Most Drummers Don't Do This... But YOU Should!

There is one MASSIVE difference between the pros and the amateurs when it comes to their approach to learning grooves, fills, and everything in-between. So let's figure out what it is, and then I'll show you how to make sure you approach everything like a PRO! - Mike J
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[@nicktin]

People might think they want crazy chop videos, but this kind of video is gold. After 15 years of drumming I’m taking things back to basics and trying to ‘perfect’ them as much as a I can, so this is a awesome video for that

[@JoshHarmon]

“And it has that kwingggg!” Haha love this lesson Mike!

[@dandegeus9802]

Material like this is difficult to find; it sets you apart from other teachers.

[@louiscarrillo5873]

details , details. the sweetness is in the details. sing what you play . its a nice melody.

[@togobox1]

This is great! Very useful 😎

[@bobweber4140]

Great lesson bro thankyou

[@TommyGadd]

As a teacher myself Mike really breaks this down so well. Most students don’t think of the possibilities of changing the feel or lope to a simple groove making it their own and in turn the musicality that is available to us

[@joseochoa3571]

Keep ‘‘em coming!!!

[@jazzdufourt6374]

This resonates so much. I'm a percussionist and I started playing on the kit around 2015 and man it's been a journey. Videos like this really do help in making you feel more comfortable on the kit. It's also amazing how you can deconstruct the concepts you want to teach as well as the manner you present it. You're an amazing teacher. Thank you for this

[@dand9789]

Great lesson. Whenever I feel like my playing has gotten stale, it's almost always because I've stopped playing with the "care" and intention you discuss here.

[@andynewmandrummer2970]

Mike - 66 year old self taught gigging bar and cover band drummer here - first video I’ve seen of you - really great - I particularly like the obvious enjoyment you get when playing - really great stuff - I look forward to more - Andy

[@chrismallios1621]

Every now and again it pays to be put in my place. Huge gratitude to you from me tiny grasshopper!

[@accidentalmusician]

I can’t learn from memory, no matter how many times I learn a fill no matter how simple it’s soon gone so my only option is to take fundamental ideas and apply various concepts to them then practice, practice, practice until the ideas become instinct (like learning how to read or write). For me these kind of lessons are absolutely vital to my ability to progress. I very much hope you do continue to release lessons like this because they help me a great deal.

[@bobgorelick59]

Love it Mike. Keeping it simple but can apply to everything. You really illustrate how to simply “sound better”.

[@crymsondrummer]

From the moment I first found you on KZbin over a decade ago, until today, you are still the best educator I've ever found on KZbin period.

[@tubthumped]

Great work 🤘

[@bennymalone]

Great lesson. I think this is the difference when you listen to a pro, the care and commitment. I’ve seen Steve Gadd play ‘simple’ beats but he was totally committed and it sounds amazing

[@alexandernilssonmusic]

One of the best lessons on drumming I’ve ever seen. So simple, so much information. Perfect.

[@haroldseaman4243]

Are you kidding me? That was the best lesson I've ever had in years!!! Thank you sir I'm still a band nerd at 44 that being said... The way you explained and gave examples of the lesson blew me away!!! This method would of help me understand way better when I was starting out. Hope to see more!!!

[@keithroberson8551]

Coming from a family of drummers,I like it. My nephew Garrett Roberson came out and did one of your clinics! He said it was awesome! Keep doing what you're doing, love it!

[@TinkMcGathy]

This is exactly what I think I would need to get to a next level thing. I can play stuff but I don't feel like I'm progressing.

[@davidyork8325]

This here!!! This is it!!! It is ALL about our approach and thinking towards our craft!!! Thank you for this lesson!!!!

[@stevendunton5520]

Definitely conceptual. Now I got something to focus on today. Thx MJ

[@SKULL1960]

What you just taught makes all the sence in the DRUM WORLD...glad I clicked on your site! Thank's for your Great and Interesting Input! Todd

[@peterford7238]

Great lesson. Love this conceptual approach. And the you cut to the old video - hysterical. Fun and inspiring Mike.

[@alexchandli]

Late to the party on this one, but hot damn that’s good stuff! Helps me orchestrate ideas that YOU know I struggle doing! Thank you Mike!!

[@peterboyd687]

Mike, absolutely, give us more conceptual lessons. I think this type of lesson goes a lot further to helping me improve not only what I'm playing, but how I play it.

[@jordanjohnsondrums]

You say you've been teaching since you were 17 years old, and I'm sure that implies you're up there in years, but man that doesn't mean much because you look pretty young. Keep doing whatever you're doing to stay looking young!

[@ravilow-beer525]

For me, this type of lesson helps me to learn more than learning 'a lick' (which I also enjoy when you teach it). You have a rare gift for teaching and communicating. Thank you.

[@kylethomas1327]

I know this is 7 months old now but I really dig it. I'm relatively new to your channel, I think I found it about a month ago. I think the conceptual stuff is the ticket when it comes to learning something that will actually make you a better musician. It's like that saying, give a dude a fish and he'll eat for the day, teach'em how to fish and he'll eat for the rest of his life.

[@mrlovalova5059]

Yes Mike, please more conceptual stuff, because it is not always about how cool we are as drummers when we do the chops. It's also about to appreciate all these awesome things drums are able to do when we care, and when are ready for it. It is logical that there should be a harmonic relationship between the musician and the instrument, but this is often neglected because it needs care and and additional energy. Lessons like this remember us why we are doing this in the first place. That is, because we love our instrument, we love these sweet sounds it is capable to do, because we love music, life, ourselves, and the people we are making music for. Mike, thank you so much for remembering us.

[@facelen4321]

We want more conceptual stuff!!!!!!!!!!!! that lesson was great1

[@richboshart1201]

Love this video and a more conceptual approach. While I’m awed by Mike’s ability to flawlessly execute and explain complicated fills, I never try to break them down myself. Not practical for the cover stuff I play or what I want to do on a kit.

[@MrShanePatch]

One of my favourite lessons, Mike! “CARE” is so important

[@charliesimon523]

This is great, Mike. It’s one thing any drummer can do to improve the way they approach writing and going deeper without having to work on very difficult chops that they may not have time for and their band mates may not appreciate or want.

[@radiofreeabqband]

Love this, Mike -- thanks for sharing. The conceptual lessons are far more helpful to me than specifics. The way you walked through this was a perfect example of why. Looking forward to more!

[@CootaDrums]

LOVE IT , more please !!!!!

[@aledevans3885]

As a beginner I hit the drums, sometimes it sounds like I'm playing drums but this is what I need to know to make it sound like music. Totally the best drum lesson I've seen on KZbin. Thank you.

[@clintshelley1511]

These types of lessons are great. Concepts fuel individual creativity, not just lick regurgitation. Keep ‘‘em coming!

[@josephgregory7981]

I'll always watch, enjoy and learn from everything you put out.

[@rosslmccallum]

Yeah Mike 😃 love it! It’s great to make lessons about what it is that makes music feel great. I think care is absolutely something that kicks in when you’re properly inspired and I believe this illustrates it really well.

[@luiszuluaga6575]

Excellent drumming, instruction and demonstration. Oh, great sounding cymbals, too! ✊🏼🥁

[@ricardomendez681]

This concept encompasses exploring the possibilities on the drums, developing our own vocabulary, our resourcefulness skills, as well as our musicianship. Excellent lesson on caring.

[@berto1337]

This is great, Mike. There’s a well developed vocabulary for teaching how a fill or a part is played. Yet, the “why” is often entirely ignored. We need to speak in conceptual terms to help frame our decision-making processes. We don’t have the luxury of melody, harmony, scales, modes, etc. to frame the choices we make. There are plenty of videos talking about how to play certain grooves or x drummer’s fancy lick. Where are the videos talking about “why” it makes sense 95% of the time to play a ride cymbal during the chorus to a song? Is it space? Energy? Vibe? Tension and release? We need concepts to anchor our decisions. Thanks for this video and all that you do. Cheers.

[@chrisjames810]

I have been watching your lessons for years now, I am really enjoy the new style of videos! Your concepts always inspire me to try new ideas! Thanks for another great video!

[@danielloughran8365]

Always enjoy your enthusiasm. And getting into your thought process… well, I had to go sit down at the drums. Hadn’t practiced in weeks. Just played for three hours. Thanks Mike.

[@johnnhello4913]

I would like both please 🙏

[@PeteRamos7]

I loved the spice you dropped in the intro. Give the groove some care! Great lesson Mike!

[@jphifer2848]

Mike - I’ve watched & listened to you for years. This is one of your absolute best lessons. Why? Because you show in detail how something gets layered up & why you are adding each nuance to what started as a straight forward groove.. This makes it easier for us to do it ourselves. Thanks!!

[@down1tone]

Are you the Mike Johnston that played for Simon Says back in the day? The drumming on the track “Syphon” is beyond sick.

[@mikeslessons]

I am indeed. Thank you SO much for the kind words and the flashback 🍵🙏🍵

[@felixweber6593]

Hi Mike, thanks for sharing your ideas... it helps a lot with "spicing" my fills and adding some interesting things. Cheers froms Switzerland.

[@ZiljianPacific]

I don’t normally comment on videos but this was worth it. I love the conceptual stuff because that’s where the gold is! Like your podcast, the approach and the why behind a lot of what’s done, is more valuable. It let’s you gather tools to use with any type of music. I also teach and I get so pumped when a student comes with a concept question! You do a lot of great teaching but you also fill a large gap in the drum community with these types of videos. You are a teacher but you are also a drum mentor. Thank you for sharing who you are and for being a true champion of growth in others!

[@panoskanenas5354]

You are very good teacher and player. Thank you from Greece.

[@Reeftanknology]

Conceptual learning just takes you (us) so much further...................much more valuable than killer blast beats!!!

[@stevendaddyo1]

Love the more conceptual lessons, the ones that apply to most things we do on the kit. Thanks, Mike

[@colonelboogie9127]

Yes like the conceptual.....do like big dynamic changes in a quiet passage....mad jazzman!

[@andrewgarrettdrums]

Great way to get my Saturday started! GOAT teacher!

[@bensnowden9723]

Probably my favorite drum video lesson ever. Crystallizes what it means to play drums like a grown up.

[@mikeslessons]

Awe man… what a kind thing to say 🙏🍵🙏🍵

[@dennisstgermain4187]

Mike, I bought your books years ago and thought they were great. This lesson brings everything you have been preaching to a whole new level. Taking possible boring exercises to rhythmic musical expressions of sound in one simple video. You nailed it. Btw….. I taught public school music for 30 years back in the day. It ain’t about the chops it’s about the feelings that are expressed while playing the notes.

[@KyleParkePlaysDrums]

I’ve been playing drums for 18 years and have never practiced linear patterns with shifting accents, literally only either accented right hand or accented left. It’s so obvious but damn. To the kit I go

[@ashleecross2695]

This is one of my fav lessons you’ve done in years! Lots more of this type of lesson please! 🍵

[@ewrluv2drum]

I always get inspired by your passion for teaching. It makes me think more musically. Thank you for keeping us KZbinrs on the radar.

[@rleriche5044]

I'm not a drummer but I do sample them. What you're explaining is, for me, why I would select one piece of drumming to use over another.

[@HboniekC]

Love the approach, angles and clear messaging Mike, greetz from Poland, your podcast with Eddy is splendid mate

[@KatjaSchroeder]

I absolutely love that appoach, it is extremely helpful - thanks a lot!!

[@rickcapps6916]

Spot on lesson. This is what I needed at my stage on this instrument. Thanks as always

[@keithlantz9889]

Great lesson. Dynamics and orchestration are a huge bonus with chops!

[@victhompson7657]

I like the conceptual lessons, its not giving us fish, its teaching us TO fish. Becoming a fisherman is far more valuable. Thanx Mike. - Vic.

[@marcelloalvisi4502]

Love your teaching style and the grooves are very nice.

[@StevenMcknightGuitar]

This is exactly what I need. As with the from the page to the gig video and the warmup with the 6 note rudiments. Thank you!

[@timtwiford1013]

Absolutely loved the "make it your own" thing Mike!! Care is my new mantra! Thanks

[@ollililjestrom]

To be honest, it doesn't matter to me what the lesson is about - I mostly want to look at Mike's videos because he's such an inspiring teacher. I'm a music teacher, so I love all the little golden pedagogical nuggets that Mike's throwing in! And that enthusiasm is really contagious! Keep it up 💪🔥

[@ollililjestrom]

But yeah, conceptual stuff is gold!

[@jeffwancowicz]

I think the video is good. You’re very good at breaking things down and showing that, then you show how too use what it. Been following you for a couple of years. 🤘🏼😎

[@Larz1000000]

Conceptional got me genuinely thinking about my playing, what you actually played wasn't that important but in a good way. Keep up the good work Mike.

[@samiroger9680]

Loving that new format! makes the whole thing actually precise and versatile. you're not teaching one groove or fill, you're teaching a new way to approach everything we already -thought we- knew! great content as always :)

[@drumpoet3]

Mike, I appreciate your sense of excitement finding the most impactful combinations!

[@alexinvert]

Thank you so much Mike. This was exactly what I needed to get me to immediately jump behind the kit and re-think. I definitely left the room feeling more creative.

[@tolisdrumsful]

Amen ! That's what i say every single day in my students. Care about every single note ! Thanks Mike for the video !

[@blaisevaughan5608]

Love the conceptual lessons

[@TheSkull698]

Mike, I just came across this video tonight. I practiced earlier today and did a recording session earlier tonight. But now I need to go i to my studio and work on what you covered here. Pretty inspirational brother 👍🏻👍🏻

[@marceloled3597]

thanks Mike, it was like a MasterClass... very useful... what every drummer wants, the orchestration, playing over the whole drum kit, making it sound melodious, harmonious... It was always difficult for me to play paradiddle on the whole drum set, , Greetings from Argentina. Chelo.

[@fisicobatera]

Hi Mike, great lesson. Definitly I'm more into conceptual lessons like that. Cheers

[@francismatias4303]

LOVE the conceptual lessons! More of these, please. Also, I've been following 'that idiot' since he started these videos, and I think we're all the better for it, lol. More power to ya!

[@DolkkarToyznstuff]

This lesson is right up my alley, good stuff, and it made sense and was fun. Many thanks for taking the time.

[@michaelbrown3128]

You are playing with soul and feel! I'm a hard rock/Heavy Metal guy, but I don't play blast beats at all. They have no inner feel to me? I love the point your making, and totally agree with you. Thanks for the video!

[@maxadrums]

Love this lesson, and love these kinds of lessons! Heck yes!

[@ArtDrumz]

Super love the conceptual stuff man. The internet is already over saturated with crazy lick lessons but conceptual stuff is way more useful for bringing your own stuff to the table. Great lesson as always man!

[@johnxywu]

I absolutely love this lesson, Mike! I've been practising my fills recently, this video and the mindset in it really help me a lot, thanks!!

[@fabricewerner2428]

I've left drumming about 10 years ago due to work. But once and then I find myself watching drumming videos. This is surely one of my top videos and really makes me wanna pick up the sticks ... in fact I will order some right now.

[@David-mo5hg]

Yes! More conceptual, please. Loved this. Your passion and enthusiasm shines brilliantly along with your technique.

[@pyroseed13]

Hahah as soon as you played that last fill I was like "Yep that's the one!"

[@mjm5081]

Thanks Mike! Continued success and "Happy Drumming!"

[@robertbridges4686]

Yes

[@MikeSchertenlieb]

absolutely yes the conceptual stuff - that's where the majority of my education is these days!

[@jasondidner]

Good food for thought. Especially helpful to watch while I’m away from the kit … to inform what I do when I get some kit time and how to make the most of it.

[@Transistor97]

This was a great lesson. I love the conceptual/practical stuff. I got a lot out of this one, Mike!

[@svinepelz1]

Fantastic.

[@Chrisracing73]

Another great drum lesson !!!🔥

[@MattHaide]

I like it! Great reminder to break down your basic grooves and think intentionally about each aspect and hit. Feels like a good way to spice up part-writing for new songs too. Start basic and build off each piece.

[@scottdavisdrummer]

yes Mike!!!! Love that Sauce brother! YA MAN!