Faster Hands - Hand Speed Workout for Drummers

[@mikeslessons]

If you want to be a Sally Scrub-ahead and miss all the important information, lol, the actual workout starts at 3:24 :) Have fun guys and gals! Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@derekpink]

Mike Johnston Do you have a stretching routine before you practice or play? I know you’re not a kinesiologist, but I’d be interested to see a video on stretching tips to limber up.

[@SANKOCHOFLY]

I had already seen it🤣👍🇨🇴

[@MauMcMahon]

hey Mike!!!! i am crossfiter and we use a lot the tabata intervals for our workouts !!! i am a drummer and i didnt know about this!!!! its AMAZING!!!! love this video!!!!

[@rexvelarde1580]

What's that thing in the tablet? Is that a app ?

[@MercifullNut]

I know the best way to build your muscle do you can play at faster tempos and it involves watching Netflix or what whatever you want

[@jonashellborg8320]

This guy is the best educator when it comes to drums. From someone spending a lot of time on form, but lacking speed, Mike’s “raw speed” phrase and this style muscle tear down exercise is just what I need. He always has something that I need, and an approach that makes it super helpful. Thanks Mike!

[@thephantomdx6433]

I’m not even a drummer and this pops up in my recommended. Is this a sign, KZbin, to become a drummer??

[@RyanxDunn]

Y Es

[@kinglee8105]

Yes haha

[@thephantomdx6433]

Jacob West uh i've been playing bass for over 6 years now

[@MDNDrums]

I got home from work at 10pm last night, after a 9 hour shift, sat down to relax and catch up on KZbin. This was probably the third or fourth video I watched, and when Mike said 'you have to do this with me' I initially laughed to myself, not today Mike. But then he guilt tripped us all and there I was, screaming at my practise pad, feeling my already tired arms burning in pain. As soon as this was over, it felt amazing, this is a great exercise. Just don't do it at nearly 11pm when you should definitely be sleeping.

[@DavidOakesMusic]

I literally can't do doubles at that speed. My fastest doubles are your slow ones. I'm like - how TF can you do 2 hits in that time??

[@noblejoeharris9536]

you need to use the rebound technique to play it that fast.

[@morganstephens1374]

You need to basically let the sticks bounce on the pad a tiny bit but when it bounces about twice you hit it again and keeping doing that and then your sorted

[@waynebrucemanbat5787]

This may not work for everyone but I grabbed a set of marching band sticks and a practice pad years ago. They're bigger so I found it easier to get my fingers more comfortable with helping move my sticks along. Also, speed is the natural progression of playing slow and controlled. Just set modest improvement goals and keep at them (example 3-4 BPM increases every 2 weeks) Metronomes can help. I'm not a teacher but I've been playing for over 20 years now and the hardest lesson for me to learn was that doing something slowly over and over again is the best way to let it sink in. Just go slow until the motion of your weak hand looks and feels like your dominant hand. Pay attention to the smallest details and try to make them match with both hands. That helped me progress much faster as well. Wish I had the patience for that as a young player. I'd need much further along

[@lemuelszeto]

I was the same two years ago... now I think I’m at 80, 90 % of Mike’s fastest. It’s a real grind, but try to take it slow and steady, one BPM at a time.

[@bebobalula]

Try and check out Rick Dior's channel. One of his teachers was Joe Morello, and he (Dior) has made some great videos, where he breaks the technique down and clearly and carefully explains, what and how to do it. His double stroke rolls are fast, and he doesn't really move his hands. He is very good. Good luck 🎵🌻🎶🥁

[@patriotnorthgaming9122]

The fact that you can even talk during max effort patterns like this is awesome. Helpful video!

[@brandongreen224]

Him: "Don't just watch me Go get your pad!!!!!" My Fatass: *In the middle of stuffing my face with a chicken sandwich* I just came here to be entertained lol

[@travisminardi47]

I did it with doubles on the kick!!! Phew that’s going to hurt later...

[@vedsrivastav3353]

I get that you have legs of steel eh?

[@aincatoni]

Seeing you suffering like this is like watching deadpool playing drums !! greetings from Chile!

[@mikeslessons]

LOL! My favorite comment so far 😂😂😂

[@courtnrysalamone7677]

I thought that same thing actually haha, tho i am a total deadpool nerd so that might just be me

[@Eljotazx]

Ain Catoni Viva Chile Hermano, cuídate

[@brandonjohnson1805]

Ain Catoni REBOUND!

[@RazorDrummer]

Mike... I am an old (51) weekend warrior hack and over the past year I have noticed my stamina and energy has dropped. I'll admit that I rarely (if ever) practice as I am currently playing in 4 bands and have day job + fam, so there is no "extra" time for that. My "practice" happens during the gig and listening/watching "game film" vids of the shows after, but hardly time to actually get on the kit or the pad to work out. I saw this vid and scrolled past...then went back to it 10 min later and played through the exercise with you. It was awesome to feel that burn and not worry about getting a cramp in front of 500 or 1000 people. I'll be revisiting this regularly while sitting at day job desk or whenever. Hope to get that stamina back soon. Thanks as always for the insipration and tips. You are still the best resource anywhere on the Internet for drummers.

[@mikeslessons]

YES!!! Brother, that makes me so so happy to hear. Embrace the burn, lol 🙏😂🙏😂 Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@carwag2378]

SKIDLEYBOOP!! Ouch!!!. Reminds me of marching snare "PLAY THROUGH THE DRUM". Please continue the professional, positive, and motivating content. You are a gifted teacher!

[@blyeguffey7387]

It’s 3:30 am. I have school tmrw. I’m doing all i can to not get my pad and play with you

[@ivanderic2729]

Mike thank for the amazing time practicing with you that was real pleasure with lots of smile !!!

[@roblosh8417]

I did it along with you! I don’t think I’m getting enough stick height. I definitely felt in my forearms, but I think I’ve been doing more of a quiet buzz roll, I’ve gotta learn to do it with that stick height!

[@luther0454]

im not even a drummer lol still watched the whole thing doe

[@adielberino633]

Same bro hahaha

[@euthymia28]

😂😂

[@kinglee8105]

Start drumming lol

[@ajosuql7468]

this exercise is painful believe me

[@Louciush]

The jealous pianist be like:

[@jerrydilger]

This was the most fun I've had with one of these vids in a long time 😂 I was actually laughing along with you while killing my forearms with this exercise! Thanks Mike! Great exercise and very entertaining 😄

[@jameschalfant7567]

I've been playing the drums for about 40 years and I did the whole thing with you and it did eat my forms up

[@drew-shourd]

Great video, great channel....getting back into this 40 year obsession after 21 surgeries on both feet, lower back and both thumbs...(ya, I know.....good luck.) I am blessed to have found your channel and I cannot believe I did the entire 3 minutes with you. I just bought a Roland TD11KV after almost three years of holding sticks, videos on my page here...also of us (SWARM) opening for Cheap Trick, The Romantics and Berlin in L.a. in 2009. Once again HUGE thanx to you sir....we are truly blessed by your energy.

[@tommuller3338]

My Arms and Hands are burning😂 But the feeling after those 3 Minutes is great

[@KBakerDrums]

My daughter, “What are you doing!?!? He said, ‘Don’t just watch me, grab a pad!!’ Do it!!” Well, I only missed the first speed timer.

[@renmark9616]

I just want to share that I am a drummer in our church and I want to fastened my hand and my struggle is I don't have even stick in my hand while watching. So I just sat here watching without learning. Hope to have this things soon, I want to improve my skills.

[@nissaniatrujillo]

I like the way you speak in pain..lol... That workout was crazy.. definitely gonna do it again!

[@FootyEmpire]

Great lesson...I’m going to do this exercise every day.

[@mikeslessons]

That's wonderful to hear Dino! It works great for the feet too!

[@parkermeredith6035]

I forgot my pad at my house, about to annoy the shit out of everyone on the snare😂

[@marcelszekowski315]

same 😂

[@chopzmasta07]

I've been using a tabata timer for a couple of years to do this. It works wonders. Key is staying relaxed.

[@איילתדמור]

I watched it yesterday without doing it and I thought he was faking those reactions. Today I did it with him and boy it hurts

[@mikeslessons]

LOL! Well hopefully now you'll be on my side for the next video :)

[@sangarvachakraborty2448]

It is actually a very useful technique thanks Mike

[@nealsausen4651]

You make perfect sense, talking about pattern recognition

[@charlestang1383]

The stick catch was great !!!

[@koshey245]

shoutouts to being bored in highschool aand doing a warmup like this, but keeping the tempo constant, do eighth note doubles for cooldown and 32nd diddles for fast

[@thejohnnydavidson]

I love the Science you inject into each lesson. Most students need to hear the "why or how"....Thanks for the in depth look into pattern speed.

[@sayan...]

I love your videos dude and being a beginner it is really helping me out. Well can you just tell me which timer application are you using?? Thanks and love from India 🇮🇳

[@pau5976]

Thank you sir! It helped a lot. From philippines

[@jakobwayne8374]

Hey Mike, been watching your channel since i started playing the drums three years ago, back when i only wanted to learn the groove from feel good inc. and didnt know what a paradiddle was. Been coming back to your groove lessons and brought a little knowledge from the way with me. Started a band project now, didnt go very far the last year but oh, well... more time on the practice pad! :D Just wanted to thank you for this amazing positivity you give out there, making hard exercises (like these) funny and entertaining. And also providing content for all skill levels. Its highly appreciated, since I can learn what i lvoe to do without having to afford music lessons I feel like drums is just the perfect instrument for self teaching. Much love from Germany

[@drumshead100]

Thanks mike I did the excercise with you and let me tell you something I need more excercise like this one. God bless you man

[@drumshead100]

🥁🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@renatocosta5601]

Hey! Great exercise! I did it with singles. My singles are a lot worse than the doubles, thanks 😊

[@mikeslessons]

NICE! This exercise works for anything that you have memorized :)

[@israelcrawford8734]

Was not planning on doing nothing but couldnt let you do it on your own lol that was pretty tuff ... hurts a bit to type on the computer but i would do this to practice thanks for the lesson

[@mikeslessons]

Thanks for joining me in the pain! LOL 😂🙏😂🙏 Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@ritambhattacharyya3781]

Love your videos. I dont have that kind of practice pad Can I practice this technique on my snare?

[@mikeslessons]

Heck Yes! You can practice this on a snare, the side of your shoe, a pillow... anything you can hit (that isn't a living creature) lol :) Mike J

[@ritambhattacharyya3781]

@@mikeslessons thanks for replying... Lots of love and keep making amazing videos

[@gianlucapedone679]

OMG what an exercise!!! I love the drum pad 😎😎😎

[@billypappas8370]

Like CrossFit intervals training on drums with drum chops amazing way to grow our skills!!!!!!!!👏😀😀💪

[@mikeslessons]

Exactly! Like I say in this video, it's not how I want you do do everything, but when it comes to building raw speed this method is great!

[@billypappas8370]

@@mikeslessons Great tips!!!!!!!You are the Master Sir!!!!!!!!

[@janosqueri]

It's funny because i was lying in my bed watching this video, and at 3:06 you convinced me to grab a pair of sticks and a pillow and do the excercise with you. Nice routine to do. Greetings from Argentina!

[@mikeslessons]

No way, really? That's awesome! On a pillow? That's big kid stuff! Congrats :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@drummerdan95]

Biscuits Buttercups Blueberry Pies Bears Beets Battlestar Galactica

[@mikeslessons]

LOL! Well done indeed. Can I borrow those? :)

[@drummerdan95]

@@mikeslessons haha, of course!

[@SonorGeek05]

Can't have biscuits without gravy.

[@angelgringostarrgrajeda2381]

Badass! Lol

[@CarlHamilton1914]

Due to the pandemic and the birth of our son, i took a few months off from playing consistently. This was just what i needed to get back in shape! Thanks!

[@renesedillo773]

I thank you man for real me and my lil brother learn more and more

[@ritambhattacharyya3781]

Mike I love practicing with u...Can u make a tomato timer series? Pls..pls..🥰🥰

[@charlestang1383]

That was incredibly informative, thanks broseph

[@dalemaki7603]

I don't have a pad but I used a pillow all your videos are amazing they've helped me a lot👍

[@juankiloko]

wooow, now i'm great fan of your videos :) greetings from mexico :)

[@berkkaynak4794]

It was a pleasure to have pain with you Mike, it was a pleasure..

[@NORMASHBASH]

This was pretty fun, thank You man!!

[@giorgiakdrums]

Doing this along is so funny yet so satisfying when you finish it!

[@Robot_Boii]

Thanks for this 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 it burns but helped !!! Love from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@vtamdu-drumcover3871]

Hello Mike from Ecuador. There is a technique I use with doble stroke: called in Spanish ... papamama... using the whole drum and toms using the papamama. Papa is left and mama is right. Papamama, papamama, papamama. The whole entire drums and feet. Doble stoke : papamama, papamama, repite it in your mind. Papa =potato in Spanish is left hand and mama is right ( mama is not mother) just ma ma. So repite in your mind papamama, papamama, left left, right right doble stroke. You can also combine using papa your right hand and mama your left. Pa right Pa right hand (2) or left which you desire. Ma left ma left. Pa right Pa right = papamama

[@563drummer]

Omg mike i love it great way been doing that since i was little till now! Love it bro

[@mikeslessons]

That's awesome! You must have some fast hands!

[@waynebrucemanbat5787]

So I just did this along at that speed with marching band sticks using my couch cushion as a pad. Thought it was nothing to keep up with until about the last minute. That was a great workout. I don't really play for speed but that was a great excercise and might help me from wanting to quit every time I see a metal drummer with feet faster than my hands lol.

[@Isivaizduojamasobuolys]

You too don’t have a drum kit but want to be a drummer?

[@jameshenchy8219]

Gotta love double bass

[@waynebrucemanbat5787]

@@Isivaizduojamasobuolys I've got several kits, but these days mostly play my electric one. Hopefully you'll find a decent kit somewhere. If you're patient and save up some cash you can usually find some decent used kits out there. For now a practice pad and some pillows will keep you going 😉. Good luck with finding a kit, I'm sure you'll find a way to get one sooner or later if you really want one

[@gsmith207]

Watched it 20 times Mike and I’m getting really good at the down beat stick to the floor trick! Haaaa! Seriously tho, great practice video. Great to follow along and motivates me to go in the beat lab and practice practice practice!

[@dylanmccormickmoran3528]

Mike you trying to kill us? ;) Killer video man! Production value is insane! I already own a reflexx pad but I gotta say starting to fall in love with the blue one!

[@sethescano4987]

Great video mike! Thanks so much...

[@miker5233]

Thank you so much for the video and I actually did it with you I can't even pick my arms up I guess this is something you would do once a week and then let your muscles heal up but then go back to metronome and mirror thank you Mike

[@jasonturnier]

I thought Tabata's sucked at the gym... whew! It took a few minutes of recovery before I could type a comment! Great idea, Mr. Johnston.

[@kshepthedrummer]

The text overlays in the recent videos are great lol "HAHHH that's pretty fast"

[@mikeslessons]

Glad you like them my friend :)

[@bortalicious9379]

I'm a freshman in college and I've been challenged to play Jig 2, on the quints. I'm not normally a receptionist but I love the drums. I've been able to play everything perfectly until I get to this one part in the cadence. It's nothing but triplets going at a really fast speed. I've been given many different tips on how to do this. Besides the video, any other tips on how to do this?

[@asarsalari]

Jesus dude.. I'm a professional broadcaster and your lighting looks better than any studio I've worked in... well done sir

[@phammoura1]

Mike, I ran through this with you. It was a burner man..... my forearms!!! Excellent! Thanks!

[@suzukicellostudio4892]

Yes! Love it!! Thanks a lot for making it

[@raiahmed9825]

what an inspiration this guy.

[@mikeslessons]

Thanks a million Rai, I really appreciate that :) 🙏🙏🙏 Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@raiahmed9825]

@@mikeslessons yep I'll definitely buy your courses. Just waiting for my practice kit to arrive. Need more Mike Johnsons.

[@valpuiaR]

Thanks for good lesson❤️❤️❤️

[@mikeslessons]

You are more than welcome my friend 🙏🙏🙏

[@freshwater2014]

Best workout ever. 🥁💪🏼👍🏼

[@russellbrown3619]

Lmao 2 days till my pad arrives watching this 😆 great introduction, so far so awesome 😎

[@lmdn619]

My Man Mike😎 Got a church gig today so I need my hands to fast as fire🔥🔥 Cheers Mike J

[@mikeslessons]

YES!!! Bring the heat to the praise! Have a great gig and inspire the heck out of those folks :) Mike J www.mikeslessons.com

[@danielgovender5263]

Dope stuff thanks Fr the lesson

[@gsmith207]

I subscribed after the first 20 seconds call me a tool but looks awesome to me! Always looking for the edge.

[@MartinBellamyMBDrums]

Hey! Great video! How often would you suggest doing this exercise? Its all dependent on the player of course!

[@siddharth4551]

Man you're the best🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jameschalfant7567]

What a great video, thank you so much

[@markhartinger3455]

Nice tabata workout, applied to drumming! Great idea.

[@boxmonkey7431]

Another thing that would help is switching stick heights, try with the sticks about 3 inches above the pad

[@nickdemooij]

I joined you!! Pretty hard, but i liked it!

[@victoria.magnus]

Awesome vid!! Exactly what I have been looking for. My forearms are burning yehhhhhh @mike johnston: How often should I do this for max affect/to not injure myself? Lol

[@winter0824]

I am now inspired to play drums because after one year I can now play the beat that my classmate showed me...it was very hard but yesterday...i dont know what happened but i was able to play it without practicing...

[@SANKOCHOFLY]

EXELENTE VIDEO!SALUDOS DESDE PEREIRA COLOMBIA.👏

[@mikeslessons]

Much appreciated my friend 🙏🙏🙏

[@rakeshchamoli2818]

HIIDT - High Intensity Interval Drum Training

[@mikeslessons]

Exactly! :)

[@elloguvna6820]

I feel bad for laying in bed...

[@ArtDrumz]

I was eating breakfast while watching this.

[@willsdrumlessons]

Ouch that hurt! I kind of enjoyed it though... I think. Thanks Mike.

[@namelessuserboy]

Hey Mike! first things first NICE WORKOUT THERE! ;) it's brutal... QUESTION?! How did you made these beautiful cymbal wall mounts!?

[@makaylacasola4593]

do you get bubbles on your fingers?

[@1960taylor]

Now you know why Peart was called a beast by some of the best.

[@megadrumzboluwatife2886]

I actually watched this video bcos my left hand is slower. It hurts but it works. Thanks for this video mike

[@Alectrick1992]

Amazing video! I can keep up with your speed, but i can't hold ir because of the pain on my thumbs. Any idea of what can I do about that?

[@DashCamExtrodinaire]

For some reason this reminded of the fight Club scene where he ran and ran until his legs pumped battery acid......then he ran some more! Thanks for the video mang! Will definitely try this out.

[@mikeelliott4898]

Did it with you as fast as I could!

[@martgozon9505]

Thank you😇

[@AuroraClair]

3:08 I want to, I want to, but it's already 23:10 and my neighbours (apartment building) wouldn't be happy 😂😂 yes, practicing on a pad can be very audiable from a neighbours apartment when everything else is quiet xD But I can't help myself watch you go through the pain and wish I could practice along xD

[@SergioNavaa]

I come from a drumline background and the way I got taught to play open doubles strokes and or rolls was to always initiate from the arm along with using my all of my fingers kind of like a push pull technique at first when played slow to control and then all arm as you play faster. Does that only apply for marching percussion or can i apply that on drumset as well in terms of sound quality??

[@nathanpena6136]

Same

[@SergioNavaa]

@@nathanpena6136 Thanks Mike!

[@joblesschris1400]

Im not a drummer but i still did it But still im thankful

[@DrummerJez86]

just thought .. you can also use this with one limb for a push pull (hands) or constant release (feet) situation ( any one handed roll 2 for 1 kinda technique )

[@rdrumbeats]

Him: your gonna go through some pain! Me and my stupid music jokes: RATHER FEEL PAIN THAN NOTHING AT ALL!

[@emmanuelaluchery652]

Great speed

[@BraydenTabakian]

Man I was laughing the whole time doing this with you 😂 Loved it 🔥

[@nbieghler]

Hes nothing if not entertaining. And then ridiculously talented.