Nick D’Virgilio: Progressive Rock Drumming Tips (FULL DRUM LESSON)

[@eskilseter]

One of the most underrated drummers in history. Nick absolutely slays, and always with that smooth laid-back feel and a big smile on his face. Those big tom rolls he pulls out are pure awesome.

[@josteinv.jordet257]

Norsk?

[@Cobalt985]

For real. And the track he was playing with Big Big Train made me wanna check them out more, really reminds me of Genesis and Yes. Just a smattering of Dream Theater in there too. There was quite a bit more DT sound in the Spock's Beard medley, which sounded pretty sick.

[@PabloJ1968]

Multi instrumentalist and a heck of a vocalist too!

[@DailyFrankPeter]

Yeah, you forgot to mention he can sing.

[@jamessbca]

I love this guy. Talks to you / acts like your buddy / friend from next door. Walks in and kills it on the drums. Normal guy. Plays like a freaking hero.

[@brianmendelsohn2789]

One of the nicest and most humble guys out there! Nice catch Drumeo

[@sergioponti3195]

Nick has been a long time favorite of mine. Such a musical drummer. Awesome musician. Many years ago, when I was 20, I helped Spock's Beard book a gig at our local club during a day off. The stage was a bit small, so my late dad, myself and Tony, the owner, worked the whole night before the show to make it bigger using pallets and plywood. The following day, as the band arrived, some friends and I helped them unload and set up, and Nick showed me his way of tuning drums and was very gracious the whole time, despite being severely jetlagged. After the show he and the keyboard played came and cornered me and basically "forced" me to take a fee for booking the show. Nick said "it's just fair, and from now on you will always know that those who work for you deserve to be paid". Class act!

[@JD-qp9ox]

Most underrated drummer of the 21st century.

[@arsonality3797]

21st century schitzoid man

[@Holestic_Honesty]

TheAnime Kid That would be Giles.

[@markdemell3717]

I play like that ,when I am sleeping in dream land.

[@PabloJ1968]

Multi instrumentalist ad a heck of a vocalist too!

[@mallorga1965]

This has been one of the most enjoyable videos I've seen on Drumeo. Nick is not only a great drummer, but also a great communicator. Long live Prog Rock!

[@enzonicita2000]

My favorite drummer in the world... Always he smiles, he feels the music... Thanks Nick for your music.

[@selftaughtD]

I've seen this guy on youtube and I thought he was just a very cool drum reviewer. Didn't know that he is an absolute monster. Biggest respect from south Korea

[@RandyHanley]

Nick is a drumming and vocal genius. I can't stop there, he plays guitar..the guy is good at everything.

[@danielalejandrofernandez180]

15:58 that's such a great and understandable expanation. Very musical and intuitive.

[@ogden700]

Oh my goodness! To watch Nick D'Virgilio play the Overture to "Snow", up close and direct: I fainted. This is the music, and the musicianship, that is heard in heaven (beside, as Douglas Coupland has pointed out, the opening 20 seconds of "Lovely Rita".) Wow. Just. Wow. Unbelievable. What a song. What drumming chops. Wow.

[@SKragseth]

Yes! Nick is the man! Love his playing and Sweetwater demos

[@rocktonmusikschule]

Its all about the music. He is a great drummer, singer and musician. I can here a lot of Collins influence in his playing. Both are so underrated. Great!

[@itsjoeredula7]

One of my all time favorite drummers. Very versatile and he can play almost all instruments. Amazing and talented man. It's great to see him in Drumeo.

[@alainassenberg]

Finally! One of the most underrated drummers...no, musicians! With his own soundsignature, by his playing and chosen gear. Love his style of phrasing and groove. He playes more notes than most pop/rock/prog-drummers, but so musically. What brand is that China??? Yes, I also love the choosen cymbals. Paiste Masters are great crashes. But only Meinl can make the best special EFX cymbals. Snare tuned up and wires losen, love that! It gives the snare a more blending effect in the overall balance/space (maybe a bit to much snarebottom in the mix?). But than, Drumeo brings the best mixes in drumvideo's these days. But....this is my view on life here. Everybody is different. Thank you, Nick. For being such a inspiring drummer and person!

[@davidbergmanpdx]

Aside from being an EXCELLENT musician, Nick always comes off as very humble and genuine. Glad to learn more about his playing-thanks Drumeo!

[@danaaronmusic]

I'm not even a drummer, but this is a great lesson for anyone who's into playing progressive rock, on any instrument, or anyone who's just interested in understanding the music.

[@craigdoucette1929]

I always wondered what Nick’s process/thinking was when he goes into the zone behind his kit. The way he breaks things down to ensure musicality is incredible.

[@snoholoans]

I had no idea Nick is such an animal! Super impressed. And as stated, so humble!

[@mariacarrillo7779]

loved every part of this lesson: nick is a passionate drummer and an amazing teacher!! we need more of him in Drumeo! we need more of him and his passion in our drumming.

[@krishnendubiswas4584]

Right

[@kickazzdrummer666]

Talented drummer Great teacher Awesome salesman My new drum-idol!

[@KingXanadu]

Best episode ever. Need more prog! Nick is amazing

[@blakeyeatsteaky]

Nick is a legend! What a hell of a guy.

[@Audioholics]

Nick is such an amazing drummer and humble human being. Snow is hands down Spock Beard's best album, IMHO, largely due to his contribution.

[@bobsondugnutt7526]

He's such a good pitch man on drum demos, nice to see that he's so accomplished as well. Cool guy.

[@drummerKev]

This is one of my favorite videos Drumeo has made to date. I can relate with Nick on so many different levels. We’re both close in age, Prog rock is my favorite genre of music to play, Phil Collins is also one of favorite drummers growing up. Now since Nick has become the face of Sweetwater I decided to buy my DW Collectors series drum kit from them because Nick knows exactly what key features to talk about and demonstrate for us drummers, not to mention he’s highly underrated as a drummer! He’s an incredible drummer and can play anything. He comes across as a very nice and humble guy while being an incredibly highly talented drummer and well rounded musician. He’s a very intelligent highly talented musician. He’s taken Sweetwater to a whole new level making them my first “go to” online store to shop. Y’all should have Nick back again!

[@ebpat]

So glad you guys had Nick on!! The guy does the absolute BEST drum reviews on KZbin! Excellent drummer and seems like a genuinely nice guy. I just bought a Mapex Armory kit based on his great review. Thanks, Nick!!

[@jamiegolden7093]

"Snow" was Spock Beard's magnum opus, IMO, and if you think Nick slays behind the drum kit, check out the live performance when he takes center stage to Sing "Carie", a magnificent ballad from the second disc. Thanks for this!

[@glauberbelo9602]

Nick is an amazing drummer and beyond. He’s a brilliant composer! There’s no anyone out there so talented as Nick. This guy deserve all respect and sucess.

[@jonashellborg8320]

Why I really like Spock’s Beard and Big Big Train as progressive acts is, melodies aside, that thing Nick did/does of putting pocket and groove into odd time signatures, making the music interesting and full of groove.

[@Neil-Aspinall]

Nick is one of those great feel drummers, very musical.

[@MichaelClaudio13]

NICK IS AMAZING!!! ONE OF MY FAVORITE DRUMMERS!!! seems like such an amazing guy.

[@julsrique9148]

Virgilio is a all-around beast Drummer! One of the most versatile drummer that I ever see! He is in my top ten drummer list!

[@krazYFaic]

Its always a treat to see Nick play. Such a great drummer and all around good entertainer.

[@darinwood2183]

How did I miss this 4 months ago? I really enjoy hearing about the thought process that goes into play the song. Excellent explanation of how to play odd time.

[@fanfanfanfan4840]

C'est super jubilatoire de te voir jouer Nick. Je suis un fan absolu, oui tu as au moins un fan en France, je plaisante!!!! Merci, merci etttttttt merci

[@BarbellThor]

“Ok so I work at this place called Sweetwater.” Oh we know.

[@kushking420]

lmao

[@wdouglasjunior]

This is just gold. Back when I first heard Spock's Beard I was really into Aquiles Priester's style, wich is awesome but very stiff, and Nick blew my mind with his musicality and soul. To this day I always get back to hearing and studying Nick when I feel my drumming is getting kinda stiff.

[@skylineian]

Really great lesson! I seen this guy do demos for Sweetwater drum gear, but I had no idea he was such an awesome drummer. Much respect

[@froblivion8284]

What a brilliant musician- swinging with power ! He’s as good as drumming gets & really seems like a decent chap to boot. Class act.

[@lvvry1855]

Great job. Finally, a rock guy who thinks musically first, then technique. A pleasure to watch and hear.

[@zero28ism]

YES, FINALLY. NICK IS GREAT

[@incutool]

I love how Mr D’Virglio commanded the floor and didn’t let the host become redundant!

[@TedSchoenling]

Nick is such a musical player... always a joy to hear him!

[@viniciusazevedo7944]

As a professional drummer I most say Nick is definitely one the most all around refined and technically talented drummers in the world !

[@dwdrumz1]

Flowing artistry and a naturally gifted player! Great musician and teacher. Awesome skills, thanks Nick!

[@vanhunsberger4192]

love nick's playing. technical yet so smooth and groovy. excellent vocalist as well.

[@TheJLPShow]

THE most under-appreciated drummer on Earth.

[@Sundaydrumday]

One of my top drummers...dude is so fluid and so on top of it

[@RoeShamBoe]

gonna be a spike in Spock's Beard and Big Big Train iTunes sales after this vid

[@trevorschnedler4472]

better be! They never get enough recognition

[@gringochucha]

Such a great combination of chops and musicality, and always so smooth and relaxed. Nick is an absolute beast and an inspiration to keep learning as a drummer.

[@drums4lyfe0987]

Nick has been one of my biggest influences since high school.

[@krishnendubiswas4584]

Amazing...... Brilliantly explained the most difficult parts of drumming industry...

Watching this for the umpteenth time!! I love this man!! The finest drummer out there!!! Period!!

[@360.Tapestry]

i always see this guy demo-ing different drum kits. always thought his playing was very crisp and clean.... so excellent to get a lesson from him and get a peak at his philosophy on drumming

[@davidmcaninch4714]

What Nick is saying reminds me of a saying from one of my favorite cartoon characters of all time: “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.”

[@Kraz3e987]

Everyone's favorite uncle, Iroh

[@jhonnattanalexandercornejo3526]

Nick uno de mis bateristas favoritos, tanto su tecnica y la forma del desempeño como musico. saludos desde El salvador

[@Jellybeantiger]

Love prog,my fav genre of music especially all the classic 70s stuff.

This is such an inspirational video drumming lesson by one of the absolutely finest musicians I know!

[@alm5966]

Saw him with BBT in 2017 and he's amazing. Definitely one of the best I've seen live and I've seen both Rush and Tool.

[@sergioponti]

one of the best and most underrated players!

[@richbvw]

That last track was totally insane. Great lesson, great drummer

[@hwangman]

Fantastic! Been a fan of Nick's work since the mid-90s. So glad to see him on here.

[@mjulio71]

About time!!! Nick has been a favorite of mine for decades now - Thanks for another excellent featured artist.

[@billbrandt1106]

You SOLD me Nick - I'm totally jazzed about playing progressive music and I'm looking for a progressive band to join.

[@batwithglasses]

Like Brian M. already stated.. one of the most humble guys around. It's great to see also that he's obviously a "teacher" in as much as he describes things very eloquently and is very personable while doing it. Nothing worse than having a guest who is stupidly talented that has zero communication skills. Two thumbs up!

[@blucero102]

Thanks for bringing it every time Nick!

[@EixtremeDrummer]

Proud of being a Nick fan for a long time, with all these comments I realize about my good taste for drummer

[@DPdrum1]

you guys put out top notch videos! ....Very thankful you guys put up this free content for drummers! fantastic stuff

[@Diatonic5th]

I love the loose feel approach that he uses in odd time signatures. It almost swings a little bit and doesn't sound clinical or soulless.

[@charliemarley1513]

Love his style and feel. I used to watch the sweetwater drum demos just to listen to his playing

[@billbigler1366]

Phenomenal lesson. And yes is a very humble and personable guy. He is the kind of teacher you just want to learn from.

[@ashimdrumz3690]

Best lessons ever ... We are musician before we re a Drummer, pianists , guitarist or any other stuff...

[@jeromemichaeltarona9925]

I believe everything Nick D'Virgilio does and says in sweetwater, He's one of the most luckiest guys to have fun at work playing all the nice drum kits, gears and whatever he could get his hands on. I love the way he does his magic on the drums.

[@danielalejandrofernandez180]

He's such a good drum teacher. Even if he's not going for it. This is just a tiny master class.

[@martingregory161]

Brilliant video. Thanks! Nick is simply superb. So glad he is playing with the fabulous BBT.

[@gabrieldaigle]

Beyond amazing. Always in the groove. Always smooth and flawless. That sticking on the snare alone kills me. I can only aspire to be Nick. And a super nice guy. If I could add one more item to his portfolio it would be his time with Kevin Gilbert. Go check out the Shaming of the True, the album released after Kevin's death. He had a huge part in finishing that thing up. A masterpiece. As is most everything Nick touches.

[@garyconner6151]

Been listening to Spock's beard so nice the Early nineties.nick is one of the best.

[@yourdrummer2034]

Nick just tears it up all over the place! Damn!! Love it, Nick!

[@wurdofwizdumb1928]

This guy has such a musical soul. I love this man hahah.

[@iantouzel638]

Effortless, such a pleasure to watch you play.

[@DarrenX9]

Love everything about this... the music, the playing, the kit, the setup.

[@Artikulo71]

Awesome Drummer! One Of The Best!🤘🤘

[@julsrique9148]

Not just a progressive beast drummer, is melodic, and has musicality! Virgilio is one of the greats!

[@edvanesch178]

Man I love to hear Nick talk. Cool!

[@cnonymous]

Love Nick. Great drummer, great teacher, great person. I would love to meet him! He seems really cool!

[@Sundaydrumday]

And I figured it out, he makes every song he plays interesting to listen too, every song....he could make a nursery rhyme relevant

[@westondifranco9313]

Something else you can do in a 8 based odd meter (5/8, 9/8, 7/8) is on the ride, accent every other beat. Creates a cool over the bare line feel, but is so musical.

[@ricohorton]

Great to see Nick giving some progressive tips on Drumeo. Great drummer!

[@jdallavia]

One of the best drummers. Great.

[@klchu]

He also played with Kevin GIlbert! He even help complete KG's posthumous album.

[@ralphbenites1819]

He deserves a reward for outstanding drum videos 🏆🥁

[@darkdrift0r124]

This guy is legendary! UNDERRATED! FINALLY.

[@trevorschnedler4472]

Unreal. Best video ever! Been listening to Spock's Beard since Octane came out. Nick is soooo good. Watching these great drummers I badly need to build my left foot independence for running hi hat in the background. If anyone has tips they are much appreciated.

[@leandrovergara]

De mis bateristas preferidos!! Nick siempre sólido!!!

[@markberry4133]

Nick is Incredible Was lucky to see Carl Palmer recently also one of my favorite drummers that plays progressive rock

[@davemieze9021]

That kit sounds soooo good. And nick is just a killer player.

[@Sunkan86]

I was thinking that you should have him on 2 days ago, my prayers have been heard! Sick influence for me personally. Love your content Drumeo!

[@MoisesVillafuerte]

I like his drumming & reviews !

[@dwdrumz1]

The realization that odd times are counted at different tempos within the section/part is an ah ha moment for musicians/drummers. Ex. 1, 2, 3,.1234567, 1, 2, 3, 4,.1234567. Cool great way to phrase and understand the feel and make the music have groove.

[@TripleFermentation]

Those aren't different tempos, just to be clear; they're different note values.

[@jeanmicheldeblois2896]

one of my fave drummer's for sure !!! thanks for all the tricks and tips Nick !!!