Guitar Center's 26th Annual Drum-Off Winner, Shariq Tucker

[@josiah_holla]

Shariq Tucker is a beast drummer... But it's safe to say the octopad ruined the drum-offs

[@kirbaceous]

That was a crap solo. Worthless.

[@Doatello1991]

@Rick Brownell Dude can play. The solo isn’t a reflection of his playing ability or his musicality. It’s a reflection of how the judges ruined the competition by forcing the competitors to utilize the Octapad.

[@Post-Alone]

@@Doatello1991 spot on bro

[@shutitup68]

Agreed! Some dude used the Octopad once now everyone has to use it? Hate that thing and it was wayyyy overused.

[@grantwalthall7677]

@@kirbaceous 🧢

[@FaintestOfBreath]

Uhm...maybe we should've called it the "2014 Guitar Center Octapad-Off Winner." I remember previous winners didn't have to make the drums a side instrument to some device for the competition, the drums WERE the instrument, and you made music out of THAT and the drums weren't just random percussion pieces thrown together into a set.

[@agungmunthe]

You sir, deserve my upvote

[@brennanstuart325]

My thoughts exactly

[@foxz0mbie1]

Music evolves. Just like humans. Expand your mind.

[@agungmunthe]

foxz0mbie1​i know man. What i'm trying to say is that the use of the octapad is starting to overcome the drums itself. It is more like you play an octapad with drums instead of playing drums with octapad. Those are two different things

[@drum.r9610]

Agree

[@oshilzl]

Give the man credit, he played in timbs.

[@Boognish_]

He should've gotten a separate award for wearing those Timberlands.

[@RandomlnternetGuy]

Guitar Center, please take the comment section as feedback. Next year, No octopad. You can tune drums to notes, you can bring a harmonica up with you... but no one wants a "drum solo" or "drum-off" that isn't drum centered.

[@BenMichalowicz]

Thank you, sir! You have received my upvote. But in all seriousness, they probably should have a second drum-off centered around the Octapad haha. Personally, I found the drums kind of had a really bad sound, minus the kick drum. Everything seemed choked instead of having an actual tone. Guitar Center should put a little more effort, so I think, into tuning the drums for actual tones instead of having choked snares and quick thuds instead of purer drum tones.

[@poppapunker6238]

For real!! I think Jerome Flood's competition winning solo was a perfect example of how to play the drums musicially, WITHOUT the octopad. He played different popular musical themes on the drums themselves, which made for a very interesting solo. Also, drum solos should be about polyrhythms and who can play the craziest ostinato patterns. PLEASE REMOVE THE PAD, GUITAR CENTER!!!!

[@ryanmanley7433]

It was extremely good. Are you mad because you can't play that well?

[@RandomlnternetGuy]

Ryan Manley get out.

[@jasonhorvath1746]

It is drum centered😂

[@guitarcenter]

Shariq Riq Tucker brings out a little bit of Bell Biv DeVoe's Poison in his ‪#‎DrumOff‬ solo and we can't get it out of our heads! So catchy.

[@BassBooking]

Guitar Center AND John Coltrane. BBD is rad but, the Giant Steps bit got me right in the spirit.

[@Slalom_Steve]

Guitar Center seriously this competition has become a complete joke. The Octapad has ruined it and made it a "Live-DJ/Drummer" competition, not a drum competition. Where would these kinds of skills ever be useful outside of this one application? Other than a one-man street performance, no where. Bring it back to REAL drumming, PLEASE.

[@PyroManiacs]

+StevenFlorianDrums Exactly!!

[@AnusBanus5]

+StevenFlorianDrums lol it sounds like he's just hitting random buttons, doesn't even sound good 😂😂

[@merk1003]

+Louie90 Reynolds agree ... dis is why I stop carrying n stop going to guitar center drum offs

[@XCannonDrumsX]

I watch every single drum off video that I can find, but I feel confident in saying that this was my favorite performance I have seen so far. The flow of his piece of music was unbelievable. He chopped out, he grooved, he flowed, he jazzed, it all happened in that 5 minute slot. Really stoked to see a melodic player earn the title of Drum-Off winner this year versus the typical chop-out sessions where it's been about packing notes into a time slot. And that was hard for me to say because I LOVE those chop out sessions hahaha. Awesome job, Shariq. You've earned yourself a new fan.

[@guitarcenter]

Very excited to share our new #DrumOff champ's winning performance with you… big congrats Shariq Riq Tucker!!!

[@GregAhler]

ColdToiletSeats www.sevenforums.com/sound-audio/358932-youtube-audio-just-me.html

[@stevenplesnarski7918]

question about the rules for next year. any chance you will allow the use of the roland spd sx? I bought an octapad for gigs/drum-off practice, but I would rather have the spd sx if it will be allowed in the 2015 competition. Thanks

[@Nelsdrums]

This is an amazing performance. You guys should post all of the contestants.

[@AnthonyChaucer]

This is extremely disappointing fuckin drum pad the whole time

[@dakotalinville8923]

It's because of drummers like this winning the last two or three years that I don't compete in the drum off. Nine years of lessons don't matter in a flailing competition

[@ravercox]

People need to stop crying about the octopad. Music isn't about playing the same old 32nd note fills after some standard beats. It's about moving forward creatively to make something that SOUNDS GOOD. Sure he did a lot of octopad, but shit it's a tool. That's like saying we should take out the use of double bass and more than two cymbals because it "promotes gimmicks." Hats off to this guy, I enjoyed every minute of his performance.

[@xMOEx3101]

Couldn't agree more!

[@kwninjatrainer1412]

Just because something new is introduced doesn't mean the drum world is "moving forward". Clearly, we are moving backward. Less originality, less talent, less actual DRUMMING, just another sheep following the previous year's winner in an attempt to claim a prize. This was straight up garbage. The #1 amateur drummer in the country? Are we really supposed to believe this is the best guy out there in 2015??? It's another version of last year's solo: the beats all sounded the same, no creative or interesting use of the rudiments, and the drums were secondary to the machine. Without the octopad this solo is about a minute long. In another 5 years we probably won't even see an actual drum set on stage anymore, just more pads and electronic toys because we're "moving forward". If you want to see what the drum off was like before it sold out, back when drummers took pride in their skills and played like real musicians, watch Jerome Flood's solo from '08.

[@bball98038]

Kevin, who's to say you can't put your heart and soul in playing the Octapad?

[@bball98038]

Also, FYI, there already is such a thing as a drum competition with all electric drums. It's called the Roland drum competition which JP Bouvet competed in. Look it up on KZbin. What makes that solo different from this one?

[@ravercox]

Kevin Walsh I understand where you're comming from, but this mentality of more DRUMMING doesn't sit right with me as a musician. Are you saying the octapad made it less musical? Sure, it made him seem like less of a guy who devoted himself to purely drum set but his use of the octopad made me see that he was musically aware. You're not talking about musical content, you're talking about chops fest. Now look at Mendoza's performance, the dude was EXTREMELY musical with the use of poly rhythms and clave placement and adding octopad as sprinkles, Shariq was musical in the sense that he would switch up the feel with octopad and play over it tastefully. Saying it wasn't musical or "straight up garbage" is pretty reactionary. Not attacking you, just stating my opinion. Cheers.

[@Munch1289]

Ik this is old I watched this when it first came out why is everyone hating? As if they could the same thing? Humans evolve we evolve music evolves. Using the octopad to this degree takes great independence and creativity.

[@artamis6167]

This was an amazing drum solo, I enjoyed the 6/8 in the beginning and the 15/8 towards the end. There was obviously a huge amount of drumming, if you think otherwise, please go to the practice room and see exactly how much you need to practice before you reach his level.

[@1springarbor]

yeah man that 15/8 is sick flowed well

[@8Daniel0l]

The problem wasn't his technical ability (I could only hope to play like that one day but the drums tho), only he applied to playing a synth pad rather making his music primary with the drum kit

[@gospelplayer2]

Daniel Antoniou it was put there for a reason

[@jasoncorley3032]

Lol you Sir act like time signatures are hard, can you count, if yes then not hard

[@artamis6167]

When did I ever say that they were hard? I can play both time signatures, but that's not the point. The point of my comment was to show my appreciation towards shariks performance and his choice of orchestration.

[@pabloordas3775]

A-W-E-S-O-M-E!!!!! Very musical drummer!!! Loved it!!! Great snare work and solid control of dynamics!!!!

[@augustburnsred3541]

how can you have a non musical drummer ya turd

[@ThatKiDwiththeDrums]

Is this a joke? He used the octopad through 90% of the solo. Used the same Funk/gospel style through the whole solo, no latin, rock, nothing. Luckily we got a few seconds of something besides 4/4. Ever since JP Bouvet its gone downhill every year. Also please hire someone who can mix drums, its not that hard, the toms almost blew my speakers out. Watching this made me salty as salty can be.

[@Yolinstrun4e182]

ITs A REQUIREMENT in Guitar Center Drum Offs.

[@prinzidrums]

I agree completely, I was just thinkin that JP was the last great Drum Off Winner. Carlos was pretty good too, but D Mile and Shariq are nothing special

[@aaronvasquez7474]

jibediah1234 are you kidding me? Carlos wasn't "pretty good". he was incredible. and D-mile was "nothing special"? D-mile was better than JP. And Carlos was better than both D-mile and JP combined. but I do agree with Shariq being nothing special.

[@jacobb8388]

I had to skip to the end because it was so boring oh wait so was the end . Fucking gay .

[@prinzidrums]

Aaron Vasquez Idk man...JP had some serious unique and difficult chops. The 7/8 clave ostinato in the left foot with a solo over the top thats: world-class stuff. Carlos has awesome hands, but I think he had a lot more show-y things then JP (albeit, theres an element of show to every drum-off solo).

[@jakejohnson796]

This solo is fantastic. His use fills going over the bar line, and still keeping the groove is brilliant. The use of bt1 blew my mind and as he added sixteenth note ghost notes and continued to comp the horn part. His solo groove the whole time it was a drum solo but almost full like a rock concert too. Octapad rocks, and he used it was used very well. The octapad is also a key unique concept for less experienced musicians or non musicians to help realize technicality of placement in fills and time in grooves.

[@GavinOswald]

I've always been a fan of creative octapad use, and this is a great solo, BUT I do agree that the use of it has become a bit excessive

[@basti_kcknhff97]

Drum -Off? Octopad-Off is a better name for this.... i think this is very sad!

[@IkechiUkazu]

yes.

[@jjonnewman]

to the haters, complain all you want , but this guy is an excellent drummer and smart enough to know what to do to win, he did all he had to do within the rules and he was chosen best drummer, congratulations,

[@ErnieIthier]

Shariq Tucker did his thing this year! I was there to see it live and it was definitely one of those performances that had you saying "I quit drums" hahaha! Congrats Shariq!

[@EthanFram]

There's a lot of hate on here when I'm 1000 percent sure that he's better than all of y'all that are hating! Shut the hell up! What yall mad cause yall tried out and ain't make it huh! It's ok! Go home and practice some more! This was creative as hell.. Obviously yall didn't understand what he was doing with the different sounds and songs he used.. But last point! The dudes that are actually doing something (big name drummers around the world) knows him and likes this that's why he won! Go practice and stop hating

[@shacoolhands]

alex frame facts

[@mg8gunner625]

Juan Carlos Mendoza is by far the best winner

[@theunknownman2706]

MG8GUNNER - absolutely, he used the octapad to complement his superb drumming, I'm afraid this was drums backing the octapad, which really didn't work for me.

[@marcusaroldt7299]

MG8GUNNER yes Juan Carlos Mendoza is the best winner and Second is Airic ... !

[@Manneeyy]

Jerome flood

[@Zykrath]

Agreed Carlito is the GOAT of Drum Offs

[@Chrismayo1981]

Talented for sure, but I wish they'd take out the trigger pads...

[@calebknott8021]

I agree, not a fan of the pads.

[@Sniffyy]

love how he basically turned his solo into a song. its dope tbh

[@chrispeterson560]

Shariq, you are, inarguably, a beast. Billy Cobham on speed. Your creativity, technique, skill, talent and balls behind the set blow my brain. I've read numerous criticisms here that are way off base. They're jealous cats. You rock, man. Peace.

[@ShredEx1120]

I LOVED the Giant steps section right in the middle. Totally caught me off, but amazingly brilliant! Hats off!

[@8020drummer]

You had me at Timberlands

[@pencook1]

Very nice performance and clean. The hours it takes to practice and put together these routines are grueling. I competed in the guitar center drum off 7 times and made it to the regionals one year before the octapad. I competed against Chris Coleman in my first drum off in 01. imagine going up against that beast. Congrats to all the talented drummers!!

[@rippindrummer666]

To all the people complaining about the octapad you know they've had drum modules at drum off before right? Watch Eric moores from 2003 he used one...and another thing I like the octapad cause it actually forces then to play along to something and not just rip chops the whole solo...gosh no matter how good you get people just talk snack to talk smack so stupid...also this dude is fucking sick look up some other videos of him...he's insanely good just like all drum off winners...I really liked the samples he used in that 6/8 part at about a minute, some dark cool samples

[@gospelplayer2]

honestly i don't see what there is to complain about apart from the octopad actually being there they cant complain about the drummer he killed it and learnt well from being in the final and losing last year.

[@brocki95xxx]

gospelplayer2 - General RAWR They can use as many octopads they want. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Good drummers don't need them. You can use your toms, bass drums, cymbals and snare to create a musical drum solo. Even a cowbell.

[@blakecard]

i don't understand why people are hating on the octapad.. Jp used it a lot last time and besides, it's still percussion. this dude did great, in my opinion. PLUS- he's the first one i've seen in a while who incorporated jazz into his solo. Well done, man. Well done.

[@ahsanrogers]

I don't think people are attacking his ability because he can clearly play, it's just that we want to here more drums and less use of the octapad

[@gospelplayer2]

rightful winner by a long shot everything flowed listened to them all now he was definitely the cleanest and when i think what he actually played nuts giant steps killed it for me

[@DennisJohnsonDrummer]

It takes skill to combine both drumming AND electronic sounds, so for that I applaud his presentation. There are time limits in this contest and you have to decide what you are going to present to the judges and audience. His mastery of different styles is apparent and I think he did a marvelous job of showcasing his strengths. I also think it is smart marketing for Guitar Center to allow new technology into the contest. Do the purests like it? Obviously not. But it is what it is and the best of the best will continue to find ways of weaving the sounds into their solos to take home the bacon.

[@jirehceasarponcedeleon2142]

I can't stop tapping at my laptop. It's sounds like a sneer drum :) I idolize you .. so talented

[@JeremySmith-sx9oe]

the beast of the drums

[@nc0607]

Why the fuck are people complaining about the octapad? It's not a "side tool" to the drums, they're part of it. You're still pulling off complex beats to perform them. It's basically like complaining that the drummer isn't supposed to use the cymbals because they're an "accessory" to the drum. It's a part of the drum these players are utilizing very well.

[@jasonhorvath1746]

I know seriously the whole part of the drum set is to provide a beat people can bop their heads to. The octopad adds that and brings out the drummers talent and shows what drummers can do without planning it and really let them make music out of nothing

[@adan2374]

Alright so while I've got nothing but respect for any of those drummers who compete (let alone win) in the GC drumoff, the whole concept of some of these contestants basing their drum 5 minute solos all around the octopad is just stupid, and I'm really surprised this guy's performance was what won the competition. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I was not that impressed with what he did, especially compared to some the previous drum-off winners like Jerome Fludd or Ramon Sampson etc. Don't get me wrong, all those guys who play at the drum-off are beyond awesome skill wise, and I know that guy is sick behind the kit, but that solo was just lame...

[@kingdomkeybroker]

Awesome Shariq come to Texas!

[@joconnell8145]

I have been around since the very first drum-off held in San Diego, a one day event with nearly 100 participants. For years after that I was involved from participating and video taping to judging at the store level. I've been playing almost 35 years now and I actually made it to the store finals twice. I'm nothing special, been told I'm damn good but I know better. ALWAYS had the store winner picked and even had regional winners picked before the judges announce the winner. I went to the first 6 National Final events at the House of Blues in Hollywood, the first one being an event where Tony Royster Jr. tied with a guy named Chris from LA. There have been many changes in the competition over the years but in MY opinion it should be kept the way it was: a couple minutes to set up, 5 minutes to solo with a warning when there's a minute left, you can use your own sticks and bass pedals. PERIOD. You're given a 5 or 6 piece kit with a hi-hat and several cymbals. You need NOTHING more to show if you're an accomplished drummer. Trust me, I've seen my share of accomplished drummers prove this fact. While I'll readily admit the past few winners using the pad have chops I do not see them being great soloists. A solo isn't about showing you can play time but rather showing the ability to tell a story, a beginning a middle and an end, using the drums to tell the story. Playing time and using a pad for actual musical accompaniment is NOT a DRUM SOLO. I stopped participating in the Drum-Off when they quit allowing anyone under 18 to play. That is just wrong. I saw a great many kids come out and do their thing, some good, others not so good but I DID see them improve over several years. One of those kids was Ilan Rubin. Imagine these two without that stepping stone in their early careers. I'll put my soapbox away now LOL!

[@Ohhm3gA]

Congrats Shariq & thanks Guitar Center for a great experience!

[@TomRopez]

No doubt this dude can play....BUT! In the last 3years every drummer in this contest has used the octapad. Interesting the first time now its just a gimmic. Drum Centre just remove the equipment. Give a drummer electronics he will just have to use it. Give him a microwave and he will try programming it like an 808.

[@aircooled356]

what???

[@TomRopez]

Its true bud

[@topherstott]

Tom Peary They have to use the Octpad to win - it is a part of the rules

[@TomRopez]

Topher Stott thats messed up

[@topherstott]

Tom Peary That is a part of the sponsorship package. Same way that they have to use Remo heads, OCP etc. Without the sponsorship the event wouldn't happen on this scale.

[@MrBassdog]

I was expected to be blown away. I was not !!! Some of the regional competitors where even more tasteful.

[@ArthurDoesThings8960]

Usually the Guitar Center Drum-Off Winners leave a lasting impression on me. This time, I can't say that it left me mesmerized as previous Drum-Off winners have. Guitar Center Drum-Off needs to up the standards, as much as I'd hate to say it. Good for Shariq though! Gotta get through a lot of competition to get there. Congrats!

[@christiancanuck]

Who on earth would give this a thumbs down. They need to seek medical attention or they are in just plain envy! Amazing drummer here!

[@tylera176]

I do not see why everyone hates this guy for using an octopad. Music is an art form and not a sport. it is not about who can play the fastest or loudest, its about who can creating songs.this guy is a good drummer. not because he played blazing fast licks but because he created an actual song with just himself and another piece of equipment.

[@mikegilmore172]

Neil Peart would be proud! WOW! Super creative and entertaining as a one-man band! Great change ups and timing! Good job very impressive!

[@petarpavasovic6333]

That drumkit is awesome!

[@Carlo24515]

I seem to be of the unpopular opinion that the octopad was a good addition, but hear me out - I think it's refreshing to see drummers to lay back and focus on the composition of their solos. For example, I loved how he worked John Coltrane's Giant Steps into his solo at 2:48. Stuff like this shows that these guys listen to music as a whole, not just other drummers. It's just as obvious when you listen to a guitarist or sax player that only listens to guitarists or sax players. I wouldn't enjoy listening to a drummer play chops for 5 minutes any more than I would listening to a melodic soloist that uses so many chord substitutions that their's no distinguishable harmony - ok well maybe I would, but I'm a bit biased

[@YouMeWorld1]

Ladies and gentleman, let's give a great big round of applause for Fahq Desguay, winner of the 2015 Guitar Center Drum-Off, who impressively played the marimba, a preprogrammed set of electronic pads that brought back all of those Looney Tunes sounds that we've missed so much, an Apple fucking computer, and an acoustic kick drum - made from real wood! And as if his perhaps culturally misguided yet intriguing ensemble of circus noises weren't impressive enough, what blew us away was the fact that he even successfully tweeted "save a drum, bang a drummer" during his solo! What a riot! And, of course, it didn't hurt that he cleverly utilized his sticking talent to punch in a cook time on the microwave (seated securely on the Gibraltar70534 microwave stand) to whip up some tasty Hot Pockets for the judges after the performance! Now this is THE modern drummer! Puke. Just play the shells like your life goes by like lightning and you're eeking out one last scream before it's gone.

[@ruby4221]

As a drummer I don't absolutely despise the octopad, in fact I think it's really cool.Most of the competitors use it to enhance the drums and bring the performance together but in other cases people just over use it and they use the drums to enhance the octopad. I don't think the octopad should be removed but I think that the judges should take marks off if competitors use it too much.

[@JoeLackey]

So, is the goal of the competition to see who can make the coolest sounds with an octopad? It's a little ridiculous. Eric Moore, Donnie Marple, and Jerome Flood didn't get to use a pad, and these guys shouldn't, either.

[@gospelplayer2]

things have changed obviously Roland have pulled strings so it's there

[@marcthevenin8248]

no disrespect but I shed with Donnie Marple and he wasn't nearly close to these other winners...and even finalists

[@zzpops2782]

Marc Thevenin Yet Donnie won his Drum Off with a fantastic 5 minute DRUM solo!

[@Doatello1991]

Joe Lackey Eric Moore used a pad. But his performance wasn't saturated with it.

[@MichaelJayification]

As a drummer myself, I say that he did a great job. The choice of music coming from the octopad could have been better, though I assume he didn't have a choice to input custom sounds. I do understand that improv was the key here, which he nailed it. I do agree with the other comments that mentioned about the past competitions where music/sound accompanying was not used. I assume that for 2014, there weren't as many "blown away" drummers like the last ones. He apparently was the closest one to it.

[@Bigchuck678]

Why so much hate for the octopad? I get that it's a drumming contest, but all the contestants are all extremely talented. They can ask play the hell out of drums. What the octapad gives is the crowd excitement. I'm not a drummer, but I enjoy music. The octopad gives the drummers a more complete sound and as a viewer of the videos or audience member, I like the octopad and what it gives the musician.

[@humblemusicianandy6385]

"The Mad Drummer"........ dude you are a beast!!! your music gat talent, skillz and taste. Great performance...

[@restricttheopennotes]

My man really got the Timbs on XD

[@JaydonTobler]

Great solo and he probably deserved to win it this year. Anyone who makes it to the finals 2 years in a row have some serious talent. As for the octopad, I think it varies from year to year. Because JP, Juan, and D-Mile all used it so well and tastefully. The only problem with this year is the fact that he had more strokes on the octopad than he did on his drums and it wasn't used quite as creatively as the three previous winners. I'm anxious to see what the other competitors brought to the table and whether there really was a better competitor apart from Shariq. But judging by just the last few years, the judges have seem to have gotten it right every time.

[@BustYourBallsMetalXD]

Soooooo many NEGATIVE people about his solo pffft. Shame on you drummers!!!!! As far as I see it, its 100% creative with idk HOW MANY MAJOR rudiments he was using with such awesome grooves and feel. Yet you people sit there and hate on this guy?? Why so? I can say that 85% of you can't even do this!! Now could you ACTUALLY use the pad with those rudiments with those grooves and to put feel into the kit and sounds?? Really ask yourself that. If somebody is bad and has no skills with no experience, then you should help with tips on becoming better. If your that person, then ask and practice with dedication and doing your homework. KZbin shit if you don't know. Sit and figure it out....and if it takes long, then it pays off in the end. Stop being so negative! Dam. All the dislikes are sickining!

[@RickDawg527]

Lol....dont think anyone really said he sucks. Its what the competition has turned into. Its main focus now is "how much of the pad can you factor into your solo." He plays for almost 3 minutes before he lays into the drums. That should say something. The pad is a gimmick. Is this guy better than me? Of course, but its not impressive seeing someone just hit pads for lame effects, instead of them relying on their true ability and chops to see what they can do. And for you to assume people say this guy sucks shows how much you missed the whole point of why people are upset

[@BCOMdrummer]

RickDawg527 How is this not impressive? It is extremely difficult to incorporate those pads in your drumming, timing each hit to create some sort of melody over an already complicated groove. The guy has some major chops, and he is also creative in how he uses the pads. To be honest, I don't think Shariq is as good as the previous winners, but he is definitely a damn good drummer. Guitar Center isn't "forcing" anyone to use the pads. It just so happens that the judges like how these guys are incorporating them. I don't see the issue here. Whether it is electronic or not, he is still using his chops to create a unique solo with some added tech. Don't forget, the people judging these contests are Trevor Lawrence Jr., Tony Royster Jr., etc...

[@JimmyKadesch]

get that sample pad out of the drum off, for the love of god.

[@891832berg]

Taking the octapad away is like taking your smart phone away. Technology wills always move forward. They negative way you may feel about the octapad is how I feel when I see people texting all day long. I don't see texting going away anytime soon.

[@phatgroover79]

Absolutely Brilliant!!!

[@JZ6563]

Oh, hell ya ! That was awesome!!!!

[@KM-px8cs]

Now that's what you call a gift!!

[@MerrillCovers]

So when do we get to see him drum? lol

[@gospelplayer2]

+Merrill Covers find his video on youtube he insane anyway he's just playing game play the pad to win

[@jameshaines-temons4177]

So for this particular solo, I would have picked Forrest. I think between the two Forrest demonstrated more variation, competency, comfort and musicality. I feel like Shariq's solo was another hip hop song (well played, but...). I certainly don't hate on Shariq, I was trying to figure out why he won so I popped over to one of his other videos and the first one I come across he nails that yellowjackets Will Kennedy sound. That was a huge change of mind frame for me. First 30 seconds and I was down with Shariq. If I were a judge at this table Forrest would have had my vote. I wish I knew what the judging criteria was so I could understand why they felt this solo was better.

[@rello829]

I used to work at guitar center. The octapad was made available to everyone to use from the prelims and up, so everyone has the opportunity to use it. Its a competition, and the judges want to see you use everything. We pushed that octapad and gretsch gear the entire time I was there. GC wants to sell the stuff, so if you thing they are going to let the guy ignoring it win, your kidding yourselves lol. And if you actually check out this other guys videos you'll see he's actually really good.

[@Uniformcid]

Recipe to win a guitar center drum off: Keep time on hi-hat, hit beat 2 and 4 on snare, octopad in between. Optional fills and cymbal hits.

[@PhillyfromNYC]

Loved It!

[@JamesRussoMillas]

GC, show us the finalists so we can see which was inevitably better than the winner.

[@GavinOswald]

lol Forrest Rice's was really good

[@Drum931]

He starts quoting Giant Steps and I start crying...

[@averypeck]

To say they're bad drummers because they can't cope with the finesse of jazz or complexity of latin is wrong in my opinion. They play a certain style and play it very well. I've been playing jazz for my entire life and although this drumming isn't my cup of tea, it's still entertaining to watch. Have respect for other drummers, even if they don't play your same style.

[@DrummerJez86]

I have read people in this and other vids saying use of the octapad is required .. depending on the judges .. some really want it used ( I question the validity of some of the judges at various levels) .. but the official contest rules state "use of the roland SPD-30 and BT-1 Bar trigger pad are optional and not required for the contestant's performance" still doesn't take away from the fact that the winners of the past several years made extensive use of it and IMO played inferior solos to some of the people they competed against .. but won just because of the use of the octapad

[@kittenassassin]

Don't you guys get it? people who use the octopad the most will when so Guitar Center can sell more of them. Unfortunately it had to come to this but it has been sitting right in front of us this whole time.

[@zzpops2782]

Shariq certainly shows a lot of talent - yet I love to hear drumming WITHOUT the OctaPad - you know - a real DRUM OFF with drum solos - think Buddy Rich, Phil Collins, Tony Royster Jr, Dennis Chambers, Steve Gadd, Chris Coleman, Vinnie, etc. Would be great if Guitar Center had a separate EDM competition for the OctaPad.

[@millerinoman88]

These comments are pretty on point and I agree with all of them. I competed in the drum off in 2010 before the octopad, but now it's just getting ridiculous.. I can't compete since I and most people can't afford one of those stupid things.

[@jmcalaster]

Absolutely amazing that this passes for talent. This was bottom of the barrel.

[@WayneWhy]

He used the Octopad in the way it should be. It enhanced his performance. For gods sakes the man played the melody Gaint Steps, maybe yall need to do your homework

[@RhythxM]

I do like how he used some Coltrane. Made me smile a bit

[@_kingboozah]

I like how he took a will gittens piece and threw his own spin on it using the octo-pad.. he showed alot of props to sean "chopaz" wright good job man great solo

[@8Daniel0l]

Sorry to sound like a dick but a drum off isn't about creating music it's about playing the DRUMS musically originally by using independence, skilled technique, rhythm, innovation and stamina; not relying on a synth pad

[@FaintestOfBreath]

This. All of this! Thank you sir! People who study the legends of drumming will find all this that you're mentioning. The drumset itself is the music.

[@gospelplayer2]

***** its not Shariq Tucker fault it was put there for a reason he got the the finals last year to. He didn't play much pads and lost to someone who played more .... Everyone is forget that this is guitar center's drum off guitar center is a store they want sells sponsorship blah blah if Roland say they want to put there pads in the drum off and add a deal alone with that it will be done they don't care about the purest drummer

[@brocki95xxx]

Why can't they rely on just their drums rather than a cheesy synth pad.

[@brianhead1907]

gospelplayer2 - General RAWR So lets ALL complain that Roland does not want the best drummer....they want someone to use the Octapad....The contest is FIXED !!!!!!!!!!

[@shacoolhands]

Daniel Antoniou need no response cause he's skills beyond that.

[@melodeefaithmileez6519]

may thee Angelz Rejoice......Awesome!!!!! peace&praz

[@roycisneros97]

I swear that pad is the only reason why all these guys are winning, I wanna see a guy that can be creative with the kit ALONE

[@brandieabela7332]

Out of all the fantastic talent this guy won??? disappointing.

[@gerson5526]

Crazy talented!! Congrats! Definitely miss all the crazy stuff you'd see in solos a few years back with cymbal on snares lol . They should have a rule on how long you can use that Octopad...2008 with Jerome Flood II is still one of my all time favorites. So clean....props though when you good you good!

[@Kineticartist]

Now THAT is #BadAssery Congrats Shariq!!!!!

[@EthanFram]

And if yall checked last years contest Shariq DIDNT use the pad and the dude that did WON! So this year he used it..

[@CutmasterCliff]

Dope session !

[@rmirabelle]

While I agree that if it is the will of the people to use less Octapad, that GC should take heed, I was still very impressed with Shariq's musicality and technique. Great job! Don't let the Octapad complaints diminish your win.

[@sevenbythirteen]

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHH MAN... Forget a band Hire this Guy

[@JamesConley1234]

that giant steps was nice af. yall can hate on the octopad if you want.

[@ronied125]

Honestly, the muddy sound and the close-up camera angles from this video take a lot away from what he's doing! I got to watch all of the solos through other uploads from the audience and all of the solos seem to have a much better presentation when you're able to hear what the drums sound like from the arena and when you're able to see what the drums are played by from a further view. I thought Shariq's solo was deserving of the win! I thought it was much more improved than his previous year, and I don't say that because he used the octopad more! Lol

[@johnthompson3856]

OMG THIS DRUM SOLO PUT ME ASLEEP!!!!!!! I GUESS RAP BEATS ARE THE NEW DRUMS SOLOS???

[@MrMarkpark]

This guy is pretty damn good. His left hand is sick.

[@NeillWylie]

I quite liked this performance.

[@Ronaldo07ISDABOMB]

I agree that the octapad to me gives off to people who wouldn't know otherwise a false feeling of talent, not saying the dude isn't killer. But it makes you sound a lot more responsible for shit that's going on, that you really aren't doing. Props to the Coltrane giant steps quote though I thought that was cute

[@derekabrams9741]

I agree with Tom Peary completely. The solo was really well played and fun to watch when he wasn't messing with the spd. It can add a cool dynamic and vibe to a solo, but I believe your playing should be focused on more than tricks and how well you incorporate a sample pad into your solo. It takes the challenge of really incorporating musicality in a drum solo.

[@CDB1997]

I don't think over using the octopad is the real issue. The real issue is that in the drum-off now, an amazing drum solo without the use of the octopad WILL NEVER WIN. JP Bouvet had an amazing solo with a little bit of the octopad, and he deserved to win. But since then there have been hands down amazing drum solos that haven't won because the drummer didn't use the octopad. The judging of the drum off has become horribly biased.

[@mamamoon.x]

I think the octopad is stupid, you can show 10X more talent yourself then hitting a pad that makes noises for you. Like we get it you can hit a little pad that makes a noise you didn't create yourself.

[@MegaKingMP]

It's probably way harder than it looks. Try playing a groove and finding space in it to hit some other drum without going off time. Try making that 8 drums, each being maybe 4 inches across, and you have to hit them in a certain order so that it blends & sounds musical. Pretty difficult. You'd have to be doubly creative and it will take a ton of practice

[@Yoyoman835]

+Danielles Life I'm sorry, but that's like saying when you hit a key on a keyboard you're just "hitting a pad that makes noises for you". Yeah, it makes noises. But you have to incorporate them into the music yourself, just like the other drums abd cymbals. I'm not a big fan of the Octapad either, but the fact that it "makes noises for them" seems irrelevant.

[@mamamoon.x]

I really don't give a shit about any of your opinions sorry not sorry.

[@leandroarroyo5631]

The octapad is like cooking a meal in a micro,nothing like home made music,just listen to all the Motown drumers,from the Temptations to Lionel Richie and more drumers that play for all this singers and mucisians,all natural and they sound great.

[@kimcampbell678]

Very musical...amazing!!!

[@Yolinstrun4e182]

People. The Octapad is REQUIRED to be used in a Guitar Center Drum Off.

[@jaydoode15]

I can understand the complaints about the octopad, but this man was grooving the whole time and showed great musicianship and chops. He was great all around, despite the constant use of the octopad, but yeah I can see why these Guitar Center Drum-Off's are always about using the octopad, it's like you can't win without one lol.

[@DonnyV77]

All these drummers are breaking the #1 rule. Good composition. I don't care if you use the octapad, cymbal on snare or whatever. Just give me good composition. Keep it tight and in time, make sure transitions are smooth, don't cram so many notes together that I can't understand what your doing, are you being musical, does it have a feel to it, does the listener feel like there being taken on a journey etc.

[@jasonhorvath1746]

It's called a drum solo. There's no such thing as all that bullshit in a drum solo.

[@DonnyV77]

Ha! Apparently you have never written a solo.

[@jasonhorvath1746]

Ya because solos are improvised😂

[@DonnyV77]

Jason Horvath if you think that then I have a bridge to sell you.

[@jasonhorvath1746]

Wtf are you talking about? Nobody writes solos. A solo is called improv, I feel bad how you don't know that