HOW TO PLAY JAZZ BRUSHES: TWO ESSENTIAL BRUSH PATTERNS YOU NEED | Jazz Drummer Q-Tip of the Week

[@JoelCarbonellGonell]

Great lesson as always Q! I play with the "legato sound" on my right hand because with the "tap" I feel the overtones of the snare tend to be louder and harder to control! But I will try to add to my vocabulary the tap to have also a more "open" sound! I learned the "sweep pattern" from Jason Sutter, he has a nice (and fancy) lesson on drumeo, it's not exactly your pattern but there are some sort of "cousin pattern"! About the books I have a really nice book by Jon Hazila (Mastering the art of brushes) - but there are a lot of patterns on that book 😂 -. I saw some videos from Ulysses Owens Jr. on Instagram with some tips on playing the brushes and I loved it! About the matched grip, Ari Hoenig told me to hold the brush with the index finger extended (A la Chris Dave). Thanks again and sorry for my extended comments!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for sharing Joel! Both legato and staccato sounds and approaches are great and can be useful for different situations or sounds your'e going for. It's good to work on both for sure. Your extended comments are always welcomed my friend:)

[@JoelCarbonellGonell]

@@drumqtips Thank you very much! I always read and appreciate your answers but I just dont reply because I try to avoid wasting your time! Thanks for all your amazing work!

[@rhythmfield]

Funny you should mention the Hoenig idea of index finger being extended… I play brushes with matched grip, and I intuitively do that index finger extended thing, gives me more control with the sweeps

[@dividedwords]

Roy Haynes's brush playing on "Stolen Moments" changed my drumming (and my ears) permanently.

[@drumqtips]

Oh yes! Mr. Haynes' brush playing on Stolen Moments is magical!!

[@Anton_Nikolaus_Mangweth]

Hä! Ob Ahmad jamals Version its vernell fournier!!! ??

[@rhythmfield]

Everything Roy played on that whole album is textbook greatness. That album is Blues and the Abstract Truth by the great arranger/saxophonist Oliver Nelson.

[@dallasstiles118]

I think Tony Williams always turned the snares off for brushes too. I really enjoyed this, Mr. Soph has some great things to say too.

[@drumqtips]

Love Tony and Mr. Soph's brush playing Dallas!

[@gusdrumsandsk8androckandroll]

Hey Quincy! I love your videos, thanks so much! I have a question, which hi-hats do you use in this video? Greetings from Mexico City!

[@boomerguy9935]

I love playing dance music which means that I play brushes on ballads with the attitude of being the dancer and playing what the dancer wants to FEEL and not necessarily heard. I think of the shoes moving softly on the dance floor and the dancers being cheek-to-cheek, FEELING the brushes. There is so much to learn about playing brushes and not overpowering them with the bass drums and cymbals. I hope this makes sense. Oh yeah, choosing the right snare batter head is a must! Not too scratchy and also not too smooth. My personal preference is the Remo Ambassador Renaissance with the texture built in, instead of being sprayed on. It is like a toned down Fiberskyn head. Choosing the right brushes is very important as well. My favorite is the Vic Firth Heritage brushes because they are so versatile without being too soft or too stiff.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the dying art form of brush playing Boom!

[@guillermoarista6383]

Thanks, a great and excellent lesson!

[@doncorleole2356]

I have had brushes for for a really long time, but I practically never played them. I’m getting into that stuff now because it sound really really awesome and your video is very helpful

[@danengerer5767]

Great lesson. Thanks so much!

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Dan. Thanks for watching!

[@ritabrooks9059]

Great lesson! Thanks as always Quincy. You're a great teacher!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks sister Rita:)

[@JMcNultyDrums]

I've been working on brushes a lot over the last year and am constantly amazed at what an incredibly rich art form they are on their own . Very happy to see a brush video from you. Keep up the great content.

[@drumqtips]

You’re exactly right about the rich art form of brushes Jonathan! Thanks for watching:-)

[@eddieavakian]

Been playing drums 40 years. Just picked up my first pair of brushes this year. It more difficult than I thought! Lol. Nice lesson Quincy.

[@drumqtips]

Brushes are no joke Eddie, that’s for sure. Thanks for watching my friend :-)

[@christianwagenseil9621]

Hi Quincy, thank you so much for your video lessons, they are so so helpful! And funny 😂

[@drumqtips]

You're so welcome! And I'm glad you find my silly humor funny:)

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

Man, being a lefty drummer learning brush patterns is such a complicated and painful experience if you are a visual learner like me. I even put up a mirror to watch brush videos to make it less of a pain to learn the patterns. We need more lefty brush drum videos 😂

[@drumqtips]

Damn I can only imagine your pain man!

[@Thedrummersalmanac]

Beautiful, man!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks so much man!

[@warrenhenderson2717]

I was looking at videos of Alan Dawson. He performed his Rudimental Ritual with brushes

[@drumqtips]

Yes that’s another great way to work on brush playing for sure.

[@Joethedrummer]

Thanks. I love the clear explanations of fundamental stuff like this. Inspiring :-D

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful Joe:)

[@robertmarcus6644]

Thanks so much!

[@drumsnbass]

Would you please mention your favorite coated heads for the snare for jazz? Thanks!

[@drumqtips]

I like Remo ambassador coated heads as well as Evans UV1 heads

[@percussionquintet]

please make a video showing 3/4 jazz brush patterns for slow, medium and fast tempos

[@drumqtips]

I'll cover that in my next brush video Russell.

[@sundog12100]

Such a helpful video. Another one to add to the save list and come back to over and over

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful Nelson:)

[@marydowney3269]

Do you pull the brush completely out or keep in some

[@drumqtips]

For taps, I bring the wires off the head and four slaps. I keep them on the head.

[@terrydrums]

Very nice. My brush tip? Do what Jeff Hamilton does. End of list. 😁

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching Terry:) Jeff is a true master of the brushes no doubt!

[@terrydrums]

@@drumqtips Indeed. I still can't figure out how he does that left hand sizzle thing. My wrist just doesn't work like that!

[@thatdrumguy-hd5zx]

@@terrydrums try the left hand trill with the palm down. John Hazilla demonstrated it that way to me in a lesson. I find it much easier.

[@terrydrums]

@@thatdrumguy-hd5zx Thank you, I will.

[@walterlucas39]

Great lesson, thank you as usual. I have the two books that you recommended and they are both excellent. I also have Ed Thigpen’s book.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for sharing Walter and thanks as always for watching the lesson my friend:)

[@flober1970]

Thx a lot for your advises, great info, looking forward too watch you again on this matter. I personally love Elvin Jones’ finesse when playing brushes.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching Florent!

[@burning_trash]

Newbie at brushes here, it may sound like a silly question but would it work to switch between patterns?

[@drumqtips]

Not a silly question as that’s perfectly normal. Thnx and sorry for the year late reply👍🏾

[@tomcarr4630]

LOVE brushes! About 17 years ago I was fortunate to have an hour lesson with Jeff Hamilton. After listening to me play time on the ride, he asked what I wanted to work on. I said, Brushes!

[@kennethdean4349]

Jeff is a master of brushes. I envy you!

[@tomcarr4630]

@@kennethdean4349 It was amazing!

[@drumqtips]

That's awesome Tom!

[@R0ugesGallery]

My Drum teacher Yanni got me started on brushes with the same technique!

[@drumqtips]

Awesome Nelis! Thanks for sharing.

[@chriszonada]

ha! I met you at Western yyyears ago in my undergrad. I needed something to supplement a brush lesson with one of my drum students, glad I found this. Cheers

[@ocho611]

this is what good brush playing sounds like: Elvin Jones Gene Krupa Joe Morello Ed Thigpen Papa Jo Louie Bellson Kenny Clarke Roy Haynes Lewis Nash Jeff Hamilton Clayton Cameron Quincy Davis

[@drumqtips]

Awesome list except for that name at the bottom Ocho...but that is kind of you:)

[@ochocabra1542]

@@drumqtips nah... you've earned it.

[@yelltempus]

Thanks Quincy. Great stuff.

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure!

[@stevenobrien595]

Feel and sound. Excellent advice

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Steve!

[@MrFchank]

After many years of drumming,I'm finally really working on brushes,so thanks.

[@tmaddrummer]

Sweeeeeeepers........ Thanks and Blessings Q!

[@drumqtips]

Right on!

[@8020drummer]

It’s about time!!!

[@drumqtips]

😂😂😂 You’re turn now Nate!

[@8020drummer]

@@drumqtips I did one last year, but I like yours better - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZbHpKegr9lmnLc

[@barlo_215]

Thank you man just the video I needed 🤲🏻

[@drumqtips]

Glad I could help my man!

[@pcgkjrn]

Nicely explained!

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful!

[@diegopeart]

Thank you for this, Quincy. I've just started messing around with brushes for a lounge band audition for a cruise, and bought a pair of steel brushes. I didn't know know exactly what to do with them, but now I have a much clearer idea. I'll exercise these patterns and follow your next brush videos.

[@drumqtips]

Glad this lesson helped Diego!

[@cfoldesh]

Denzil Best

[@drumqtips]

Woooooo!!! Dezil was an amazing brush player:)

[@warrenhenderson2717]

Ed Thigpin had a book on Jazz Brush Technique. Thanks for another great lesson Quincy 🎼🎵🎶🥁

[@drumqtips]

Awesome thanks for the comment and thanks for watching as always!

[@Voganes]

Who puts a thumb down on this video. Unbelievable. Everything was great and simple about this video. Great lesson and highly recommend!

[@drumqtips]

I guess brushes aren’t for everybody Vazgen😂. Thanks for watching and supporting my channel!

[@gustavocuneo9071]

Thankssssss

[@drumqtips]

You're welcome Ustavo!

[@A.ChristopherJohnson]

Respect brother !!! For me I like the snare on Professor. My favorite 2 drummers are Philly Joe Jones & Ben Riley, = brush experts !!

[@drumqtips]

There are too many masters of brushes to name them all but yes Mr. Jones and Mr. Riley are true masters at everything they played. Thanks Adam.

[@donmooney7159]

BRAVO!!!

[@drumqtips]

Grazie Mr. Mooney!

[@chuckc7375]

Quincy, I hear the difference, counter clockwise sounds a little smother, but maybe that’s because you started learning that way and you might feel it better in that direction. Your technique sounds very good. I like vernell fornier , dejohnette, and Elvin . They have very unique ways of playing brushes, but of course there are many others that are excellent brush players as well. Thanks for your lesson, very good info.

[@drumqtips]

Love Vernell, Jack and Elvin!!! They play brushes (amongst everything else they do!) so great. Thanks for sharing Chucky:)

[@joewar-booker5485]

Great lesson in brush handling. Thanks Quincy, I really like your style. Great advice and great manners. Congratulations. A cordial greeting.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Joe!

[@russellesimonetta9071]

In ballads I sometimes shoot for a double time feel on the sweeping motion! When done right it adds very interesting color. On brushes I do just the basic patterns. Keep thing consistents.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for sharing Russ!

[@christophbrylka6256]

Thanks Quincy for that nice introduction which reminded me of learning playing brushes from the book "The Sound of Brushes" by Ed Thigpen in the 80s. I got the impression that you might also know it.

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Christoph! Ed Thigpen is absolutely a big influence of mine and yes, I know of his brush book and video. Awesome! Thanks for watching Chris:)

[@PerSimonsen]

Thank you for a great lesson. I love brushes. I’d recommend Ed Thigpens book on brushes too - it’s excellent! There’s also a dvd available, where he shows the brushpatterns, playing with Ron Carter og Tony Purrone.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for the recommendation Per and thanks for watching:)

[@rhythmfield]

Great and very informative video Mr Davis ! Very important point, that some of the greatest brush players played most often with the snares off- it gives a starkness and clarity to the brush sound, and I often forget that important concept.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching my man!

[@kennethdean4349]

I find playing palm down with the left hand makes for a nice, gentle CCW circle. But any method that delivers the sound you want is the right one.

[@drumqtips]

Awesome Kenneth. Palm down is also very effective. Thanks for sharing!

[@FriendlyIndex]

You da man Quincy! You are a fantastic entry point for drummers trying to break into jazz like me

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that! Glad my videos are helpful for drummers new to jazz.

[@markazinker3212]

Thanks for the brush video s, they sure come in handy when u need to be quiet and still want to play , a calming sound

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed the lesson Mark! Brushes are humbling but so fun to play.

[@jc3drums916]

With the first brush pattern, I'll sometimes change the feel by playing the left hand in double time. It can also help keep the sweep sound more consistent when playing at extremely slow tempos.

[@drumqtips]

Good idea. Thanks for sharing that!

[@sebastianlafarga6345]

Estimado Quincy saludos cordiales desde Argentina , Villa Garibaldi , acá le decimos brochas o escobillas allá (brush) creo que ningún toque de palillos puede superar a las escobillas en lograr un swing máximo en expresión y ritmo por el barrido sobre el parche que es infinito en sus recorridos , si uno busca swinguear a pleno en los tambores las brochas son la gran herramienta, también aportan gracia y elegancia , felicitaciones por tus videos sos campeón!!! abrazo

[@drumqtips]

Gracias Sebastian!

[@FrankParente]

Great lesson as usual. Keep it simple. Make it sound and feel as good as you can. That’s where gigs come from. The only guy I was waiting to hear you mention, but you didn’t, was Jimmy Cobb. He was a great brush player and switched seamlessly between sticks and brushes. He is one of my all time favorite all around combo drummers.

[@drumqtips]

Cobb is one of my biggest influences Frank and actually used to try to sound just like him. I was obsessed. Ha! Thanks for sharing:)

[@PaoloZucchetti]

search: Clayton Cameron - The Living Art Of Brushes

[@drumqtips]

Clayton is a brush guru, as I call him in this video:) Thanks for watching Paolo!

[@petarpavasovic6333]

Great lesson! Could you do a lesson on comping with brushes?

[@drumqtips]

I'll be going into my nuances of brush playing in a future video. In the meantime, have a look at an older video I did on brushes called Brush Essentials. I think that will help you Petar:)

[@xavierfigueroa7949]

i was always of the impression one had to apply slight pressure on beats 2 and 4 with the sweeping hand, so as to accent the hihat tap; is this wrong, or is it acceptable?

[@drumqtips]

There's no wrong approach as long as you get a sound and feel YOU are happy with Xavier:)

[@dyremk1]

Snares off! Great tip! Can’t believe I wasn’t aware off that.

[@drumqtips]

Snares on and off work great. Just depends on the sound YOU"RE going for Dyre. Thanks for watching dude!

[@flaviolima1414]

TKS for your vídeos Master ! Hugs froom Brasil

[@drumqtips]

Obrigado Flavio!

[@wunoteu]

Clayton Cameron is a great brush player too. He had a video up. If it's still available on KZbin, it's good to watch.

[@wunoteu]

And thanks for your video. Very nice starter.

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely Mark! I mention Clayton as one of my influences with my other influences at the end of the video.

[@JORODU]

As Usual Quincy, you gave us a great lesson. I cannot thank you enough All the best !!

[@drumqtips]

Truly my pleasure Jorodu and thanks for watching as always!

[@vincedunn2316]

Great lesson and beautiful touch! x

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for kind words and for watching Vince!

[@tdrum21]

Very nice. Thank you 👌🏽🎶🥁

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching as always my friend!

[@stalliec]

Another great lesson thank you! Ed Thigpen's book is amazing (listening to his soothing voice in headphones while tracing the patterns - it's literally getting a personal lesson from Ed!) and listening to him with Oscar trio has really helped me. Thanks so much!

[@drumqtips]

I totally agree Ed! Thanks for watching sir:)

[@jc3drums916]

When I tried to go through the Thigpen book back in the day, I thought it was too complicated. The Philly Joe Jones book was more my speed, heh. I also have the Florian Alexandru-Zorn book, but sadly I have yet to crack it open.

[@moosecrossing]

Love Geoff Clapp’s brush work too.

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely. The Clapper is great!!

[@Fishsticks469]

Excellent and to the point as always.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Robert!

[@boomerisback6545]

Aonther great lesson. Thanks

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that!

[@BpatzOfficial]

that hihat sounds amazing

[@drumqtips]

Thank you Baptiste!