3 EASY Skills EVERY Church Drummer Must Know

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Drum beats are hugely important within the context of worship music and playing drums at church. In this drum lesson you're going to learn 3 easy skills that will help you become a better church drummer, so that you can stand out at your next audition! Take your church drumming to the next level to up your live performance technique.
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#churchdrumming #chruch #drummer #music #drums #drumbeatsonline
#drumlesson #musiclesson #musicteacher

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

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[@bmac1196]

In worship music bridge builds, the most overlooked and underrated beat/note is the 'and' or 'a' of 4 or 6 (depending on how you subdivide it), right before the 1. There is so much opportunity to add dynamic spice... How a drummer uses that note can absolutely change the entire feel of that section and take it next level.

[@Davidorlu-pt4fj]

In drums what can i do more to improve

[@Aggressive_161]

Hi bro. I live in Russia, and I don't know English well, will I be able to watch your videos from the academy on KZbin? because KZbin has a translation of videos into any language, and for me it breaks down the language barrier for education.

[@shockerthreeone]

#1 thing every church drummer needs above all else is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

[@carlosrrr2011]

100% agree

[@hillslionel2962]

Amen

[@damariorhoomes4114]

This should be pinned

[@AdrielVazquezVazquez]

This was my First thought since the beginning of the video. Spending time in his presence while you are alone, before service etc. ,will automatically turn on the switch to great drumming, singing, whatever it is we are doing. It's honestly the best feeling ever! We come back from our own time with the Holy Spirit and we're ready for more while we do it along others, doing it with the gift God has given us. It's such an experience. Yes practice, yes learn techniques, but always remember Mathew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you"

[@jeffreymclaughlin3641]

big faxtz, also to have that ear and it being in u and not trianed helps too, but GOD first

[@user-wg9xh7ez3k]

#1 secret is being with God

[@rafaelaguilera3110]

Which one?

[@luckykoylah7732]

AGREE

[@analuizadourado5291]

True❤️‍🔥

[@ukofamily2143]

But I’m a church drummer and I’m a pastor

[@nicktoth5632]

Church drummer of almost 20 years. Couldn’t agree more with this list! I used to play drums at a church where half of the team used to be touring musicians, and one of our worship leaders described playing live worship music as more difficult than rock shows because of the varying levels of adaptability, reading the congregation’s response to the music, watching the leader go into spontaneous moments, etc. Every Sunday is never the same; even if it’s the same song again, there are never played the same. Thanks for sharing this video!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

That's awesome, so glad you dig it! That's well said. The adaptability is no joke!

[@paulwilkins3547]

So so true, the spirit will lead you in many different directions even with the same song.

[@totallyfrozen]

You got that right! I was bassist in an 8-piece worship band for some time. No two Sundays were exactly the same. Let a substitute worship leader fill in one week and the entire tempo and rhythm of the songs can be different from the exact same songs played the week before.

[@jordanjohnsondrums]

Cool to see someone like you giving worship drummers the recognition they deserve. Although the beats and fills we play are relatively simple, trying to evenly pace the dynamics from absolutely quiet to absolutely loud over the course of a 64 bar bridge can be quite challenging.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

100%! I use these lessons in dynamics with I Prevail all the time!

[@carlbrock9219]

Agreed

[@CJBorja_157]

Being a church drummer gave me an edge over other drummers as I regularly play in front of an audience. I learned how to read the feel of the songs which helped me improve as I'm not a technical drummer. It also gave me motivation to practice as I don't have a kit myself and only practice a day before the church service.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Well said! I can relate for sure

[@benderxxx7585]

This exactly how it is for me too!

[@fabian7463]

You gotta play 'Creeping Death' to amp them up!

[@lewitadese7861]

Soo true, practice the day before😫

[@SockiThePoser]

@@DrumBeatsOnlineyeah my mom said that since i'm around live drumming almost every sunday and play drums every wednesday for my youth church that i'm good at a young age

[@Luinea.]

Tommorow is Sunday, thanks❤

[@user-ps1ph9zl9u]

+)

[@sandracastillo2652]

Actually Saturday

[@eliasserrano2498]

@@sandracastillo2652 possibly saw the video on Saturday

[@sandracastillo2652]

@@eliasserrano2498 no

[@sandracastillo2652]

It’s not sunday

[@XtoxictoneX]

As a church drummer myself, I totally agree with these skills. Took me years to learn how to not be so robotic with my drumming and really getting into the atmosphere to help myself loosen up. Been watching ya since before you started with I Prevail and love to hear how church drumming plays a huge part in where you are as a drummer today!

[@dapidizme]

Been playing drums in church since I was 10/11 years old. I’m 24 now and the dynamics portion is definitely a solid point. Building up from a soft, solemn section of a song to going all in is one of the best feelings and sounds ever. But the best thing for me is knowing that your drumming has a purpose. It’s more than just music - it’s praise and worship. God bless y’all.

[@RC32Smiths01]

Ahh right before the day itself! Church drumming truly has its place, a sense of playing very strong and purposeful no matter how simple or complex. Cheers

[@philipleckburg8443]

Great video! As a self taught rock/ metal drummer, I played like that for years and when I became my church's drummer, I had to learn these things on the fly and over 5 years, I had done every technique plus a few not mentioned. Ambiance and dynamics were the most important. I've become a more musical drummer. We have a stigma of destroying silence. As musicians, especially in a worship setting, we control the feel of the music. We have the job of creating the quiet accents and sounds then using the instruments, build to the majestic thunder and bring it back down to a whisper if necessary. Most important it's all for that audience of 3 in 1. It's all to praise HIS name and bring glory to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! That's what being a church drummer is about.

[@tannerwest6823]

I did this for years and will say this is spot on. Especially the adaptability part. That was the hardest part for me was learning all these songs in one week. Then the next week gotta start all over and learn a whole new set. Yea eventually you knew the whole run of songs you might be playing but it was brutal for a while with the amount of at home practice that had to be put in. Looking back on it I really enjoyed the process

[@RS-oj3eb]

I play drums in church im no perfessional but if you keep God first, and have the love of God he'll help you, God has helped me play so much.

[@robfriedrich2822]

About the uploader I wonder, how one can keep God first and also playing secular Rock and Metal.

[@RS-oj3eb]

@@robfriedrich2822 You cant keep god first by doing that. Cant serve two masters, you'll either love one and hate the other.

[@kermitdafrogisback]

Make sure you get on the list everyone. Gabe is an amazing teacher. And his staff are very helpful as well. Along with the other memebers there to help you out, or even help them. You can not go wrong. Hope to see you all there. DBO FOR LIFE.

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

❤️❤️

[@CNder77]

Great video, thank you Gabe! I been church drummer 12+ yrs now. I agree with all you said and demonstrated. As we worship the Holy Spirit in us, Matt18:20.1cor3:16. We’ll play soft reverently than strong as lift our voices and instruments in praise. Psalm150:3-5. Thanks again for this video plus the recognition:)

[@yamsang0__0]

Awesome advice. It took me years to learn this for myself, glad theres someone sharing the knowledge now

[@presidentgeorgewashington1776]

Coming from a current church drummer, if you do NOT have the first key down, don't worry about the other two. Please work on the first key, get it down and then move on. :)

[@StrappingYoungLadam]

I've been playing at my church for a couple years now and the topics discussed here are things i always try to consider when playing. I don't really care about being the best of the drummers in our rotation because we're there to worship not compete with one another, but I do still take my playing very seriously and try to give the congregation something to enjoy. We also do community worship events with musicians from other churches in the area and our group are all rock musicians by trade we let loose a little more at those 😅

[@cuzwell]

Adaptability is huge. I don't get any practice during the week so being able to feel what the song is doing and simplifying the beat is something I'm working on probably more than anything else.

[@M_Baker9ersFan]

I’ve been playing drums in church for 45 years and agree that these are awesome tips for all church drummers to remember and master.

[@VeroJoy-xv4uh]

This video is very useful to me as a church drummer..Thank You Gabe!!

[@mikebrusokasdrums]

I love the backing track you’re using for this great lesson.

[@alaitz_drummer]

Me siento súper identificada. Aprendí a tocar la batería en una iglesia con 8 años. Actualmente tengo 19 y nunca había vuelto a tocar en una iglesia por temas de mudanza, iglesia nueva y demás. Pero este domingo tengo que tocar y estaba muy nerviosa porque quería hacerlo bien para Dios. Este vídeo es muy interesante. Gracias por el interés y el esfuerzo (no es como un vídeo cualquiera), baterías cristianos y cómo tocar en una iglesia. Súper específico, realmente lo he disfrutado. Dios te bendiga!!

[@mat4410]

Perfect! You did a really great job on this.

[@edgarrodriguez9479]

I can say i have done this but no one has told me this and im impressed cuz I learned watching, I didn’t study thank God he gave me this privilege to play drums and on this road of drumming im still learning. More watching this video. So useful.

[@chriss6390]

Church drummer for 15 years, before I even watch here’s my guesses 1. Master cymbal sweeps 2. Meaty tom grooves 3. Rock solid backbeat And master dynamics across all three

[@chriss6390]

I was close. Know those three, know how to build tension in your dynamic ranges and always know how to escalate or drop as the leader is wanting to go.

[@hiptoalieu]

I love LOVE long bridges in Worship music...cause you could really craft parts that work well for even 10 levels! (especially if you get shaker/ghost notes on snare/and tambourine involved!)

[@garryoril6927]

Have been busy lately because it's start of the school year. But gonna watch this out cause I know this is very much resourceful.

[@drewkramer2998]

This is incredibly spot on. Thanks for breaking it all down! Most important piece: remember the heart behind what we do - glorify the Lord.

[@esenemcfall396]

Nice work, sounds beautiful, God bless.❤

[@emmanuelkatbanlaki2278]

I'm actually a new fan, and I love all of your videos. Thank you for your service.🙌🙏🙏

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

Welcome to the party!

[@Ekoptutz-zy1sd]

This is very vital for my son God bless you, Amen 🙏🙌

[@cameron9292]

Yo Gabe, hope the tour is going well. Thanks for setting up DBO, I joined a few weeks ago and have been learning a lot as a beginner. I see you guys are playing with BMTH in Jakarta in November. If you get the chance to talk with Mat Nicholls, try to work out doing a tour in the U.S. with them (or at least the midwest region :)) I would pay good money to stand in the front row of the pit and headbang till my neck breaks 🤘

[@johntarpey8086]

Great video. Always serve the song!

[@JoeyRam.]

'Repeat it until sounds intentional'... BEAUTIFUL!! 🤣

[@ileakstuff]

Love your videos man! Taught me so much!

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

❤️

[@sarahmiller9075]

Just subscribed to DBO! Looking forward to it!

[@joekr3w139]

Such great perspective of the art of CCM drumming!

[@pennyhowchin7485]

I'm an unofficial worship pastor seeking to get a better handle on the role of different instruments in the band. It's so hard when I can hear the dynamic isn't right, but I have no idea why and can't help my team grow! This is so incredibly helpful! Thank you!

[@UchechiPeace-ky5mu]

I'm a church pianist Isaac by name from Nigeria 🇳🇬 in Africa

[@jonathantaylor426]

This is excellent and informative. I am sending to all my church drummer friends. Thanks.

[@freshkid3223]

Thanks for the lesson

[@EnvangelistMercy-se4oy]

Love you DBO Keep it up

[@SteadArcFab_Ministries]

👏👊 Thank you! Awesome vid!

[@kuthozovero.9308]

I'm not even a good drummer but I put God above all else and it's able to move God's people ❤

[@hoplashosh]

Thanks bro great video

[@elitui8294]

Thank you for the info👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@carlossandoval-ke7tl]

I honestly do all of this already without even knowing 😂 but it dose help to watch and learn and re fresh the brain and check my technique that I have now thank you!

[@steveSticksE]

Absolutely so true!!

[@mata.yoguee]

Love this video! You always deliver such awesome teachings! Really like how you present the excersices! ✌🏻 Quick note, the song is at 6/8 (swing feeling) not 6/4 🫣 (straight feeling) Thanks for you amazing videos! 🔥🤟🏻

[@brianquiles4350]

Thanks Gabe!

[@DrummingwithJack]

A lot of good advice for any style of drumming really

[@stevechambers500]

One time I dropped a stick, it landed right next to the hi-hat. Instead of grabbing a different stick, I reached down to get it while keeping the beat with my other hand. Lol. As far as learning the songs, I always try to make it as simple as possible. I take notes like "toms here, add snare here, beat here, etc" and I listen for anything in the recording that the song could absolutely not have, and I do those parts, or try to. The rest of the time, I just play what I feel. And I always ask the leader if something I did was too much. And by the way, some songs we play at my church, it's nearly impossible for me to not go nuts when I'm rrally into it.

[@kibalamajohn4306]

The lesson was sweet thanks

[@acuralee]

It's crazy this popped into my feed, I used to drum for my church back when I was 12 up until I was 17. The sad thing is I had to teach myself. Learning to be a pocket player, and having to purchase my equipment. It was soon after I turned 17 I was in 2 other bands. I still made my Wednesday, Saturday evening, and early Sundays before praise and worship. But what killed it for me was all the other musicians were being paid and they wanted to add more practice time which was between work, my two other bands, and doing my praise and worship band it just wasn't feasible. I'm not sure if the church felt I wasn't worth paying, or they felt I was "too young" mind you I was in band both in middle school marching/concert/jazz and in high school (this is where I started taking my music very seriously and ended up joining two bands. Gigs paid but we didn't do it for the money. We did it for the music, but bills do pyle up. Needless to say, the day I quit the praise and worship band it broke my heart and kind of upset me since the lead guitarist made me seem as if I was only doing it for money (out of the 5 years I dedicated my time to the worship band I never asked for competition.) Sticks, my drum kit, drum heads, hardware, by... but that was it for me. We had 5 musicians (me included) out of the 5 I was the only person who truly dedicated my time without pay while working and going to school. Just recently I was offered a paying gig (Wednesday night practices, Saturday even practices, and early Sunday morning warm-ups) it's just funny how things play out. I do hope your 10-year playing experience was amazing as I do sometimes miss the feeling the music gave me.

[@david-scott-drums8684]

The dynamics section is literally what I play for most bridges and then have a big build-up at the end of the 11 chorus

[@fneils1]

Thank you 👌

[@samuelshirah2053]

I’m sure someone may have said this already: It’s a 6/8 time signature during the dynamic portion. 6/4 would lose the two-feel that’s created by the emphasis on the 8th note division rather than a typical quarter note division. Minor detail, no big deal. But absolutely loved the video! Great stuff. Thank you for sharing! 🙏 Please don’t take this comment as me being a smart butt 😂 it’s just a very important musical difference. All love and respect! Keep posting the vids!

[@samaphantNovaJewelX]

I played Drums at Church Every wednesday for the last 3-4 Months It was All thx to you Because of you I've become a beast at drumming like using some of the Legendary drummers to get the energy energetic I wish I could meet you in real life someday GOD BLESS You, Gabe

[@DrumBeatsOnline]

That's incredible. keep up the amazing work and thank you for sharing!

[@billyraypeters6564]

Yeah man love your passion expression on the drum kit especially when you play live playing at church consistently all the time and following the flow of the Holy Spirit really makes all the difference God bless you man thank you for all you do

[@robfriedrich2822]

What spirit does he follow, when doing Metal songs, written by godless people who hates Christian moral and express this in the songs?

[@AbelKabwe]

This was helpful to me

[@MM-cx2lw]

This was a cool video, a big thanks

[@BoredBrothers9.14]

Love the church drum lessons

[@ARDrummer]

Cool upload! I play drums at church every week :)

[@philadrian7618]

I knooowww the bridge of Firm Foundation when I hear it! Great tips man.

[@jerwin2804]

When I was a young church drummer taking lessons from a seasoned one. What you don't play is as important as what you do play, leaving space for the other instrumentalists.

[@Practicalmusicministryskil4906]

This is great - thanks! I just started sharing videos on my KZbin channel in hopes of making music literacy accessible to all.

[@letobros5171]

Shout out to Kensington church and the edge program for highschoolers. I used to vibe watching u drum every Sunday night!!!

[@marcuswalden1284]

I guess I’m an older drummer. My skill set comes from high school , college and professional playing. The principles of good music are constant. If you can’t do fancy stuff but can keep a good or great “pocket”…..Wow. You can add the other stuff later. But if you are not dedicated to the music and your drum skills, and you expect the “moment” to carry you through every time……good luck with that. I’m studying a new song for next Sunday. I’ll write out a chart for it if I need to. The music and the congregation and the kids and the purpose are important to me. I want every note I play to count, to have meaning and purpose. Excellent video!

[@jelly_bam3138]

Great video. All of these are completely true and separate and average drummer from a great drummer especially when it comes to be flexible and playing to add to the moment, not trying to overpower everyone else.

[@jonathanstancil8544]

Another idea for the backbeat at a reduced level can be a Jam Block. I often play with ProMark rods and use a Jam Block for that cross stick effect with them.

[@ICT_Anton]

I love the last tip… If you make a mistake, just play the mistake again the next measure and it’ll sound like you meant to do it lol… I’ve done this a few times. Awesome video

[@uber_stuber]

goes to show how i need to grow in my confidence level lol i can already do all of these things pretty well when i play on sunday services

[@robertdowler3347]

I served in Church Choir 7 years,it is also about layering over the Pianist or Organist.

[@kritical485]

Great video

[@imchilltrustmedawg526]

As a worship drummer, the best way to explain it is "The Holy Spirit is taking over" for songs that you spirit move the most in , like "Do It Again, LION, See A Victory, Rest On Us, Living Hope, I speak Jesus and Give Me Jesus" I can guarantee you, if you play one of em, you'll have your eyes closed as your drumming filling the spirit move and get goosebumps

[@bateracover2775]

Obrigado pela aula

[@emmanuelkatbanlaki2278]

Yes tomorrow is church, thanks 😊

[@mingraves]

I’m about to start playing so hopefully I can get this down by the end of the year.

[@BarbellThor]

I like the play the verses with some variation, throwing in some doubles like two kicks instead of just one on the "one" of a measure, add ghost notes and or tom tap. Then when we hit the chorus, I go straight 4 on the floor no extra hit but ramp up the dynamics on volume, i.e. hit it harder, open my body up more, etc. Congregation can vibe the energy without getting distracted by "complicated" musicality.

[@japaobateradrums2067]

Eita pegaaa top lembre se bateras unidos jamais serão vencidos.

[@eliyalkyakutala]

Thanks bro

[@siroohhyee9205]

I’ve only been a church drummer for a year, before I was a tenor as a singer. But yes is what he saying is totally true, you jus have to adapt to the new songs you are given. You got to feel the music and how the atmosphere is moving, so doing little accents on the symbols matches the way the spirit is moving. And then build ups are really important to master too alongside quick fills

[@Itsurboy_young]

being 14 years old and playing in church it taught me very well

[@treyroyal9536]

Will you do a video on flipping to the back of the stick for rim clicks and switching back for full on snare without missing a beat? Also, the best way to switch from mallets to sticks or vise versa? Please and thank you!

[@gmcclure]

Another worthwhile point is just the sheer volume of experience you get by drumming regularly for a church, especially if they have multiple services. I honestly have no idea how many live performances I have given over the past 10 years.

[@gregkavonius2146]

Awesome examples and great advice! At church I play drums with 3 different worship teams. Two of the 3 piano/keyboardist can only follow the sheet music which is very traditional. The third one (my favorite) will play more chords and accents thus giving greater ambiance for the rhythm guitar and drums. I struggle when playing with the traditionalists because the chosen music never had percussion in mind, and they can't flex music styles or play more chords to better accommodate guitar and drums. So, any tips would be greatly appreciated. By the way I play on a Roland VAD 306 and really enjoy it.

[@sidwhiting665]

It's hard to change someone unless they want to change, so my advice would be get together as a group and LISTEN to the songs together. Talk through them and note how the different parts compliment each other and fit together. Do this before you get to group rehearsal. Group rehearsal should be about making known parts into music, but if people don't understand their part it's just going to be confusing and frustrating in rehearsal. . The best thing would be if your traditional players would take lessons (yes, I said take lessons) from someone who already plays in this style. Several musicians at my church offer lessons to folks in our church for free, and only $20 per half hour if it's not someone at our church. Having someone who is experienced in that instrument explain it to the person may help. Then again, some folks just love the comfort of playing exactly what's on the page. There may not be much you can do if they're not willing to try a different style. I feel your pain: the church I came from previously was very "keyboard forward" to say the least. Drums and guitars were there to support the driving machine of the keyboard. It rarely felt like we found a groove with those older songs that were written for traditional hymn players.

[@Coreman30]

I just got a dinner ded 80 today and I’m going to try to play in church as they have almost the exact model

[@caliokiegrownoklahoma4119]

I've been a metal drummer in a band for many years. Playing for God is a blessing. It allows me to use more technical expression, to slow way down and really feel the mood being expressed. I naturally did all these things you showed.

[@johnmoss878]

The best stuff I learned in my 35 years of playing drums in church was the different time signatures and all while being a metal drummer. Even my country gospel songs had a hard edge. I had long hair for a lot of my drumming career. So if I showed a pocket feel, I would have technically been head banging, which was definitely frowned up on! But most importantly, I learned to keep my spiritual life ahead of my drumming so I could help the anointing on my playing to minister to people's hearts.

[@wwesley9923]

I was low key jamming to this vid😂

[@gago55177]

More church drumming lessons pls. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@yeseleldrummer]

As a church drummer I agree with this video

[@Justenosh]

I’ve been drumming sense I was 5-6 years old! Now I’m 21. It’s my passion love doing what I love, but most importantly I’ve been serving God sense then to now. And now I’m bettering my craft errrday when I got the chance. So ye…… etc.

[@financialwolfprivate]

Nice

[@DrummerDanny76]

Another great tip on being a worship drummer is playing in the spirit.

[@DenardoGordon]

Amen

[@Randompersoncommenting101]

I tried this with my drums and my sticks were on fire! 😃

[@hiptoalieu]

To get the Elevation X Maverick City Sound...alternate floor tom and cross stick! (and go ahead and use some tambourine as well!)

[@G3ova2012]

Awesome video. Curious about that ride cymbal!? Ive been playing Dry Ks but your Meinl peeked my interest.

[@natedog8033]

bro are u still playing drums in the church? would love a drum pov of dat, wud be epic and also educative for us church drummers✌🏽❤️👍🏾