MIND-BLOWINGLY Simple Drum Exercise (MASSIVE Gains)

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You all have asked and so I will be posting some DEEP DIVE drum lessons over the next couple of months. All about taking small drum ideas, working them out on the drums, and then expanding the licks, fills, and drum beats that we create with those simple drum patterns. This particular drum exercise has really helped me with moving around the drum set, thinking over the barline, and expanding my ideas of what a drum beat can be by just playing around with some rules. Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts! ► Start Your FREE StephensDrumShed Drum School Trial Here: bit.ly/2TpkJmJ Subscribe or I will steal your cymbals: bit.ly/2AyH1Fb

[@lorenmuellemann9167]

Thank you for your thoughts and groves!

[@offgridjohn871]

😂🤣. Well.. I need a drummer New Years .. nth nsw 👍. Cheers

[@spinewrenched848]

Great ideas man! Also can help use this to play more linear grooves!

[@joelisaac2242]

Thank u so much cheers!

[@cindybucholz8092]

I am a person who learns by sight (I can read drum notation) and it’s so much easier! I really liked this, or any lesson on the drums, from an overhead shot rather than not being able to see the drum, cymbal,…that is hit!!!

[@joseph-ow1hf]

Great exercise, but as a former professional commercial photographer (30 years in the biz) I want to compliment you on you lighting setup. You are one of the few (if any) KZbinrs doing music lessons who use backlighting and directional front lighting. All of which make everything more dimensional and visually interesting. Like the lit wall too. Well done sir!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Seriously, thank you for that compliment. We moved into this new space a few months back and I spent quite a bit of time trying to learn how to light the room. I'm glad we're doing a few things right with it

[@joseph-ow1hf]

​@@danisaacsacayanan4726 Was Brandon the lighting designer? If so.....hats off for a job well done. Camera work and the editing is first rate too. Went back and rewatched and noticed a slider camera move on a front shot. Really nice! People have no idea how much work it takes to make this all look easy.

[@danisaacsacayanan4726]

nah. i meant to plug him out he's also a youtuber good with lighting and video editing stuff's and he plays drums too.

[@momoaux3673]

It's like learning to drive a car. When you approach a junction for the first time, you feel very uncomfortable with all the things you have to do and check before turning. But if you do it again and again, it becomes easy. This is a very good practice routine for me. Thank you very much for that.

[@dageonyar]

Just listened to your podcast about drumming not being 'hard' but rather just unfamiliar. This video fits right with that! There's nothing 'hard' going on, it's just complex/unfamiliar :) sounds amazing.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad ya dig! Loved checking out your video yesterday

[@ADDG880]

What’s the name of the podcast?

[@walterwise935]

plus you have to make your hands and feet do it all in rhythm. THE reason I am here - to learn "easy" stuff LOL

[@ricklord7144]

67 years old... Just bought my first set of drums... I wanted to learn something new. I stumbled onto this exercise... Drums for sale!!!!

[@Ghost_loadz]

U look a lot younger

[@mpk6664]

The first groove with the 8th notes and three voices is a straight jam. This is one of my absolute favorite things to play.

[@quezbor]

Love how this transforms a familiar groove into something more melodic. You nail it! Killer cinematography and set design too!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks!

[@johnlennonghost6238]

I like this...thanks Stephen!!! I've been playing since I was 5 and I'm now 56 and I get caught up repeating the same old patterns and I get bored with playing; so instead of playing everyday, I'll play 3-4 times a week. Something clicked with this video and I can't wait to get home and work on this exercise. I like the ghost notes...I struggle with that, when I mix everything up, around the kit. My mind goes back to my single stroke habit. Thanks again...GOD Bless!!!

[@dizzyupthefool5180]

This may the best drum exercise I've ever seen on KZbin.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thank you...so glad it helped my friend

[@williammccarty3393]

easily

[@chrishorton5009]

Sorry late to the party on this one as i didn't see it when you first posted. This post has infused me at a point where my chops were like watching paint dry. I was kind of already doing some of this in funk fills without really planning it (one and twos), but this is next level and so much fun! thank you Stephen always great content and you really bring out the best in the instruments.

[@spencerflegel5889]

I would TOTALLY use this in a song. The last exercise sounds like a version of samba and creates a great groovy feel

[@ramseyeden6660]

I was watching some of your very old videos from when you had more hair and less beard. You have inproved so much as a teacher! You tone, the way you break down ideas and your confidence. Dude. You were a good teacher then, great teacher now.

[@ronaldgreen5292]

Also, I would like to add: Your set is unique and tuned so well!! The hats sound so crisp and clean! That snare has that, nice, "pop!"

[@baljhass75]

Simple, but amazing effective. If I heard the two or three voices on a track I would not be able to figure it out. Effective exercise, inventive grove. Amazing.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad you dug it!

[@tieukhavu8832]

@@StephenTaylorDrums So Punkrocking

[@gsmith207]

At one time I thought there was music he was playing along to. Nope! Just one man groovin’. Wicked cool

[@DD-ym3nk]

Just started playing a few months ago and I figured this out literally yesterday. Glad to see I'm on the right track. I definitely need to get better with my limb independence

[@benferfamily6065]

I’m constantly web surfing to try and find good videos to learn to play my kit, this guy appears everywhere TYSM man.

[@DruMatthias]

It's a cool idea. I play open handed, specifically on hats so I'd be probably splitting snare duties when playing 8ths between both hands, similar to what you did on the Carter B styled beats before the end. Dig it!!

[@remander3873]

Dude, this may be my favorite exercise you've presented. Thanks!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You bet!

[@squanchysquanch1840]

Hey Stephen, I just want to thank you for making these videos for beginners like me. I’m 26 and started playing about 9-10 months ago. Feel like I’m making progress and I play everyday. You’ve been a massive help for me! Thank you. Have a great weekend.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You're more than welcome. So glad they help!

[@romeopresutti8062]

Your approach to teaching is exceptional....showing that you can and will make mistakes makes your videos "real"...Awsome work!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks!

[@robbjoyce]

Excellent lesson and boy do those Toms sounds sweet

[@greatwhite61967]

Nice , Simple , & Broken Down so that anyone can try this as it was very well explained... I could be wrong but didn't ex Japan/Porcupine Tree/Rain Tree Crow & his ongoing work with JBK & that is the drummer " Steve Jansen " as i think he used similar moves when he played on the drums as he wasn't like any other drummer's I had heard of throughout his playing career & for me his & approach & style of playing made him stick out more than other drummer's as I like musician's that can put a different spin on what's been played by other drummers & Stewart Copeland was another who caught my ear because of his style & approach... Steve had a way of playing all over his toms & when you listen to what he played , especially with Japan , he grabbed your attention even if you were just a listener & i found that the way he (predominantly) moved around his kit & making use of all his toms & floor tom to me was amazing to listen to as i hadnt heard anyone approach & play the drums the way Steve Jansen did but thats just my opinion... I know Ginger Baker did this also but Cream & Japan were both ahead of their time & completely at the opposites of the spectrum as far as how you could describe their sound... For both bands to try & be completely unique & a one off & both bands laid such a heavy footprint on their approach to singing & playing their instruments to the point they were truly one off band's & you could try to emulate them but no one never sounded like those 2 amazing bands... Still to this day I can't put Japan into a specific genre & I like this because at times being labeled one way or another detracts the beauty of just listening to music without putting it into some recognised form & I never did this when I was younger & I still don't try to labele any new music I hear... RIP Mick Karn RIP Tony Thompson RIP Bernard Edwards RIP Lemmy RIP Jack Bruce RIP Ginger Baker And so many more that have sadly passed away but everyone of them all had a hand in influencing & shapping my love for all music styles & genres & they all helped me in shapping my love for all music which refer to as world music... In light of this still ongoing coronavirus & its variants stay safe and healthy wherever you are in this world... .....

[@bmfdan5715]

This is the simplest hardest lesson I’ve done it in a while 😂 Specially when I go to the third and fourth voice great independence exercise at least for me thank you

[@riot768]

Played the drums in middle and high school. Stopped through college and early adulthood. Picking them back up. Your videos have been really great for brushing the dust off and getting reacquainted.

[@TheDukeofCubes]

Love this. It sounded easier than I thought. I haven’t been drumming too long but love doing this. Feels like it will definitely help my right arm become more independent

[@robertqnn]

Sounds absolutely great on miked drums

[@drummerKev]

I would highly recommend that when you’re showing instructional videos such as this, instead of saying “right hand” you might want to say “lead hand” or dominate hand. Because although there are just a few of us south paws out there, I do see other instructional videos that say “use your lead or dominate hand” because there actually are quite a few of us that do set up our kits left handed. If I had one wish as a drummer, it would be learning on a right handed kit. But being a drummer for 45 years, I was self taught my first few years and never did switch to the majority. Also, seeing Phil Collins with Genesis in 1978 was kind of my stamp of approval as I saw his kit set up exactly like mine. I was blown away by his drumming skills and he’s been one of my favorite drummers since then. Anyway, just a little suggestion because I do watch your videos quite a bit! Thank you for sharing all your helpful instructional videos! Kevin

[@patrickmckenna6720]

This is great advice. Im not a math guy but aren't these drum algorithms? The only thing I do different when practicing these types of exercise is to count the measure numbers through the completion of the pattern. e.g 1-2-3-4 , *2-2-3-4, *3-2-3-4 and so on. I love that you count aloud while playing tho, its such an important skill. Exploring drums in this way seems tedious to some but its a sure fire way to get yourself out of any rut or creative plateaus in your playing. Awesome vid. Im subscribing!

[@Brandon-mf5uh]

This channel is great!

[@gregkavonius2146]

This is an awesome exercise that can help me spice up some songs I play at church by making the verse, and or, chorus sound more interesting. Thanks Stephen!

[@oliviaginsbourg6541]

Woah that last sound was worth working at it !!

[@andywilliamson1044]

i like the way you explain things

[@chrisjohns8850]

Very cool beats, thanks! I like your snare sound, too.

[@dudustickytricks]

Hope the neighbors'll enjoy this as much as I, because this is my new practice routine!

[@Johnbobon]

This made me 👉😄.

[@classixdrummer]

Love how the simple grove never actually goes beyond the bar but the voices resolve in ways that suggest exactly that.

[@rhabdob3895]

I will use this on every song I ever play from now on.

[@philliphoefs1922]

All of the three voice and five voice patterns were my favorites! Loved the lesson!

[@charlesabboud1613]

This was really fantastic Stephen, thank you. What you call voices, I always knew as ‘orchestration’ aka this is the pattern of your arms and feet how you choose to orchestrate it (what you choose to hit) is up to you.

[@allanbador7316]

Man! Simple that is not simple is amazing. Great vid.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad it helped!

[@gallawayrk]

I love this exercise.

[@foreignercatracho]

Wooow you are so skilled. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and talent with the world

[@matthewkeesler1871]

This lesson unlocked something in me as a drummer. Excellent exploration in timing.

[@restedjazz]

Stephen! In a word..."Thanx!" What a wonderful approach to seriously consider. l love those "deep dives" you do that challenge me to stop and reconsider something that is always fresh, new and definitely Musical. Thank you again, Stephen! l'm listening...!!

[@perrodedios777]

Thank you Taylor. I'm 33 with six kids and seven on the way. We bought a drum set for one of my boys. Never got into any instruments and between work and my children I've been jumping into the drums here and there. I've been watching some of your videos while my kids are sleeping and I've been learning a thing or two. With the time I have it's going to take me months if not years to progress but thank you

[@davejajuga2224]

Drumless jam tracks really help me so i have fun and dont get bored. Merry Christmas

[@ellispiper6313]

Man I was getting those grooves down quick and just started. Play bass but kick drum has always been hard but you broke it down really well

[@greggjoseph4403]

I really love your videos. I’m new to real drumming (I air drummed my whole life lol). I am progressing fast with your ideas. Thank you! I’m 53 and wish I had played my whole life but it’s never too late😁

[@TheDrumminjay]

Gonna have to use this exercise, good sir!

[@fernandomedina1552]

Very good intruction..

[@murphmurph2124]

Cool deal dude that is very handy to have in the toolbox

[@senselessmatter]

I've been doing some of the early stuff on my own, but I'm going to push to get to those later grooves! Sounds fun!

[@SupaNoobyvr]

Just started drums, love this technique. Even if it’s hard it’s great practice and it sounds amazing 🙂

[@ronineditor9920]

I think a fun future video would be to see if a drummer can play to time for three minutes (no metronome)... and see how close they are to the 'exact' BPM that they started with.

[@karichurchilllaidman7391]

Hi Stephen my sons bought me an Alisis mesh drum kit because I’ve wanted to play drums all my life lol. I’m glad I found your video because I’m looking to learn just some simple starting beats. I can play along with music but not very good without

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Welcome to the family! Lots of free resources on my website as well at www.stephensdrumshed.com

[@mranvick3512]

Ramping up from a simple beginner's beat to utter madness in under 15min! Nice job sir! (joke aside, excellent tutorial, kudos for the lighting as well)

[@GoodnessOgugua]

Found this channel and it’s been a game changer for me

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Makes my day to hear it!

[@jodyguilbeaux8225]

drum tuning is spot on, toms and floor toms sound great.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Jody!

[@m6hill983]

I did this with 8th notes.. Ride, cowbell and floortom.. The loop was very groovy! thanks for the tips!

[@lordmjh]

That last Rhythm pattern at 13:50 Reminded me of the song 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover by Paul Simon. Imagine Steve gadd using this type of rhythm over the area of the song where the lyrics go, "Hop on the bus, Gus You don't need to discuss much Just drop off the key, Lee And get yourself free",I can. The four-minute video, nicely done, thank you.

[@reginamiele4954]

I LOVE this one! What a groove. Started slow and picked it up. LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Thanks again!

[@david_blomquist131]

You got me playing drums again and liking doing exercises 🥁🧘🏾‍♀️🫶🏾 Thank you

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Yes!!!

[@mrf507]

Bravo, best warm up ever, and probably the most fun and original. Opens a box of infinite possibilities. Thank you !

[@partyllamatherapy4166]

Most helpful lesson I've seen in awhile. Thank you!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Glad it helped my friend

[@davidcasanova8381]

Fantastic!

[@zaugg3892]

This was a breakthrough for me, THANK YOU

[@lbjmuzic]

Another Great content video brother...Those exercises sound like grooves that I've heard in songs...

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Louis!

[@vanv]

A good song to practice the first part is Borderline by Tame Impala, it uses this riff

[@cindybucholz8092]

So satisfying!!! Actually very peaceful! When I learn this, I know it will be my favorite go-to! Loved that you count out loud! Do you have the drum transcription?

[@ronineditor9920]

I used to love/hate doing these drills as a kid but I really need to get back to doing them to keep sharp... super fun.

[@donaldburton7150]

Helpful video! I have been experiencing with this type of groove and it's a blast!

[@jaford2]

Really creative ideas coming out of this concept, which seem so to lend itself to almost indefinite extension! I especially like the groove in @10:45 - sounds like you've got your own bass player going there, very melodic!

[@ronaldgreen5292]

I really appreciate, and enjoy your videos, mainly because of how you smile on the video lesson page 😊 Just shows how genuine you are as a person! You really enjoy what you do!👍That's why I subscribed in the beginning! You have some funny stuff in your videos too 🤣

[@cdwizzerd]

i already did this, but watched the entire excellent video anyhow. those floor toms are beautiful

[@bruford911]

Also you are phrasing and eq-ing your playing on the fly. Sounds great

[@hacksdp3]

7:00 I actually yelled out loud to nobody in my hotel with headphones on. My neighbors are probably wondering what my problem is.

[@heymsaba]

this is such a great video! thanks so much from someone who's returning back to drumming after a long break and a series of attempts to reconnect. legend!

[@joetulip007]

Awesome exercise! Kudos! You are a great teacher. The steps are really easy to follow. Keep up the work 👏👏👏

[@Setola]

very nice concept!

[@Joeri72]

Great exercise Stephen! Thanks a lot

[@just4thevids]

🐙 That DC training . Æ👍 thanks

[@DevinDrums23]

Excellent exercise! 🤘🏼

[@sandkamper]

"Happy little accidents" ....Hey, there is Bob Ross on the drums! Thanks for the exercises. Going to spend some time with them.

[@tuffguy007]

What a great drill! Thanks for posting it.

[@shawncosmos5431]

Absolutely a great routine for pretty much anyone. !

[@joelisaac2242]

Simple and effective..thank u so much Stephen...i do it regularly in my practise⚡️😎

[@krombopoulosmichael]

Quick, fun and no bullshit. Great video my man. As a beginner I could watch this vid and mess around for hours. Love it. Subbed.

[@merian_d]

New drummer here, I appreciate this! Will definitely be practicing this! Thanks!

[@dougveit]

Really cool, totally doable and a great way to get that lazy right hand out of the pocket. Thank you!

[@markomarkovic5729]

This is so cool! I like to play with those things, but I usually switch left hand between snare, hi tom and open hi-hat (I play 4th notes with my left foot). I'm not sure I can explain it properly but I believe you know what I'm talking about, I sometimes switch backbeat between the snare and the tom. I also like to keep time with my right hand on the floor tom, and switch my left hand between snare, hi tom and hi-hat. In any case, even the simplest groove sounds fresh with these ideas.

[@Dragonwitmatches]

Love the shirt bro and the simple lessons mind blowing

[@SONICSTAR07]

I love these grove. But it would cool if you can add the music note and break it down for beginner

[@ILikeWafflz]

This is my favorite kind of thing to do, except I also like to combine it with odd time signatures, and often a third rhythm; the more confusing the better! It's also an excellent way to develop a better understanding of subdivisions

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Gets super fun with odd sigs!

[@blurryface480]

Thanks!

[@norvsta]

Great lesson! Good to see you looking more relaxed now you got the building sorted Stephen. One question: what shoes are you wearing?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Lol, that was a stresser for me for sure. Shoes are Tom's Cardones. Unfortunately they've stopped making this particular style so after many years of wearing them, I've got to find some new kicks. I typically find something I like and just buy several. I'm a pretty boring guy lol

[@norvsta]

@@StephenTaylorDrums they look like perfect shoes for drummers!

[@dimwes]

I love that you also showing your little mistakes. Makes more real and showing that it is fine to make mistakes. It looks really fun to do this exercise!

[@ninebreaker1840]

Very excellent. I'm teaching myself and this exercise is my favorite so far. I love the sound.

[@cindybucholz8092]

Thank you So much for this drum video!!!!! Very cool!!! Loved the counting out loud!!!!

[@quickfingers6849]

Another great lesson.

[@carpballet]

Cool. It feels a lot like what Gadd was doing in the ‘70s.

[@flamecolumn]

Thank you for this intriguing lesson. I’m going to woodshed this for a while, get it smooth. It will be a great addition to my repertoire. Thanks again, man. Solid.

[@jasonritchie1241]

Great lesson. Many of the great complex polyrhythmic drummers utilize this technique with multiple identical cymbals to do the counting for them. For example, they might have 3 identical crashes set up and utilizing this method displayed in your video, they can unconsciously count complex double and even triple polyrhythms simply by following a pattern around the cymbals. The listener doesn't realize however because the cymbals are identical. Of course this requires a lot of extra cash to buy multiples of the same drum or cymbal. Electronic drums provide a cost-free way of experimenting with this technique. You can assign the same voice to multiple pads to try different patterns.