HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR JAZZ DRUMMING INSTANTLY - 10 Instant Fixes That Could Transform Your Playing

[@drumqtips]

SIGN UP FOR AN ONLINE GROUP LESSON WITH ME HERE: www.quincydavisjazz.com/projects-6 Lesson Time Stamps 00:00 - Intro and Lesson Description 00:34 - Playing Interlude 00:59 - #1 Way to Improve Your Jazz Drumming 02:43 - #2 Way to Improve Your Jazz Drumming 04:40 - #3 Way to Improve Your Jazz Drumming 06:59 - #4 Way to Improve Your Jazz Drumming 09:32 - #5 Way to Improve Your Jazz Drumming 11:53 - #6 Way to Improve Your Jazz Drumming 14:10 - #7 Way to Improve Your Jazz Drumming 16:31 - #8 Way to Improve Your Jazz Drumming 17:57 - #9 Way to Improve Your Jazz Drumming 20:00 - #10 Way to Improve Your Jazz Drumming 22:20 - Closing Remarks

[@timberwolf1029]

I’m in jazz band at school and I feel like I’m not playing well enough but this really helped me to outline specific things I can do and strive for rather than people just telling me to listen and practice. Thank you!

[@dangerics]

I hate that! “Practice!” I’m like, yeah, practice what!!?? This guy’s a good teacher!

[@luigisavoia2401]

Man. That is the best sounding ride cymbal that has ever been made into a ride cymbal by people who make ride cymbals!

[@drumqtips]

Whoa! That’s the best compliment about my ride cymbal I’ve ever received ☺️

[@MusicByTomas]

I'm not a drummer, I'm a pianist, and I regularly watch your videos. Helps me understand the role of the drummer and internalize the swing.

[@drumqtips]

That's awesome to hear Tomas! You and me can talk about altered dominant and #5 chords sometime:)

[@joewar-booker5485]

Tips worth their weight in gold. Magnificent video, I really appreciate that way of expressing sensations and postures when playing drums. Quincy, I won't get tired of repeating it, I love these videos, I enjoy them... A very cordial greeting.

[@tdrum21]

This is really a stellar page & he shared lots of deep knowledge in a very clear way

[@drumqtips]

I will never get tired of saying thanks so much brother Joe for your kind words! I appreciate you🙏🏾

[@displaychicken]

This video is solid gold. The fact that it’s delivered while your playing is impressive. To me this is the kind of knowledge that is the most helpful for learning. It’s simple and practical, not too theoretical…can be implemented instantly. The fact that you demo it as you’re talking is extra impressive.

[@chuckc7375]

Quincy, I forgot to tell you that you’ve helped me so much with all of your lessons, you’re a master drummer and I have great respect for your playing and ability. Chuck C

[@drumqtips]

I’m really happy to hear that and thank you for your kind words Chucky!

[@anthonymedina4152]

Dear Lord Q tip what an incredible lesson.. I feel like i learn more from one of your lessons then i learn playing several years on my own just floundering aimlessly with no direction. You are a credit to the Drumming community ❤ Rest In Peace Ralph Peterson.

[@drumqtips]

Thank you so much, Anthony! I’m glad the lessons are helping you find your path! RIP Uncle Ralph Peterson❤

[@tomcarr4630]

Thanks for another wonderful lesson! Not swinging the 8ths was a real eye/ear opener.

[@drumqtips]

Hey Tom. Yeah that one gets a lot of people I think. Thanks as always for watching!

[@melpomdeun6257]

I’ve been wanting to play jazz forever. This helps a ton! By the way, regarding ride wrist break, Tony Williams said your ride stick should come up and hit your face.

[@drumqtips]

Glad this helps! Thanks for watching.

[@joeyollie123]

I've played with people who like the left hand to be quite busy. I think the key is to play with varied dynamics - play accents in key places that give the music forward momentum and swing, then fill in the gaps with grace notes, a bit like Buddy Rich used to. Definitely works in a small group setting it done right.

[@drumqtips]

Good point Joe! Thanks for sharing sir.

[@musamusashi]

Having been playing for over 30 years i went through most of those issue (not that i don't fall into a few of them from time to time), but it's great to see them summarised in one excellent video. Plus i love the Purdie vibe 😁 Great work brother, you got a new subscriber. Peace!

[@drumqtips]

Welcome aboard Musa. Glad you enjoyed the lesson!

[@terrysmith1434]

Quincy has great videos on how to be more consciously aware of how you express yourself musically,and being musically sensitive of the other members of the band,and work as a unit, and expound on various styles and techniques.

[@drumqtips]

Thank you Terry!

[@ippacholuk7317]

Wow, I needed all 23+ minutes of this lesson. Thanks Quincy! Insightful and fully spot on 'how-to's'! Look forward to applying them all. Cheers! IP

[@coconutandrus4944]

Just reviewing some of your past lessons ; just too valuable to miss ! Thank you !

[@Epicurus48]

This way of teaching is so good holyyy

[@ryancox5097]

One of the most helpful drum channels on KZbin.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that brother Ryan!

[@MidwesternCornbilly]

My instructor is just now introducing me to jazz. I am a 68 year old drum student. The entirety of my jazz knowledge is that I can name on jazz song....Take 5. Honestly, I never understood or got into jazz and playing it is completely out of my comfort zone. In the month that I have been learning I have done each and every mistake you've pointed out in this video. I will be using your fixes in conjunction with my formal lessons to, hopefully, become a much better all around drummer.

[@drumqtips]

Stay patient my friend. Learning this music is a fun but humbling journey. Glad my videos are helping!

[@furnace6441]

Speaking as a bass player, you're absolutely right. When we turn up our amp, it is over for everybody

[@richp4449]

Quincy, this is great stuff, thank you. I play mostly rock and blues but, I hope, a lot of what I play is influenced by a jazz feel. And I’ll practice just playing jazz to tunes like Take Five and the like…they feel just awesome. Anyway, thank you for your lessons. Please keep it up.

[@drumqtips]

Awesome Rich! Thanks for always watching the lessons. I'm glad you find them helpful, even as a rock and blues player. Cheers!

[@CookieCurls]

I love watching these videos as a horn player just to learn more about what drummers are doing. Thank you for the amazing content!!

[@Krispy1011]

Great lesson - some of the best tips on KZbin - thx

[@Matt_bechillin]

I’mma have to watch this atleast once a year. like maintenance checklist 😂 Thanks for the great tips, all of them 👌🏾

[@schtat]

Well that's hands down the best intro to jazz drumming I've ever seen. Cheers Quincy.

[@drumqtips]

You’re way too kind Ken. Thank you very much🙏🏾

[@alansmith7857]

In all my years on the road and with my students, your tenth point is the one I had to address the most.Playing with intent, purpose, and soul can overcome a lot of deficiencies in anyone's playing.I always loved hearing the Detroit guys talk about playing with fire when I lived there.Also, you might have a point of contention talking with some New Orleans cats about not moving too much when you play.{Just kidding,or maybe not]Always the best lessons,Quincy,thanks.

[@drumqtips]

You're spot on everything you said Alan. And yeah, the New Orleans cats move a lot, but they're grooving so hard and they're body is so much a part of what they are playing that it doesn't get in the way. In fact, it probably adds to the groove:) Thanks for sharing Alan!

[@吴昊-z2u]

👍👍👍excellent！I really like your courses

[@drumqtips]

Glad you like them!

[@crazy1comics605]

I'm a beginner rock drummer and not into jazz, but I loved this video, thanks for sharing.

[@kofthebaskervilles]

Art Blakey was famous for playing back beat for entire choruses. You got a point though.

[@drumqtips]

Very good point! I should have mentioned that actually. Thanks for letting me off the hook:)

[@rafaelestrada1846]

Thank you for these direct and concrete tips! I keep getting told to just listen to more jazz and not overplay but that's very vague advice. These direct tips are very helpful.

[@drumqtips]

Happy to help Rafa!

[@russelllane2797]

Great lesson! I'll put my hand up for at least three of these. Gonna take this to the shed and the bandstand. Thank you Quincy!

[@drumqtips]

Good that you can recognize where you stand Russell. Good luck, shedding them out of your playing my friend :-)

[@PatrickManzecchi]

So interesting, I really thought of Frankie Dunlop like 5 sec before you mentioned him, out of the blue... the tempo, your bounce and those melodic rhythms...

[@drumqtips]

Great minds…:)

[@robeagar]

Excellent advice, Q! Keep the insightful lessons coming.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that my man!

[@chuckc7375]

Quincy, Philly Joe was great at feathering the bass drum. Play on an album with Sonny Rollins and used that technique and it sounded really excellent. They didn’t even use a piano player on that particular tune and Philly just made that tune sound so good. I think the tune was, surrey with the fringe on top. Man those guys were just awesome. Sonny Rollins and Philly Joe , two monster musicians.

[@drumqtips]

Philly is the man. I love that track, surrey with the fringe on top. Duo and swingin’!! Thanks for sharing Chucky!

[@danf8172]

I’m definitely guilty of slouching and playing too passively.. good things to keep in mind! I think this is what my teacher was trying to get at when he was telling me to “dig in more.”

[@DrumsTillDeath]

What a great lesson on Jazz 101 I’ve made some of the mistakes demonstrated here and now know how to correct them enough to sound half way legit. I just celebrated 50 years of drumming. Their would be no Rock without the Roll.

[@drumqtips]

Cheers to you for 50 years of drumming; an amazing feat! Much respect to you Steven!

[@terrysmith1434]

YOU’RE WELCOME QUINCY🥁 I TRY TO GIVE CREDIT TO WHERE IT’S DUE.🙏🏽 GREAT VIDEOS,KEEP’EM COMING.

[@drumqtips]

Cheers Terry!

[@alfredbeasley1]

This was absolutely on point ! I am guilty of all 10 improvements, however no one ever pulled over to the side to tell me !! Thanks Bro. even though it hurt my ego.

[@drumqtips]

I think we’ve all been guilty of all of them at some point so welcome to the club my friend:) Thanks for watching Alfred!

[@legalcake6125]

Hurt my ego and I don’t even play the drums

[@alfredbeasley1]

Hey Q = I love Lost in thought !!

[@by_joshberry]

Guilty of all 10! Thank you so much for giving us these FIXES! I've seen enough TIPS on jazz drumming out there

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Josh!

[@RogierRJDonker]

Thank tou Quincy! I'm new to jazz drumming. Just started this year. And this is very informative. Love your videos. All the best from Holland!

[@drumqtips]

Awesome! Glad you find my videos so helpful!

[@210caulfield]

Although I've been playing for 60 years I enjoyed your video and it was a great reminder of things to avoid. I've made all those errors in the past (I played '4 on the floor' on 'A Night in Tunisia' with a student big band that went out on the BBC in 1965!! lol. Thank you. I will check other videos.

[@drumqtips]

Right on Vince!

[@neilsachs]

Super-well articulated. Your lesson lives up to the title. Supreme teaching. Thank you

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for the kind words, and I am so happy it was helpful!

[@warrenhenderson2717]

Swinging good lesson. Thanks for another great lesson Quincy 🥁👍🏾👍🏾

[@drumqtips]

Truly my pleasure Mr. Warren!

[@jamescrow9854]

Thanks, your a Awesome Teacher ! Great advice for every drummer , beginner or advanced.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that James!

[@hifiveshandshakes2231]

I'm thrilled I found your channel! I've been playing the drums for over 25 years and have a music degree. I've mainly been a rock drummer but I love jazz. I worked with Syncopation, the art of Bop Drumming and some other "jazz" books with a few different teachers and, extensively on my own. I learned more about jazz comping from this video than I have with all those teachers combined. Where were you 20 years ago? Haha! Thank you for laying it out so simply. Great channel and great playing!

[@drumqtips]

I am thrilled you found my channel too. And I am even more thrilled that you found value in this lesson. Sorry I couldn’t be there 20 years ago when you were looking for me :-)

[@dhitiwatmongkolsmai5870]

im beginner into jazz drum and this helps me a lot thx u!!

[@blairholmesproductionsinc.9432]

Terrific video, Quincy! Super helpful and clear! Thank you.

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful Blair!

[@drumsleuth]

Very good lesson being mindful is what I need to work on adding space all this is old stuff I forgot Thanks

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching Rich!

[@carsonturner7982]

Can’t thank you enough for the great advice. Been a percussionist and jazz has been a weak spot until you helped me.

[@themole2024]

Q great advice once again. Thank you for putting so much into all of your lessons.

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Fred! Thanks for watching as always.

[@bumsibar6163]

Thank you for mentioning Frankie Dunlop, I thought I was the weird bc I am so into his playing. Kinda hypnotises me

[@drumqtips]

Frankie Dunlop is so great! Glad you like him so much.

[@JoelCarbonellGonell]

Wow! That's an amazing synthesis of a lot of stuff I learnt from you! I have to say that I'm a lot better drummer thanks to all your tips. Recently I noticed that my 2 and 4 hi hat beats were'nt really with my ride cymbal (they were a little behind) so I fixed that with awareness (like Dan Weiss says...). Fun fact: In French, Spanish and Catalan (my main languages) Strong and Loud are the same word 😂. THANK YOU, as always!

[@lucamantoani8624]

Pure gold. Thank you for do not cut the part of the video where "i can't play": that little "mistake" makes you more human to me

[@drumqtips]

I am very very human Luca:) I'll include more mistakes next time! lol

[@chuckharling]

Thank you for your videos, I am using ideas from them every day and find them really inspiring[2-5-6-7 for me in this one].I was playing along while you were playing today and it might be cool to have a 3-4 minute video of you just playing for us to play along with you at some different tempos sometimes.

[@drumqtips]

That’s a great idea Chuck! I’ll keep that in mind. Glad you’re finding the lessons helpful.

[@peterevans366]

Thanks Quincy I'm guilty of least 3 of these... Always great to see you put this style of music/playing into perspective ❤️🥁

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed it Peter! Thanks for watching as always my friend.

[@calebdeibert4952]

This was a great lesson. I'm guilty of all of them. Definitely helpful

[@popeyesailor9571]

The inventer of the drum scoop Rick Odello told me if you can control your quiet playing when you use the power it is easier. I was always a fan of the laying back for a while and just doing the pccasional Paaaaah with snare and cymbal of some sort. mom was a jazz nut who ran away from home her last year of HS to live in SF and hang out in front of the black Hawk I believe it was to hear Dave Brubeck etc. without being able to go in so I was exposed to a lot of jazz. Errol Garner she said was the best composer.My first concert was Buddy Rich Monty Alexander trio and Aierto at the age of 8 at the Concord Jazz Festival 1970

[@drumqtips]

That’s awesome! Your mom sounds like a real cool cat😎

[@umbachk1]

Great video, Quincy! Great to meet you at JEN! Have a great semester

[@drumqtips]

Thanks so much! Great meeting you as well Keith!

[@mikeanscombe9883]

Certainly guilty of some of these misdemeanours! Not any more, hopefully… Straight from the heart to the heart - thank you…yet again!😎

[@drumqtips]

Definitely don't want you to get arrested for any of these violations Mike! I got you brother:)

[@ricksanchez5002]

GREAT tutorial ! One of the best. Thanks !

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful Rick!

[@kerrilynn3952]

This was so extremely helpful, thank you!

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful Ms. Kerrilynn:)

[@bobjarnell653]

GREAT love your vids and easy to understand explanations ! ! !

[@CharlesTPrimm]

This is absolutely fantastic! Thanks so much. Brilliant playing.

[@nathanieldavis5231]

Great points and presentation brother. Worth it's weight in platinum! How great it is to be a member of our guild !! Rather be a drummer than anything else ,even in music ! So much fun !

[@torcolts19]

Best way to improve your jazz playing, Listen to jazz!

[@drumqtips]

Shoot. I knew I missed one! You are absolutely right about that Jack!!

[@JasonGreen-kf8ld]

Thanks for the lessons from the heart

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure from my heart JG:)

[@anguswatson5380]

Just started trying to play jazz so this has been really helpful your awesome man

[@drumqtips]

Awesome Andy!

[@greedfox7842]

best thing I was told was the ride cymbals is "walk the dog"... I was hitting with a single and double and it sounded like " walk da-dog". slowing down and really pronouncing the rhythm correctly helped me get better.

[@drumqtips]

Awesome! That’s Greg Hutchinson’s phrase👍🏾

[@newmemphiscolorways2111]

Amen to every one of these!❤

[@richspicer7818]

Great Q-Tips Quincy! Thanks!

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Rich!

[@bobweber4140]

What a great lesson thankyou for all you do

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed it and my pleasure!

[@pacz8114]

A+ and thank you very much for your valuable -- and musical -- insights.

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure!

[@tedstuff2039]

Great video, Quincy, I'm looking forward to the lesson this weekend! Thoroughly enjoyed the first one!

[@drumqtips]

See you Saturday Teddy!

[@MrLudvigsen]

Thanks for the good ways to improve

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure!

[@Mach3Max]

Very sensible, very musical advice. That's why personally I prefer Max Roach to Buddy Rich. Max was SINGING with his drumming whereas Buddy was just SHOUTING (most of the time anyway). If you listen to the album Rich vs Roach you'll know what I mean.

[@drumqtips]

I agree with you. Give me Roch over Rich any day of the week👍🏾

[@rhythmfield]

Lots of great points - thank you for mentioning posture - slouching, or sitting too stiff and restricted - only one of my teachers over the years ever talked about that- The great Gary Chester. It was a central part of his teaching concept! It helped me a LOT over the years. Peace & best-GREG BURROWS

[@nicholasalexander1644]

Wow! Really a gold mine of a video. Great teaching and great tips. Wish I'd seen it sooner!

[@RealisticFlight]

Thanks Bother, Helps a lot

[@dragusinruben4886]

Amazing video! You're amazing! We're so lucky to learn so much and precious stuff from you, and for free. Keep it up!❤

[@peppertennis]

Thankyou Quincy! Brilliant tutorial All the rubbish I do encapsulated in one lesson 🥁🙏

[@drumqtips]

Ha! Me too Tim:) Thanks for watching.

[@brucelach4481]

nice job ,great playing and your drums sound great

[@sobolev1988]

It's a great video. So clean so useful ideas... I should watch it everyday. Maybe listen to this while driving. It's like a biblio

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed the lesson so much my friend:)

[@radoslavradosevic4586]

thnx a lot master,ur tips are realy learning,generaly about drums and music ,not only jazz playing!

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Rado!

[@RodolfoPimenta1998]

Great stuff, been doing all of these ever since I've started learning just cause it made sense, mimicking what I listen from my references!

[@roloduarte3100]

Great video man, love your drumming.

[@drumqtips]

Thank you🙏🏾

[@lincolnmmitchell]

Quincy Man great video. I had a chuckle because you remind me of Bernard Purdie a couple times.

[@drumqtips]

Admittedly, I remind MYSELF of Mr. Purdie sometimes when I rewatch some of my videos😂😆

[@fitzroi47]

Great content..! Thanks for the reminder 👍🏽

[@efrainl]

What a great video. I'm hooked. Thank you for this :)

[@tweetycapmany9455]

Incredible video. Thank you very much!

[@b.p.879]

I really enjoyed this vid and took some great notes, thanks for your awesome instruction!

[@claesblomquist3510]

Love your channel, Quincy. You're such an inspiration and and I'm learning so much from your vids. Thanks for doing this. ❤ from Sweden.

[@adude9882]

Very musical advice.

[@robbyboy03]

I love the sound of your ride cymbal. Can you please tell me what it is? Love your style.

[@drumqtips]

Thank you. Check the description for my drums and cymbal specs.

[@maleklakhoua3927]

Great and strait to the swing ! Thank you Dr Q Davis !!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you liked it!

[@carmine2500]

great video, you really helped me!

[@gustavoborchert]

Some serious groove going on… Thanks, Q!

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that!

[@154drummer]

Hi Quincy....Great lessons! Great playing and examples!....I have dabbled with a little jazz...I would sometimes attend jazz jams...one thing (which I really thought you were gonna mention) was one of the first things the house band drummers or rhythm section players would tell me is not only keeping time with the ride....(while feathering the kick)....is making the high hat beats heard....even though you did mention keeping the 2&4 on the hat...what I remember is being told the h-hat..needs to be more prominent....so the other players could hear it clearly...would be Great to hear your feeling on that....t.y. Sir!!

[@mikegoff3501]

Excellent Q as always 🙏

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Mike!

[@RobAbfallDrums]

really enjoyed this! thumbs up and rang the bell!

[@drumqtips]

Awesome thank you!

[@sugarsticks5970]

Great advice thank you 😁🥁✌🏾

[@borisacosta5373]

Hi, I am just wondering if you can record a video of how to actually comp better by using some books or by specific drummers. Thank you.

[@drumqtips]

Great suggestion! One will be coming out this coming Monday, so stay tuned Boris :-)