How To Create Amazing Drum Parts | Gavin Harrison

Arguably the most requested drummer by our viewers, Gavin Harrison is here at Drumeo to share his tips and methods for coming up with tasteful drum parts, how to improve your creativity, and your general mindset when playing the drums whether in the studio or performing live.
This hour-long lesson is jammed full of incredible drumming knowledge, so pay attention! He also plays several tracks from his solo project "Cheating the Polygraph", as well as a track from The Pineapple Thief.
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Chapters
0:00 - Intro
0:06 - SONG: "Hatesong/Halo"
7:01 - Introduction
10:00 - What is Rhythmic Design?
14:34 - Gavin's "CPU" Theory
21:58 - How Gavin Creates Drum Parts For A Song
28:21 - SONG: "In Exile" by Pineapple Thief
33:07 - How Gavin Came Up With Drum Parts For "In Exile"
50:50 - Billy Cobham's Tom Lick
57:50 - SONG: "The Start Of Something Beautiful"
1:04:52 - SONG: "Cheating The Polygraph"
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Gavin Harrison is best known for his playing with progressive rock bands Porcupine Tree and King Crimson. He began working professionally in 1979 and has since appeared on over 140 recordings. He's performed and/or recorded with a wide variety of artists including Incognito, Lisa Stansfield, Lewis Taylor, Paul Young, Iggy Pop, OSI, Shooter, The King Of Oblivion, Sam Brown, Tom Robinson, Go West, and many others.
He won the Modern Drummer magazine readers' poll for "best progressive rock drummer of the year" from 2007 to 2010 (and again in 2016), as well as "Best Prog Drummer" from DRUM USA magazine in 2011. In 2014, Modern Drummer placed Gavin in the Top 50 Greatest Drummers of all Time.
Hatesong/Halo (Steven Wilson, Colin Edwin & Porcupine Tree)
Arranged by: Laurence Cottle
Sax: Nigel Hitchcock
Trumpet: Tom Walsh
Trombone: Mark Nightingale
Flutes: Andy Findon
Clarinet: Ben Castle
Bass: Laurence Cottle
Orchestral Percussion: Dave Stewart
Marimba: GH
In Exile (The Pineapple Thief)
Vocals/Guitar: Bruce Soord
Keyboards: Steve Kitch
Bass: Jon Sykes
Guitar: Darran Charles
Start Of Something Beautiful (Steven Wilson & Gavin Harrison)
Arranged by: Laurence Cottle
Sax: Nigel Hitchcock
Trumpet: Ryan Quigley
Trombone: Mark Nightingale
Bass Trombone: Adrian Hallowell
Flute Gareth: Lockrane
Bass & Rhodes: Laurence Cottle
Orchestral Percussion: Dave Stewart
Cheating The Polygraph (feat.Mother & Child Divided) (Steven Wilson & Gavin Harrison)
Arranged by: Laurence Cottle
Sax: Nigel Hitchcock
Trumpet: Ryan Quigley
Trombone: Mark Nightingale
Bass: Laurence Cottle
Piano: Gary Sanctuary
Orchestral Percussion: Dave Stewart
#Drumeo #GavinHarrison #PorcupineTree

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Remember to LEAVE A COMMENT saying your favorite part of the lesson for a chance to WIN 1 of 3 SIGNED copies of Gavin Harrison's solo album "Cheating the Polygraph". Lesson Index: 0:06 - SONG: "Hatesong/Halo" 7:01 - Introduction 10:00 - What is Rhythmic Design? 14:34 - Gavin's "CPU" Theory 21:58 - How Gavin Creates Drum Parts For A Song 28:21 - SONG: "In Exile" by Pineapple Thief 33:07 - How Gavin Came Up With Drum Parts For "In Exile" 50:50 - Billy Cobham's Tom Lick 57:50 - SONG: "The Start Of Something Beautiful" 1:04:52 - SONG: "Cheating The Polygraph"

[@lawrencemartinez3628]

Favorite part is the the tone of those toms !!

[@larkstonguesinaspic4814]

Did I just hear Orchestral Jazz version of a Porcupine tree Song . Holy crap .

[@Rad631]

I already have one and I wanna say thanks a lot to you Gavin it means a lot to me!. It was from the zildjian contest. It sounds amazing and the 5.1 mix is fantastic.

[@TancrediLoCigno]

Everybody has to play in time, but the drummer has to keep the time interesting. Yeah.

[@flyingwalrus8068]

The part with Gavin

[@DI-yk9uc]

"It's everybodies job in the band to play in time, but it's the drummers job to make the time interesting." - Gavin Harrison Thank you for this incredible insight of how you approach creation of drum parts.

[@FrameshifterAI]

Great quote.

[@philantkowicz3833]

Depending on the level of players I'm gigging with there are times when I can make the time interesting and other times I have to keep the part pretty basic to hold things together and play a steady groove.

[@kevinlewis6977]

Pppaaa0apapppapapàaaàaaaaa

[@markdemell3717]

He is so smooth.

[@andydelga]

I was also taking notes of his quotes. Here is one 4u "You need to psichologically try to find a way to deal with yourself. This isn´t necessarily about getting over stage fright, This is just dealing with the complexities of playing the drums and still having room left to listen and judge. It´s not necessarily about getting nervous or anything." - Gavin Harrison.

[@ccgooser]

I love how Gavin is so humble, especially when he uses the phrase "the drumming greats" without realising that he's actually one of them.

[@mrdan5943]

Smack right!

[@markomarkovic5729]

Almost every one of these greats is humble and kind. Otherwise, they wouldn't be what they are. It's simple - no one likes jerks and doesn't want to play with them. It's one of the things that a lot of young musicians has a problem with, especially when their technique progresses to a certain level, and they start to think that they are so good and therefore have the right to act like jerks. The other thing is overplaying. There is one more thing, and that is that very few of them deal with the tone. Take Gavin for example, one of the things he is known for is his unique tone.

[@Knightgil]

Once you start thinking of yourself as one of the greats, you stop being one. I feel being humble is part of what makes someone truly great. If you let that go, you become stagnant - there is nowhere else to go once you feel like you're on top of the game - and also a narcissistic jerk.

[@gr8guitarplayer]

He realizes it, but like you said, he's very humble. In fact, he's better than all, or at least most, of his influences.

[@andym28]

I saw a thing on American Footballer Barry Sanders. They said your style defines your art. All I care now is how much of your character goes into your drumming, eg Stewart Copeland Manu Katche Jimmy Chamberlin and Gavin.

[@piotrkmiotczyk7504]

I've just noticed that he when he says a sentence, he sometimes pauses... and finishes on the last 16th. The man speaks in syncopations!

[@drummerboy0620]

It actually makes it easier to talk if speaking while playing because it doesn’t throw off your time

[@chrisryan91]

@@drummerboy0620 don’t tell Perdie that! Lol

[@paulauksztulewicz4803]

Frank Zappa once explained; “We- don’t- talk-in-4-4”.

[@vinceraver7764]

Yeah but he listened to it before. Not such a big deal p

[@antondavidovic3996]

He also embellishes some of his words by making small percussive sounds with his hands, watch from 56:00 - 56:30 every time he says "creative solutions".

[@CipherSerpico]

“I’m impressed by technique, but I’m not moved by it.” Absolutely perfect. This is without question one of the best drumeo lessons. Maybe the best.

[@betulaobscura]

Very true! I have watched it twice!

[@lukerogers151]

@@betulaobscura I've watched it four times! ;)

[@andydelga]

"I'm impressed by the technique, but I´m not moved by it. I wanna be moved , I wanna connect to the performer, I want our souls to have a connection. I wanna feel that person´s personality. I don´t want to be disguised by a gross display of technique." - Gavin Harrison

[@arsonne]

Yeah. This is how I feel about so many drummers, especially social media drummers. They're impressive as hell, but not enjoyable to listen to.

[@CipherSerpico]

@@arsonne Yup. They _play_ everything, but you don’t _feel_ anything.

[@dtmeints]

"More and more sessions are done at home now" It may have been 2017 but Gavin was 3 years ahead

[@pabloriveraaguilera1607]

ool9l9kml

[@hwangman]

Favorite moment: "I'm impressed by technique, but I'm not MOVED by it. And I wanna be moved." Absolutely brilliant summary and something all of us drummers should keep in mind when crafting parts or playing live.

[@dumpygoodness4086]

YES. You want to mate CREATIVITY... with TASTE.

[@yrussq]

@King Brilliant Yep. That's why we have people like Marco Minnemann and Thomas Lang. Every time i hear these guys i'm like "wow, if you are so advanced and have such an unbelievable technique you have, then why the fuck you play these awful and uninteresting parts music-wise?!"

[@sammyloehnis3373]

@@yrussq I think it's unfair to say their parts aren't interesting; for instance 'Scavengers' by In Continuum (Minnemann) or 'Time' by Thomas Lang. Perhaps it's not that their playing is robotic, but that it leaves little room for the other instruments to shine

[@sammyloehnis3373]

@@yrussq I think it's unfair to say their parts aren't interesting; for instance 'Scavengers' by In Continuum (Minnemann) or 'Time' by Thomas Lang. Perhaps it's not that their playing is robotic, but that it leaves little room for the other instruments to shine

[@fVNzO]

@@yrussq those guys couldn't be further apart. I would expect you to say Thomas lang and Mike mangini, not Marco lol. He's in a whole different league feel wise.

[@jamelgreaves401]

Gavin goes beyond just playing fast or super odd. He finds grooves you can move to in the chaos. He listens to the pitch of the instruments and simulates it with the pitch of the kick up to the Tom's up to the snare up to the hat and cymbals. He is a musician, not just a drummer.

[@andydelga]

"I'm impressed by the technique, but I´m not moved by it. I wanna be moved , I wanna connect to the performer, I want our souls to have a connection. I wanna feel that person´s personality. I don´t want to be disguised by a gross display of technique." - Gavin Harrison

[@hendrikos96]

My favorite part was this quote: "You put it in the right place, and it's beautiful. You do it every bar, and it's horrible." (14:05) because it's funny, but also really captures the idea of musical playing

[@DonSandersonDrums]

Gavin Harrison is truly my favorite drummer. I'm a 56 year old jazz and show drummer living in Orlando. Ive been playing professionally for almost 40 years. I was always inspired by the usual drumming suspects you'd expect from a drummer who plays the stuff I do; Buddy Rich, Steve Gadd, Harvey Mason, Vinnie Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, etc. My rock heroes were of course Neil, Bill Bruford, Terry Bozzio, Tommy Aldridge, Rod Morgenstein, and Carl Palmer. However, Gavin has, through countless hours of practice along with supernatural and divine gifting developed a style that none of these aforementioned drum masters have imo. Gavin has all the chops that any of my heroes have. However, he has a special creative artistry, along with a remarkable memory to make drumming not just rhythmic foundation but integral musical enhancement. He plays melody, catches figures in a myriad of colors and for me, has taken drumming to a whole different level. I have seen all of my favs I mentioned play live and it's wonderful and impressive. But with Gavin, it makes me giddy, a bit depressed, lol, and driven to see if I can bring into my playing the same magic Gavin has. A guy like Thomas Lang has mastered the physical execution of playing the instrument, but sticks to a particular style. Gavin can sound as great with a progressive rock band as he does with a jazz big band. Yes, he has great gear, a home studio, lots of time to practice due to his financial freedoms. But he, above anyone else I have seen or heard has amalgamized every style of drumming into an unmistakable identity. He is my new new hero to set my bar against. His approach in this video concerning the multitude of possiblities and thematic choices was very eye opening. His ghosts with his left hand rim shot are now my new practice hurdle. Gavin Harrison, like Steve Gadd never lets his ego get in the way of making music.He plays for the sake of the music, not his own acknowledgements. I watched this and just shook my head. I'd love to study with him. Bravo Maestro!

[@dylanj635]

Well said my friend. Well said.

[@TheAshis009]

Couldn't have said this better myself 😀

[@xBaphometHx]

I'm not even a jazz drummer and knew Gavin through Porcupine Tree because I liked how gloomy it sounded. Since then, I fell in love with him and I stand flabbergasted every time I see him playing or speaking about drums.

[@FerretPercussion]

Well said! A few albums that have that same immersive musical depth to the drum parts whose names didn't appear on your list, all of which are on par with Gavin Harrison on the Fear of a Blank Planet album. Sean Reinert on Traced in Air, Jon Theodore on Frances the Mute, Danny Carey on Lateralus,

[@danielorts6374]

I could not have said that better. I am not a professional drummer, but I have been all my life listening to music, specially prog rock. When I first heard Gavin, he revolutioned my way of understanding drums and beated all my past heroes. I have seen him playing with Porcupine Tree throughout Europe, and also playing with King Crimson. I also attended to a master class performed by him at Sonor Drums factory in Germany. This is one of my best memories ever. I cannot imagine there will ever be a drummer like him.

[@troyhill1267]

To me, this is the best video you guys have ever produced and published! I have been playing for over 50 years and was not familiar with Gavin Harrison until today. I don't know how that could possibly be! Only his humility exceeds his ability! His abilities speak for themselves! I am inspired again! Thank you guys for doing what you do. It's these type of videos that go beyond the egos of incredible drummers that speaks to the hearts of us who never loose their desire to learn! Gavin is humbly a Master of our instrument! Thanks guys, thanks Gavin!

[@giorgiogutierrez6784]

As an architect and drummer I loved when Gavin compares the creation of drum parts to the design of a beautiful building.

[@NICUofficial]

yea the comparison between music and architecture is so cool and has always appealed to me, nice to hear that a drumming god has similar thoughts ^_^

[@metalfilms6660]

How to create amazing drum parts: Step 1: Be Gavin Harrison

[@carlosfc04]

damn hahahahahahah you make my day aahahahaha

[@jacobpotts7954]

No be Bomzo

[@EGOS42]

You won the internet today!

[@enriquemansilla1862]

I was about to post the same thing lol

[@TheStudioDrummer]

LOL

[@brandonp51]

OH BABY My favorite part was the part with Gavin Harrison.

[@AgusHerrera71]

jajaja

[@EricT43]

I agree. The parts without Gavin were not nearly as good.

[@C-Stanz]

Unoriginal meme comment #342567763

[@supermechdragonslayer]

The only original thing here was the number you wrote.

[@renedominguez4623]

lol @ people still bringing up originality in these modern times lol. good luck...

[@DevinJHiggins]

50:55 When Gavin breaks down the technique he learned on a Billy Cobham Drum Clinic on the BBC back in 1982, that totally blew my mind. 35 years of playing drums and I had NEVER seen that displayed anywhere before. Then to watch Gavin expand on it and show what experimentation leads to. Having followed Gavin since PT released 'Fear of a Blank Planet', this was one of the best lessons you guys have posted.

[@KONAMAN100]

'' maybe I can do all of them''

[@NICUofficial]

that part was SO cool other than the second drum performance (in exile) it was my favorite part of the video

[@BryanMcCann100]

Gavin loves a metaphor.

[@Neutron_Man]

"Best way to practice ghost notes is to practice in the dark." Gavin Harrison, 2017

[@utubehound69]

That's with any instrument that help me more than anything getting chords right & staying in the right key while performing by practicing in the dark. It's dark on most stages my guitar teacher said the same thing about guitar.

[@jazarmysroses4295]

Utsav Kaushik FROZEN

[@ofdrumsandchords]

That's a good line. I like to play piano without looking to the keyboard, it's sensual but never tried with the drums, didn't think of it. I'll try today.

[@eucabusas]

He didn't even have to play the drums. They could've disassembled the whole kit and I'd still watch him talk how he conceptualizes and thinks drums. Thank you guys for bringing him in!

[@OogaB0oga]

no kidding, this lesson has blown my mind multiple times now. It's just too much high value insight for me to take in in one watch. Amazing

[@alexis.jacobo.drums14]

@@OogaB0oga Same here, first time I've watched it my perception of drumming and composition was truly renewed, felt like waking up from childhood. Since that every now and then I come back to oil the engine haha

[@tomislavsekerija1957TN]

As a bassist, I LOVE guys like him. That's the whole wisdom about musical art.

[@ricorlessons]

good to see a bassist liking this guy. I'm a drummer, but the musical art transcends your specific instrument

[@cresk]

I consider this as the ‘real’ drum lessons, because the emphasis is not only on technique but much more about being musically creative.

[@vvrraajjeesshh]

"I'm impressed by technique, but not moved by it" Golden words. Gavin _/\_

[@brendonburns3039]

"Imagine what you would really like to hear on a song, and then play that." Great advice!

[@danex902]

Gavin's toms always sound so good. Amazing player.

[@dennislester9395]

Ambassadors or Emperors?

[@tomb5219]

@@dennislester9395 Sonor...

[@yikelu]

LOVE the finger snare roll before the cross-stick during "In Exile". That's so cool!

[@fachawassi]

i was listening and said "how the fuck is he doing that roll" fucking great

[@shishirck]

This BLEW my mind. Made me think "why didn't I think of this?!"

[@_burd.]

Seriously, another weapon added to the arsenal. But that was so amazing to watch.

[@ceccavara]

I think everyone who is into music should know this amazing musician. My favorite part is when gavin talks and when gavin is playing.

[@philippweisang]

@@dibyo156 Nicely put

[@tylerbailey9329]

My favourite part was from 0:00 - 1:10:38

[@TazzSmk]

nah, best part starts at 35:25 :P

[@300kike]

You’re right

[@arnabrahman4662]

Gavin's CPU analogy couldn't be more accurate. More often than not, we're so overwhelmed by the complexity of the parts we play that it hinders our artistic freedom. Heil Gavin ^_^

[@tristanyoung3632]

It's so true! Gavin put it perfectly. Anytime I practice with my bandmates now, I keep this lesson that Gavin shared in the front of my mind. Gavin Harrison is one of my all time biggest influences and inspirations. Incredible person, musician and teacher, quite honestly.

[@Azuma951]

Man this guy plays so tastefully and smooth!

[@JesusLordOfLords455]

Halpern?

[@lukerogers151]

@@JesusLordOfLords455 Lmao, he sucks. Gavin would destroy him.

[@lamarjackson6777]

@@lukerogers151 Halpern does not suck lmao are you dumb...

[@chrominox]

@@lukerogers151 Dude. You need to listen to Halpern's grooves more closely. There's a wealth of knowledge there.

[@JesusLordOfLords455]

@@lukerogers151 lol I didnt mean that yea I prefer harrison periphery sounds like radio disney.....well the singer does anyway otherwise good shit

[@hugorezende199]

he is the James Bond of drummers

[@gundolarry]

Then Antonio Sanchez must be Gandalf :)

[@Neutron_Man]

Holyyyy Shiiiit!!! Gavin On Drumeo. The moment we all have been waiting for.

[@imacashew.]

Utsav Kaushik I’m still waiting for Chris Colman

[@skyreadersociety6183]

absolutely!!

[@Neutron_Man]

The only desire I have now is to see Danny Carey on drumeo, then i can live in peace, Drumeo! I owe you a lot.

[@RandyHanley]

Gavin is a great example of how he can make something look so easy. That intro track is one that, if you miss a brass hit, it'd be so noticeable, yet he's playing crazy-solid/awesome grooves over it and NEVER misses one important hit.

[@WhaleBluePRS]

"M. U. S. I. C. - Make Up Something Interesting and Complimentary." The late, great Neil Peart. How awesome to find another drummer in that mold.

[@trailsetter]

Probably the Best drummer in the world if you ask me. So innovative and his drums sound amazing.

[@DlikinDrums]

Please Simon Phillips !!!

[@utubehound69]

That Drum Lick Lick was tasty .

[@benfrank8649]

Gavin is the most poetic, articulate drummer. His parts are a thing of beauty

[@alecmaier4981]

You misspelled Lars Ulrich

[@myimorata7678]

If he isn't the best, he'll do til the best one gets here. He's great.

[@vanderneut]

My favorite part starts at 35:25 where he explains how he plays the snare ghost notes with his finger tips. I noticed him doing that during the song, and thought it was so cool! Super inspiring lesson this video. His drumming is absolutely gorgeous.

[@AardvarkHill]

Gavin just showed everyone the difference between being a drummer and being a musically artistic percussionist. What a boss!

[@JanisKlinnert]

I am nowhere near being a drummer but there is sooo much universal truth in everything Gavin is saying for every musician! So many valuable tips and lessons!! Amazing.

[@SarthakPradhan]

At last! The king is here! 😇 Thankyou Drumeo!

[@Insectatorious]

Loved the 'CPU' theory.

[@kjp8251]

He truly is one of the greats. Wisdom. Other recommendations: Danny Carey Dave Lombardo Simon Phillips.

[@emilerpel8342]

Marko Minneman

[@lassiliimakka]

Mario Duplantier

[@kjp8251]

@@lassiliimakka Jojo

[@truejungian]

@@kjp8251 well its nice you matured in two years. Dave Lombardo shouldn't be on that list

[@kjp8251]

@@truejungian wrong

[@Sid-uc5ms]

Of all the lessons on drumeo , this one has the best sounding drums and the best mixing. SONOR is the best.

[@Yaboroqe]

Totaly agree! I once had a Sonor snare 😭.

[@pranavphx]

It's how he tunes the snare and his attack and the sticks. It's HIM basically

[@DavidvonDont]

Gavin meticulously tunes all his drums himself

[@Leatherfacet]

@@DavidvonDont He own this drum sound. Noone can ever touch it.

[@Kuenkency]

"If you think you look cool wearing a gold chain ... do you look ten times cooler wearing ten gold chains?" (11.58min)

[@MawcDrums]

This is one of my favorite lines from the whole video

[@GooseGabagool]

One of the best drummers, and very underrated or maybe more unknown to the people I know. My favorite part was when he used the CPU analogy. I’ve seen Dave Weckl talk about being able to hear yourself and how you sound within the band while playing. This is something I’ve struggled with and now I feel like it’s been explained to me in a way where I can build up hearing myself in live sessions more clearly and during more difficult songs.

[@benozw12]

The sound of his toms is always so heavenly! His strokes and sound are extremely precise! Look at the small spot on his snare.

[@daveknight1775]

Love the way Gavin thinks about music, recording, and drumming. Bloody legend!

[@jasonkiss]

is this heaven???

[@skyreadersociety6183]

yes, it's drummers heaven! Gavin is one of the most brilliant drummers out there, besides Simon Phillips and Manu Katche.

[@GinoCento]

No, it's Iowa.

[@christiangasior4244]

There's so many incredible drummers. Chris Coleman, Benny Greb, Jojo, all in my suggested vids and all incredible.Then you have the old studio greats like Vinnie C., Steve Gadd, etc. I just wish more good bands with average drummers would hire these guys that you usually only hear on instructional videos, solos, or obscure jazz fusion cheese. JoJo and Benny would be great in with The Gorillaz, Beck, anything hip-hoppy really. Such a waste. At least Gavin plays in a worthy band.

[@vanderneut]

I agree. It's really sad when you see an awesome drummer waste their talent on obscure jazz fusion cheese.

[@retepyam5858]

@@GinoCento That comment put a big grin on my face, one fell of a film.

[@melshibuya3454]

Even at 64-years of my drumming, I really learned more from his style in a different way not only in technique but also his selection of cymbals and drum tones. Listen to his playing style with a set of good headphones to really hear his ghost notes along with his powerful crescendo as the song progressive. Nice work explaining even to teach an ole dog new tricks as well as the new folks. Thanks Gavin.

[@Dontlettheworldrot]

I can’t stop watching this video, he’s so humble and he’s one of the greatest drummers OF ALL TIME!

[@Sk1pperCS]

I am not a drummer, but I am absolutely fascinated with Gavin and his contribution to music and rhythmic design. He is not only brilliant at what he does, he is also well spoken and does a nice job teaching and painting a picture. I could listen to him all day. In fact he is my role model and I aspire to be like him.

[@gusbandicoot]

He is such a professional. Literally one of the best drummers out there. So much respect for this guy. And BRITISH!!!!!

[@gusbandicoot]

Weckl level stuff

[@metalcedy]

Words cannot describe how this amazing, humble, godliketalented musician as inspired an entire generation of drummers. Thank you for putting such passion and creativity in you're playing and thanks to Drumeo for finally receiving Gavin... Everything this guy touches turn to transending art. God bless you Gavin and keep Proging !!!

[@shannonmiller5648]

I’m not sure if I’ve commented on this video before but I’ve watched it several times now and I’m blown away every single time. This guy’s playing invokes emotion on a level that I’ve seldom experienced from any other players. I mean there’s times the guy literally brings tears to my eyes. The sense of purpose within every single stroke is brilliant beyond comprehension. The way he builds parts that so beautifully serve every single detail of the music penetrates the very depths of my soul in such a way that even when he’s playing something relatively simple it often becomes overwhelming emotionally and I can’t help but shed a tear in awe of this man’s talent. That’s when you’re just like, man! to be this great at any one thing in life is almost inconceivable. There has been many brilliant players throughout history and throughout the world but Harrison’s playing just touches me in a rare way emotionally. He’s the kind of cat that just makes you want to be better not only as a musician but better in every aspect of life.

[@stevegosciniak631]

One thing I always loved about Gavin’s playing: the perfect blend of technique and musical sensitivity.

[@partricek8907]

You MUST hear Pineapple Thief album Your Wilderness with Gavin on drums. What a band! So similar to Porcupine Tree

[@EshwaranKrishnanskull]

28:45 The Second song that Gavin plays is very unique and amazing

[@fess04]

Drumeo you should recommend watchers to listen with headphones...the audio is crazy good!!!!

[@jamienichols4529]

My favourite part was the first part with Hatesong/Halo. Just seeing how much variety and all the techniques that Gavin pulls off is just simply incredible! It makes me feel like there are endless possibilities when it comes to music! Every time I see Gavin play it makes me jump on my kit in excitement and experiment and have fun straight away which is exactly what this video did! Gavin is my all time favourite and he is the reason where all my inspiration comes from!

[@tillsommerdrums]

yeeeeees finally, I have waited soooo long My favourite part was actually seeing Gavin smile while he plays some of his stuff. Shows that even though he is a technical musical genius he can still enjoy his own playing instead of just being in his mind all the time. Absolutely the most musical drummer around at the moment

[@Lafirin]

Unreal how he communicates drums. His philosophy is so detailed, interesting and relatable.

[@hugorezende199]

this guy from drumeo has the best job ever. he has to oportuniy to watch Gavin and tons of awesome drummers three feet way. i would give my two eyes to see Gavin that close and of course, have the oportunity to talk with him and learn from him. Just Like Neil he is clever suitle and technical with pure elegance and creativity.

[@ChrisWeinhardt]

I'm a guitar player and singer but Gavin is pure inspiration. What a monster

[@BionicleSaurus]

I CLICKED THIS VIDEO SOOO FAST.

[@BionicleSaurus]

Yeeaaahhh, man. Gavin is beast!

[@BionicleSaurus]

LOL what?

[@BionicleSaurus]

Well, okay then. xD

[@stevebowers8047]

BionicleSaurus just messing with you boys I do that occasionally, Gavin is great? LOL

[@MrRdp0215]

same here. first 8 notes I knew this was a awesome drummer. and the sound of the kit

[@mraash]

"If you look cool wearing a gold chain, do you think you'd look 10 times as cool wearing 10 gold chains?" advice to live by.

[@primordial.sounds]

Mr. T disagrees and pities the fool who don't! haha

[@Jake-gz6pw]

Mr t also pitties a fool who doesn't use 1800collect

[@Leddrums]

Ahaha

[@everardoarmenta]

Wow! This really made me cry. Such a creative and inspiring drummer, one of the best drummers as in musicallity, AMAZING tom sound y the way, just as he said, sound is the first thing to go for.

[@DaveEales72]

I was watching this on my LG TV (in 4K through the TV's KZbin app).....and the app stopped working halfway through because it needed to "free up more memory". Talk about ironic, even my TV's CPU was fully used up watching Gavin's lesson!!

[@brianvillage9649]

Dave that was one of the best things I’ve heard about correlating playing with awareness. I hate when I’m jamming with a guitarist who can’t stop noodling while I’m trying to show them a part... like, bro you can’t play it if you won’t listen to what it’s doing.

[@ronitsaha6869]

For the entire Drumeo family, this was the 'start of something beautiful'. Thank God for Gavin, Thank God for Jared, Thank god for drumming.

[@Ebut191]

Thank god for Darwin!

[@marshallcornell7650]

He's like an encyclopedia of great euphemisms

[@paulbergner9713]

This guy is one of the most humble and wise phenomenal song writing drummers I have ever heard. His tasty grooves and appropriate fills and embellishments are just so perfect; I would go as far as saying that he has flawless feel.

[@benanderson5889]

Favorite part is the rim roll groove at 1:00:40 Best hour I've ever spent. Gavin is such an inspiration. Challenges me to really rewire the way I view my role as a drummer.

[@patrickbeintema9184]

I agree! My mouth is still open...

[@benevolentsun]

Speaking of drummers that played for Steven Wilson, could you bring in Marco Minnieman? That would be awesome!

[@martinrevell1143]

i saw him live nail an 18 minute drum solo with the aristocrats, amazing

[@RickGameplaysPT]

gavin didnt played for steven, they we re a band. Now, Marco was just a steven player.

[@estouapanhado1049]

BombTastiC, Porcupine tree still existed at the time, then he is somehow.

[@austing.8870]

Gavin also played on Storm Corrosion too.

[@davebander9730]

Oh yeah! Marco has an incredible pocket and he can play very, very musically! He isn't just a technical monster drummer. And he is crazely creative!

[@jeancosta3228]

This drum sound is absolutely fenomenal. One more time. Congrats Gavin. Omggg

[@nobbyhobby2071]

Gavin is one of the best drummers on the planet right now.

[@mfkammersgaard]

Favorite drummer of all time. He's a master of the detail.

[@Sahillaheja]

Just after watching the whole lesson i'm sitting here, completely shook by what is possible and what has to go on on a drummer's mind while playing drums instead of just picking up the sticks and banging randomly here and there! My favourite part in the video was while he was playing The Start Of Something Beautiful, specially from 1:02:00 - 1:02:30 (thats the ending of the song), I totally fell into thinking why he put all those things in there and just then I realize what he is doing i.e matching his cymbals with the accented notes on the trumpet!!! Absolutely amuzed by this lesson!

[@Isosceles1]

This is the most valuable drumming video I’ve ever seen on KZbin.

[@BigBenH18]

Him and Jeff Porcaro are my favorite drummers. They have everything. Groove, feel, rhythm, pocket and the amazing and rare talent of playing what the song needs.

[@mjpdrums]

Favourite part is the break down of 'in exile ' super interesting and helpful to hear how Gavin writes parts and focuses on what fits and honours the music. Picking things like the guitar pattern and lyrics. Really helpful for adding to a band musically and embellishing tastefully

[@josevarela6352]

Apart from his tech know how and expertise, experience, drumming talent, bla bla, this man is a complete musician, making the drumset a substantial part of the musical piece. I also noticed that even the non-drumming people connect with his performance when they watch his videos and drum plays.

[@blueburnsred]

I think this is the best Drumeo lesson of all time. Of all the lessons I've watched over the years, I keep coming back to this one over and over again.

[@vredeedam9194]

taste, musicality, technique, dynamics, personality, timing, it's all there, definitely a favorite!

[@63Baggies]

Gavin is a lovely player. We don't give enough credit to our homegrown talent, Mark Mondesir, Neal Wilkinson, Gary Husband, Frankie Tontoh...I could go on...

[@braedendetert2981]

My favourite part was from 00:01 to 1:10:38

[@TOTO-vm4cb]

Simon Phillips is my favourite drummer and biggest inspiration. But I never experienced a better teacher and motivator as Gavin Harrison. Great. Thanks Gavin and Drumeo

[@yadaroni]

I hope drummers are not only listening to this, but truly hearing it. I have heard so many drummers that are so focused on impressing people that they practice more and more complex patterns and licks, but they don't have the fundamentals down and can't keep a solid beat for more than a few seconds. I'll take a solid drummer that can hold a beat and can play what enhances the song over a selfish drummer every day of the week. Keep the time AND make the song the priority over your ego.

[@joewalsh7868]

My favorite part was hearing Gavin talk about the logic behind the beats he played for In Exile. I also love the CPU analogy he uses and how helpful it is when I come up with parts for original songs.

[@marekleto6574]

Finally! Yeah, Gavin Harrison at Drumeo. Excellent work guys. Well, my favourite part start at 0:00 and ends at 1:10:38 :) Gavin is the master. I still have Zildjian Avedis Custom 18" crash signed by Gavin which i won at his Drum Clinic in Swansea, Wales in 2011! Greeting from the Czech Republic. All the best!

[@seventhquarter]

Gavin just opened fresh doors for any aspiring drummer to get closer and connected more to one's drum kit and one's playing a music... ... felt like delving into the philosophy of it all..🙂

[@fredfadda]

Fantastic drum lesson! Gavin ability to explain his creative process is impressive... I really enjoyed the full hour. Fave moment: “impressed by technique but not moved by it; I need to be moved”

[@BruteForce902]

The set sounds so AWSOME!! This opened my ear to find new ways how to play drums.

[@prognissekongen1250]

The favorite part of this lesson is that i love the way that Gavin Harrison is actually taking his time to participate in a drumeo lesson for the less experienced drummers. He is most definitely one of the most talented drummers out there and Gavin is one of my biggest idols. I just started playing drums about a week ago because i want to be just like him. His unique creative style of playing is just mind blowing and him teaching me/us in this drumeo lesson is more than i could wish for. Cheers

[@prognissekongen1250]

COME ON everything coming out of that guys mouth is JUST SO PERFECT he know exactly what to say about the topic.

[@prognissekongen1250]

I really hope i could be a winner of one of his cd's. I would love it for both inspiration and motivation. I mean who doesnt want to play like Harrison?

[@jillianfoote8397]

Thanks to Gavin Harrison for such a great lesson. His approach to listening to a song and creating a meaningful drum part and how he works that out in a very sensitive manner will stick in my brain and I will try to incorporate his ideas in my own playing. Watching and hearing him play is just amazing. Juanita

[@Unibabble]

Gavin is such a thoughtful person - his ideas about context and the importance of ideas over the details is so relevant. He's just a really great musician.

[@fess04]

So clean!....Gavin is mighty....my favorite part of the lesson is listening to Gavin playing the tracks with nice headphones.....you can hear the subtlety and nuance he plays with.....not cold as some here have said....listen with phones....sounds AMAZING!

[@cant1324]

I just used 100% of my CPU just by trying to watch him carefully

[@salthedrummer1]

What I Love about this is especially when he explains what he does...amazing !!

[@patrickbeintema9184]

When Gavin starts talking about all these rhythms and techniques, I get lost, but I am stuck on the screen watching. He is so interesting and makes me so happy!

[@shamycz]

Amazing feeling to listen to this! This Gavin's drumming takes music to the whole different level.

[@jace7541]

what a drummer. best thing ive heard on drumeo

[@anthonymedd8718]

Love Gavin's take on uncle Billy's 3/4 Pattern/excercise... The whole video is a great in site.. Gavin is just such a fantastic drummer not only as a player but as a song composer... Brilliant take on coming up and creating parts for songs!!! 👍👌🙌

[@US-ACE]

The drum track represents the drummer and his personality in conjunction with the tune. Its all about that "special" feeling melting into the song as a whole. Gavin no doubt is one of the best ever and I'm grateful for his teachings