1st Open/Close (push/pull) Single Stroke Roll Video © 2002

[@dlparis]

You, Sir are a Godsend!! I'm a 48 y/o drummer that has been forced to "power down" my style of drumming (due to a lower back and shoulder injury). After watching in amazement you play with Steve Miller on Austin City Limits, I turned to my wife and said, "Look at him! He's Nailing every beat Perfectly and not even breaking a sweat!...I need to BE Gordy!!!" lol You're playing Take The Money and Run, for example, with one hand while adjusting your mixer without effort. So Awesome. I thought I had my drumming heroes/mentors pretty well prioritized until I started studying you and your technique. After watching your (Drum Technique Fundamental) videos, you have most definitely climbed to the Top of a very vast array of my mentors. I'm referring to true musicians, not members of the 300 bpm club. I can't thank you enough, sir. You very well may have literally saved my musical future.

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you found this useful. Also check out my "Drum Technique Fundamentals" and "Morphing Doubles" video series at my website: GK-Music.com for even more helpful drum technique info. This video is just the tip of the iceberg!

[@dlparis]

You're so very welcome, and I meant every word with every ounce of sincerity and appreciation. Gk-music.com/ is actually an icon on my desktop. I'm concentrating on one video at a time before my practice session at home. Your relaxation method is my meditation before touching a stick 6 days per week. I realize it will take some time to study and practice all of your videos, but I'm now committed to your techniques. Neil Peart once stated he was a continual student of percussion and Buddy Rich. I, personally will forever be a continual student of percussion and Professor Gordy Knudtson.

[@theriphraff]

Yea. What Derek Burleson said!!

[@sega.milkis]

Derek Burleson just don't say that "members of the 300 bpm club" are not "true musicians". Just don't. It's strictly your personal opinion

[@siim605]

Members of the 300bpm club are also musicians. Don't be an ass.

[@przemysawklaczak65]

The best drum lesson I've ever watched.

[@tremebondo1]

I think Gordy is the most relaxed drummer on this planet, simply amazing

[@stanburdick9708]

AGREED and have never seen anyone explain things in detail like this, also shows you don't need a jillion drums to sound good

[@theriphraff]

He is. Yoni Madar is good also but in his vidz he only speaks hebrew. and I do not. Very good technique guy also. Yoni and Gordy are the 2 most relaxed and efficient players I have ever seen.

[@willhanley4954]

I can’t tell you how much I enjoy watching this video. Absolutely most impressive and (at least apparently) flawless. My sincerest congratulations and appreciation.

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks Will!

[@WarlordMSM]

I found this gem in 2024! unmatched teaching skills

[@wide-awake]

his dynamics in that intro section are so on point. i kneel.

[@JB-pg6ju]

Dude hell far... Wat am i watchin...i just found u on KZbin a week ago and im just amazed at your techniques.. Dang gummit bro ur a drumming freak of nature.. This is the most explicit detailed explanation of technique ive ever seen. Holy sheet man im hooked

[@balajibal1]

Thanks a ton for this one. Have watched over 30 videos on finger technique past 2 weeks and must say this is the most systematic and clear instruction I have seen up to now.

[@ricku6255]

Gordy you have a gift, not only can you play like a machine but you can convey the material in a manner that us newbies can grasp. My wife is a University professor and she too is calm much like you. Keep the wheel of learning turning our friend!

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks Rick!

[@bigcoffinhunter5500]

There's a huge difference between showing someone how to do something and explaining how to do something. Excellent tutorial dude. Also doubles as the best ergonomic keyboard ad lol

[@forNoisessake]

The One and Only lesson that Really teaches this technique. Most helpful lesson ever!

[@MrLioncash]

The thing I love about this the most, is you realise how much effort you were putting in before applying the technique... the last week or so for me has been wonderful in experiencing my left hand in relaxed motion :D Thank you!

[@ronaldknoebel3247]

This guy is right at home with a 4 piece.

[@Biggensan]

Probably the best lesson on open/close technique on the internet! Many thanks!

[@mikeotten6797]

I've been working on this for *months* with almost nothing to show for it at all. Speed-wise my open/close single stroke rolls are still about 75% of my regular single stroke rolls. The only tiny difference might be: my regular SSRs, at 75% speed, get erratic after a few minutes whereas the open/close SSR's stay perfect and easy for around 5-8 hours. Hey, wait a minute!! OK, I got to stick with these things! :) Thank you Gordy! Impeccable!

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks Mike! While the single stroke stuff is cool, for me the real payoff with this is the rudimental stuff. Check out the "Morphing Doubles" video series Its 1-10 at my website GK-Music.com, or my KZbin channel. It makes all the PAS rudimental stuff very easy to understand and play. It removes the mystery in a way nothing else has done before it. I gotta tell ya, when I first started reading your message I was a bit concerned. In this "literal" venue, it took me a second to digest your facetiousness. I enjoyed it, thank you!

[@mikeotten6797]

Thanks a ton Gordy! Will check out Morphing Doubles this afternoon. Glad you enjoyed my silliness, and yes, I was a nuisance in grade school. ;) For real though, feels like I could play with your technique for hours on end with absolutely no fatigue whatsoever. Amazing!

[@MyVideoJournal]

In love with 8th notes again! Love the groove in the beginning, you are a beast on the drums!!🙌

[@marceibel1131]

He is like a Zen Master of Hand Technique😊 Brilliant and inspiring

[@Henry-ru9dr]

As a drummer with 40 years drumming experience, I can tell this skill is amazing !

[@carlosbartnickitort6557]

Great class. I begun to study push and pull techique in the last few weeks and this class is perfect.

[@josephmyers2323]

Your students are blessed to have the touchstone provided through your gift and your full blown intelligence to communicate into the minds of those students. Your intention to be in service to others is located in the jet stream with the ufo's. The advancing evolution of the performing arts is magic for the imagination with your empowering techniques. Where were you when I began? Pure gold!

[@ronaldknoebel3247]

Love this video. Big change in my style like starting over. The effort to slow down and change provided mind bending opportunities

[@bacobill]

Watching again.. and again.. this is fantastic teaching and I am truly grateful.. It is nice to have the lessons one after another.. Peace

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you Bill! There are a lot more videos like this on my KZbin channel. I think you'll like those too!

[@bacobill]

@@GKMusic54 I have to mention your amazing drumming during the interludes.. it's like 'bouncing funk or boppy swing'.. my inner dream beat.. and as in other bits of magic it's all about the spaces and those rhythmic black holes that suck the beat in.. Very cool and your discipline and dedication shows clearly.. greatly appreciated.. and I will work on that unique feel you just nailed :)

[@joekugelblitz4144]

Every so called "youtube star" should watch this over and over again... great educational value and fantastic musical drumming. thank you for sharing! cheers from germany :o))

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you Joe! I appreciate it!

[@obie2082]

you're are great Brother! you explain things I never saw another accomplished drummer do. Love watching your videos.

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@Telepuzique]

probably the best technique explanation I've ever seen. thank you, mr. Knudtson. you are an amazing teacher. now to the practicing...

[@CiroVGM]

One of the other things that i love in this video is your drumkit sound, just freaking amazing, thanks and hugs from Argentina. This video helps me a lot. I'm recently diving on the open/close technique.

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you Ciro! Drums were in a large, live, concrete warehouse, captured with a Sennheiser shotgun mike.

[@CiroVGM]

@@GKMusic54 thank you very much for share this data too. 🙂🥁🔥

[@bretdorton]

You are a god send. I wish I had discovered you earlier. I am teaching my students correctly Your method makes the most sense. Thank you, bret

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks Bret! If you like this check out the "Fundamentals of Technique" series at my KZbin channel for some more helpful info.

[@djstickxb2615]

This is the best video I've found showing and explaining this..thanks👍 new drummer # 2019

[@markhealy5786]

Thank you Gordy, this system looks awesome. Your handspeed is phenomenal. I'm going to practice this for sure.

[@jeffwarner2049]

excellent instruction - thank you! looking forward to receiving the full video series and book.

[@GKMusic54]

+Jeff Warner Thanks Jeff! I think you"ll find the books helpful, particularly "Morphing Doubles". It's shows o/c has more relevance than just single stroke rolls, it can actually be used to play all the rudiments. Also, watch "Fundamentals of Drum Technique Pts. 1-4"" on my KZbin channel. There is helpful info on those videos not found in the books.

[@JCarlosOrtiz1]

You rule Gordy- I consider myself fairly critical and must say your instruction is top shelf.

[@WalterdaLima]

hello Gordy, you will probably remember an Italian boy whom you gave your precious books a few years ago. unfortunately immediately after studying them I had to stop pratic for work and coming out of a difficult economic condition. those days are gone and for a month I started to study seriously about your books. the results are amazing after just a month and one hour a day with constancy and concentration. it's like starting to reset everything that has always been my ability to maneuver the sticks. I do not understand why young people have not noticed. Your videos should have millions of views. you are too pioneering to understand it all! I greet you sincerely, I would have liked to be able to study with you personally.

[@GKMusic54]

Hi Walter! I do remember you. I'm glad to hear my stuff is helping! FYI - I can now do internet lessons with Skype. Let me know if you'd like to do one. I'd love to see how your hands are progressing! Gordy

[@OFLHLGZ28]

Great lesson! Thank you for showing us. I hope I can make it work

[@aldoalvarez8106]

Your hand on the ride, 👌 perfect flow !

[@fabriziodicarlo2651]

the best instructional drum lessons i never seen

[@FilthyXylophone]

Mandatory viewing for any kit drummer, if for nothing else at least consideration of the technique. For me personally, this has been incredibly impactful technique, more so than Moeller, but I realize different techniques work better for different drummers as we are all different individuals. However, I highly recommend giving it a watch to at least consider the technique and adding it to your technique toolkit. Man, I really wish KZbin had been around when I was a young drummer starting out in the 90s!

[@aindparse]

Thank you for this amazing lesson. I've always played intuitively this way, but with little real understanding of what my hands, fingers and sticks were really doing. To watch you play and explain the mechanics is an absolute revelation, and it provides a logical way to practice and develop the technique. Thank you once again.

[@maxschlagzeuger7609]

sure wish more bassists, keyboardists and guitarists took their musicianship as seriously as drummers. nice work, GK

[@danielneal8065]

Thank you for teaching me this in person. You blew my mind sitting in on this Class... you are truly a master percussionist. TY Gordy. A true mentor!

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks Daniel! If you found this helpful please check out the "Drum Technique Fundamentals 1-4" play list, and the "Morphing Doubles" playlist at my youtube channel. It will give you even more understanding of what's actually going on mechanically when we play. Gordy

[@darbuka1]

man are you a Robot? Alien? Man you are the Machiavelli of teaching!!!!! Never seen such a perfect presentation of a lesson...I am going to go for your technique man....Thanks a Million and best greetings from Turkey!

[@aggelosk3013]

that is the best lesson for the open close technique! thank you very much!!!

[@michaelmorgan6576]

A very well explained practice. You prove that teaching is an art itself. Thank you.

[@YunchuanZHAO]

I like the way you're starting with the basic mechanics of the sticks, very revealing and helps to keep focus on the most important things to practice. I'm a beginner and I feel I've learned a lot from your videos. Thank you so much!

[@highvibee]

Funny, I changed from Vic’s Jojo Mayer stick to per of Vic American Classic 5B just before I found your videos on the pull push technique. I now practice 20 min morning and evening in 5 min segments, five min on each hand, then 5 min double and last five halftime faster. Your thatching have deepened my playing and the first one to helped me implement pull push to the kit. (Not only one hand, like the Brazilian dudes) Many thanks Gordy.

[@jedi_417]

This is freaking blowing my mind right now. Stumbled upon this video while searching for Freddie Gruber’s approach. This is definitely different from from Gruber and way different than Moeller.

[@amd5471]

My brain turned to custard from 21:59 onwards 😂 Unadulterated genius. I don't know how this video has only been watched 168,708 times.

[@bartmane]

Wow this is incredible. Thank you so much for this video. I have been doing this every day for about an hour->two hours and in two weeks I have gotten so far. I'm in the middle of nowhere working a job that really doesn't make me tick for 10 hours a day, and I always look forward to my drum pad practice when I get home. I haven't gotten the staggered hand 4's, 6's and 8's yet, but I have come a long way from amateur drummer that didn't really having any finger control to having a handle on the bounce and movement of the sticks. I'm still an amateur drummer, but with practice and a good teacher such as you Gordy I think I'll get far. Thanks a lot, I'm looking forward to going home and seeing the difference this makes on my kit!

[@GKMusic54]

+bartmane Thanks, I'm glad this is helping you! FYI - You'll get even farther if you watch my other videos too, particularly "Fundamentals of Drum Technique - Pts. 1 -4". While the singled 4's, 6's, & 8's are cool, my "Morphing Doubles" series will show you a even more practical app of the open/close thing - basic rudiments.

[@bartmane]

+Gordy Knudtson Awesome! Thanks for the heads up I'll definitely check them out tonight! I'm still gonna work on these 4s, 6s, and 8s, they kinda hurt my brain in a good way haha. I see a lot of practical application with this stuff, but it looks like it takes a great deal of practice to get there. When you play in this video, I can't help but think "what a true feat of multitasking and timing!" haha

[@bartmane]

+Gordy Knudtson I finally got it! Bought some giant new sticks (Vader - Nightsticks) and they helped me realize the technique and control in my left hand was lacking. Got the singled 6's and 8's down and been working on the morphing doubles. I'm hoping to get more into drum theory, I have been self teaching but I don't want to cripple myself by not knowing what I'm doing when it comes to time signatures and such (I play and learn songs by ear - but playing along to a song is not the same as playing as the drummer in a band and having to count it out).

[@tiredrummertube]

thx for your rsvp . Am looking forward to obtaining materials and employing the Knudtson open/close technique. You have certainly contributed to the percussion art form in no small way! Sincerely; alluper.

[@lvvry1855]

Excellent job, Gordy. You are a great teacher.

[@jonathanwesterfield72]

thanks, ive been wanting to get lessons for a while but im doing what i can on my own until then. your video lesson with the singled 4, has been a huge help my mind wasn't open to moving in that way before. im glad that you choose to share all these pearls of wisdom

[@pumpalBo]

Thank you SO MUCH for these lessons sir - you made me a so much better drummer - you literally opened new horizons in my playing. Continuing to watch and practice but after only a few months that I am working on these techniques, the results are already apparent. Thank you again!

[@R_Ultraloud]

Wow, 2002. Thanks for the lesson Mr. Knudtson.

[@GKMusic54]

You are welcome!

[@bacobill]

Ha there it is! Due to damage to my left hand it is essential that I put my thumb almost on top of the stick.. Your right hand looks exactly like my grip with the thumb on the side of the stick.. I pray that all this practicing on my pad and pillows will bring my hand back to normal but even 80% would be acceptable.. Thank you again Gordy.. I come back to this video about once a month as a check-point in my progress.. peace :)

[@Anonomusturd]

Hey, thanks so much for sharing this. This technique has really improved my playing so much. It's great for speed but it teaches you so much about rebound and how to use it. Even if you don't use the technique itself, you still gain a lot of speed and control by learning how to use the rebound. Thanks again man, really helpful!

[@etilcareh]

Gordy, your work is absolutely fabulous ; my English is not very good (i'm french) but i have to say yours explanations are very clear and the video speak for yourself. Infinitely thank you and bravo for your exceptionnal work !!!

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you. I'm glad you find them helpful!

[@GKMusic54]

gene5594 It can be done. I can't do it, I'm a matched grip player because of a LH wrist injury many years ago. On my KZbin channel check out Raul Valdes Pt. 2. Half way thru he demos trad grip. Also check out (on KZbin) "Buddy Rich LH the Truth", a very good example. There are others too. It's the same concept - two or three notes played during one movement cycle.

[@JuanSantiago-ob4lm]

So great!... Great instruction and great drummer... nice video.

[@ricochetts]

I'am speachless, you made me a real drummer. Your videos are pricelss.

[@GUIDESPERSPECTIVE]

You remind me of the Bob Ross of Drumming. Thanks for the inspiration and the simplified breakdowns of these techniques.

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you

[@mrAbinashrai]

i was really struggling to do fast single stroke!! but this video lesson thought me to do.. thank you sir for this informative lesson

[@luscocul]

simply amazing this is the best and clear drum lesson I've watched

[@justinshannon9076]

Truly amazing technique and truly amazing graciousness for sharing this with us! Thank you!

[@winston6368]

Gordy, thank you. This is excellent insight. I have been practicing this for sometime but at a higher starting point. I see now making the starting point lower was amazing, benifiting greater rebound.....Thank you for sharing this.

[@kenbrooks5242]

Thanks Gordy for this lesson. I am a 78 year old drummer, still play hillsong stile music in church.Have been using all the socalled modern techniques, but they are not working. Your method works much better & lets me play,want I want to play with a much more relaxed technique. Thank you once again regards.

[@GKMusic54]

You are welcome! If you liked this, check out my "Fundamentals of Technique" videos at GK-Music.com. They explain even more.

[@mellindrums]

The perfect technique for blast beats 🔥

[@rickspyder1]

fantastic tutorial ... you do inspire us to new heights

[@RatraceDave]

thank you so much ive found a direction to follow.

[@caferrara]

How is this even humanly possible?

[@vedocandiello1504]

Great video!... boy, hope he's alright after that ending.

[@WhoWouldHaveKnown1]

Wow! I've been playing drums for several years and never knew about this technique. Excellent job explaining the technique and showing how to apply it on the set!

[@marcoraimondi3067]

really great. I like your tecnique very much!!! you are the teacher, an inspiration for me. thankyou

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks Marco! You are welcome!

[@johnbbwolfe4671]

All I can say is thank you for unlocking the code for me

[@ronaldpapa8182]

Fantastic lesson!!

[@drumur]

This is exactly what I do. Excellent video and lesson. Awesome playing too.

[@Paulswindellsdrummer]

Hi Gordy, currently learning your technique! Im trying my best not to rush ahead and take my time learning the BIG V and LIL V movements, it's slowly feeling more natural! Thank you for the help

[@louvignou]

Super lesson !!! Very pedagogical ! ! ! Go on Gordy

[@JasonSmith-ot5pq]

Wow great lesson !

[@abeerharoon2814]

Thank you for this amazing video, sensei!

[@jdg1032]

THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!! This is extremely helpful with learning this technique that ive been trying to figure out for ever. You broke it down so well Thank you

[@LeoVerina]

Great stuff dear gordy!!! Big hugs!!!

[@GKMusic54]

Thank you Leo!!

[@LeoVerina]

@@GKMusic54 Thank you!!!

[@bonzoligist6330]

Hey gordy really like how you break the techniques down into detail....good stuff....could you possibly do a video on foot techniques doubles etc....

[@GKMusic54]

Check out Jo Jo Mayer's BD vid, very good.

[@bonzoligist6330]

@@GKMusic54 ok yeh if its the one im thinking of...i haven't watched that in a while,there could be another im not too sure..will check it out....cheers

[@mastermetalshredder]

I'm excited I found this video, thank you for posting!!

[@jimyouknow]

I can't wait to practice tomorrow thanks so much 🙏🏾

[@ioriocaballero]

lovely snare....what a sound!, thanks master...thIs is "the technique for my favourite way of grab" - pd: he look like the hidden brother of robert fripp attitude....

[@sticksbass]

this is the most amazing technique ive ever seen..

[@netobatera2010]

Grato por nós ajudar. Excelente aula. Parabéns.

[@mariodiblasio8033]

Awesome video

[@Homurdan]

Excellent explanation

[@hidayat619]

Thank. Bos.. Amazing tecnick

[@dbsendyd]

This is magic!! So smooth motion wow

[@AQganon]

I'm switching my current technique to this. I play Death Metal and this seems miles easier than using the straight up moeller or finger technique. It's a perfect mix of both.

[@Anonomusturd]

And you did a great job explaining it!

[@acucore77]

Gordy, thanks for the amazing lesson. Just the video im look for. Love your other videos too. Subscribed :)

[@GKMusic54]

Thanks Azhar.

[@nulisnotest42]

Very informative, I'm trying switching to this technique too. The first challenge for me, is to feel the right position for the left hand. So pad pad pad with heavy stick…

[@yoyo3459-j9p]

this is the video. From one drummer Gordy to another!

[@Wsotobianco]

Great lesson. Didn't know Bruce Willis was such a great drummer.

[@jackblack5623]

really smart teaching!! help understanding drum smartly!!!

[@davealaya]

I am a huge fan of "Continuous Mode"

[@thomasstroh3857]

AMAZING!! I love the video, I love playing the drums, but the stick won't bounce for me. :-( I'm frustrated, but I will keep trying. Perhaps using a pad or tightening the head even more would work. Thank you so much for sharing what you know.

[@stanburdick9708]

as always very professional

[@boberlwap8308]

Thank you Gordy.

[@SpeakingFrank]

Great explanation. thanks.