Are You An Intermediate Drummer? (How To Tell)

Faster Hands & Feet (in 10 days)
► www.Drumeo.com/faster/
How do you know what your skill level is? What would you tell people if they asked? You might be surprised to know that no one at Drumeo - including Jared, Dave, Brandon, and Mike Michalkow - considers themselves an advanced player.
When you’re trying to determine whether your level is beginner, intermediate, or advanced, it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been playing; it’s about your skills and knowledge. Where are you now, and where do you want to go next?
Here are some ways to self-assess (and be honest with yourself) so you can figure out in which areas to invest time when it comes to your drum education.
How to tell if you’re an intermediate drummer
You can confidently improvise with other people - This can’t be taught in a classroom or a video. You can build the skills and acquire the tools to make this easier, but you have to get out there and jam with other musicians.
You can learn new top 40 songs relatively quickly - This means you’re comfortably able to listen to a relatively simple song, know the form and understand dynamic shifts from one part to the next, get a feel for what the drummer did on the recording, and play along to it with minimal effort.
You have a solid understanding of basic drum technique - If you’re comfortable with ghost notes, can play accurate and consistent rim shots, know the motions and fluidity around the drum kit, and are confident in your dynamic limb independence (a challenge even for experienced drummers), you’re well on your way.
You can play with a metronome with confidence - And have a good internal clock, too!
You serve the song and not yourself - You have a strong idea of what best complements the music.
You know that the more you know, the more you don’t know - Even though you may be experienced, you have a beginner’s mindset and use it to stay humble.
Still not sure if you’re an intermediate drummer?
Check out the Drumeo Method (our step-by-step roadmap to improving your drumming) in Drumeo Edge and give the first few levels a try.
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►Instagram: / drumeoofficial

[@danieljonasson7589]

I started out advanced and over the years turned intermediate and now I've reached beginner. At least in my head.

[@Asrelis]

i legit feel that. i've gotten into punk rock, which is way faster and requires a lot more control than I'm used to, and I realized just how legitimately terrible I am at drums, especially after 11 years starting when I was 5

[@michaelw.4434]

I know what you mean!!

[@eva4907]

that's actually called the Dunning-Kruger Effect... makes you feel like you're not improving or getting worse but it actually just seems like you are (because the longer you've been learning something the more you know about a subject and how much you don't know/ can't do yet) and you just aren't noticing that you're actually getting better and better:)

[@davidiand7]

Had the same thoughts myself!

[@oobernoober7617]

That's always the mentality that most people have cause you think you know so much until your finally shot back down to earth. Like most drummers I can play pop and rock songs fairly easily, but when it comes to really fast punk songs it's only a matter of time before I cramp up or just drop my sticks from holding them too loose to try and play faster. So I feel I'm anywhere from high beginner to low intermediate right now.

[@xXSomeKindOfMosterXx]

I’ve been playing for 12 years, I’ve learned so many techniques and styles and a lot of times I still feel like a beginner

[@aking8477]

I've been playing for a 30 years, and I feel the same way.

[@amullan88]

@@aking8477 25 for me, exactly the same.

[@reiyu4786]

Dunning Krueger effect

[@aking8477]

@@reiyu4786 I'll have to check into that

[@9002RPMS]

Happens to the best of us king keep ur head up

[@TSchmoog]

Me: Has literally never held drumsticks KZbin: Are you an intermediate drummer? Me: "Guess I’ll have to watch to find out"

[@xSTONYTARKx]

😂

[@Blisstheproducer]

Maybe thats a calling to a new hobby. You should probably think about becoming a drummer..if you want🤷🏾‍♂️

[@ryangrant530]

Lmao this is golden

[@jaundong3692]

Were you?

[@paradiddle5150]

Great comment! 😂

[@pjmccaul1065]

It's funny how Drumeo is so humbling. I'm 66 and counting. Been drumming since I was 12. Took many breaks over the years but now pretty much play everyday. I've learned so much watching this channel. You guys have really put me in my place. Some days I think the sky is the limit and other days I think I should have taken up the flute. But when I gig with my classic rock band and get tons of compliments it makes it all worth it...sorry for rambling on but.........Thank you guys. You've come a long long way. Get Ringo on the show!

[@aaroniemcwonley]

•ghost notes •rim shots •dynamic limb interdependence •motions (full/up/downstroke, taps) •playing confidently with a (offset) metronome

[@jimmyteriyaki9783]

Aaron Wong I don't think rim shots needed to be on the list

[@foyasoul2]

@@jimmyteriyaki9783 yeah but It should definitely include technique that’s like a high level beginner skill

[@1dle1ndustries]

@@jimmyteriyaki9783 im pretty new and not sure if theyre the same concept but accent shots on the high hat are a struggle, esp w the left hand

[@redneckshaman3099]

I'm addicted to pigger nussy 🤠

[@JC-xk6gv]

Definitely a beginner thrashing around like an octopus.

[@DrummerGrrrl]

We've allllllll been there, Inky! Ha ha, get it?

[@martrinshyde]

I've played for 44 years and still know Jack shit! I also have taught the drums for 22 years. WE ALL should be able to find new things to learn as well as relearning things you thought you could play well!!! t The learning should ONLY stop at our final breath!

[@JM-vf3tx]

Octopus has no friends...

[@JC-xk6gv]

@@JM-vf3tx and what's that got to do with anything.

[@mikesmith1290]

I'm an octopus thrashing around like a beginner!

[@spudmagnum7394]

Improving on drums is so difficult, unlike on guitar, i find that its much harder to know what to practice to see results. Typically on guitar like when im practicing scales or whatever i usually come out the other side seeing results. Its easy to identify weakness. But on drums its not as obvious, its like working out. You dont really see the results immediately, its a slow overtime process that requires a ton of patience and confidence. That may just be me though

[@SqUaWk123456]

@@mightymorphingpo alright

[@randyrrs7028]

I find drums to be harder than guitar

[@guitarrerist698]

Word. That's one of the most frustrating things in being a multi-instrumentalist. With drums, I know what I want in my head. I have a clear vision of the beat, the pattern, the arrangement but when I sit on the throne, I'm like a monkey wondering what to do with two sticks

[@Neal_Schier]

Very well said! As a beginner I am astounded at countless hours just to get something like basic sticking. Tons of fun but progress is in the sub millimeter level.

[@bigchainring1977]

Work on stick control exercises...that will translate to anything you or play on a drum..

[@Ohm51]

"This isn't about that, Dave" LoL

[@my31and37]

The longer I play, the less I realize I know.

[@nikkix7824]

my31and37 i can relate to that

[@jeffcajou76]

I came into this video with my head held high. I left the video rethinking my life decisions

[@lemuelszeto]

That's with everything you can learn, I'm afraid...

[@KiloEditZz]

Longer i play, the more i forget

[@nicktimmerman2062]

You can search for the Dunning-krugereffect. I think thats what you feel

[@therealandrewlund]

When amzng advanced drummers modestly call themselves "intermediate", it's not fair to us real intermediates.

[@misfit2022]

It is all relative. If people see me playing at a jam session go oh yeah he’s on it but that is because I know the songs but the few times I have been asked to sit it at a jazz jam session I was floundering. Also the advanced drummers you mention may look at other drummers who blow their mind like Vinnie C or Virgil Donati and Dave Weckl and go they are advanced I’m intermediate. It is all relative but the main advice I give young drummers is forget technique, chops etc just get in a band as soon as you can and enjoy yourself. I joined my first band 6 weeks after buying my first kit and I wasn’t even at the beginner mark as I couldn’t even play a single stroke roll but there are always workarounds I didn’t learn any technique until after 2 years of giggling constantly.

[@krenwregget7667]

they ARE all intermediate or below. Kyle is the most experience guy in the entire organization, with the most time playing at the highest levels of anyone there. He's toured, played on projects, does sit-ins and knows his stuff inside and out. But is he one of the best drummers in the Vancouver area? Nope. There are other guys that are much more advanced and he'd be the first guy to tell you that.

[@finnleithomczyk5292]

Andrew Lund lol I became a very low intermediate because of this

[@tyubacka]

I completely agree I would personally two other levels called "advanced" & "expert" and would place Dave, Jared and many others that underrated themselves at high intermediate or advanced and myself at intermediate.

[@stella717]

Yeah lol 😂 it makes me feel im a garbage can drummer 😭

[@RyanAlexanderBloom]

I’d say there’s beginner, intermediate, advanced, and then another level past that, pro/master/god level is well past advanced. So you can say you’re advanced and still put yourself in a lower category than the best of the best.

[@PowahKordz]

I agree with the idea, though I wouldn't do that as putting guys like that on a god tier level might make people think their skill level is unattainable, when it's usually not. Its all knowledge and practice. The "gods", probably more often than not, did very little with their lives besides obsess over their instrument. And that's not a bad thing, just where those differences are made

[@8020drummer]

Agree

[@Sterlings_End]

That's basically where I feel I'm at too. I'd definitely call myself advanced at this point, but I wouldn't ever have the audacity to compare myself to some of the greats. Maybe in another 20 years I'd be able to hold a candle to some of them hahaha

[@j.d.7208]

I would say 1. Beginner - Lars Ulrich, acdc drummer 2. Intermediate - most recreational drummers Advanced - me lol Master class - Mike Portnoy World class - ex. Mike Mangini , Neil Peart, Thomas Lang

[@burningbacons3099]

There is everyone else, and then there is Eric Moore, he is a god

[@JaredFT]

Been playing for 12 years. I guess I'm a beginner in intermediate. After 12 years playing and most of that only to play with a band and little actual practice, I'm finally learning rudiments. When I started I felt so stupid, it's supposed to be basic and I just couldn't do it. But I'm starting to get the hang of double strokes and I feel so excited to work towards actually becoming a better drummer. Thanks for all the great advice, guys! And to anyone out there who feels stuck, I can now testify that if you practice, little by little you'll get better! Cheers, everyone!

[@Voyteck_Drummer]

I'm a rim shot enthusiast.. the snare crack sound just gotta fill the room.. 🤩

[@SuperballBG]

That enjoyment you get when you see people covering their ears after a rim shot :D

[@Pratt-zp5mr]

Been my bread and butter for rock gigs for nearly 45 years. I love it!

[@barnabasmike4318]

Sameee, I always end up using them all the time when playing heavier stuff

[@the6ig6adwolf]

I know a girl from the bar that's a rim shot enthusiast.

[@vxrdrummer]

@@the6ig6adwolf Stole my comment ha ha

[@billbigler1366]

Great video lesson Jared. Three years ago at Drumeo (one of the best weeks of my life) I said I thought I was an advanced beginner if that is possible. The comment about knowing you have so much more to learn is so true. I now think I am a beginner who has ten years of trying to play. Drums are so interesting. You can teach a non-player how to do a very basic rock beat in 20 minutes if he or she has some coordination. And she or he will feel good. But man what a journey to get better from there. Endless fascination. Thanks again Jared.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Thank you Bill, it was great to have you here!

[@brittislove]

Dude... Jared always explains things in such a comprehensive, unintimidating way. This dude is a fantastic drummer, but lets also praise that freakin' way he communicates perfectly too

[@Clairvoyant81]

I played drums in my youth for roughly 10 years, almost exclusively rock / metal. Most of that time was spent playing with a band and way too little actual practice... so, now, almost 20 years later, I'd say I'm a good beginner rock drummer and I'm fairly good at improvising in that genre, but my vocabulary is pretty small and I know next to nothing about anything but rock / metal drumming.

[@derrickm2093]

Exactly my experience. When I used to play with a band, my drums were always set up at someone else's house. I am self taught and after learning how to keep beats like bands on the radio do, my actual time on the drums was 90 percent practicing with the band. Very little time actually playing or practicing solo. Maybe a few minutes before band practice, but usually within a few minutes of trying to groove a bit, the bassist would start jammin with me and then right into band practice. Never took time to learn rudiments or practice drills, but was still always a pretty good rock/metal drummer. Then after getting married and having kids, the whole band thing fizzled and I'm lucky to get down to the basement and screw around for 15 minutes at a time or so, maybe a couple times a month. I can rock a drum set pretty well and impress people when I'm playing what I WANT TO PLAY! But when I get online and see what some of these guys and girls do with paradiddles and other things that I never learned, I feel so insignificant. Sometimes I just want to burn my kit after I watch these guys. There's SO much room for improvement! But I'm gonna keep on bangin, and at almost 40 years old and 25 years playing I think I'm actually going to drill on some basic rudiments and see if I can get to another level.

[@The-Seventies]

Exactly my experience. Playing for 25 years now, with 20 years of rockband-experience. Right now I consider myself to be some kind of a beginner cause I realize my techniques can be sloppy at times. But I think it’s because the more you know (bout drumming) the more you realize what you don’t know. I guess the same thing might be true for you.

[@The-Seventies]

After watching the full vid I see Jared says the same in the end :)

[@user-zk2lx9le5z]

Same here guys. I feel pretty good about my drumming until I see some 10 year old kid blasting out jazz fusion on KZbin and then I'm reminded that I know freakin nothing.

[@LogicHatesMe]

@@user-zk2lx9le5z facts dude. I hear ya

[@DesignerFromMars]

Just to be clear: Intermediate drummers should play Simon says and only advanced drummers should play Simon Phillips says

[@TheManLenin8]

The weirdest part of playing live was getting glowing feedback from people, being asked in analytical ways about something I played, and trying to still be able to actually feel good about my performance. I know my weaknesses and playing around my weaknesses/nerves on stage always kept me humble. Even before watching this video I was thinking to myself that there was no way I was even intermediate, I mean maybe I could’ve been, but wasn’t sure. Once I watched I was pleasantly happy and honestly pretty fucking proud of myself to call myself a high intermediate. I’m aware of everything I can do well, and where my weaknesses lie. I can check off every box presented in this video. I’m honestly pleasantly surprised! Thank you for making this very insightful video!

[@garyconner6151]

Me too.it sure makes you humble.im no Neil peart.but I cat hold my own.

[@Trialnerror]

Love how humble he is about his incredible skill and reminds us how much the struggle is REAL to be great.

[@tjroy870]

It sure is. I've had 2 times in my life, college, & now during this pandemic, where i had REAL TIME to PRACTICE HARD. BOTH times ive spent no less than 4, w/ an avg of 6, & often going 8-10 HOURS EVERY DAY..... & Now my savings is gone, but it was worth it 🤣🤣😁😁 I find Drums is ALOT like weight training, really..... U gotta keep @ it, but you gotta allow yourself time to recover too..... With that said, no matter how many hours i put in, its always good to take an entire day or 2 to just rest & recover. Drums are VERY PHYSICAL & it can do wonders. Just dont take TOO MUCH TIME OFF 🤣🤣🤣

[@rhythmista7707]

Playing along to songs also helps, and i find is an integral part of learning how to play with a band and with practicing your timing..

[@bsiegel001]

Underrated comment right here. I second this. Play along to music you know AND tunes you may not.

[@RedoXen]

Completly agreed!☝🏻 for example i realized that i might be drifting a little bit from beginner to intermediate when I stopped playing “American Idiot” etc. and for my surprise I could cover “Master of Puppets” quite comfortably. I hope you see my point!

[@ashmonkey2572]

@@RedoXen american idiot is a very hard song in my beginner's opinion. My bandmates were astounded when i told them for me as the drummer it's the hardest song we play. To me, a person who can play american idiot pretty much got the whole punk genre covered, so you did good advancing your knowledge moving forward to another genre.

[@drumpoet3]

Jared, I so appreciate your articulateness and perspective on drumming levels. This is a helpful list for assessing one's own level. You guys rock!

[@helemaalnicks6215]

I'd like to add that you can improvise on a lot more than what's mentioned here. I sometimes like to improvise on congressional hearings, American politicians have a tendency to speak with a clear backbeat on 2 and 4, especially if they're reading from paper.

[@jesusguardon]

Hmm, interesting...

[@davidramirezrodriguez3373]

Interesting

[@tommymccart9366]

I've been playing on & off for 40 yrs & what I love is always something new to learn, I really like what you said about staying human & not robotic 👍🎶

[@SlightlyInsane1]

Thank you Jared + Drumeo crew. Taking on the universe of drumming can be seriously intimidating. Glad we have resources like you to break into bite size chunks!

[@sammoussa8]

Extremely important video !! Thank you, Jared and Drumeo. As Mike said, “i’m always a beginner” because, for me, no matter how good I think I am, I realize that I have MORE AND MORE to learn, and I CANNOT wait to learn and enjoy the process of learning and having fun while doing it. Thank you very much for this very important video !!!!!

[@Matt-qc5ug]

Serving the song (not your ego) will get you gigs and band mates. Accents, dynamics and good time. Great vid

[@nickjoseph5983]

I think to determine how good you are at your craft (be it drums, guitar, baseball, woodworking or whatever it is) also has alot to do with the mental knowledge. When someone plays a gig and plays alot of crazy stuff the crowd may think "wow that guys good", but to other musicians they will see how that might possibly be hurting the song itself, or that it's unnecessary. Also, I think that when somebody just practices just because they are told it will make them better isn't as valuable as knowing what you should practice and how it will help you specifically in the long run. I don't know it may all sound like common knowledge, but I think constant self evaluation and constant observation of music and other musicians can greatly help. If you actually read all this, thanks haha

[@johnafamasaga9310]

True true

[@joewhittle801]

Great outlook to have but don’t forget your social game. If you serve the song and love the music but are introverted or anti-social, and there’s another person who serves the song and loves the music but also goes to plenty of gigs and knows how to make friends, maybe you’ll do a gig or two a week but they’ll be doing five.

[@martinislacker8393]

Have watched so many Drumeo videos but this was one of the most fun and both confidence building ("Hey I'm an Intermediate drummer!") but also humbling in so much more to learn! Jared you are the best, man. You are Advanced in so many ways, not just your drumming.. excellent instructor and communicator. Keeps me inspired to keep practicing, not just jamming!

[@siuleopouesi5794]

Been watching you Jared since i was 14. Seen your heel toe technique video all those yrs ago, and i must say i totally understand how much you've progressed. Im 24 now just wanted Thank you so much for always being a thorough teacher. Love the Paiste cymbals!

[@ClovisRothchild]

I love how everyone on the team is humble and seems to know there's always gonna be someone better. Especially liked the part about metronomes. I'm not a fan, alot of times it seems to be more for the engineer if ur in studio. If I gotta play to a click sometimes my entire style has to go out the window! Gr8 vid!

[@averagejackmedia609]

What would you say your skill level is? Everyone at drumeo "Humble"

[@drummingbad9358]

Typical Canadians

[@DavidOakesMusic]

@@drummingbad9358 Typical _musicians_ . The guys with the least skill are always the most arrogant.

[@rosejuliette9180]

@@DavidOakesMusic So true. This is also why people who only have experience on one instrument underestimate what it takes to play the other instruments in the band. I remember at university there was a real problem with lead guitarists that thought everything that everyone else did was simple and that the solo is the peak of musical difficulty. I always tell people to try to learn the basics on a few instruments because not only will it broaden your perspective but it will also humble you and make you appreciate your band mates. Plus you will also improve band communication if you know how to explain something the way that the other person conceptualises it.

[@joewhittle801]

Also…they are exposed to many of the world’s finest drummers, up close and live, day in and day out

[@abeerharoon2176]

I've seen too many great drummers on the internet and in real life to know better xD I'm always a beginner and forever a student. I can learn something new from everyone, whether they're drumming for 3 months, or 300000 years Peace and Love

[@austinknight6028]

Thank you drumeo for reminding me I’m not a beginner anymore! Lol I have my insecurities but this video definitely helped me decide on where I stand playing the drums.

[@tonyvincent9753]

The best advice I can give a young drummer is to focus on being the best musician you can be. Learn a melodic instrument and develope your singing voice. Only then will you truly understand the relationship between yourself, behind the drums, and the other players surrounding you.

[@StarcraftNemesis]

i would say im a low intermediate drummer, made huge progress because of you guys at drumeo, wanna say thank you for the phenomenal content!! For myself my final goal is to allways have fun behind the kit and never feel stressed out or something and allways try to learn from others instead of feeling bad because im not as good es they are! If you ever feel stressed or something keep in mind we all do this because we have fun behind the kit, Drums are Life, Drums are love

[@emburaman]

Man!. Jared, this is definitely one of the best, complete and most candid video of recent Drumeo catalog!! Great stuff!

[@yesudaspananchickal9859]

That was a needed session for all fellow drummers.. I'm really happy to watch this and inspired from your words. Thank you so much ❤️😊

[@Coastfog]

Been drumming for more than 15 years and just recently really started to focus on basic techniques and drills. I always found ways to play things intuitively, cool things, but never the best and most efficient way, just my workaround way, and always with compromise because of lack of skill in some areas. So happy about how this improved my play lately, also thanks to your videos. Don't really feel like a beginner anymore, but sure af don't feel like I'm intermediate either.

[@marleesuarez7162]

I've been in that weird position where you're not quite a beginner but not quite intermediate. At this point, I'm almost completely self taught. I've listened to songs a few times and then played them. I'm a newbie when it comes to theory, and that's the main reason I'm in lessons.

[@Kayamo105]

This could not have come at a better time. I've been feeling lost and stuck in my drumming and have really noticed some inconsistencies in my playing recently. There's some on this list that I feel comfortable with and others I don't, so it feels great to have both new goals to work towards and the validation that I've made some progress over the years. I still feel like a total beginner and that I'm in over my head lol but thank you for the motivation and the new challenges!

[@aaronreyes3636]

I've been playing for about 30 years and I'm learning each time I play. I still practice for strength and endurance then I shift to volume control and working on chops. One very important component of drumming to me is providing for the song, which then provides for the band and, finally, the audience. My band is an R&B, funk, Latin band and a sick groove is what we deliver and it just pumps onto the dance floor! Big chops don't work in that environment, but they sure do work when I hit with a non-dance, rock situation! Love drumming and love my drumming brothers and sisters! ✌🏽🥁

[@ILikeWafflz]

I actually thought myself straight up "Intermediate", but I'm not even sure of that now!

[@blackoutblaze]

I'm definitely an intermediate drummer, most likely lower middle. I've been playing for over 20 years and I can do/understand almost everything on this list (although some definitely need improvement). I still feel like I don't know what I'm doing most of the time though and I definitely have a lot more to learn. Pretty cool to hear this because a lot of these I do without even thinking about it.

[@meribor]

This has given me a basic road map, which I've never had before. Thank you! That said, I'm very pleased to find I already know many of these already

[@oscarvanhank]

I absolutely loved this video, thank you very much. I've watched your videos since the very beginning. Love

[@linguisticsdrums9215]

That's some crazy metronome practice you've been doing, Jared!

[@TheRealGuywithoutaMustache]

I figured out that I'm more of a mediocre drummer lol

[@foxygrandpa_9139]

Just Some Guy without a Mustache YOU AGAIN

[@acepilotxhts613]

Foxygrandpa _91 This dude is everywhere. Just when I think he won't show up, there he is!

[@foxygrandpa_9139]

H2O Lui BUT WHY A DRUMMING VIDEO, SO MANY PLACES THIS MAN HAS BEEN, ANIME OPENINGS, SONGS, MEMES, TRENDING VIDEOS AAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@vibraphonics2762]

YOU ARE A FRIGGIN DRUMMER TOO?????!!!!!!!!

[@oumaronald2920]

Haha surely am a beginner

[@Capt.Gagan.Boparai]

I am so blessed to be a part of the Drumeo community...thanks..!

[@mitchtucker]

Love everything Drumeo does. Thank you for teaching.

[@dr.liljay2874]

Jared: Your timing will never be perfect *Johnathan Moffet: WAIT WHA-*

[@DrumeoOfficial]

I should have added that, my bad!

[@vivisextion]

Gene Hoglan: hold my beer

[@erictorres4889]

DR.LILJAY so true .i try to get it perfect but you really can’t .

[@GoodLifeMedicine]

Steve Gadd:

[@ralph9446]

I'm drummer without having my own drumset, I'm 19 years old from Philippines, playing drums for 1 year, thank you drumeo for sharing your talents.❤🔥

[@jhenlim]

I see Filipino, I hit like.

[@stsfctshn5427]

wow! mike michalkow! what a G! i remember the early days when i started learning with this channel, he shook my world w his paradiddles. nice to see he is in good health & with yall!!!

[@ynotsammy]

My first teachings was his drumming system box set like 15 years ago now. Definitely one of the OG teachers.

[@davidbock1801]

This is a great video. Self-assessing your drum skills is a challenge but so important.

[@ilhadi]

Improv, yeeahh. Top 40, ok. Ghost notes mm hmm. Rim shots... GODDAMMIT IM A BEGINNER!

[@necreiP]

same lol. if he’s an intermediate i’m a beginner

[@paulandrews__]

Me too. But thanks for writing out some of the list! Lol

[@marcianoacuerda]

Loved this!. I clicked on this video knowing that I'm not intermediate, I'm way below that. But watching it, was highly motivating. It means that if I put in the hours and the dedication I might be able to do the things you showed. The one advice I could give is admire great drummers but don't idolize them. Admiring will make you work hard trying to catch up, idolizing means that you'll think that you'll never be good enough so why even try.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Awesome, I'm glad you liked it!

[@groovewithpassiondrumlesso2348]

Jared this is a great explanation of what it means to be an intermediate drummer. At first I was surprised when Mike Michalkow said that he is an intermediate level. Then when he said that he approaches the drums like a beginner I totally agree with him. He is an Amazing drummer. I know he is one of your teachers. I often remind my students that I am a lifelong student of the drums. I tell them that what I have learned up to this point is minute compared to what I need to learn. The musical journey never ends. Awesome video and great insight. Thank-you for filming this.

[@CYTVim]

Great posts in the comments about how drumming is a journey. One area that I am weak in, but slowly learning from youtube and reddit, is equipment. Learning how to set up and tune my set, learning what sounds good and how to select, setup and tune the set according to my likes and to facilitate improving skill and technique. Tuning alone is a milestone of sorts that could be used to separate begginner, intermediate and advanced. I know the mechanics of tuning but my ear for it is beginner-ish, but I try things and get better. Great video and topic, thank you.

[@MGDrums05]

Been playing for 10 years, will always be a beginner, at least that's how I feel about it

[@ashrasmun1]

7:00 you forgot about the one where you just hit the rim :D

[@wordkraftinitiatives2341]

Hey Jared. Thanks slot for being drummers' best guide and support. I love your lessons and the sound of your drum kits. Awesomeness defined. I was wondering if you could do a lesson on playing drums to hymns?

[@pandnh4]

This is precisely what I needed to learn at this time. Thank you.

[@NVinceble_]

8:29 I was not ready for that awesomeness

[@kikieee9]

RIGHT! I'm like, ok I think I could attempt that exercise... and I'm out.

[@famitory]

my hands are intermediate. feet not so much

[@tito_nb]

Same! Keep working it tho, it's coming to me slowly but surely

[@ashmonkey2572]

Same. It's like i'm having to punch through a brickwall everytime i try to play sth faster on the kick.

[@aleksisiltala10]

My feet are pretty close to intermediate, but my hands are more wannabe-legend.

[@aleksisiltala10]

@@ashmonkey2572 You have to think that your foot is a piano mallet. The more you hit the bass pedal at a certain time, the faster your bass line will be. Bass pedal is not a gas pedal of a car; you actually have to treat it as an instrument and use your foot in a way that your instep moves up and down hell of much and your bass pedal just happens to be in a way of your crazy foot. Playing bass drum is like dancing. Opening hi-hat in a correct way is a nightmare.. - It just needs so, so much training until it somehow seems to be getting okay. - But it's more about your hi-hat hand than your hi-hat foot in my opinion, because you can kind of cheat by just hitting very fast, though your hi-hat speed is ridiculous. (Everything depends on context though, but these are my tips.)

[@Xxlibra1018xX]

This. This right here is my ass 100%. I'm trying to practice/learn technical metal and Jesus I couldn't have picked a worse style to lean towards 🙃

[@terrytk9398]

A great video - tackling a lesser addressed issue in an intelligent & informed manner. Well done Drumeo!😀

[@hopesandfears482]

This was such a helpful video! I've been playing drums for 17 years and after watching this video, I know that I am not quite at intermediate yet, but I haven't put as much focus and attention as I could have in all those years. I look forward to the rate of improvement accelerating when I make time for Drumeo each day

[@Filip_eF]

same here

[@yikelu]

TBH, I see y'all as advanced. Just what y'all call advanced is more like "God-tier". I like the criteria established here though!

[@willharney]

damn eye opening

[@boblyle3930]

Thanks again guys for the perfect way to express drums. This channel is just fantastic…

[@johnrussell5941]

OMG. Sick idea on changing the click to the "+". Love it!

[@davidmartinezbragado4598]

*This isn’t about that, dude* HAHAHAHA I’ve been there.

[@ag5605]

The moment you realize you are a beginner😂

[@chinaski_sounds]

15 years on drums, and still roockie ^^ The most important is that I still enjoy learning new things. Very nice video!

[@jimlassen9422]

What an informative video and I have realised so many things after seeing this. I am nearly 64 and have been playing for 48 years but we all learn more all the time of course.

[@Highcastle_of_Tone]

Started watching the video thinking, yeah, totes intermediate. Then, by the end Jared calls himself intermediate and I'm like, "Is there a pre-beginner level?"

[@Spankedchicken]

Playing 33 years. I still consider myself a beginner. It’s such a subjective thing.

[@dalemyrie597]

How can you be a beginner after playing for 33 years .That cant be .The only way it can be is if you were not playing but just knocking the drum now and then for 30 years . I am playing for 15 years and people say that I am really good .

[@paradiddle5150]

@@dalemyrie597 He's saying he's always kept the outlook of a beginner, always attaining knowledge, as he's still doing

[@dougl.6461]

Great video. Pure education here! Playing to a metronome was the key to learning good steady time for me. I Practiced On the beat, then off the beat. Hrs and hrs

[@jonashellborg8320]

Great video! And the more you know, the more you also know what you don’t know! I have started as a beginner, then considered myself intermediate as I played with bands after 2 years, then found Stick Control, The Tuning Bible, Drumeo and more, and now i’m back at beginner again. :-)

[@pnsmith2001]

I thought I was intermediate till Jarod said he was.. guess I'm back to beginning for me hahaha

[@MarkQuick0411]

I’m honestly immediate at this rate playing for 5 yrs now Performing with Worship in Churches at a early stage really helped with timing Especially recently the click track whipping my ass in shape

[@jangobango2847]

All these guys saying they are intermediate have played for 20 years lol, chances are you arent on their level especially if playing with click is still a challenge for you, also its TIME, not timing

[@drumken]

Hahaha funny kids!

[@JohnMatlosz]

Great video. I am definitely an intermediate drummer. Sometimes I don't give myself enough credit to what I actually know, and sometimes feel discouraged from when I watch super good advanced drummers. This was a very good video.

[@svenheinz7926]

Great insights and inspiration (and fun to watch!), thank you for sharing!

[@kenny11111video]

i can't even keep the stable tempo for a whole song ... LOL

[@Luger0312]

I don't think anybody can ever reach a level where he can't find aspects of his drumming worth to improve.

[@mrakasuryakusuma551]

I think a good comparison to this is steve vai. People (including my dad) think he's reached the top level but he keeps on finding things to improve

[@joewhittle801]

💯. It always knocks me out when I read interviews with all-time great players that say they ‘cringe if they listen back to past recordings’ it’s like wow, there’s some perspective

[@tomjackson8895]

Great video Jared! Great question to look at. I played for 5 years in school and had a trap set, so called in my day. I have been practicing for 2 years now with a decent sounding drum set and consider myself a high beginner. The reason I mention a decent sounding drum set is that back in the day a cheap drum set didn't sound very good and didn't encourage you much to practice. Even the Ludwigs in school didn't sound good to me back then. Tearing old bed sheets into strips and placing them under the drum heads to try and get a decent sound with minimal ringing. Now days, installing some good heads, even if the drum set is new and using a tuning tool, the drums sound soooo good, it makes you want to play them for the shear fun of it.

[@sasamarjanovic2242]

Nicely presented and laid out...you guys are really serious and resourceful in what you doing...

[@mikesmith1290]

Hmm...in my head, I'm the best drummer on the planet! When I play back my recordings, not even quantize can fix that mess!

[@florianfromer3825]

Same!

[@timsabepieczynski7051]

Where am I at. Hmmm. I just have a passion and love for drumming. I continuously educate myself and strive to be better each day. I don't grade myself as to where I am for drumming. It's about respect for my craft and respect to fellow drummers/musicians and others.. Just have fun and enjoy life. What you put into it is what you'll get out of it. Have a great day fellow drummers.

[@becwhite405]

Wise words

[@handy1arnwald947]

Perfect.

[@levigregorytiama5448]

I’ve been playing drums for 7 almost 8 years and i can do most all of this but i definitely still feel like a major beginner. Music has a never ending skill cap and the more you learn the more you realize how you can never stop getting better.

[@daztastic147]

Such a good video, and I’m so glad you talked about playing for the song not for yourself, I’m a beginner maybe getting towards intermediate and I am forever telling people the same thing, that your average audience is hearing the ‘song’ and your job is to contribute to the song so it sounds as it should, I’ve even seen drum covers here on KZbin where the drums have been completely overplayed and in my opinion ruined the song. When I do covers I am always thinking about how the song should sound, so I’m glad it was touched on in this video! 👍🎵🎶

[@garridoentertainmenttv9615]

A proffesional drummer cant be defined by the amount of chops you have or even worse comparing your self with others that people thing are THE BEST. You can figure it out if you are a pro player if you can do the following ( its my opinion): 1. Be able to play with and without click tracks etc and have implecable timing 2. Be able to play for the song , doesnt matter what style 3. Groove, feel and concept 4. Be able to be on the road and dont fuck up 5. Learn material fast and be able to get along with others 6. Understand that music is NOT ABOUT CHOPS 7. Make sure you know how to play loud and solid if you are going to hit the road. Being a pro has nothing to deal with chops or if u compare yourself with that guy or that guy. Make sure you play with musicians BETTER THAN YOU and hit the road and play nightly. REAL ROAD IS THE ONLY THING THAT MAKE U A REAL PRO . NO MATTER STYLE YOU PLAY. TO BE A PRO YOU DONT HAVE TO PLAY 300.000 STYLES. PLAY 4 OR 5 REALLY WELL!!!

[@PenguinMcDuck]

Play 4 or 5 styles really well: rock, jazz, funk, Latin. [or] Play 4 or 5 styles really well: hard rock, country rock, glam rock, punk rock, heavy metal. Kinda depends on your definition of "style" I guess. Honestly, if someone can play rock, jazz, funk and Latin really well - forget about the definition of "really well" for now - then they probably have more or less the whole shebang already.

[@thegoldfishpool]

Yup, I always consider myself a hobbyist. I just play for fun and exercise. Have since I was 13 so 31 years. But I would never call myself a pro or an expert.

[@davidbrady7570]

So..refreshing..to hear..your take on..intermediate drummer....blessings. ..

[@mikebinks6662]

Great video. Thanks so much for your insight

[@TomDrums]

I stopped watching right after "You can confidently improvise with other people", before I lose my intermediate status.

[@waksibra]

"im not a god emperor expert sith, so im not advanced" k

[@jimbodavis1944]

Your playing has a real fresh feel to it. Very cool!

[@adriantucker6904]

This is brilliant, got back in to drumming after years off and having before done all my grades- still feel like I’m catching up with where I was in a way but great ideas playing to metronome off beat and def an intermediate- so many great things still to learn 😁

[@MotricMedulation]

This isn’t about that dude, lol.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

haha! :-)

[@ajosuql7468]

after watching this i went from begginer to meh

[@cocoblizzard]

i play for 2 years, started as a beginner in a band. My friends tolds me i made huge progress..i think i still suck and the road is very looong. but it's such a great journey.

[@TopDownDrumming]

Very cool video. Really liked all the aspects of what makes an interminable drummer.