5 Most Important Drum Books Every Drummer Should Own

The fastest way to get faster on drums:
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Even with all of the incredible videos you can find on KZbin and Drumeo, drum books still have a very important role to play in drum education. While there are many of them out there, certain books have stood the test of time, helping thousands of players improve their drumming over the years. They’ve become famous for a reason: they work!
Getting familiar with at least one of these books will open up your mind about playing drums:
Stick Control (By George Lawrence Stone - 1935)
The world’s #1 hand technique book will give you tons of ideas about controlling your sticks. The world’s greatest drummers have gone through it, and continue to go through it to this day! It opens you up to tons of ideas about controlling your sticks.
Advanced Techniques For The Modern Drummer (By Jim Chapin - 1948)
Over 70 years later, this is still the #1 selling drum set book in the world. While this book was written to promote independence in jazz drumming, it’s useful for anyone, including rock musicians - even John Bonham loved it!
Syncopation For The Modern Drummer (By Ted Reed - 1959)
This is the top beginner reading book, and it includes a variety of patterns and exercises that can be adapted to the drum set in many ways. Once you work through this one, you’ll be able to open up any other book, read it, and borrow as many ideas as you can.
Accents And Rebounds (By George Lawrence Stone - 1960)
While Stick Control teaches you sticking, Accents And Rebounds teaches you how to add movement to patterns. You’ll learn to understand the bigger picture of how to move around the drum set - from toms to cymbals - and improve your hand technique in the process.
New Breed (By Gary Chester - 1985)
This book shines a light on the drum set as split into two sides - the right and the left - and will help you better understand independence, right-handed playing, and left-handed playing. Using 39 different systems, you’ll work on exercises such as having three of your appendages playing a steady pattern while the fourth is ‘reading’ what’s on the page. It’s a great book for independence and is especially useful for rock drumming.
If you get at least one idea from a book that opens up your playing, it’s worth it. As Dom says in this video, all of your heroes - past and present, whether it’s jazz or heavy metal - have been through these books, and these five are a great place to start. The knowledge they contain will allow you to grow as a drummer and share your talents with the world.
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[@nickentros]

I could listen to Dom Famularo lecture about anything. Freakin love this guy

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Us too. 🙂

[@chezchezchezchez]

Nick Kentros yup

[@ramonalfaro3252]

Dom is too modest. His Book "Motions and Emotions" is a must have.

[@chezchezchezchez]

ramon alfaro he knows that, it’s just not in the top five, it’s in the top 15. So, all good.

[@jpvolvo4592]

ramon alfaro I bought his old Volvo 240 off of him😂

[@justhadrums]

@@jpvolvo4592 The black or white one on your channel?

[@JeffRandallDrumming]

That’s an excellent list! Went through all of those back in the day and still pull them out every once in a while when I’m feeling rusty.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Which one did you use the most?

[@JeffRandallDrumming]

Drumeo Hm... probably Syncopation because it’s so easy to apply it to any groove or feel you’re wanting to work on. Another lesser-known book I absolutely loved was “Mel Bay’s Complete Modern Drum Set” by Frank Briggs who I know visited Drumeo not too long ago. That was a great primer for me to start working on a bunch of different groove styles.

[@chezchezchezchez]

Hey Jeff, I’m still working on your funk video. 👊🏻

[@siraldo51]

Yes they're great books to increase your learning experience as an Drummer musician artist to keep developing of gift talent still Art Drummer N.C 63

[@lightningjet9444]

Gary Chester’s book is so underrated. It increases your sight reading ability incredibly and it turns your weak hand into a tool that can perform just as well as your main hand. Something that most drummers of today don’t have is all 4 limbs to do exactly what you want them to. Really challenging stuff but it pays off.

[@loucontino4804]

Totally agree! As an old student of Gary's back in the early 80's, that book transformed my playing and my thinking. Just take a broken 16th pattern played with either RH lead or LH lead ) the lines are not that different than Stick Control when you think about it), while doing that read a line playing it on bass drum and keep the hat going on quarters, or upbeats or playing every 16th note rest the bass drum doesn't play (that's in Gary's New Breed II book under Sock Talks!). You want linear hand development, it's there. You want coordination work? It's there. Reading? Time building with singing lines or pulse? All there. I used to spend a week of 6 hours a day just going beat by beat, measure by measure til I could read the entire pages down cold. Then I would tape them and send them up to Gary. Those years were some of the best of my life!

[@cad2011]

Funky Primer is a good one too

[@cheezruff]

Thank you Dom for promoting these books, and education in general .

[@user-ub6hd3nd4l]

I miss this guy....We both studied with Jim Chapin....First time I met Dom.....RIP,my friend.

[@doomprogger6345]

I would suggest to exchange two of these recommanded books with more up-to-date versions, quasi the 2.0 upgrades: 1. John Rileys "The Art of Bop Drumming" instead of "Advanced Techniques for the modern Drummer..." and 2. Joe Morellos "Master Studies (1+2)" instead of "Accents and Rebounds".

[@GlobalDrumming]

DoomProgger It is best to go thru Chapin’s book first to prepare the student for John’s great books. As with Accents and Rebounds with preparing the student for Morellos books.

[@doomprogger6345]

@@GlobalDrumming Thanks for taking the time to answer me, Dom! Really appreciate it. :-) I still stand by my suggestions though, having worked through all of these books. Oh, and also maybe a recommendation of a book by someone you definitely know: Claus Hesslers "Daily Drumset Wortkout". Great book for independence, though rather for advanced players than for beginners.

[@GlobalDrumming]

DoomProgger Claus was a student of mine and a great player and teacher. His books are Excellent! I suggest these first books to prepare everyone for the other books. Claus went thru these first then wrote his books as the next step. We need to have the facility first to go thru the other books. Good luck.

[@bojankovac9406]

Going through "Master Studies" by Joe Morello at the moment, still my favorite. Great choice, Dom!

[@doomprogger6345]

I agree with you. Like i wrote in my other comment, i would recommend "Master Studies" over "Accents and Rebounds". It is far more fun to practice to.

[@aravonniv]

I find Master Studies more practically applicable than A&R

[@dwaynerobertson383]

Excellent presentation, sir! I have G.L. Stone's Stick control...but I am going to accept this advice and go shopping for the other 4 mentioned here. Glad I watched this. Millions of drum videos out there - if I can find one like this it's well worth the time to click, watch and listen! Much appreciated. We all could use a simple library for enhancement and improvement.

[@uhoh007]

Great segment, thank you

[@davideleouet]

Totally agree (of course …) Just add 5 for curiosity and must have in one drum bibliothèque 📚 : 1. Mark Guiliana “Exploring Your Creativity on the Drumset” 2. Bob Moses “Drum Wisdom” 3. Jack Dejohnette “The Art of Modern Jazz Drumming” 4. Adam Rudolph “Pure Rhythm” 5. Billy Martin “Riddim : Claves of African Origin” And Many more …

[@MisterMxyzptlk1972]

Thanks! What an awesome topic.

[@carlosclerigadrums]

I agree! this are only 5 of maybe dozens of must have books!!

[@GlobalDrumming]

Carlos Cleriga Exactly! Thanks

[@DrummerScandinavia]

I love Dom! Great guy with a great amount of knowledge!

[@DavidHimmelPerforms]

Also drummers complete vocabulary as taught by Alan Dawson by John Ramsay!! Makes use of syncopation and stick control and it was a good enough method for Tony Williams so... ;)

[@JulianFernandez]

great choices. RUN buy those books!

[@tophatjohnny]

Keep Dom in our deepest Prayers please

[@stevelangonedrumchannel272]

Thank you Dom!

[@robertpien8708]

Great books Dom I went through them all many times . Grant ideas can come for them .

[@Isacjacobmaleh]

Perfect... Loved the video!!!

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@EVEROSFP1]

The guy is a delight to listen and to see ...

[@drumteacher43]

Brilliant, I have all 5 and honourable mention Dom’s book “motions and Emotions”

[@drummingninja1065]

The Dom Father of drumming strikes again! What an inspirational person. Could listen to him talk about watching paint dry if it came with the same passion and encouragement. Definitely need to expand my list to what he's said here and more.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Stoked you enjoyed the video and Dom's timeless delivery of the content. 🙂

[@davidmcaninch4714]

“It is important to draw wisdom from many different places. If you take it from only one place, it becomes rigid and stale. Understanding others will help you become whole.” Uncle Iroh, Avatar: The Last Airbender (the show, *NOT* the movie)

[@feliperoa5821]

Lol everyone who watched ATLA knows that the quote is from the show

[@drumstudiomonchengladbach8131]

Nice collection of "must-have" drum books, but what about the "Patterns" series from Gary Chaffee and the Dahlgren/Fine book for example? For European drummers I highly recommend the books of French author/teacher Dante Agostini. Using his books with an authorized "Agostini" teacher will teach you everything you need to learn about drumming in various styles! Unfortunately each of his books cover only a certain aspect., so you need a teacher who knows the complete method to guide you thru this wealth of material. Once you're through with these books you won't hardly need any more books. After Mr. Agostini's dead, his method is further developed and the addional books like "System Drums Pt2" are a challenge for every drummer, even if you're very experienced! There are a trillion of great drum books/methods but only a few of them offer "concepts" you can use to devolope your own style. David Garibaldi's book is also worth mentioning! I'm playing and teaching for many years and the older I get the more I like books like the "Patterns" and >David Garibaldi book, because this books are beyond technique, and might open the drummers mind for new/fresh input and ideas! For the basics I use the Agostini books in my teaching, but for advanced studends I use a variety of books from Gary Chester, Gary Chaffee and others! Thanks to the internet, the amount of valuable/mentionable books/methods/articles/ideas available becomes endless! KEEP ON DRUMMING AND HAVE FUN! Greetings from Germany

[@wileycd]

Sean Reinert (Cynic, Death) was a champion of the New Breed method. Very sad that he's no longer with us.

[@fulvioborrelli1848]

I love these books!!

[@theatremad9797]

Dave weckl said that the book New Breed was a good one in one of his early videos Back to basics in the 80’s.

[@crystalfunky]

"Be the next generation". Love it!

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Ahhh I am bummed that our Best Beginner Drum Book or Drummer's Toolbox didn't make it into the top five! :-)

[@chrismaille3478]

When it has been around for 50 or more years, it might then...

[@badfozziebear446]

Wait if it will stand the test of time

[@DrumeoOfficial]

@@badfozziebear446 truth! We will wait.

[@andrezgorohov1702]

I think, it's about foundation. That books - good choice, with good teacher.

[@timandrew1091]

I have all my 40 books since 1965. Love Rubank, Paul Yoker, except, he didn't put in the (e) for: 1e&a2e&a. Have Reed's and Stick Control, again, 1965. Still playing at 70.

[@justadrummer1954]

Right away holding the best book in his hands. I need a Wayne and Garth-were not worthy on their knees emoji for this very moment.

[@thenickfirth]

Dom you're the number 1

[@jestrickland1]

got it, got it, got it, need it, got it!! Thanks for the great video Sir! I just ordered the one I didn’t own. Peace

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Nice! Enjoy the practicing. 🙂

[@jestrickland1]

Drumeo Always...well mostly always! haha!

[@mikeycon10]

Rest in peace Dom X

[@VanWhistler]

I have one drum book, "drum techniques of Led Zeppelin"

[@ChristopherSmithNYC]

Podemski's Standard Snare Drum Method

[@larrytemp3063]

I ONCE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY WITH DOM FAMULARO IN 1996 QUEENS NEW YORK MAN I WISH I CAN GET THAT AGAIN AND I'M TALKING ABOUT IN PERSON

[@GlobalDrumming]

Thanks so much!

[@claytonpetersimes5838]

Drumeo should get Aric Improta on here!! I would love to learn how to play some of his favorite licks and what not!!

[@erdemero]

Alan Dawson's book has been integrated to an application called AD and I really recommend it. And I want to ask if any of other books also have apps?

[@latifsakc6587]

charley wilcoxon all american drummer ?

[@benf340]

Anyone else have all of them?

[@SONGSTICKS]

Hi Drumeo, You should check out Gary Leach's book "Beats Exotiques" it's absolutely amazing !!

[@nokoolaid]

Hey Dom, how are you doing. Been a long time.

[@bobc.5698]

Rythmic Patterns by Joe Cusatis.

[@chatscindy6602]

Chaffee's time functioning is a must imo

[@TimXJ]

These are the classics (though I'd never heard of New Breed). I studied with Jim Chapin in the early 70's and Alan Dawson in the early 80's and have played for over 50 years. I would add Gary Chaffee's Patterns. It's unique and practical. There is a book (The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary As Taught by Alan Dawson) on his teaching method which adapts Stick Control and Syncopation in remarkable ways. You may need a teacher to help. I've adapted his methods to teaching even beginners. Dig into these first rather than leap around to lesser method books (IMHO) I worked for years with Chapin's remarkable ADVANCED TECHNIQUES VOL 2. which is hard to find. It's got a plastic overlay and removable pages in a giant spiral loose-leaf book. Avoid the frustratingly non-musical 4-Way Coordination: A Method Book.

[@mathias841]

Would love to work on the chapin's volume 2 but can't find it... could you scan it and share with us ?

[@TimXJ]

Scanning with its plastic overlay and removable pages set in a giant spiral loose-leaf book is impossible. I bought it probably 45 years ago. @@mathias841

[@johncole015]

I Had a John Bonham drumming book thrity years ago but somewhere amidst four different moves it disappeared.

[@GlobalDrumming]

John Cole Zhongshan John studied with Jim Marshall. Maybe we can find it.

[@HadEnough745]

Accents & Rebounds is not an easy book, same for New Breed. Dom's correct in that for the price of these great books, you get a lot for your money. Lots of ideas can be had..

[@santannafelipe]

As a Brazilian drummer i must add Acentos Rítmicos Brasileiros by Cássio Cunha. It's almost like stick control but applyed to Brazilian rythms, a must have book to ones that want know Brazilian rythms.

[@GlobalDrumming]

Excellent! Thanks!

[@Apg002]

You might want to glance at the captions at 0:34

[@sammoussa8]

Amazing !! From where I can get these books ? (Physical copy not digital)

[@doomprogger6345]

All of these books are available on Amazon.

[@onebadhombre7158]

What about 4-Way Coordination?

[@GlobalDrumming]

Great book. In the top 10

[@agents9997]

A “drummers toolbox” is a great tool to have

[@GlobalDrumming]

Skyeler Pyles Yes, Excellent!

[@badfozziebear446]

Future sounds of Garibaldi must have been in top 5

[@GlobalDrumming]

Nice...top 10! Thanks!

[@badfozziebear446]

@@GlobalDrumming Top 10 is good enough for me :) It is THE book on concepts for linear grooves.

[@timandrew1091]

....also, any Sam Ulano books...

[@Broxhon]

I have to write a thesis on the history of the drum pedals (or the drum set in general) for my graduation, but I can't find any books about it ... Does anyone happen to know a book that deals with this topic? :)

[@GlobalDrumming]

Elias Jojo Mayer’s second dvd

[@richardfrequelin5482]

A french trilogy book called "une histoire de la batterie jazz" (a jazzdrum story) written by Georges Paczynski. Amazing book. Amazing work of research about drumset.

[@loucontino4804]

Go buy The Drum Book by Geoff Nichols, 2nd Edition 2008. It's got a few things missing that have transpired in the last 12 years, but as far as history of The Drum Set it's the best out there.

[@benmcnights1763]

Rhythm Section Drumming

[@manikyarao8617]

Hi sir that's nice video but I don't have them can I get them in india

[@GlobalDrumming]

Absolutely...online! Thanks!

[@andrezgorohov1702]

This all, is about technic. And what about sound?

[@funkdrummer]

Question for every drummer, how much was Stick Control when you purchased it?

[@GlobalDrumming]

Brian Albus $3.00

[@funkdrummer]

@@GlobalDrumming Thanks for replying, Dom! I think I got it for $7.00

[@jimreinking5282]

Dom Famularo I think my copy from high school in 1972 was about$2.50

[@funkdrummer]

@@jimreinking5282 Hey Stranger! We worked together at GC lessons. I was there as the lessons desk person a few years ago. Thanks for chiming in (and dating yourself, hahah!)

[@administration8961]

gary chaffee's series.. bangbetter.xxx

[@Cristopherm666]

I can't get those books uwu anyone who have ?

[@StephaneChamberland]

Amazing!! Global DOM-ination!

[@scureno]

I have all 5 books. ... but I do get the same

[@doomprogger6345]

What exactly do you mean? Do you mean there is no difference between these books?

[@sangarvachakraborty2448]

I have that syncopation

[@vasilias2230]

I can't read, I mean I can read. I just get distracted every paragraph by my thoughts

[@GlobalDrumming]

FightingBear_7 Take it slow and keep at it. Thanks

[@j.d.7208]

They have medication for that

[@davidbarker2566]

No buddy rich snare drum rudiments that’s a surprise

[@claudiowiesflecker413]

The important thing is to know what to do with those books and how to make your practise musical. For that you need a really good teacher. If you just go through those books without further knowledge you haven't learned one thing about musical styles, sound, dynamics, motion, expression, coordination between limbs.. Yes, the concepts in those books get used by all good drummers but they are not bound to these particular books, they existed before and have developed further since.. Besides Jim Chapin writes swing in 16th notes and triplets for the other limbs, that's VERY misleading!

[@GlobalDrumming]

Excellent! Well said! Jim wrote that for a reason and it needs to be explained! Thanks!

[@claudiowiesflecker413]

@@GlobalDrumming Thanks for your comment - could you please briefly explain why he wrote 16s for the ride cymbal and triplets beneath?

[@GlobalDrumming]

Claudio Wiesflecker Jim noticed one the early bop players that many times they played the jazz ride with an edge so he put the 16th ride in his book to explain that sharper feel with the jazz ride. Remember this was written in 1948. So he wanted the snare to play in 16th also, but because of the printing challenges he wrote it together. Meaning play it both ways. When ride is in 16 play left in 16. When snare is in triplets play ride in triplets. Play both ways...it was difficult to show both ways. Good luck.

[@claudiowiesflecker413]

@@GlobalDrumming Thanks a lot !!!

[@maximwood]

best book? all books

[@PezrulezHaakon]

I wouldn't know what to do with these books, since I can't read drum notes. I've tried to learn it, but I think it's too hard. I would need a book called "Reading drum notes for extreme dummies 1.0" 🙃

[@exterminiotaurus]

Get a couple of lessons with a good teacher tô get it going!

[@coiLz0r911]

Stick Control didn't work for me at all. It just gave me patterns I had no idea how to execute as a beginner and self taught player. I'd recommend "Stick Technique" by Bill Bachman over Stick Control any day of the week. It actually teaches you how to play, not just what to play.

[@GlobalDrumming]

Bill has a great book! But I suggest to go through SC first...while using Bill's book! Thanks!

[@coiLz0r911]

@@GlobalDrumming Great suggestion. I know I should go back to it, I've been putting it off for a while to be completely honest....Thank YOU!

[@GlobalDrumming]

Kaan B Excellent question! First with free stroke rebound in full strokes. One page a week, one minute each exercise. Start there! Good luck...this will work!

[@justiedrumiary]

Dom Famularo thank you ,i was thinking whether play the stick control exercise with push-pull or with the full stroke

[@GlobalDrumming]

King Wai first with full strokes

[@luismarcospereira5762]

Dom forever....

[@anitaagrawal9186]

The best books are of Trinity and Rockschool

[@melkyahai4743]

Books??

[@GlobalDrumming]

Absolutely! Books have the info! Thanks!

[@elephantgrass631]

If you completely soaked in those 5 books you'd be done with everything drumming and get into recorder.

[@giannibadeau3344]

Ever feel youll never get there? Like not enough time in a day!

[@tico117]

John Bonham had a teacher? I thought he was self taught.

[@chezchezchezchez]

Tico does that fact lower your admiration of him?

[@tico117]

@@chezchezchezchez No, just curious.

[@GlobalDrumming]

Tico Jim Marshall

[@matiasburinheras228]

Jaja drumeo nabot

[@m4theusmcdrummer464]

Like 😍

[@MrToast_]

Early bois

[@Eddie_da_head_]

F :(

[@gonzalovagabculow7345]

Books hahaha... Right

[@GlobalDrumming]

That is where important knowledge is!

[@stevegrantley378]

John Bonham did not take lessons from Jim Marshall; that was Mitch Mitchell!

[@GlobalDrumming]

Steve Grantley Well, Jim told me differently. And showed me pictures.

[@stevegrantley378]

Dom Famularo - mmmm well I know Mitch worked in Jim’s shop and got drum lessons in return - but John lived in Birmingham, miles and miles away from where Jim was. I know Paul, Jim’s son and there’s never been any mention of Bonham. Not sure how their paths would’ve crossed. You haven’t got any of those photos have you? I’m sure they may have met at some point; but lessons? That’s a new twist. I must say I’ve never heard of John taking formal lessons especially from someone who lived in Hanwell 106 miles away?!?! The most comprehensive book on Bonham is ‘ A Thunder Of Drums’ by Chris Welch and Chris knew John personally and it’s never mentioned in his book. Are you 100% sure about this?

[@GlobalDrumming]

Steve Grantley Interesting. I had dinner a few times with Jim. He mentioned he showed John several ideas from some books and discussed drumming ideas of Buddy and morello with a John. He said John loved thier playing. I do not have those pics.

[@stevegrantley378]

This must’ve been after Bonham was famous and not part of his formative years.

[@GlobalDrumming]

Steve Grantley Well, It did not sound like it. I understood it to be earlier.

[@KayZee1957]

Old guy only knows old books. I'm one of those people that finds stick control over-rated. I'm not going to say they belong in the top five but I would add: Colin Bailey Bass Drum Control, Carmine Appice's Realistic Rock, The Wilcoxson All American Drummer, Zorro's funk book which is not just an encyclopedia of funk but a veritable drumming history AND has some fantastic hand development exercises. Riley's Art of Bop and lastly Charles Dowd, A Funky Primer.

[@chrisscott6417]

Pretty much. I think all drum books are overrated tbh. I've got loads of them somewhere, maybe in my mums attic or something. Imo the best techniques tutorial/reference is Jojo Mayer's dvds. Then to learn to play music, listen to music. Play along with music. Readings for librarians.

[@GlobalDrumming]

Kay Zee This old guy does not only know old books...that is insulting. If you do not agree fine. But you young guy is showing your inexperience. Thanks

[@KayZee1957]

@@GlobalDrumming Chill sir. I'm your age and it was just a quip. It really did feel like except for new breed all the books were from before we hung toms off the bass drum. No thoughts on the books I listed?

[@GlobalDrumming]

@@KayZee1957 I am 66 and very chill...and have been teaching for 49 years. Saying that this old guy only knows old books is not a way to bring people into a healthy conversations! The books you mentioned I use, but not as i recommend for the 5 drum books everyone should own. If it was the 10 books....others would have been added. If you have a different opinion...fine. But your choice of words are an attempt to degrade. Be more positive in your suggestions! New Bred and Morello were written in the mid 80's....toms were hung in the 1930's....all the books are modern! Geez...! Thanks!

[@GlobalDrumming]

@@chrisscott6417 Jojo went through these books first...then did the dvd! Thanks!