The Balance Between Chops & Groove | Aaron Spears

“You gotta chop responsibly and love what you do more than anything else.”
Aaron Spears is one of the most requested drummers we’ve had at Drumeo. And what an experience it was!
With huge gigs under his belt (like Ariana Grande, Usher and Backstreet Boys, the GRAMMYs with James Brown and American Idol tours), Aaron knows what it takes to play in the big leagues. Much of that is the careful balance between chops and groove.
Before his 2006 Modern Drummer Festival appearance thrust him into the spotlight, Aaron honed his chops by shedding in his basement, trading licks with other drummers every Tuesday. This casual gathering eventually grew into a “fight club but with drums” where 40-60 drummers - including some big names - would get together to share ideas and ‘battle’ for fun.
It helped him develop his skills while building on ideas he heard from other drummers.
In this lesson, Aaron talks about how to express yourself on the drums and be creative without taking away from the music. He cautions drummers to respect the instrument and respect the other musicians you’re playing with, and talks about musical styles where there’s more space to play around.
If you’re a Drumeo member, you have access to Aaron’s complete video course called “The Building Blocks Of Drum Chops”, a masterclass on how to approach chops musically and tastefully. If you aren’t a member yet, get a free 7-day trial to Drumeo here:
► 7-Day FREE Trial www.drumeo.com/trial/
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Chapters:
0:00 - SONG: “Caught Up” by Usher
3:55 - Introduction
6:30 - Finding the balance of chops and groove
9:50 - SONG: “Give The Lord A Praise” by Gideon Band
14:14 - How to approach chops in different musical styles
17:45 - How Aaron got into playing chops
21:00 - SONG: “No Tears Left To Cry” by Ariana Grande
24:35 - Tips for playing pop music
27:10 - Jamming to a click vs. a song
29:50 - SONG: “Gasoline Dreams” by Outkast
35:00 - Why you should chop responsibly
38:02 - The biggest differences between the Usher and Ariana gigs
40:30 - SONG: “Love Me Harder” by Ariana Grande
42:49 - Keeping the backbeat during fills
44:27 - Aaron’s advice to drummers
46:46 - SONG: “Dangerous Woman” by Ariana Grande
About Aaron:
With incredible feel and groove, chops for days and the ability to make impactful musical statements, Aaron Spears is the quintessential modern drummer. Throughout his now storied career, he has brushed shoulders with some of the most popular artists of our time including Lil Wayne, Carrie Underwood, Usher, Chaka Khan, Adam Lambert, The Backstreet Boys, Miley Cyrus, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Ariana Grande, among many others.
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Follow Aaron:
►Website: www.aaronspears.com/
►Facebook: / aaronspearsofficial
►Instagram: / aspears
►KZbin: / aaronspears
Follow Brandon Toews:
►Facebook: / brandon.toew. .
►KZbin: @BrandonToews
►Instagram: / brandon.toews
►TikTok: / brandon.toews
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►Free Lessons: drumeo.com/free-lessons
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Follow us:
►Website drumeo.com/
►Facebook: / drumeo
►Instagram: / drumeoofficial
►TikTok: / drumeoofficial
►Blog: www.drumeo.com/beat/
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#drumchops #aaronspears #drumeo

[@naviloop9217]

RIP Aaron... you inspired drummers and musicians around the globe with your infectious smile and spellbinding grooves! 😢

[@bndncn]

Just heard the news and had to revisit some of his vids. I think his influence on the world of drumming has massive, and it sucks that he's gone, but I'm glad he was here. RIP

[@elliottbatts1]

R.I.H. MY BROTHER🙏🏽❤

[@Niest0Drummer]

ffffffffff........... I was just remembering my drumming changed once i saw that fest performance, from understanding the groove, finding out that chops exist and remodeling my setup to match this ergonomy. But He will be remembered, a drumming legend

[@michellaszlo]

R.I.P. Aaron, such a fine gentleman and great drummer 😢

[@jestrickland1]

I love Aaron’s line: “Ya gotta chop responsibly.” That’s some serious drumming wisdom right there! ❤

[@NickSmall]

Still doesn't feel real that you're gone Aaron... I'll carry the impact and inspiration you've shared that has helped me evolve into the drummer I am today for the rest of my days. We love and miss you so much already. Rest in power, bro 🙏🏿

[@luke_bongoman89]

There's something about his energy that I've always found hugely inspiring. Sure he's also super technically talented but that feel is phenomenal. And he's such a great guy. You will be missed rip

[@jubinalove9773]

Will miss you... I played his videos so much even my 2yr old knows the guy.... my wife had no idea till she saw the picture and went like"ohh dear...".... travel thee well and thanks for so freely sharing the secrets to being an awesome musician....

[@bennettoford]

So thankful we got this video and his perspective on this. Gonna sit and watch this legend speak some wisdom today. RIP Aaron 💔

[@bjs1130]

WE must never forget just how many HOURS and HOURS of practice it takes to get to that level! I refuse to brush it away as just Talent. The Talent is what it takes to get there! RIP Aaron Spears!!

[@spencerj]

What an amazing player. Not just an amazing chopper (which is worth celebrating in its own right), but such a responsible player. His adherence to the groove and to keeping the time is so fundamental to his style; you can really tell drums pays the mortgage.

[@KmelBeatz]

Facts 💯

[@briancockerham4731]

it pays the food bill... not mortgage

[@idglet9565]

​@@briancockerham4731Look which player he's talking about though... could probably pay multiple people's mortgages with the jobs he must get.

[@MichaelVelders]

I was going to say the same... He could probably have paid the top 1%'s mortgages and had plenty left over with this level of skill. I read it a few times in the comments - his variety of chops, the tactful and tasteful, classy placement of them and most importantly adherence to the pocket and ability to come right back to it in so many interesting but always respectful and perfectly in time ways. The world lost a true GOAT way too young. This is my first time reading of his passing. So sad.

[@AdamTuminaro]

So a few months ago, I was jamming to "Love Me Harder" by Ariana for a warm up session. I tried to imagine what Aaron would play in the chorus, and I joked to myself... I bet Aaron would play this groove with one hand on the hats. 40:48 killed me. LOL. What a savage. Much love bro!

[@yanmota13]

That one hand on the hi-hat is something else

[@user-pe3hf4ft7q]

Damn didn’t know he pasted till today😢 his drumming will forever live on🙏🏽‼️

[@velonaut303]

I love the space between he gives in his grooves. So open and clear sounding.

[@midinerd]

that gap - pocket

[@kirjian]

Being in a room with Aaron Spears tearing through a drumset has to be a unique experience. That energy won't translate on a youtube video 😅

[@Michael-wg7pj]

RIP Aaron - Thank you for inspiring my 14 year old son who is an up and coming drummer! We will remember you by the Black Sticks you gifted my son when he first met you not so long ago.

[@JesusChristson]

Humble

[@chrisl5711]

Aaron has been one of my all time favorite drummers from playing Usher at the Drum Festival to hosting Zildjian live. The dude is legit yet humble about it.

[@chris_d_r_u_m_s]

My favorite thing about Aaron is that his playing isn't "perfect". It makes everything so much more exciting to listen too

[@silage2000]

I could watch him play the Ariana track all day. The balance of fills and groove shows what a great musician he is. It's one thing to be a great drummer, but to be a great musician is how you establish a long successful career in the industry.

[@MrJbolton]

No I go back and read this, those Arianna vids were the best

[@NwosuexceL]

I'm always CAUGHT UP in any Aaron Spears video irrespective of how many times he plays this same song 😂.. Blessed to hear Aaron play in my lifetime 💓🙏. Thanks Drumeo for Featuring him again..

[@justindfrazier]

RIP to one of the greatest to ever hit the drums. Such a humble soul that never cared to share his talents with those aspiring to obtain a level of drumming that seems impossible.

[@drumfluence]

Chops for show, groove for dough 😅

[@jeanjeaned]

RIP Legend you legacy will live on forever. Thank you for being you!! Such an inspiration to us all not just as a musician but also as an human.

[@syno9211]

RIP Aaron Spears. You have been a huge inspiration to me. Amazing human and an amazing Drummer.

[@cesaracostamtz]

What a fantastic drummer and humble guy. You will be missed for sure Aaron. Rest in Peace!

[@CammedFox]

Man I could listen to him groove all day. Also, whoever mic'd this deserves a raise.

[@jcamp348]

I absolutely love this drummer! He's so deep in the pocket and owns his own funk groove! Awesomely done! FYI he's not resting in peace!! He's wide awake and alive and well jamming every day and existing on a plane and level we can't imagine here on earth. I hope to meet him one day when we're all reunited !!!

[@recksroller2220]

God bless you, Aaron. You will not be forgotten, at least not by me.

[@dustinsmith7259]

He was such an influence to a whole generation of drummers. I remember watching the video of him playing “Caught Up” when I was a teenager and his pocket, his fills, and just the way he played was such an influence to me. He will absolutely be missed

[@ashtonwadepaul]

Was blessed enough to see him do a drum clinic here in South Africa a good few years ago. One of the best around!

[@Chris-Daniel]

He Inspired Me. He Wired me to think Differently. Thank You Aaron. It's so sad you had to Leave too early. Thank you always. Rest In Peace A. Spears.

[@nickelpeen]

Rest in power and paradise, Aaron. ❤️

[@gonzalougarte5581]

47 años...una pena, toda una vida aún por delante, un padre joven y un gran músico 😢

[@ChontosDrumLessons]

That snare sound is out of this world.

[@garylykins8020]

He is such a cool cat and in touch with all of the magic aspects of musicianship that comes along with drumming and engaging with other musicians/artists. Great player, great attitude, great dude!

[@philhanes5504]

This is one of the tracks he can play while he's blind folded. I love hime as a person too. R.I.P Aaron.....😢😢

[@MrCamwilliams7]

1 of my favorite drummers of ALL time! Not just for his chops on set but his integrity off the set as well 🙏🏾👏🏾

[@joshuahall3697]

His address to us drummers really hit home. I had really been feeling like that lately and was dreading playing when asked. But very recently I started to remember why I started playing. Thanks Aaron and Drumeo! Continue give us that knowledge and wisdom 🙏🏿

[@bruceking65]

I was blessed to be in the basement once with Aaron and his crew. They forced me onto the drums... I was so nervous and intimidated. I froze 🧊 😅 but the experience was amazing! Salute to a GOAT!

[@MC-jf6ic]

Such a humble soul. Surely one of the best.

[@jaygardner7036]

I love how at 1:48 if you know the song you know his chop was literally singing the lyrics her body was so tight I'm looking for her in the day time with a flashlight rest easy aaron the way you approached life was just different you'll be greatly missed

[@DidYouReadEULA]

Not muscle memory Aaron, it is true artistry and musicianship!

[@memphissamplers5345]

This is the example of when your skills match your personality! This guy is a major influence to a lot of musicians! Keep doing what you are doing, u help many of us on more levels of life , not just musically!

[@dikbeats2720]

One of the best drummers you'll see. And extremely humble. Much to learn from Aaron.

[@ricklieffering241]

I remember when I saw his incredible Usher performance in the modern drummer dvd. I was blown away. The one thing he said, that stuck with me is " always land on the one" like always catch the one as in it is the most important for locking in your groove. Made so much sense, yet pretty hard to master. Rest easy master!

[@Dr77738]

Oh my loveliness your drumming is very organic with a booming flower delivery

[@pastadrums]

Zildjian. Please. Bring everything he’s playing into production 😭 I love sounds and the playing so much. Aaron you’re a stud!

[@wright.boy_]

That ride is in the Zildjian concept shop right now! 21” Articulation Ride

[@pastadrums]

@@wright.boy_ I’ve actually got one and I absolutely love it. I am really liking that k sweet splash and those brilliant k sweet crashes 👀

[@docfink]

Aaron's drumming is simply awe-inspiring. Incredible!

[@defdrumz]

Thanks, love these styles great grooves. This format that Drumeo has is awesome- many thanks to everyone involved in bringing this kind of stuff to us. Drummers forever!!!!

[@shellielharrisjr9371]

All I Tell Folks...Is That I Am Sooo Humbly and Greatfully Blessed To have met The Imfamous Aron Spears During His Blessed Early Journey Dayz..." The Drum House"..."The Gideon Band"..." Duron Mclouds Church Across from Andrews Air force Base"Seeing Him Live At" Drums Unlimited" in College park MD right after he came off of His 1st tour With " Usher"...Those of Us That Know Him & Been Blessed To meet Him & Fellowship With Him Just Knew He Had " The It Factor"... Straight From "Jump Street"...We Love U Boss...Keep Up The Great Wrk💜💯🕊️🕊️🕊️🎗️💫🆒🇺🇸🌎☮️🙏.

[@rickardobernard7189]

I love his teaching it’s simple and very important

[@untiteledname1932]

I jam metal all the time. I love metal drummers, but man the groove this dude lays down you can't help but feel the passion. So nice

[@chrisggoodwin777]

Dang Aaron, channeling Professor Peart with those 16ths on Love Me Harder... Such a pleasure and inspiration to watch you play! Also, that left crash sounds killer...

[@blackie8083]

Love Aaron's confidence in playing, his fills, can watch Aaron play all day long!...Go Aaron!

[@MeechyBrownProductions]

Mannnn Not Aaron Soears. Damn! R.I.P. Bro. I am heart broken.

[@MS-gj7ni]

That was awesome what a fantastic player and real nice person wise words from someone who is at the top he comes across so humble and has a love for what he does he’s a brilliant player thank you Drumeo

[@jefflyon2020]

This guys sense of time and space are incredible, you get excited and feel restless when he goes into a fill, only a few other drummers have done this to me when i watch and/or lsten to them play.i wish i had known about Aaron Spears and his incredible talent before e was gone, what a amazing drummer!

[@stanfordkoch1271]

Had a masterclass from Aaron some years ago in the netherlands, very cool guy to hangout with

[@JustusVidyo]

i havent really listened to popmusic in like 15 years but this guy endows it with so much energy, its making me want to go to any show he plays at.

[@BEEFjrMUSIC]

growing up I wanted to see him play live sooooooo bad and unfortunately he recently passed away. #RIPAaron

[@morrron5]

Aaron Spears always been one of my favorites, the fills are just delicious !

[@G1R15H1]

rest in eternal peace my teacher you are a legend and a gentleman just got your DVD Beyond the chops...precious !!!

[@arsonne]

Killer player! Seems like an amazing guy. One of the first guys I saw when I was a teenager who seemed like he was a whole new breed of player.. and he still seems that way. Awesome!

[@quentondaniels8536]

RIP Aaron, thoughts to your family. Your groove and energy were rock solid. An inspiration to lots of drummers, not just in RnB but other genres too.

[@PaxtonPaul]

Amazing words of wisdom. Would like to see Calvin Rodgers and Chris Coleman masterclass next. Drumeo please🙏🏾make it happen

[@ryancox5097]

My God. Those two guys would seriously break the internet. #ApocalypticDrummers

[@kylesnyder9452]

Amazing playing! And DAAAAANNNNGGG that kit sounds good!

[@eliascastrocaballero6811]

Wow!! 🔥🔥 So much wisdom and musicality! Exelente maestro Aaron!!

[@eliasazofeifa4294]

My favorite drummer ever, thank you for this video.

[@aaronbones4290]

R.I.P. one of the best ❤

[@twelvemorekeys9187]

Love Aaron so humble and such a beast on the set

[@SemajMusiq]

Just just love how freakin smooth the licks are ‼️ I’ve been watching the old video to this since I was like 12🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@bouz49]

That kick is HUGE !

[@seanbrucemedia5695]

One of my faves!! The smiling, grooving linear fills master!!

[@tobaidi]

Loved this session. The groove is epic and never thought I'd sit and listen to Ariana's songs but thanks to Aaron I enjoyed the songs! I would've loved to have seen some technical demonstrations by Aaron but sadly I noticed that Drumeo has changed these sessions amd moved on to only asking drummers to play and talk which is such a shame. I used to really enjoy those lengthy technical sessions that you guys used to do. Bring this style back!!!

[@stevewilcock4767]

Drumming poetry. Epic. Cheers Drumeo.

[@mikehartmann3858]

Great playing. He has a Dennis Chambers vibe.

[@dionmorehead2911]

I just want to say THANK YOU Aaron for who you were to us. Your journey was most definitely cut to short. Will miss you playing at FBCG. I appreciated your real personality.

[@YearleyDrummer93]

He said be kind to oneself !!! Love that

[@jakefernstrumdrums]

One of the greatest to ever do it🙌🏻🔥❤️🐐🐐🐐

[@RAWBRASS888]

Give The LORD a Praise Amen! Awesome Drumming ❤️U🎶👍🏻

[@jonathandufern7421]

His snaps are so crisp. Amazing

[@Michael-xw4er]

Great player and such a happy and humble guy!

[@loveandht]

the amount of rage that fills me when i hear a cymbal and go OOOOOO WHAT IS THAT and then EVERY. TIME. ITS A PROTOTYPE. that ride is so perfect

[@trafalgerdavis7839]

"Chop responsibly." What an interesting quote.

[@stevenfederico2594]

RIP legend thanks for all you brought. Appreciate you. You will be missed

[@Cal.lm96]

Man that gave me nostalgic vibes 🤩

[@CoraStanley-ue7rw]

I love this approach to the balance between chops and groove. Steve Gadd is a master of both, as I Bernard Purdie and many others. I love the advice given in this video. Well done Aaron!

[@gerrardchimbotoh3018]

Will miss you my brother AAron Spears, you was really good and ❤man To God be all the glory ❤️

[@rodrigobamboo]

What a wise man! A pleasure to listen to.

[@kcChicken123]

A stand out for me are those left hand diddles. Amazing.

[@PhinAI]

March seems like such a long time to wait! Looking forward to the course.

[@reginalddavis7578]

Gone too soon, that’s all I can say, gone too soon! R.I.P. Mr Aaron Spears. Thanks so much for your inspiration, wisdom and being just an outstanding human being, humble and God fearing. The drumming community will not be the same. God Bless you brother 🙏🏾❤️

[@youngd3niro824]

Duuuuude! That "Give The Lord Praise" was ridiculous! Thanks for the clinic. Stay blessed!

[@tylerbailey9329]

Great video! I must say, I do find putting chops in a song and landing them properly to be a very stimulating challenge. When I relax and play chops with intention, I get nothing but appreciation from my bandmates and listeners. It's extra credit, sure, but there's no need to actively limit yourself using the "only groove" dogma as a mantra.

[@frederickweeksjr.1189]

Depends on the song and it the leader.

[@pine207]

Such a beautiful personality and amazing drummer

[@nonembio1926]

Damn It was a pleasure to listen this guy playing

[@RobOnBass23]

What a nice guy and what great advice! I am definitely guilty of being a selfish player. I hope I will take his advice about being respectful of and serving the other musicians and the music to heart. I also loved the advice about loving what you're doing and enjoying the pace of your musical journey. I wish I heard that advice 25 years ago when I was first developing my musical abilities.

[@heartstrings110]

RIP Aaron. You are a true legend. Thank you for following your heart. We all benefited from your passion. Enjoy heaven.

[@Dr77738]

keep bringing on the greats!

[@airtonalmeida7394]

This incredible smilling drumer never dies! Rest in music master!

[@wynton765]

He makes it look so effortless!!!!!

[@chrisw685]

Love how seeing a big chef means good food, so it goes with drummers. When I see a big guy behind the kit, I know I'm in for a good time.

[@keaveny63021]

fantastic attack, speed, fluidity