10 Ways To Tell If You're a Good Drummer

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Subscribe or I will steal your cymbals: bit.ly/2AyH1Fb I can't TELL you how many times I asked myself early on in my drumming "am I a good drummer?". How do we know if we're good drummers? How do we know if we're "bad" drummers? Is there a checklist for drummers? Through my years of teaching thousands of drum lessons to thousands of drummers around the world, I have come up with some very solid criteria for what makes a "good" drummer. Let's face it, everyone deserves to feel good about their drumming. If you're putting in the work, you should get some satisfaction out of that work. So here are 10 things that I look at in a student to judge where they are on the accomplished drummer scale. If they have all of these, does that mean they should stop working so hard? Absolutely not! These items will simply give you the satisfaction of knowing (especially on those rough practice days) that in fact you ARE a "good" drummer...you're just a good drummer having a bad day. And that's an ok thing. Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts on what you feel classifies a good drummer!

[@russkennedy5146]

45 Years playing at all levels and still learning everyday.

[@RecycledFirefighter]

This needs to be a podcast episode too dude! I think you’d kill a podcast!

[@jimsmallwood1445]

Stephen, Your assembly line method and website member lessons have helped me get better in a very short time. As I have improved I now remember parts better and am able to pickup my mistakes and correct them more easily. The net is I am enjoying my own playing more which makes me want to work to improve further. Thanks,

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

RecycledFirefighter you’re gonna like what we’re working on 👊🏻

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I’m right there with you. All about that journey

[@AM-eg2kw]

I feel personally attacked every time you play the "incorrect" parts

[@bigkickleo]

HAH! I just spit out my drink! 😂

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Lol 😂😂😂😂😂

[@crazyjoedavola5430]

Same....

[@runejsvendsen1418]

🤘😂✌️

[@whity72]

Ooh, attacked, haha! So there is not only a normal bed wetting liberal whining "generation snowflake", but also a generation of SNOWFLAKE DRUMMERS! omg...

[@jjdrummer1000]

Crash course: 1 - Can you play with consistent time? 2 - Are your transitions solid? 3 - Can you play with articulation? 4 - Does what you play groove? 5 - Do you play with authority? 6 - Can you play with dynamics? 7 - Can you flow with your playing? 8 - Do you understand songflow? 9 - Do you play well with others? 10 - Are you an unselfish player?

[@jonpryor2656]

#10. Serve the music, not your own ego. Do THAT and every other musician you encounter is going to tell you that you're a good drummer! The combination of all those gets you gigs but if you fail #10 nobody's going to want to work with you more than once.

[@abrackas1]

This list goes with any instrument. Can’t tell you how many guitarists don’t play to what the song needs dynamically or in complexity. You can be showy but those are few and far between. Listening and awareness to what the song needs are criminally underrated.

[@xtermn8201]

@@jonpryor2656 That's very true, but as a drummer myself, is it greedy to ask for a solo or a 4 bar break to do your own thing? Because yeah I play to benefit the music, but all work and no play...

[@user-id2dx4qd6j]

Lopyt *Sir_Guy* bonham lol!

[@user-id2dx4qd6j]

Lopyt *Sir_Guy* not the best ever.

[@T-Hawkeyes]

2:24 1 - Can you play with consistent time? 4:30 2 - Are your transitions solid? 8:25 3 - Can you play with articulation? 12:30 4 - Does what you play groove? 14:20 5 - Do you play with authority? 16:14 6 - Can you play with dynamics? 19:35 7 - Can you flow with your playing? 21:35 8 - Do you understand songflow? 22:50 9 - Do you play well with others? 24:49 10 - Are you an unselfish player? Big thanks to Jared Jacknow for starting this Crash Course

[@rjl1onawi]

Thanks

[@oddballskull1941]

Currently binge watching crash course..not even in school

[@georgeuzzle]

Thanks for quantizing the video

[@pastorpaulfbc]

8-songflow or song form?

[@parallaxart]

When I started playing, I was 10 years old. I didn’t give a flip about it till I saw Ringio playing with the Beatles in 1962, and he is who got me started. That gives you some idea of my age. I came from a family of very modest income and there was no way they could afford to buy me drums. So I set out hardback books on my bed in the places that the various drums and cymbals would be, saved up my allowance and bought a pair of sticks, pulled a kitchen chair up to my bed, and that became my first drums. I had a little transistor radio that I would turn on and play to and I just literally beat the covers off of book after book as my way of learning to play. They certainly didn’t have the feel nor response of a nicely tuned set, and my pedals were just me tapping my feet on the floor, (which drove the people downstairs crazy) but it did give me the training of timing as I taught myself how to play. In those early days I hung around the lucky kids I knew who did have drums and jumped at the chance to play their sets whenever I could. My first “drums” were a set that came in one box and were made of cardboard. They were basically just toys, with rubber bands for hoop tighteners, but to me, they were everything! They replaced the books and I can tell you I beat those things into pieces- literally. I put the bass drum from that set on an old TV cart and it became the floor tom on the first real set of a snare, bass, one bass tom and one cymbal. No hi-hat yet. And with that junk i got into one of my first bands and i have played ever since. i remember seeing Buddy Rich play on the Tonite Show once way back then and that showed me what a drummer could actually do. All of that of course was a long time ago, and for the last 40 or so years I have played and sang lead vocals in and out of more bands then I can even remember, even a church choir for a few years...that is until i started to get sick. i crushed my left ankle in a construction accident, but that did not stop me from playing. But catching Hepititis from a blood transfusion I received during the surgeries finally did, because unbeknown to me, it was eating up all of my internal organs. So finally I had to sell my set to help pay bills, and meanwhile I had a liver transplant and right now I am on the waiting list for a kidney transplant. But in all honesty, I just can’t wait any longer to be at it again- especially after seeing Neil Peart play- it really- reignited the fire in me to pick up my sticks again and get back into it. Believe it or not, I am 67 years old, but neither age nor sickness has put out that fire to play like I thought it would. So now I am looking for another set and I guess I will be starting all over again. I thought perhaps you might appreciate this story of how much a man can love being behind that trap set. I just saw some of your videos here on KZbin, and I appreciate what you are doing for the percussionist community.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks so much Ric!

[@prsgroove3117]

Wow, that is a very motivational story. Ever thought of becoming a motivational speaker and helping the youngsters find their way in life?

[@TheButcher83]

Haha I like it by the fact that Ric writes a fantastically thrilling story of life, and Steven responds back in four words 😂 But great story my friend 🙏🏻😊

[@mycheesesteak]

How are you feeling these days Ric? Did you get your transplant? Did you get a drum set? Good luck!

[@hizzilary5491]

dude I have wanted to play drums for about 5 months and I have made these junk drum kits from dads old garage stuff that he doesn't need anymore (buckets) and one day my friend from school gave me his old drum sticks and it was like the best day of my life. I think I have broken about 15 books and like 3 school binders. One day I used my homework as a snare drum😂my teacher was NOT happy at all.

[@Weadababytsaboy]

Been a drummer my whole life. As musicians we are our worst enemy. I finally know that I am definitely a good drummer. What I can say to new or other drummers; don't get discouraged with all the talent out there. There will ALWAYS be someone better than you. Don't worry about that. Focus on being solid with all of these things Stephen pointed out.

[@094340]

Pretty much my philosophy too. There will ALWAYS be drummers that make you feel inadequate, but if can stop the inevitable comparisons, you can understand and appreciate your own value.

[@chuckhenley575]

Ditto here. There will be days when you get behind the kit and not "feel it", that's when you have to take a minute beforehand and get focused, remember what Steven is saying here that you need to play with authority, feel and groove. And also work with your band mates as part of the band, being a "team player". As the adage goes; "Repetition is the mother of skill". It will come with time and experience.

[@mrf507]

Dead right

[@charshii3745]

Even when Stephen is pretending to play bad... it still sounds pretty good lol

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thank you my friend

[@BasedChadman]

It's extremely technical, but the timing definitely hurts

[@PotatoeChipz]

yeah, if you're out of time with the movie in time and about to die. it's pretty bad

[@crispylemonman9695]

That's the big problem for good drummers pretending to play badly. They'll either still be good, or they'll over exaggerate it. That's a problem people like me never have, because it's not fake.

[@swati7577]

'CAUSE YOU ARE A BAD DRUMMER sry no offence but i couldn't stop myself from writing that

[@asverlov]

11) Am I serving the song 12) Am I following gig/rehearsal etiquette (arrive on time, know the parts, know how to tune the kit and work with a sound guy etc.)

[@DaveLambertITA]

Point 11 is basically point 10, because if you're not being selfish it means you're serving the song rather than your own ego. (Like Tré Cool said, you must play the song, not the instrument)

[@a.j.wilkes6352]

"You can go far in life being a solid B and showing up on time."

[@donf3739]

13) Never pass up an opportunity to STFU, especially between songs. You're not impressing anyone except yourself.

[@edwardk3]

I'm insecure

[@HidefVince]

All those examples you gave at the beginning is what I call "Odd time signatures"

[@HidefVince]

You, Mr. *Sir_Guy* ...get it. 🤟

[@alphasaiyan5760]

Nope. Just off beats

[@AnotherWorldYT]

and it's not an odd time signature, because it's still mainly in 4/4. it's just shitty subdivision.

[@victorglaviano]

Yes.... I have those down solidly, I believe I'm an expert in "odd time measures"... Otherwise known as being off time 6

[@BasedChadman]

But they have to go hand-in-hand, and these did not. There would be no way to incorporate that type of play into actual music.

[@lukejbonner]

I love how genuine and down-to-earth you are, man. It's really refreshing.

[@roofklimber101]

I once had a really good friend who played lead guitar in a funk band. I ended up playing congas and singing for the band even though I’m a drummer. After the drummer quit it was a natural progression (I thought) for me to step up to the drums, but my friend just wasn’t having it as I was trained mostly in rock music. Long story short, I took huge offense to this thinking I was just a really bad drummer even though I had played live for years. It’s about a year later now and looking back on it, he was right. I just simply didn’t have the funk chops on lock to jump into this awesome band. Thankfully I’ve spent many hours behind the kit ironing out my funk so now I have my own funk rock band

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I love it. Use those moments as opportunities to grow

[@jonathanhaley9967]

That is sick dude. Keep up the hard work

[@JeffPenaify]

"Fuck you guys, Ill start my own funk band. And call it Megadeath"

[@ronrlm6]

I was accused of speeding up on my breaks. I denied it. I thought for sure the Lead Guitar was trying to kick me out of the band and take it over. In the end, I realized there was some truth to his accusation. I've learned that it is better to 'lay back' both on the difficulty with your breaks AND the speed of them. If you delay your break and finish strong on the beat Usually 1, that you are back in on after the break - the band and the audience will love you for it. The FEEL will be better for all.

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

practise with a metronome at least one time in ten.

[@henryraymond8676]

Yes, it may be right but I can tell you that often, too often, people who are not really good players try to blame someone else. Musicians tend to be an arrogant, egotistic lot and some are quite strange indeed. I often say, O.K., let's put the record on and see. If it's cover, and guess what, that puts an end to that argument AND they will be reluctant to try it again. If they want you out though, and some do, especially if you are better than they are, they find a way. OR you do. Many bands break up not because of the music though.

[@golfhound]

I played in a band where the drummer was constantly accusing me of missing the beat - blaming me for his incompetence. I had the band record one of our practices and I set up a metronome next to the stereo speaker as we all listened. Lo and behold, he was the one going off beat, off time. I was on, he was off. I think it is essential for all musicians to have perfect time or you'll never be tight. Keith Richard, who can hire any drummer in the world, has said that Charlie Watts is one of the greatest drummers in the world. I think it is because he keeps perfect time.

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

@@golfhound charlie watts is not one of the greatest, he is famousest not best, nor is he even above average by African village standards.

[@bobyost42]

@@henryraymond8676 to my experience, most bands break up because of ego cancer.

[@RaynaVandel]

Dude! I take my hat off to you. It's SOOO hard to play that out of time on purpose 😂 good job!

[@justinturner653]

That's what I was thinking. I can't imitate "bad drumming" to save my life, I always seem to get back to my "internal metronome"

[@SaintNine]

My thoughts precisely. Your ‘bad’ playing is superb and I mean that as a compliment! I think it's very difficult to play badly convincingly when you can play well. 😁

[@asylumrain]

Rayna Vandel yeah it’s like it takes practice be bad once your At least decent.

[@jeffreypinter5226]

YES!!! lololol

[@RogersPhotographyGuilford]

I know right. I was cringing all the way through.

[@superjanembaishappy5512]

The bit about authority is so true. When I changed my drum teacher the first thing he asked was to simply play. And after that he just fixed some really simple thing like how I hit the kick with my foot, how I played ghostnotes, etc... But the thing that really stood out was when he said: "Hit that Hi-Hat harder man. It looks like you're scared of hitting it". And then you realise how much barriers that guy broke for you.

[@johnboyle3297]

50 years of being hired never fired always striving to improve, understanding that LESS really is MORE, being easy to work with, checking my ego at the door, earning enough to live and raise a family and a whole lot more lead me to boast that I was a drummer and percussionist of an acceptable standard.

[@parallaxart]

You are very fortunate indeed to have made a living at it. The ego part is supreme in making a band work. That one thing has torn apart more bands then I can remember.

[@debralynnpaxton5238]

My strength is 'grooving', no matter what style I'm playing...I need work/confidence with 'closing', getting past that annoying mental block...also, am not a stick-twirling, throwing, fancy drummer; therefore, if going by great time-keeping, I'm 'golden' :D I also sing while I'm playing in a show and other places/events here in Branson, MO and out of town...am very lyric(what we're singing about/emotion of lyric) /dynamics/Keyboard, Bass,(try to be 'twins' with Bassist on my kickdrum ), Rhythm Guitar, other instrument patterns...

[@NateRange]

I like how Everytime he says "quantize" the X-Files theme played.

[@tieukhavu8832]

Lol

[@mattbond6699]

Reaper's Musics It was super funny, but it was driving me mad that he wasn't saying quantify. Great video though haha

[@Motorcitypower1]

Truly a Great teacher that can articulate his wisdom thru words as well as showing you on a kit. Thank you !

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks my friend

[@TKrause5]

This video really helps you find your weaknesses. First part of fixing a problem, is admitting you have one. My biggest weaknesses: Are your transitions solid? Now I know what to work on. Great video.

[@jackmaddesty]

11: When you’re in the groove, does your head fall down so you just sit there and stear at the floor behind the HiHat, or is your head up so you can register what’s going on around you and comunicate with the rest of the band in a live setting?

[@nils1]

Maddesty Yeah, I tend to not look at the others, but I have my ears at everything that happens and communicate through my playing.

[@remoevans2793]

Just look like you’re a mental patient on Thorazine, Charlie Watts made a career out of it 😂

[@rwbz28]

@@remoevans2793 I learned a lot of bad habits from that man that were hard to break. But he is still a great drummer.

[@mrf507]

@@rwbz28 Never could listen to that band more than 10 secs. About the topic, always looking up and ears opened. At least, doing my very very best in that aim.

[@kiiiedxplorer]

i'll get there someday 😁 Still working on and learning to be consistent with time. Transition for me is very important, specially that I mostly drum at church and still learning though. This is kind of a reminder ❤️ I love these kinds of tips and lessons. I still have a lot to learn.

[@Amarilliobrillo]

Don’t we all

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

I’m right there with you. All about the journey

[@TheButcher83]

Stephen Taylor I would so like to start playing drums again, and learn it from scratch again. I am 37 years old today and played in amateur bands when I was 13-16 years old, but mostly played guitar. Can't get enough of your videos and I'm almost drawn to all kinds of drum videos on KZbin now and can watch it for hours

[@mcsequoia5107]

Excellent video! Great examples! I hope every aspiring drummer watches it many times. I would add 2 things that others who have done similar videos have missed. 1. Stick control. Most of the things you talk about such as basic time keeping, articulation, dynamics, transitions are all predicated on having good control of the drum stick. 2. Understanding of time signatures and note subdivision. How do you keep good time, if you don't know what 4/4 time is? How can you be good at transitions if you can't move between fluidly between quarter, eighth and sixteenth notes?

[@mattshank22]

I like the simple way in which Steve expresses drumming constructs. This was a good watch as I had never had anyone articulate the key metrics of a "good player". Well done.

[@reesebranch9472]

I’ve been playing for 7 years, so I feel like I’m an experienced, or “good” player. But I’m definitely going to go over some of these points in my next practice. Thanks for the video!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

You bet

[@tonylomas9773]

Thanks for a great lesson. As a beginner. I don’t know what I don’t know. I now know that I don’t know how to articulate well. So massive thanks for that. It’s great to be able to ‘quantify’ where I am :)

[@dangermartin69]

Once of the biggest tips I can give is this: Don't try to emulate anyone, be yourself. Setting your kit up just like your favorite drummer will not make you drum like them. Move things around so that you are comfortable and things are efficiently placed. Most important, relax and feel the music, and don't let guitarists tell you how to play, unless they can actually play drums.

[@tonylomas9773]

Homer Simpson thanks for the tips. Useful advice. 👍

[@carlrest6553]

A good drummer holds the pocket - time. That means consistency throughout the song. That's it! Everything else is a bonus. Lots of drummers can't even do that.

[@kingmusic3617]

Im going on 23 this year and been playing since i was 10-11 years old. What an amazing journey music and Percussion has been and will continue to be.

[@Strellock]

This needs a part 2 focused on writing drum parts. Great video!

[@MrWotsy]

Hi, Stephen. I´m from Argentina. Sorry for my French. Absolutly brillant. All of your videos but best of all, your concepts. I´m a huge fan of your way of express, the simplicity to get to us. Every time i´m in conflict with my way of playing drums, i come here and listen to you. I get calmed and back to confidence. Thanks for that. Would like to see you playing in my country sometime. Abrazo de rock (hug of rock)

[@punkrocker1377]

Since i started playing, about 18 years ago, i always wondered if i was really any good. And, since my band members never tend to say "Hey that sounded awesome.", i never really knew. But this video definitely helped me know for sure that, at the very least, im solid.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

That’s exactly why I made it. Glad it gave you some peace of mind man

[@punkrocker1377]

@@StephenTaylorDrums keep doing what you do, boss. You're amazingly helpful for beginners, novices, and vets, alike.

[@NS-no1li]

Hello Steve, I liked this video. I play in church band, where we arrive 30 mins before service starts and only get to know 3 -5 songs before service. Basically, one half run through of each song as the pianist and guitar and vocalists try and catch on to the songs. These songs are setup for us by the pastor that morning, or sometimes we are told the previous night when they are emailed to each. Now as a drummer, I stepped up to play only a few months ago, so you can basically say that a new to all this. However, previous two decades ago I played as a professional guitar on tour for five years.. so I have good grounding in music.. I understand all ten avenues of what your conveying. My difficulty is I don’t own a drum kit, so I only get to play pre and service times each week. I did buy a practice pad and few sets of sticks. My living quarters precludes me from have kind of music playing ( forget drums.. I got it from the owner..just playing my 335 ( no amp) in my room. Anyway, I am enjoying your videos, and I enjoy my time while playing drums. Music has always been a big part of my life, so playing now at 72 and learning the drums has been truly a fun and enjoyable experience. I get great solace from praising God playing drums. People seem to like it. So I believe this is my journey for now. Hand independence is my big thing right now on my pad out in the park area. I am learning 13 most popular rudiments. I will continue to watch and learn from your videos. Thank you .. God bless your efforts in teaching.

[@catkeys6911]

Listen you yourself in a recording!!! VERY important, and good way to hear how you actually sound vs how you THINK you sound. You may find that the microphone can be quite cruel. When I was much younger, I used to think I was playing a lot better than I really was, but when I'd hear myself played back, I'd think "WHAT??" I'd thought I'd done it pretty well, but something just doesn't sound right. Here's the thing: If you play to a metronome beat, you should not be able to actually hear the metronome, because each of your synchronized beats should be at the EXACT SAME instance as the metronome, and should therefore drown it out. The metronome should be loud enough that you can hear it when your beat is off by, say, a 500th of a second or so. So if, let's say, your playing the ride cymbal- tick, tick, tick, tick. If you'r just SLIGHTLY off the metronome, you'll hear chick, chick, chick, chick, instead. It may seem difficult at first to get this perfect, but the human nervous system has an innate ability to produce metronome-like precision (think heart beat- but, with this in mind, also be aware of the effect of adrenaline. Adrenaline is your enemy when playing drums, but it can be controlled with concentration and practice).

[@adolfohernandez6134]

I’ve been playing since I was a kid..I’m 47 yrs old now and have always played by ear..I want to teach my grandson how to play but don’t know how to explain it to him..except.....do it like this!..lol..so you’re video was awesome and will not only help me teach him..but myself as well...thanks bro!

[@kdailey4315]

I still struggle with transitions. I'm always coming in soft in the back of the beat because I'm focused on the fill and not nailing that hard One.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Sounds like you know where to work then 👍🏻

[@zephyrgutierrez4046]

I've been following you for a while now, and let me tell you, my playing as massively improved. Not only, is the content good and helpful but also, your teaching makes it really easy to absorb! Keep up the good work! And thank you!

[@ryandavis60]

The x files "quantize" thing 😂 Very helpful video though, thank you!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Just kept on using that word wrong lol

[@nicholas_james]

@@StephenTaylorDrums Quantify

[@TheDroc1990]

Getting back after a 10 year hiatus. Bought a Pearl Midtown, some cheap cymbals, and an Alesis Nitro Max. Trying to plau some serious catch up. I found this video at the right time.

[@TheStClair2011]

I try and practice humility as well. Serving the song.

[@chuckhenley575]

That's it! All about working together to create the sound of the music with your fellow band mates, being an accompanying player instead of a virtuoso. Well said!

[@remoevans2793]

Jeff Porcaro was my biggest influence. Keep time, stay in the pocket and serve the song. He didn’t believe in drum solos either.

[@rickykilby4672]

True,groove i think is the most important part of a drummers repertoire.Keeping time is vital to the other musicians in the band,they look to the drummer for solid tempo.Fills and dynamics are important but groove is king.

[@boblevey]

You are an excellent teacher and player. We have a friend in common, Henrique De Almedia. Love your videos

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks so much bob. And Henrique is such a great guy. Humbled and grateful to be one of his students.

[@peterx1957]

Thanks for this video Stephen. I can say thankfully that I have met all 10 of your list. #10 can also be called 'are you a song drummer'. In other words do you play within the song and understand when less is more, when to lay back and when to push forward? This is probably the most important lesson I learned jamming with other musicians. Learning to play between the lead vocal and guitar solos. The positive feedback from other musos confirms my approach has been a good one and lessons well learned.

[@Glurbschnurb]

Great video. I am going to keep these principles in the back of my mind as I continue on my drumming journey.

[@themakerspath]

Like so many of your viewers I am returning to drumming and music after many years off to be a rent and more recently mortgage slave. I have 3 guitars and a full drum kit packed into my 3rd (top) floor of my strata condo. lol. The ability to control the volume dynamics is key for me. There is no way I can play full volume at home but I am getting some quality jazz swings going and a very muted 'one drop' groove because I have learned to control dynamics. Very grateful for that. I do need to find a van or shed to get to the next level but for now some of the tips in this video are key to surviving in an apartment with a kit. :D Huge fan of your content Stephen. Thanks!! Bamboo hot shots to the rescue!

[@ryansatnik6551]

I wish I’d seen this video 10 years ago! I used to be very focused on “that cool lick” or being able to play 7/16 at 400 bpm, or some other inapplicable skill that I’d never be able to use in a song. When I started realizing that it’s a lot more valuable to be able to keep solid time, or play with authority (etc), I stopped comparing myself to every drummer I came across and really started becoming more comfortable with who I am on a kit. Ironically, this has also helped me appreciate what others bring to the instrument, which has inspired me to discover my own craft even more. Thanks for this!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

That’s an important switch to make man. Instead of comparing begin to appreciate what others bring to the game.

[@golfhound]

Stephen Taylor, I've been playing guitar and bass ever since 1975. As such the number one thing I look for in a drummer is 1. Can a drummer keep time. Everything else falls by the wayside if a drummer can't keep time. Charlie Watts and Ringo Starr were great metronomes.

[@mittens71199]

5:19 "I'm not waking up any family," said the drummer 😂😂

[@parallaxart]

but he always did anyway...

[@mrf507]

Man you speak (and thence play) the truth. Wish I had that sum up a long time ago and not having to understand EVERY BLOODY POINT over time at my own expense. Thank you, truly.

[@eddiekitzhofer4245]

I want a T-shirt that says, "Buzzing some and diddling others."

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Lol

[@jamesstevens4939]

I have played off and on for 40 years.I have always wondered if i was a good player.These questions answered that for me.No im not the best,but i am a good player.Thank you for making me pose these questions to myself.I have a lot mor confidence to say i am a solid drummer.

[@theteddybearthief7260]

Hey man I just started doing the drums and your videos been really useful for me thanks for everything.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Makes my day to know they’re helping. And welcome to the drum family!

[@sujayanarula3913]

I watch your videos even when I am not a drummer, drumming is something I instinctively feel connected to I do not know why😄 it could be because when I listen to music first thing I notice is the beats( rhythm) how did it end up learning Guitar while my interest was to learn drumming! Thanks to my children's School 😊 I can see your videos and learn few things before I ever get a chance to buy or play! This pandemic isn't doing good for any of these activities! Hope everyone is safe, stay blessed!

[@carloslargaespada6051]

I'm saving up for a new kit and I know when I 1st go sit down on it, I will play more careful and respect my set, and definitely I will focus on all his 10 steps. I'm older now but I used to play fast but now I'm a big old truck driver I'm fat and overweight but I still love to hit those heads.

[@nathanpoovey6211]

I had a moment about a week ago, even if I check these boxes off myself in practice, I struggle through jams with other musicians. Really humbling experience there, but mostly embarrassing

[@joecooper8527]

Are the musicians you're jamming with understanding ?

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

We all have those days. I just try to view them as real life workshop learning experiences. I’ve learned so much from 10 seconds of being embarrassed on stage. And the lessons stuck lol. It’s like shock therapy

[@etamaman]

Been playing/performing for nearly 35 years and listened to many other drummers at band auditions and this is so true. Keeping the groove is THE most important thing. But it is a form of art also. You’re always gonna have opinions and those that love it or hate it. Rock out and pump up your fills while jamming with headphones. Just show up at gigs to help the band sound good by playing solid. Keep your head unlike the egos we know gotta be showboats out front. Foremost...Have fun man!! Love a George Strait quote when asked about if he still gets nervous performing. He said” Of course I do. When I lose that rush coming on stage, it’s time for me to quit.”

[@rakimaje8433]

Great video! What are your thoughts on this. I am a late beginner, started on 31. I enjoy playing in a band. I am focused on being consistent. It is a challenge not to slowly speeding up during the song. Sometimes we play faster at the end of the song. When I check with the members they say it felt fine, but in my opinion not consistent. Am I to hard in myself? Do you regonize this? Greetz from the Netherlands

[@shocktrooper8443]

I love the little (X Files) snippet @ 12:36! Had to sell my kit back in those days so my little sons could have a decent Christmas!, but got some new Premiers a few years later, '94 APKs...still got 'em & still playing 'em! STILL LOVE 'EM TOO!

[@mikedolan6176]

Can I Play With Madness? As long as you have a cowbell. 🤘 Thanx for the vids. Always helpful. Cheers

[@sigsliecker5932]

First thing I did after watching your video was subscribed for two reasons: 1. I love my cymbals. 2. I love your style of drumming it is assume and the fact that you are modest makes you totally cool. God bless you bro you are the man. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Sig Sliecker thank you my friend

[@JukeboxProductions]

I play with "real musicians" who regularly have me second guessing my skills. I am definitely not a "great drummer". I know this and I don't care. But, I do want to be a "Good Drummer". After watching your video, I realized I am a good drummer. F*** those guys!

[@stevenfromohio]

Hilarious.

[@pimtool9351]

Fuck you too.

[@RogersPhotographyGuilford]

For real.

[@ballhawk387]

Sometimes if another band member is asking you to play something Stewart Copeland would have to rehearse for hours to get down, you have to read them the riot act and remind them the groove comes first. Or even invite *them* to take the drum throne play what they want to hear.

[@nigelkeyworth5255]

If you record your rehearsal and feel ok with how it came out in regard to your drumming then it's not you. If all they do is complain about how you should play then it's time to walk. You will find something better. Drummers work the hardest in the band and have the most kit. You deserve not to be treated like a hired hand unless your are being paid per session. Good luck.

[@whitewalker608]

This is the greatest video on the internet. You created your own metronome with Hi Hat. Amazing stuff. 17:00

[@wescarroll36]

Sonovabitch, I just became a better drummer. Best 30 minutes I've spent this month. *Thank you Stephen* for explaining and demoing this so clearly. (I "knew" all this stuff, but there's something in the way you structure and demo this that hits on a deeper level.)

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Wes. Makes my day to hear that.

[@christophersoprano-sculptor]

Thank you so much for breaking down this lesson into different steps. This will help me focus on one specific aspect at a time.

[@raulgranados74]

Love the Dynamics!!!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks Raul 🙏🏼

[@jackconnolly2665]

My bottom line answer is that I'm good enough . I keep trying to improve but I've always known that I'll never be great. RE: Time. I started playing in a band that used backing tracks and after a few years I became super in tune with timing. That's when I noticed drummers tendency to rush fills. I have no doubt that I did it also in my past. It's the first thing I had to learn when playing with a click. Relax a bit and stay in time. Focus on which fill notes fall on the 1. I will still do it (rush fills) when I'm learning and recording a new song because it really stands out when an accurately tempoed song is playing along with me. When I dove into time big time, I built/recorded a meter test track where I'd keep a simple beat along with a click and then stop/start the click. I was surprised to find how difficult it was to keep 100% on for more than a 16 count. I wouldn't be too far off but if I was to be honest, I was off. 8 count was easy enough. 16 count was doable but far from 100% I'd stick the 24 count, but not often. When my bass player was claiming to have perfect time, I offered the challenge to him and he declined. :)

[@nospoon17]

Being an unselfish player is so underrated as a valuable skill as a musician

[@MaureenC143]

Once I get into a band, I believe I would be an unselfish player, just happy to be playing, while embracing the varied roles of drumming in each musical piece...

[@jeetlejee]

One of my set backs are playing the music. Sometimes I get too much in my head and decide what should I do this time that's different that will spice things up when really all I need to do is just sit back and keep a backbeat and play the same groove everytime for this song.

[@dkelban]

You're a DAMN GOOD drummer

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

🙏🏼

[@DashingGinger]

The way you try to quantize things really helps. I hope I can shake your hand one day.

[@vasilias2230]

I'm good enough to play with musicians and keep the beat and energy of the song

[@Matt-qc5ug]

Sounds like a good drummer to me!

[@joemarlow46]

I begin to feel more confident and consistent about my playing now. You are such a great teacher! I've finally began to realise that being a good drummer isn't always trying to pull off the most impressive or fastest drum solo without light or shade, but to sometimes tone it down and allow the music to breathe.

[@Lucknow472]

When I drum, it sounds like 2 raccoons fighting in sewage water... Edit: thank you for liking my comment Stephen!!!😃😃

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Unrealistic Freddie this is such an accurate description lol. I love it

[@tararichards1433]

Love it! Raccoons can really groove, so I hear....

[@cj_ssfsm]

I like meeko from pocahontas 😆

[@debralynnpaxton5238]

Lol ! Love your sense of humor...I'm sure it's great :D

[@victorglaviano]

I know that beat!

[@paparicu]

i was looking for good info about being a good drummer and you help me a lot , im gonna give a class here in mexico online because of the pandemia we are living in , thank you stephen , keep spreading knowledge

[@richsackett3423]

1 Way To Tell If You're a Good Drummer: Ask your bass player. Saved you half an hour. You're welcome.

[@peterheinen6110]

That was great. I can reach flow only when I'm overdubbing the drums in my own studio. A gig still stifles me in a way that i can reach groove, but not flow. My band members have even bigger stage fright (we're a power trio)

[@terryk1233youtube]

Good drummers never talk about how good at the drums they are. Good drummers are also never going to show up to a gig and have animosity towards other drummers

[@JourneyDrummer1972]

You nailed everything pretty well Stephen. Maybe emphasize “order” is not a set rule, you can pick up #8-9 building a band together or lose 4-5 just by having an ear infection! It all boils down to “Consistency and Comprehension. One thing I really look for when auditioning a second drummer or adding a synth player to our Hammond B3 Key sound, is “Education”. Do you have formal training, no matter if basic timekeeping in 4/4 or able write a score for an Orchestra, what level of music CREATION are you at? Now I realize, not every young student has a music program in their schools. Or worse, they do but the instructor is also the PE Teacher, Wrestling Coach, and Cook who knows how to play Rudolf The Red Nose Rain-deer on a KAZOO!😮🎉 There are literally hundreds of “Free Lessons-Tools” for anyone to learn music Theory online. Knowing just how to identify your notes on a score I hand you is awesome, can you tell me when and where you would like to accent the bass players notes in both low and high scales on same score? Can you “Create or Write” percussion notation to a song I give you with no sheet music, just audio instrumentation from midi files? This just tells me “What Will Consume Most Of Our Time Developing Our Sound!” It’s not a strike or “no” against you, it’s 100% about maximizing our strengths and scheduling work on our weaknesses until eventually we’re cutting tracks every week gearing up for Touring The World!”

[@Lazy_eye_blobFish]

If one of the steps is having a beer and then I'm sorry I feel that miserably. I can't grow a beard to save my life.

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

My wife can’t either. It’s been a real sticking point in our relationship.

[@martinkayes9886]

A good list of things to think about. My tip for no. 9 (feel nervous, tight?) - do a warm up and get that muscle memory flowing!

[@grantkirkpatrick9886]

I think the word you were looking for was quantify 😂

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Oh, I for sure just repeatedly used that word wrong lol. If you make a mistake, make it again...then it’s a part of the song 😂

[@EversonBernardes]

As Adam Neely says, repetition legitimizes.

[@revtks]

@@StephenTaylorDrums This is one of my goto rules. Especially when live and winging it. If nothing else, it looks like you intended to do it :)

[@MrMaxyee]

I totally agree with how you qualify a "good drummer". I'm 32 and I am building a set up for the first time in some years. I always had a real hard time with #9, playing well with others because I always practiced in the woods by myself or with one other drummer and didn't even realize I had become a selfish player, #10, and now because of your video I am back to #8, needing to know song structure better to become a better player. I like your lessons, I took 1 on 1 lessons 2 times weekly for almost 3 years when I first started, and learned a lot but I am still learning from you now, 20 years later, for free ( I think your lessons stay free anyway). And it makes me happy that I can keep getting better as I de-rustafy my drumming and get some of my drum theory more well defined with a set that I've been thinking about for years. very exited, thank you! -Maxwell West of Santa Cruz

[@ThePredsedatel]

Can't say that i'm anythere higher than begginer

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

DeanWinchester88 nowhere to go but up! We’ve all been there and that’s one of the things I love about this community

[@Boeingx-sr8pb]

Feeling good about your grooves is about awareness of all note subdivisions. Counting in your head, groove displacement and practicing note subdivision switching against the metronome is the key

[@rockyvsrambo82]

You are NOT a good drummer... Your a GREAT drummer...

[@colinmckernan7360]

I think a big part of this is being very honest with yourself while maintaing positivity, and understanding that if you don't have a few of these things checked off yet, you can always improve. Also, in order to really get better, we have to tackle our weaknesses. Honesty, consistency, practice, practice, and practice. Great video as always Stephen!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Agree with all of this for sure

[@matthewforce]

I'm surprised you were able to quantize all of this information into a single video!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Lol 😂

[@Thecyclingeconomicsdoc]

Seriously! I've learned that the key to drumming success is to simply quantize the crap out of everything!

[@Razorrr16]

This video is great! I'm proud to say that I already kept these thing in mind before watching this video (and of course, I agree 100%). I also noticed these points you make can be applied to any instrument, not just only drums. Thanks for taking the time to share this with us and keep it up! These are the videos people need :)

[@darki4507]

If ur a real drummer, u don’t need this video. You only need your ego

[@JayA-uq6gb]

Darki I certainly hope this comment was a joke!

[@kevinsloan5570]

@@JayA-uq6gb - So do I , and if he means that - there is a shit!y drummer !

[@timobatana6705]

So this encapsulates so many drummers I promise you guys. Its satire yes but it's from the stubborn prospective of the bone headed, stuck up, full of himself, egotistical mindset many drummers fall into. Do not be that guy.

[@lancehollum5566]

Yes its a joke. Yea we all need someone or two in the band that have huge ego, . Yea that's a blast. So much fun to be around. Lol

[@lancehollum5566]

Kevin Sloan Unfortunately he could be a really good drummer. But the huge ugly ego makes it just terrible to bare. And if he's a shity drummer with a huge ego then we can always change the channel/ drummer. Lol

[@alexreems]

I'm very proud that I've been complimented on my time from a few local drummer...not saying I'm perfect or anything but It makes me feel good about myself because of how important it is

[@gracegeek4678]

Another video of great service to the online drum community! Thank you Stephen!

[@a.j.wilkes6352]

Love the video. This falls firmly in the "How you anything is how you do everything." Patience? Unselfishness? Being a good listener? Oh we're well beyond just being a "good drummer" attributes.

[@ballhawk387]

Right on about not being concerned about being the best, but be the best *you.* There was wisdom in Keith Moon's cocky quip about being "the best Keith Moon style drummer I know."

[@alexcannon1914]

you are my main source of drumming education together with drumeo, i really enjoy your videos

[@adammono1839]

Playing with authority. Knowing a song completely inside out helps for starters. This gives you confidence over time and develops your trust in yourself to play other stuff

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

For sure

[@nowtiming]

One other really important factor is tone! This has to do with tuning as well as touch. You can make a poorly tuned drum sound good with touch however, you can make it sing with good tuning.

[@joekerns5045]

Every time you said quantize and that popup played, that was absolutely cracking me up. Its like you were channeling my spirit animal.!

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Yea, Tim thinks he’s real funny on the edit sometimes 😂

[@Havak37]

I am only to the articulation part of the video, but I had to stop it and say I love the Articulation part! makes the drum beat soooo interesting and you get so many different ....colors?

[@fredpasta6488]

I've been playing for many years. I feel good about my playing (most of the time 🙄 ... if you feel good about your playing ALL the time you ain't listening to yourself) You Sir, have nailed it, and nailed it well. Respect. I would only add to this that after 55 years playing, I respect 'restraint' in a drummer at least as much as 'chops' ... especially 'ham' chops. They taste the worst 😉 I point to 'What a Fool Believes' ... the Doobies. Great, great tune, for a number of reasons. Not one, but TWO drummers. Listen to what they do. They groove. Not one fill/pass. Only twice do they do anything at all, and that's hit snare and crash as a transition, if you will. Resisting temptation, and putting their ego away and playing for the song. The very best drummers have the confidence to play only what's required. You've heard them ... Gadd, Porcaro, JR ... Weckl (ok ... kidding) Anyway ... ANY drummer could listen to what you have laid out here and benefit from going over the checklist. Thank you

[@StephenTaylorDrums]

Thanks my friend. And you’re more than welcome.

[@jacklanam825]

I'm always my own worst critic. In some ways it keeps me humble and learning, but in others it can sometimes make doubt my ability. Nothing like having a guy come up as you are tearing down and telling you how awesome you were; and while you say "Thanks, bro!", on the inside you think "I felt off all night." One time at an open jam (so playing with guys I just met) a phenomenal bass player said to me, "You're one of those drummers that just sits in a pocket." At first, I thought he was being condescending. Later, a guy came and told me that the bass player was telling his buddies how awesome I was. It turned out that most drummers he jammed with tried too hard to impress and fit more notes in where they could. Having never played with him, I'd opted for the "less is more" approach. I'd thought he saw that as a lack of skill/talent, but learned that he was seasoned enough to know that I was holding back to blend in musically. I now know that "pocket drummer" is a rather high complement!

[@Thedrummersalmanac]

Great job Stephen... I see these inconsistencies when students are more focused on sticking patterns, without understanding the rhythmic figures behind them. Without a rhythmic foundation, random sticking patterns have no time.

[@TheBoogeymanProject]

This was awesome! I am always on the lookout for constructive criticism in all my endeavors-- drumming for me is a hobby but one I take very seriously (writing is what I am hoping to make a career) and it is so refreshing to see someone who knows how to gently push forward. These ideas will definitely be in my head next time I play and ironically, I think they may even be in my head the next time I sit down to write. I've always thought that creativity shares a common foundation across its many faces. Thank you so much for this!!