

This helped me to learn a little bit, so I'm very grateful-- though, I think the notation was slightly off. For instance, the kick only shows up on the 1 and 3 of the 16th note triplet groove chart, but it sounded like it was also on the "a" of 2 and the "&" of 3. I realize that some of that was probably improvisation to make it more funky though, so I didn't let it bother me too much. 🙂

[@franckversavel]

Cool lesson about a topic that has always been explained too mathematically indeed. Very clear this way. Love it. Love Juno too by the way and letting that part in the video. So sad you had to let her go (if I'm not mistaking).

[@mikeslessons]

So glad to hear it Franck, that is absolutely what I was going for. As for my dog... this was filmed yesterday so Juneau is still with us :) We lost her brother Jack last week. Thanks for your kind thoughts my friend :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@stinkbud2]

Brilliant vid Mike thank you👍👍🤘

[@mikeslessons]

You are very welcome! I hope it helps clear things up a bit :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@StuartJrBarrett]

You’re a BAD MAN, Mike!!!

[@mikeslessons]

I do my best, lol. Thanks Stuart :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@cobra1995xx]

My brain went right to Gergo Borlais vid .. the big drum bonanza from a few yrs ago.. dude blew up my head lol

[@mikeslessons]

That dude is a true master and an even better person. One of my favs! Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@DenEz_TV]

I used to do these polymetric tricks when I was working in a karaoke live band. They looked at me as though I was insane. 😄

[@jayjay1drum1skate]

Aaaaa there we go finally. My excuse to get the two week trial and forget to cancel. YES

[@bufordmoyers7634]

Thank you. I could never figure out the TERM FOR WHEN why some 6/8 meters sound counted better 4/4 to me but occasionally triple quarters in my 4/4 thinking.

[@dustyhills8911]

I just "liked" and subscribed purely because the dog walked in! JUNO!!!

[@therealshug]

Wow. Metric modulation is a little overdone in drum solos, always heard it, tried it a few times myself without really dissecting it, got bored and moved on quickly -- fantastic video as always, Mike. You made something that was undoubtedly difficult for a lot of people and made it stupidly simple. I'm honestly a bit mad at myself that I never realized metric modulation was just taking your duples or triples from whatever time you're in, and feeling them the opposite way; duples become triples, or triples become duples. Made me feel real dumb, but I learned something today.

[@mikeslessons]

No need to feel dumb my man. Like I said in this video, it's been poorly explained for a very long time, and that's why I wanted to make this for y'all. Glad you enjoyed it brother :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@e4rth2ev4n]

This was a great explanation 🤘🤘

[@mikeslessons]

Thanks so much Evan, glad you enjoyed it :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@antcall6779]

Awesome video!!

[@mikeslessons]

Thank you very much my friend! Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@leeschmitz993]

"Limelight" by Rush is a good example of this concept. Of course they had others. But this is the most accessible song where Neil Peart did it.

[@antoniog2854]

This is awesome! I got the 2 examples down after a little practice, but the one at the start of the video is a killer! Its a tough one...lol. What would be the notation for the 2nd rhythm, the shuffle one?

[@tmaddrummer]

Thanks and Blessings!!!

[@mikeslessons]

You are more than welcome my friend! Glad you enjoyed it :) Mike J - www.mikeslessons.com

[@7caesar7]

❤awesome this guy is the Best!!

[@BeatNavMetronome]

Great Video!!

[@mikeslessons]

Thanks a ton! 🙏🙏🙏 Mike J - www.mikeslessons.com

[@alvaroramirez3187]

Excelente. Gracias

[@okjoe1578]

Thanks mike ur the best

[@MrDeuce122]

I aspire to drum in the styling of mike johnston. And i practice alot. But when i try to practice technical things(not so much this) i get overwhelmed. I feel like i'm making no progress. Does your website have a starting point? How do i know where to start or where i belong? You really are my biggest inspiration when it comes to the drums. Thanks

[@michaelharten1185]

this is awesome

[@KillahCam00420]

Richard Spaven is one of the few drummers I’ve seen practically apply it and somehow, for his unique style, it works. Best used to impress other musicians tho lol

[@GeloAlcantara]

JUNO! LOL. 4:50 - 4:53 Very dynamic... uh-huh. rofl. love it Mike! Spicy!!

[@TruthAndMoreTruth]

Great lesson. This hints at syncopation.

[@mikeslessons]

Thanks so much. As for the syncopation comment, you might have the definition wrong. This definitely involved polyrhythms and hints at "beat displacement" but syncopation is not a part of the concept. Syncopation just refers to a rhythm that is unevenly spaced. You can definitely use syncopated rhythms once you have modulated, and I do it a few times in this lesson, but it's not required to understand the concept. I hope you don't mind me using this platform to explain all that. It's almost impossible for the teacher side of me to turn off, LOL. Thanks again :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@miodragradovic2794]

Damn....great lesson, indeed! Thanks!

[@tubular167]

I always have to explain to the guitarist that I will be using metric modulation..well explained 😁

[@mikeslessons]

So glad you liked it :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com