Keith Carlock - How To Play Better Drum Solos

Faster Hands & Feet (in 10 days)
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The Ultimate Drumming Toolbox
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Keith Carlock, best known for his work with Steely Dan, Toto, and other legendary acts, came out to Drumeo to wow everyone with a full lesson on how to make your solos more interesting.
Keith’s biggest way to bring unpredictability and creativity to his solos is to play around with modulation, moving from a 12/8 feel to a 6/8 or 3/4 feel, and weaving in and out of all three. “It allows for interesting things to happen and shifts the way the time feels to keep things interesting for the player and the listener.”
Lesson Takeaways:
- Practice to a metronome
- Sing ‘melodies’ between the kick and snare that you might play in that timefeel
- Work with existing muscle memory and bring in grooves you’ve played before
- Make your solos more interesting by bringing in new timefeels, melodies, dynamics, repeating sections, textures, and using the rim and hands
- Play along to records to solidify your internal clock
Lesson Index:
0:12 - SONG: “Hey You” by Oz Noy
6:06 - Introduction
9:33 - Drum solo #1
20:00 - Demonstrating modulation
31:25 - Drum solo #2
34:34 - Putting it all together
38:10 - “Black Cow” by Steely Dan
43:00 - Drum solo #3
About Keith:
Keith Carlock is a professional drummer and famed author of the critically acclaimed DVD “The Big Picture: Phrasing, Improvisation, Style, & Technique”. Keith has recorded and toured with the who’s who of the music industry, including John Mayer, Sting, Steely Dan, James Taylor, TOTO, Christopher Cross, Donald Fagen, Walter Becker, Diana Ross, Faith Hill, The Blues Brothers Band, Mike Stern, Leni Stern, David Johansen and the Harry Smiths, Richard Bona, Chris Botti, Wayne Krantz, Rudder, Harry Belafonte, Oz Noy, Larry Carlton, Clay Aiken, Rascal Flatts, Paula Abdul and Grover Washington Jr. Besides his extensive and impressive resume as a professional musician, Keith has also been voted number 1 Pop drummer, number 1 Fusion drummer, and number 1 Best All-Around drummer through Modern Drummer’s Readers Poll.
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[@DrumeoOfficial]

The one and only Keith Carlock! It was such a pleasure to have him out in the studio to share his incredible drumming and musical wisdom. We hope you enjoy this lesson and feel inspired to jump on your kit afterwards! 🥁

[@Whatthechuckttv]

I remember watching Keith play back in high school (1986-1988) when we were in the marching band together. It was simply amazing even then to watch him play and to practice and learn and improve his craft. I'm talking about a 16-17 year old Carlock with the typical 80's long blond hair just going crazy on a snare as we practiced our marching band shows or concert season shows and just being amazed at the talent that dude had back then. I can't remember ever seeing him back then where he wasn't on a drum practicing and even simulating it with his infamous air drumming. On the bus ride to football games or band competition trips he'd have his sticks out and would be working on various rudiments or techniques on the seat in front of him. Anyone who knew Carlock back then knew he was destined for big things and man has he lived up to that. He and I were never close friends but watching him practice and play back then was something I've never forgotten and will always be impressed by. He knew from early in life exactly what he wanted to do and he's done exactly that.

[@builtbods]

Fantastic! Thanks for sharing this, Keith is the man!

[@thejamnasium6447]

Mississippi boys

[@RafikMankariosDrumStudio]

One of the very rare drummers I could litteraly listen to all day!! Nasty-ass playing and groove!!!

[@pellelidell007]

Keith has unique qualities as a drummer. His time, feel and groove sense are so incredibly mesmerizing...and I can't get enough of it! I have mad respect for his one-in-a-million talent!

[@rnm723]

Bruh 😳 This dude's playing is ONE OF A KIND !

[@vmail19]

Keith always has the most thunderous bass drum sound!

[@Gruuvin1]

Keith has bass drum tone like Jaco has bass tone.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Pullin' up a chair for this one 👌🏾

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Enjoy!

[@justice576]

It doesnt get better than Keith!

[@paulseano5100]

Keith has covered a lot of ground over the years as a drummer. I remember the days here in Dallas Texas back in the 90s watching his gigs as he was evolving into the most incredible drummer ever. You should’ve seen the early days in his early 20s as well! Keith has marked an epoch in drumming history. His left handed traditional grip technique is very unusual and the ghost notes he produces are simply fascinating and mesmerizing. If you get a chance grab his DVD the big picture about style, phrasing and technique. His work with Oz Noy and Wayne Krantz, and Tim Lefebre is great as well. Happy Thanksgiving to all!

[@gui-texzan7477]

Dallas had a great local scene. I don't remember Keith playing with any of the bands that I followed, but I remember Earl Harvin and Michael Jerome. As far as I was concerned, Course of Empire's drum duo was unmatched.

[@paulseano5100]

Dallas Brass and Electric, Tin Man, to name a few. Remember those?

[@davidsuprenant893]

Phenomenal, I'm 64 years old,been playing for 50 years,guess I should just sell it all.!!!

[@1musikgeek]

Nah dude. Just have fun with the drums. Enjoy music thats the whole point.

[@MrKodave81]

What an absolute legend!!! Great job from the Drumeo team as always!!! Thanks for having one of my fav drummers!! love it :)

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed his lesson. 🙂

[@pellolopez3764]

MAKE A LESSON WITH GARY NOVAK PLEASEEEE!!!!

[@HughMorristheJoker]

His work on the hihat with his left foot is killer, and all his other stuff is too.

[@yuggothproductions]

So musical and powerful!! That bare hand during the solo was incredible!!

[@AlCampopiano]

Thank you so much Drumeo. Keith is one of my absolute favourites.

[@Richard6767]

I love Keith’s drumming for his musicality, pocket, feel, creativity and sound. What a drummer!

[@davebander9730]

Keith is incredible. He is one of the grooviest drummers I have ever seen. His huge vocabulary, tone and dynamics are absolutely outstanding. This man is an very intelligent and musical drummer. Wow!

[@MaxBrilhart]

FINALLY UPLOADED. MY FAV DRUMMER. Seriously, see him with the Dan if you ever get the chance.

[@stansaito9736]

Just saw him and he was amazing with Steely Dan! Wow.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Glad we could have your favorite drummer out! Hope you enjoyed the lesson. 🙂

[@Gruuvin1]

Keith is such a groove machine!

[@bobbysands6923]

The sound of his kick is amazing. I have the same kit--I saw a demo of the Brooklyns with him playing and I was sold.

[@cluek9780]

Yeah, its all in the kit, dude😂

[@oRacleGosu]

I remember seeing him as a teen on drummerworld in the late 90's for the first time. He is different. His playing is so funky. So many unexpected notes on the bass drum. His flow and rolls are very distinct.

[@melvinhunter5617]

Truly educational and enjoyable! I was able to hear the Drum Line experience in the solo and feel the discipline of the rudiments as well.

[@21DaHoagie12]

YES!!!!!! Keith did a clinic at the music store I work at a few years back and he was the guy who got me to change from pillows in my bass drum and tape/gels/rings all over my toms to playing with an open bass drum and as little muffling on the drums as possible.... it was funny cuz at first, it was very jarring, the open sound of his drums, but about 20 minutes into the clinic i was converted! just listen how natural and resonant and great those drums sound !

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Keith has such a great sound on the kit! Sounded like an inspirational clinic.🙂

[@mattmarkus4868]

Bohnam played like that, and that’s about the best that rock drums can sound, as far as I’m concerned. I don’t know why muting the drums got so popular. Let them breathe!

[@steves_garage]

Yep...there's really only two reasons guys will muffle the crap out of drums. One is because they think they're going to get that gated studio sound live, and other is because they can't tune their drums in the first place. Muffling drums is basically just killing the tone.

[@21DaHoagie12]

@@steves_garage I could not agree more! unfortunately this topic usually causes lots of fights and arguments but I definitely share your opinion... when I hear people talking about "unwanted overtones and resonance" and controlling them with dampening I cringe, because when you listen to a mix they sound dead. the drum with the "unwanted" overtones and resonance sounds SOOO much better in a mix and it took me awhile to change the way I play and the way I approach tuning my drums.. I've had many people tell me in recent years after playing my kit that its one of the nicer ones they've played and I take a lot of pride in that because I feel like I'm helping spread the Carlock approach to drum sound :D

[@steves_garage]

@@21DaHoagie12 Yeah I actually stopped muffling before I even knew about Carlock because my teacher actually didn't like to do it either. Most jazz drummers don't. I mean yeah...overtones...but by the time you add in the rest of the band to the mix it's not noticeable anymore, plus you can alleviate some of that by tuning the bottom head a bit tighter. The attack of the stick makes the head tighter when you hit it so it doesn't quite match pitch with the bottom head if it's got the same sitting tension. If you want different tom tones, you use different heads. I go between the coated ambassadors and clear pinstripes myself.

[@MrPedrocourelas]

Master, top 5 today. Best right foot.

[@antiago1983]

And those hands? This guy rocks, I love him

[@MrPedrocourelas]

@@antiago1983 , when Colaiuta goes to play with Herbie, he said to Sting that Keith is the man for replace him.

[@mattmarkus4868]

Pedro Courelas i always wondered if Sting wasn’t that pleased with him. He only played for him briefly and he usually sticks with a drummer for awhile, at least on and off. I just wonder if Sting didn’t feel his style suited him.

[@vmail19]

I don’t know what it is, but that guy always has the most thunderous bass drum!! Awesome!

[@davebrummet7743]

Wow!!! This cured me of solo fright. I’ve never in 40+ years ever been comfortable playing drum solos. Now I have a direction thanks to Keith.

[@ianchui7711]

probably the finest drum solos recorded on youtube.

[@bebettoninja]

what a MONSTER!

[@jumpinjojo]

One of the most underrated drummers out there today.

[@3SevenStangVids]

I wouldnt say underrated, more so unknown... cause anyone that knows him rates him good lol

[@Kuba-hs4ns]

The moment I saw him playing, I was like: I love this guy

[@marsdrums6298]

I loved the metronome section. 12/8 switching to 6/8 then to 3/4. Genius and looks like fun to do! I have to try this!

[@MatterofFats]

Oz Noy, the drummer’s guitar player.

[@djmylesmatisse]

Drum solos are cool and those that do them are cool but as a drummer I'm cool with not doing them. My skill is staying in the pocket in the confines of the song. More power to Keith and all the others that love and are excellent at soloing.

[@21Danieltbs]

Oh hell yeah Keith Carlock finally!!! Was wondering when you were gonna get him in! Thank you Drumeo for this!!

[@daisybobglover5096]

Simply Amazing!! His speed, dynamics time and voicing are second only to the late great Buddy Rich.

[@artemcultura6191]

We love you Keith

[@BrianHarrisDrummer]

Keith is the modern day John Bonham with his feel and phat groove. Love his playing. He played on a few tracks of my brother's, one being "Julius Seizure" (by Michael Harris). Sick chops on that track. And I get the honor of trying to cop those chops when we play that song live, which is always in the set. Gee, thanks Mr. Carlock! LOL

[@roadwarrior4080]

The 2 play nothing alike

[@dizzolve]

What a nice down to earth guy......... and of course ........... great playing

[@theego2897]

His signature sticks are awesome. Meaty for power, yet tapered for speed.

[@AlexiefDelbes]

The Ego those are great sticks to bounce forever

[@theego2897]

@@AlexiefDelbes indeed

[@3SevenStangVids]

agreed the only sticks ive bought for the last 4 years

[@jaymeramirez7435]

First time I ever seen or heard Kieth was on a dvd we had playing at Guitar Center. I’ll never forget his sound. He was endorsed with Yamaha at the time. He had a gorgeous Phoenix setup similar to this. But it sounded like he used all Ambassadors even in the kick drum. Very very unique sound. Man I loved it. Ended up with a CD of his too. Had that same exact single play wide open sound. RUDDER was the name of the band. Man. It was cool.

[@aaronlin6599]

Omg I was just thinking about how awesome it would be if Keith did a vid with Drumeo. Thank u so much!

[@DrumeoOfficial]

You are very welcome. :)

[@U2WB]

Keith has such a great feel, and chops to back it all up.

[@kowboy83ra]

How do you make better drum solos? Be Keith Carlock

[@rglickdrums]

one of my favs of all time

[@BedoyaMJuanP]

I think he is easily one of the grooviest drummers out there.

[@patrickl6932]

Keith is my favorite drummer

[@kai326]

Bought myself two pairs of vic firths, and what do I see in my feed? the king himself! Wonderful vid, you guys

[@retrogore420]

One of my favorite if not my favorite drummer. Carlock is a God among men.

[@jaivardhan5334]

We need Jo Jo Mayer on Drumeo

[@DanyMeyer]

Would be great ! :-)

[@curiousnomad]

I love the fact that although he has influences he followed his own path and is no one’s clone. There’s only one Gadd, Jack D, Elvin, etc. No one can be anyone else, only themselves. He’s Keith, that’s it. Not copying, just playing what Keith plays.

[@aksimtaioreunin5385]

This guy is one of the greatest to do it

[@juanbluesramirez]

Thank you very much Drumeo!! One of the great drummers of recent times, wonderful master class!

[@SteveMonti]

Wow I think Keith is my new inspiration- such a great feel and tasty - kit sound is so good too

[@crazy8sdrums]

Keith is awesome and smooth, with a fantastic swampy feel. Drumming doesn't get much better in that style. He is top of the heap for that....but only for that. It is like a one trick pony...it is an amazing trick, but only one. I'd like to hear his feel applied to stuff outside his comfort zone. I have never heard him play outside of his comfort zone.

[@Gruuvin1]

What's the one trick?

[@ivanpetrov4206]

Your proposal is paradoxical in its essence. Being outside your comfort zone is the same as try doing something you not to be able. I have one question. Do you expect him to do it publicly? I think, it is not good idea. He's a great master, but he's still just a human

[@Glinggl72Freestyle]

Elvin Jones is elvin Jones, Tomas Lang is Tomas Lang and Keith Carlock is Keith Carlock. It's most likely that he can play other styles very well but he brings what he wants to the table and it's a beautiful sound. He's a master drummer for sure.

[@LEONARDRUM]

Thanks Drumeo and Keith, really nice lessons with an amazing Drummer!

[@cluek9780]

The acceleration he achieves is stunning

[@cooperw839]

1 min in and it’s already the best Drumeo lesson ever.

[@BlurredTrees]

That drum solo DESTROYED! 🫶🏼🤯

[@pdumayr]

Insane soloing. Not one of my favourites, but definitely helped my 3s 6s and 12s . Petition to bring Vinnie Colaiuta tho or Chad Smith to have a blast.

[@dagostinoification]

MR.GROOVE ! I LOVE HIS DRUMMING !

[@nicolaso7869]

Que lindo que toca la bata Keith!!! Fenómeno!!

[@dennisfraser8552]

He is one of my favourite drummers, one of a view!

[@Knutorius]

you need a drumeo towel for sweaty drummers! thanks for the video! edit: lol, and then jared brought the tshirt^^

[@charlesoutlaw1009]

Just Beautiful. WoW.

[@reggtop]

ONE OF-A KIND MASTER THANK YOU KEITH

[@chadwickharris9830]

Man that was groovin! Hitting each sound in perfect sync.

[@JoeNocella]

Smart idea..going thru the different feels 12/8 to 6/8 to 3/4..Opens up a lot of room for improvisation. Next time ask Keith to break down those double stroke rolls on the toms with bass drum...That seems to be his favorite lick.

[@steves_garage]

One of the things I've always liked about Carlock is that his style is very accessible. You can sit down at the drums and use a lot of his ideas provided you have the technical background to properly use downstrokes with the left hand. You don't even really need to use traditional grip or even the...what I would call exaggerated legato strokes that he uses. The main thing is learning how to 'noodle' between the snare and kick so that you make phrases with it.

[@Glinggl72Freestyle]

I sat down to work on one of his grooves and Paradiddles between hands and feet made it possible with straight 8 jazz ride. And then just take notes out.

[@troutstudio]

Thanks Drumeo for wonderful lesson. What a nice guy Keith is! Of course, an awesome drummer too. Ed Soph!

[@n-dog9325]

Keith Carlock, the Rhythm Warlock. 😁

[@quazimodo1973]

just love his feel and oz noy.. brilliant music man!!

[@davidseres3030]

I appreciate Keith as a drummer...he has technical skill, tasty licks, and a great sense of groove/rhythm... I am probably in the minority here - but I believe that Keith's loose/minimal stick grip style negatively affects his playing range... Despite my opinion, many viewers (including myself) enjoy his drumming - and that is what may matter from the standpoint of the musician-audience relationship... Blessings to Keith...😊

[@bruceperkins2921]

keiths style is instantly recognizable.

[@salthedrummer1]

Monster great all around

[@swoop2386]

man, this guy's swing is insane!

[@freshboi8745]

Keith is an absolute master

[@dreamopeth]

Those cymbals!!!!

[@Megamatthiesen]

Wow what a fantastic drummer...Love that man and he’s style 🔥🔥🥁🔥🔥🌍❤️🇩🇰

[@leonsangala]

Oh my god!!! Christmas came early!!!.. dont know if you've ever brought Nathaniel Townsley, if not.. definetely a guest to invite..

[@zvensabri2533]

Wow i love your technique .and it's the best drummer

[@valueape888]

Are there any full length albums of Keith playing solo? Is the world ready for that? I sure am

[@igorstankovic3275]

2 :15 so Steely Danish.love it.

[@profileprofile7028]

Wowzers Keith is great!

[@KevinPaulineNeal]

Yes. I can vaguely feel it after the explanation. Now to try the basics

[@CoryAboud]

This is a great lesson, thanks!

[@3qgc]

One of the most musical drummers on planet earth! Anyone know the cymbal breakdown he's using?

[@carlopez2340]

Besides david marcano, he was the one that showed me drums are melodic just like any other instrument . if your looking for speed watch other guys( but he is as complete as it is)

[@o0junglist0o93]

Strange hearing Keith without that wide open bass drum sound...

[@Gruuvin1]

YOU GUYS GOT KEITH CARLOCK! NO WAY!

[@rlobrown55]

MY GOD. what a MONSTER!!

[@matttildesley]

awesome playing ? so much talent.

[@GSA_Drums]

Great drumming! That Kit is georgeous! :)

[@geolima348]

Sou fã da sonoridade que o Keith estrai do instrumento, muito show!! Lembranças boas dos MD's.

[@DamianS1893]

Sweet Drum Set 😀

[@felixjones9198]

To my mind, Keith uses his cymbals in a more uniquely creative style than most. Plus his hand/foot interplay is filthy, and probably [edit: arguably?] the best around.

[@DrumApe]

Very unique drummer, that was really great!

[@DamianS1893]

Excellent Presentation ✝️👍🤙✌️

[@AlexiefDelbes]

the blue snare is a UNix steam bent if you guy’s wondering

[@saulhinojoza2457]

Slavoj Zizek on Drums, Nice

[@seffyjanze]

realy cool concept. was just digging in to this

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Enjoy! It's definitely a very useful concept.

[@slimchance7748]

Mind blown.

[@bishopoftroy]

They don`t make lessons like this anymore, it`s just a show now, entertainment.