Hittin' All The Things On Your Kit The Right Way ✅ Pro Player Tips For Sounding Great!

[@MrKablooie]

50 years old, been drumming for 1 year, this is definitely a topic that you don't see too much about. LOVE IT

[@keithpratt1849]

I have been playing for 53 years. I agree with you 100%. This is all very important and great instruction. Welcome to the coolest thing on Earth. Drumming.

[@slappyboxer]

Very cool- enjoy

[@bull_shannon_fpv]

Wow I just turned 50 and just got my first kit

[@MrKablooie]

@@bull_shannon_fpv welcome to the club (drumming and 50)

[@darcyoneill9377]

I started at 52, and since have had 18 years of fun... still.

[@Nick.nikolaev]

The moment you said "the Gene Krupa rim shot" you got my unconditional love

[@ricrocren]

Thank you for taking time to talk about how to "play" the cymbals. I see so many drummers who think it's their job to try to destroy them on every hit. I have never cracked or broken a cymbal in more than 50 years of playing and have never had a complaint about my cymbal volume or sound. I call them the "jewels" of the drum kit!

[@jamesdevine02]

I've not been playing for anywhere near as long but I do also pride myself on having never broken a cymbal or head, and only having broken 2 sticks (both while playing on a practice pad, funnily enough 🤔). Yet, I would definitely call myself more of a hard hitter, so there is clearly a way to achieve that desired intensity without striking the cymbals like an absolute barbarian 😂 I agree that they should absolutely be treated as the jewels of the kit

[@antparkasp]

Any of my cymbals that have been broken were broken due to other people playing my kit. I'm always weary about letting anyone, no matter how good use my shit now lol.

[@ILikeWafflz]

10:18 That's one thing I never got, I see a lot of players that manage to include shoulder movement in their playing and it looks _exhausting_ ; even when I'm playing Tool I'm probably 85% wrist/fingers and 15% elbow, could never figure out the thrashing. In fact, it took me a while to realize that there was nothing wrong with my "minimal movement" playstyle; for a while I thought I was hitting stuff too lightly from habits caused by not wanting to be rude with noise, but thankfully I learned that wailing on the drums is just not necessary.

[@01taira]

7:54 This groove makes me imagine of little birds chirping on the trees. And the wind passing by slowly with the sound of leaves rustling. It is energetic and soothing at the same time. I am so glad you uploaded this video. Thank you.

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

Finally, someone with great rimshot examples. There have been so many videos stating that rimshots should be played all the time for the best snare sound. I've been thinking what a load of crap. You put out how it should be, another tool to flavor the fills.

[@hendricksam]

Protect this man at all costs! 🔥🔥🔥

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

I agree lol

[@EgonSpenglersTwinkie]

Great stuff, Rob! You continue to be the content creator who puts out the most practical advice for drummers of all experience levels. The best advice I ever got was from the legendary Poogie Bell, who told me that his secret sauce to getting the gigs was to essentially always hit rimshots on his backbeats. That was probably a decade ago, I've been doing it ever since, and I've gotten nothing but compliments on my playing since. Like a good rug that ties the room together, a good rimshot ties your whole sound together.

[@mikecronin6265]

Self taught drummer here. Started playing in bands at age 16, and am now 53. Just found out that the ride could be used as a crash cymbal, seriously. Played 80's hair metal and then grunge. Never once noticed the drummers hitting the ride after drum fills. Great video and advice, cheers.

[@djshad1885]

You know...even the rhythm of Robs language has a groove to it. Laid back but tight.

[@danarchy6000]

Excellent, I am 56 and have been playing for 40 years and Rob has consistently improved my playing and understanding of the drum set. I Really Appreciate what he is doing here Thanks Rob!

[@SuperFacecloth]

The way you described the ride cymbal.. I'm 100% with you. I thought I was a crazy person until I heard you call it a "magical instrument". I'm not alone... 🤣🤙

[@ricwoodhouse8336]

So nice to see advice that even after 43yrs playing drums that is still relevant to me, and not being preached to by some 25yr old thrasher who has all mod cons to help, glad I learnt in the 70s by listening to drummer's who's only electronic device was a microphone. Thank you sir. Ric.

[@andrewchaney242]

Thanks Rob I've learned a lot.

[@HereIsmarcus]

Man , when you started groovin on that snare to demo rim shots I didn’t want you to stop. Very inspiring !

[@roloduarte3100]

Dude you are an amazing teacher, honestly.

[@Fos3tex]

Perfect video, Rob!!

[@shikshasharma9702]

Thank you so much for these videos. The way you connect with each part of your kit is so inspiring! I’m going to start talking to my hi-hat tomorrow haha

[@djshad1885]

Great instructor. Cool...suggestive not demanding. And damn...the proof that his advice is worthy...is in that smooth style he has cultivated through real love and passion for his playing. Love ya Beatdown.

[@garydonnelly5568]

"...get the muscle memory down..." For those who don't understand what practice is all about, it's those five words. Everything you practice repetitively contributes to training your mind and body to work together. So, any time you start something new or when you're working to improve a deficiency or even attempting to break an ingrained bad habit, it's important to have a concentrated focus on the motions involved and to start slow. The technique you're trying to develop has to be correct from the start, otherwise you will simply continue to reinforce something that will become ineffective. This would be negative muscle-memory and that can contribute to not just sounding bad but you run the risk of injury as well.

[@bull_shannon_fpv]

This is a perfect "self-taught " beginner video

[@henryzamora9756]

Great instructions. Super Cool cymbal work. Make them talk to you & sing.

[@rogerringold616]

Great All around striking video.

[@-JeffreyDahmer-]

WOW THOSE CYMBALS.. SO CRISPY 😍😍

[@SteadArcFab_Ministries]

Rob, great stuff brother! Been drumming off and on for years but never took lessons and KZbin wasn’t around when I started 😂! I played praise and worship for our young adults group for a short time like 26yrs ago and loved it! I always knew I would be called into ministry , just never knew what! After giving my life to Jesus in 1996 I had tried living for him but things weren’t pure or Holy. These last 4yrs with Christ as #1 and being filled with the Holy Ghost and 🔥, have been like nothing else! Man it just keeps getting better and better! Jesus has been showing me the importance of living a lifestyle of “worship”. Recently God has call me to be a worship drummer for my church! It’s amazing man! But back to the basics on some things. I found your channel and love it brother! Thank you 👊 from Michigan Corey

[@andynewmandrummer2970]

Hi Rob: Andy here 68 year old long time gigging cover band weekend warrior. Great video. I love the rim shot for rock but I do have some difficulty with the consistency of the hit. Your kit sounds great.

[@johnbaker3375]

Damn Rob. I'm a big fan of yours and have been watching you for a few years. In my opinion this might be your best video ever. Very insightful on your approach. Awesome displays of your technique. ( I loved the shot of your finger technique on the ride). Amazing, helpful video. Perhaps your best ever. Thank you.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Thanks a bunch, man 🙂

[@mat4410]

A friend told me of his cousin in a rock band of sorts who was SO GOOD he kept on breaking cymbals. After several seconds of disgusted silence, I told him his cousin doesn’t know how to play. When people ask if I’m still BEATING my drums I tell them I never “beat” my drums, I play them. Thanks Rob, you are so right on in all you said, I think I was listen to myself.

[@Stanleytone-04]

Beautiful grooves happening here.. and you give mention to Gene 😎🥁 great stuff 👌

[@holeesheet2021]

Man, when I was just starting up and putting it all together, I wish the internet existed!!! I started playing drums at 11y/o in 1974, the internet was a long ways in the future yet. I had NOTHING like this to learn such very important methods of playing. Dude, you rock! Thanks for the valuable information!!!

[@MrRezRising]

I started in '85 in nyc and I remember that pain. Even in the top music stores on the planet...drum vids and books were so scarce. Maybe a half hour Tommy Aldridge video or a Steve Gadd tape in the back, and only Stone, Reed, and a couple other instruction books. It is the only thing I'm jealous of with the newer generations. So much info RIGHT THERE.

[@holeesheet2021]

@@MrRezRising Yep, fucking A. Young drummers coming up now have the world at their fingertips, advantages we never even dreamed of. Of course advantages don't make up for lack of talent, but if you are talented these days, KZbin is an amazing platform to get some serious praise and encouragement from peers. I remember back in the late 80's (I believe,) I picked up a VHS tape by Billy Cobham called Drums By Design. The take-home to the video was how important it is to set your drums in such a way as to be able to play around the whole kit while BARELY moving your arms, the magic being in your wrists and fingers. Cobham also all about how you hold the sticks, allowing there to be a fulcrum the way you grip them, the stick freely moving inside of your grip. I couldn't touch it, the playing was so far over my head, but I watched that video countless times, just drooling over his playing.

[@MrRezRising]

@@holeesheet2021 The curse of loving a player who's songs are WAAAAAY too hard for an amateur. Mine was Peart. His simplest song, I think, was Different Strings on Permanent Waves. Still took years to do it. But the whippersnappers, gah, they don't appreciate the journey, with their tic tacs and Instaflams.... 🤣🤣👍👍

[@jluecking5596]

I started at 10 in my elementary school band in 1970. First girl drummer in Baltimore County, Maryland. Saved babysitting money and paid $60 for an incomplete used drum set at 14. And now at 61, got an cheap electric set (good for a small space) that sounds great so I can learn from you. Lucky I found you because life just got a WHOLE LOT better because of your generosity. Thank you.

[@why67152]

I like the sound of that Paste high hat! Nice and crisp! Evans are great heads... Making even cheap kits sound good... Nice playing Rob! Go get em!!!

[@krenwregget7667]

Hey Rob, great video. I've been playing for 30+ years and, in my opinion, if you aren't playing rimshots on your back beats... you aren't doing it right. I play rimshots on back beats 99% of the time and it's really the only way to get maximum tone out of the snare AND you should be able to do it at any volume level. There's really nothing more frustrating to me than trying to listen to a drummer who isn't hitting rimshots on the backbeats. It just sounds WEAK.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

I’d have to agree on that one

[@benking9160]

Well plenty would disagree, it depends on the kind of music and playing environment. For funk and loud rock yes but for softer or some indi rock it's just not the sound everyone wants. Essentially your saying that ghost notes and rimshots are all you play! Why not just hit the middle of the drum with medium force on some songs for variety? Also with the right tuning I get quite a loud crack just from hitting the middle if needed.

[@krenwregget7667]

@@benking9160 well, that's why I don't play indie rock, problem solved. I'll tell you, when I called to sit in for other drummers either live or in session, I constantly get comments on how good my kit sounds, especially my snare. Wonder why?

[@benking9160]

@@krenwregget7667 good for you mate.

[@mrmisfit635]

Nah, gotta disagree hard on that.

[@georgeguest397]

Another great video sir. 50 yr old,, started in 1983.....I'm a former drum teacher, played professionally for a while, marched in a lot of drumlines, etc...your material is fantastic! Very entertaining as well....so inspiring. Love it!

[@Emperorjones]

Oh man… beautiful Krupa shots. Nice job.

[@KevinJones-qr2jh]

Thanks once again Rob. I clicked here to learn why my cymbals have cracks after only six months. You showed me that PLUS so much more. You make practicing fun.

[@dennisgrogg8905]

Rob’s videos have been fantastic in adding to my skills. I never considered these techniques while playing and have corrected numerous flaws that I had. I really appreciate every lesson Rob puts on KZbin. Also he has really cool merchandise!

[@coltonsimmonds6991]

'Mr Brown; Your The Bees knees' ; Thank You For Those Dynamic Tutorials; It's From My Heart Sir'.

[@csontosmilan9150]

Great video, no one seems to touch these topics.Nice detail, useful info as always.Can't wait for the Jellowjackets video 🙂

[@dajones7574]

Killer hats, Beatdown rockin the sounds!

[@derrickarinaitwe9247]

sick groove at the kick drum section...🔥

[@stephenmack7400]

Hey Rob, it's been a while since I last posted. Like you I have been drumming for 30+ years, but this info never gets old. Thanks for keeping us old timers in tune!

[@fredlittle8127]

Great points, often overlooked by many. Thanks for your attention to the critical parts of drumming. I appreciate your very complimentary musical cymbals. I find myself using a minimal set up on a lot of gigs. So yes the right ride is all you need. I have played rim shots with traditional grip for many years. However, if I really want to nail a consistent, fat, back beat rim shot, I turn the stick over and play matched with the butt end.

[@rhythmfield]

Great basics and fundamentals - I’m playing for over 50 years and often lately, revisiting basics from cool teachers to help tighten up my game & prepare to return to teaching again after a long absence

[@terrynovacek2948]

You are the King of cool kats!

[@steeze24]

Great lesson Rob.

[@mathewhanf9527]

Superb Ride cymbal playing!!❤ IT

[@shawnatkins5611]

Love your videos and the new logo🥁❤

[@robertryder1097]

As usual, there’s a metric ton of great info in your lesson. As helpful as anything is your validating “burying the beater.” That’s going to save me so much stress - thanks! ☮️🥁🎶🙏

[@Roman4ik_Drumz]

Watched just to check am I doin it right😆 Surely yes, but it's still the coolest check-list for beginner and students drummers. Wish I watched this 5 years ago, excellent job RB 💣🔥💪🏾

[@spark_6710]

I've always loved hi hats ,yes very important. I believe the most important instrument when it comes to drumming & one of the greatest inventions for musical instruments !! I love your videos !! 💜🥁🐉🎤🎶💞

[@ralphflores4422]

That was great. Thank you for the distinctions.

[@jluecking5596]

Oh wow, what you can do with that ride cymbal at 12:00 is glorious! I watched several times and the the intricacies of movements in each of your fingers and the corresponding sounds on the ride. I just learned enough to get me going for the week ahead. Thx.

[@vincentzito3933]

I got a good tip for you Rob. I notice you chew your sticks up in the exact same place I used to...Turn your tilt screw on the hi-hat around to the front. You get the same chick sound but the bottom hat tucks under the top hat and you won't chew your sticks up as much...

[@geraldlavelle9788]

Great tips. Thanks Rob.

[@SoleymoonPercussion]

Absolutely loooove this video!!!! Thank you Rob!!!! 🔥🥁🔥

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Yer welcome! 🙂

[@HansCarlsten]

One of your best videos!

[@dianaperez5058]

Thank you, your advices are good since you have the experience.

[@MrRezRising]

I never knew tippy rimshots were named after Krupa. Ironic, cuz my Dad played me Sing Sing Sing back in the early 80s right before I started to play...and I've always loved the 'pleading' raw sound of those rimshots on my own.

[@DWoodsDaKing]

Super smooth video brother

[@mikede2464]

I loved playing my hihat musically. It was the center of my playing....until I switched to electronic drums. Now it's good for little more than keeping time. I've even given up on using a hihat pedial with my e-kit: I just use two triggers one for open and the other for closed hihat. Of all the things I miss about acoustic drums it is the hihat.

[@zenhunter9400]

Your channel is AWESOME! I especially loved the ride part...your camera really showed the sound waves passing around the cymbal while it was ringing, like brass ocean waves, that was really cool!

[@onceamoth]

Bronze, mate 😉

[@coreytruesby901]

I bought a double bass pedal and I like them but I'm getting the point of putting them on the shelf and just continue on playing my single pedal. So that's why I ask if you'd do a lesson video on double kick. I really enjoy your videos and drumming they are very informative and great.

[@MrRezRising]

Hi! Not-Rob here. There's a lot of material out there, but I started on a book called Double Bass by Joe Franco. It's mostly single stroke rolls and pattern bass beats. After that, do the first page of Stick Control by Stone but with your feet, with simple 8s on a ride and 2/4 snare. And Lamb of God has some fun rockin' beats, but that's a personal thing. Good luck! 🤘🥁🤘

[@jcbatts7964]

It's always a pleasure to watch your videos. Thank you for your advice. 🙏🙏🥁🥁🥁

[@12hertford]

Such great advice. Enough said 👌

[@roloduarte3100]

Damn that splash sounds delicious, great video as usual.

[@TheStudrums]

Great video ! I love rides myself

[@mat4410]

Those Krupa rim shots were big during the Surfer Era, think “Walk Don’t Run,” and the original “Wipeout” by the Tornados.

[@BatManWayneCorp]

Switching back and forth between burying the bass drum bester and letting it swing back gives you the ability to switch between a tonal and an aggressive sound, with the whole dynamic range for both, effectively providing two drums in one.

[@richwatts8824]

Loving your videos Rob, thanks for taking the time !

[@Rockin_Ross]

Excellent,Sir!! I always think of the advise Neil Peart gave about hitting his drums. Each one was deliberately firm and on point. Overly fast fills just didn’t translate very well, so he stuck with how you’re saying here.❤️

[@giannibadeau3344]

Great lesson!!

[@Chiroman527]

I like to call You: Doctor Brown!!. Missed seeing your videos for awhile. Love your style of teaching. I learn such a great deal. I'm a Resurrected Drummer at 72 YO who recommenced playing after 50 Years [1969] in 2019, who plays for recreation in retirement. I'm hoping one day to be able to meet some other geriatric musicians locally to Jam with!. Your skills are clear and thanks for sharing with the public. The sound of your drums are top notch. What batter heads (Evans) are you using?

[@dennisgoettl3308]

Thanks man! Great stuff!

[@harrysmith1760]

Great tips thank you !

[@dougtopolski3293]

Great perspective and presentation Rob. Enjoyed the video.

[@msaradio7455]

It's simple things like this that make all the difference in one's playing

[@rogerringold616]

❤❤❤ at 8minute mark...you was achieving world cymbal peace...

[@amilender9961]

Love your touch, and your attitude, and the old chapter about different parts of the set, at the end, I would add how to play the ride balance between all the elements show the right away Insure, the wrong way with regarding the sound.. and about injury, your body on the previous chapter one way to correct yes Sitting doing it front of a mirror

[@mark_lhr3]

Great video. Rim shot in UK is cross-stick.

[@-JeffreyDahmer-]

OMG THAT KIT SO SHINY 😍😍

[@jonashellborg8320]

This is an excellent video, Rob! It’s easy to find tips on how to tune drums, or which cymbals to buy - it’s harder to find tips on how to hit the things! I learned a lot of this the hard way through my first gigs, when things didn’t sound so good. Now, I can play a jam night kit, as in all house gear down to the sticks, and I sound way better now than I did at gig 1 with all of my own gear. And the difference is how I hit the drums and cymbals, nothing else. It has made me do the odd gig with super cheap gear, like brass cymbals, because with a good touch even cheap cymbals can sound nice. I’ve even challenged band mates about an HCS ride and they said it sounded good to them. Nothing wrong with nice gear, don’t get me wrong I love nice gear, but a lot of the tone comes from the hands and feet and your touch. Subscribed.

[@bostjanlaba]

You know that moment, when something is so cool you start giggling? Well, this video causes that :) Thanks!

[@SteveKleinDrums]

Thanks Rob! Good topic! What is your cymbal arrangement for this demonstration?

[@stevenvenditti1902]

Rob, Thank u Thank u for the great video and for being a huge influence to my drumming style and playing! I’m always eager and willing to learning your tricks of the tray and apply that rhythmic drumming to my style! Love watching all your videos and! God Bless and keep Rocking

[@gregwonhoff7161]

Great tutorial, Beatdown. I have said it before, but I must say it again. You are one cool dude. Thank you for taking your valuable time to help us, your fans.❤❤

[@maccybee2144]

Found your drum key Rob, hiding by the kick :D

[@GrassRoots-fp4ty]

For some reason, I have a mental block when it comes to crashing my ride. Always have. Working on it.

[@robertbelanger6733]

Great tips as always🙏🏻🤘🏻🥁

[@johnhare7580]

Awesome video mate, some great tips and love the sound of your kit. Makes me realise mine is out of tune.

[@shanesolis6629]

much appreciation for another great lesson! i look forward to practicing with this later

[@mrmisfit635]

Amazing video, Rob! I also refer to ride cymbals as magical. Your Paiste ride sound reminds me of my K custom dark.

[@barakdrums]

Great video and very nice playing Rob Thank you for everything you are doing for the drummers community Respect 🙏🏻🎼🥁 .

[@geoffgrove565]

Absolutely love your videos! Lots of great tips. I'm a complete newbie so this is really so helpful. Love hearing you put it all together and play. Inspiring. Thanks!

[@Rancherinaz]

What ride cymbal are you playing there ? I like it greatly .

[@HenkJanDrums]

Thanks. Great video!

[@robertwehmeyer9684]

Please if you would give a breakdown of the line and size and weight of the Paiste cymbals you are using on this video. Thank you for your time. RCW

[@gregpepper6053]

New snare drum? Sounds tight!

[@dwaynewladyka577]

This was very informative. Cheers, Rob! ✌️🥁

[@JakeSteikDrums]

Rob the best way hands down to actually hit a drum coming from a guy who I learned it from a doctorate in percussion is to pull the sounds out of the drums how your resting your hand after each stroke is not that. The only way to develop the technique is to bounce a basketball. Your hand should pull off of the drum like it's bouncing. You will hear what your doing cause your hand is resting on the drum.

[@derekmcswain4190]

If you don't mind can you tell us what cymbals you're using ? Size I guess more than brand. The ride sounds awesome. The different crash and is that a Swiss splash. Thanks just found your site and I love it! 60 years old, Got my drums tuned per U and ready to bring the maximum thumpification 🥁