Is there a SECRET to chops? - Drum Lesson

In my opinion, yes, there is a secret. But maybe it's better to say that there is a secret APPROACH to building unique chops on the drum set. In this video drum lesson, I will break down a few of my personal favorite drum chops, as well as tell you what I believe to be the secret to drum chops! I hope you enjoy the lesson!
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0:00 Intro
0:38 What I Was Actually Playing
1:20 Why Chops DO Matter
2:15 I Attempt to Blow Your Mind
3:10 The Next Chop
4:12 The Real Secret to Chops
4:45 My Favorite Chop

[@PeakAttackStudios]

If there's a drummer from whom I've learned the most, even just by watching KZbin videos, it's Mike Johnston! I've been watching your videos since 2007!

[@benblackburn2693]

You gave the best way to simplify an idea that always seems to take so long for people to get to

[@davidmiller2050]

I have studied and played drums for almost 20 years, but have also struggled with coming up with interesting ideas like this. Trouble is, there is too much content out there, but this is extremely helpful. Thanks Mike

[@Silvaterista]

Check out Jost Nickel's fill book. It's called "Fill book" but more than that for me it's a "Flow book". It help me so much. And of course keep watching Mike's videos!

[@Martin_Bernard]

Plenty of interesting ideas on JP Bouvet's YT videos as well

[@thomasnappo6309]

This guy nailed it...😊

[@tillgerke9481]

Bro, I had a smile on my face through the whole lesson. It's hard to explain, but your new style of filming looks so "modern" yet is still recognized as YOUR style of filming. It is like you have your "voice" in filming, if that makes sense! Even if somebody doesn't play the drums, they need to see how well this is made. So sad the market for drums is so small. There are people with millions of views but so bad videos... AMAZING WORK MY FRIEND :)

[@Mrmistershesh]

Thank you for making something that seemed so impossible so approachable! I loved the analogy of rich people saying money doesn't matter.

[@jimandstacey]

Brilliant, Mike. Such a great lesson. You have a gift for explaining the “why” and “how” of drums.

[@Tekkerue]

2:30 Rudimentception did indeed blow my mind. 🤯

[@adrianciesielski7445]

Best drum teacher on this planet. 😊 Thanks!

[@tylerfred7514]

Came from the Facebook/instagram reel. Didn’t realize a new video dropped. I do like the change in filming and editing. Not sure exactly what you changed outside of editing and the cuts. I do like them. They are well done…but they are still you. It doesn’t “feel” like I jumped into a new content creators page. But it is leveled up if that makes sense. The education and inspiration is still there. So yep we are on godfather of online drum education page. But now the video feels up to par with your educational content. which I didn’t realize till now honestly. The previous stuff was always good because I love the way you teach. But this feels from a pure video standpoint truly professional. Imo

[@1irishanml]

I have been plying drums for years. I so wish I had Mike around when I was young. I am learning so much from him now and his enthusiasm is just contagious. I love this guy and am constantly inspired by him. Just my thinking on dynamics and playing has changed so much more for the better since I started seeing these videos.

[@TamMusician]

First of all, I respect you Sir I only watched 3 videos on your channel so far and if these 3 videos made me more closer to my kit than I've ever before, so what if I watch more videos! I'm not joking right here but you're the best teacher that I found on KZbin and I'm looking forward to watch all your lessons videos Thank you Mr Mike❤

[@eliasm5774]

Omg! This is the single best video on chops ever. A few month ago I was trying to figure out what chops actually are. It seemed like this impossible superpower that everyone seemed to able to do. I watched probably every video on this topic out there and was even more confused than before. 😅 This video is just what I would have needed!

[@mikeslessons]

Elias, you just made my day brother!!! I’m so incredibly happy to be able to help you unlock this door! I hope you have a killer practice today 🍵🙏🍵🙏

[@groovebag61]

You are according to my opinion simply the best Teacher in the world. And ive seen and met a lots..

[@ryanshreevedrums]

Love this! I remind my students that playing like this is almost always singles and doubles strung along in cool patterns and moving around the kit. Get comfy with singles, doubles, paradididdles, double paradiddles and it can unlock all of this playing style

[@ZachBratland]

Your online course has changed me so much, grateful. Thank you Mike !

[@RobShaffer]

I love this! The way you break things down makes it so easy to digest. It's almost like, "It's so easy, why didn't I think of that?!" Awesome video.

[@Matthew_Campbell_Drums]

Mike, you always inspire me to push myself on the kit! Thank you!

[@billhunting9028]

As simple as it was, it completely inspired me...again. I'll be working on this later today (it's 1am). Thanks Mike!

[@johngrobson4899]

You nailed it Mr Johnson I found that with practice and time you find yr chops I've been playing for 50yrs when you practice chops fall into place🥁🔥🥁👏💎👏

[@Steezdrum]

This is an absolute flawless lesson within a lesson Mike! Only recently after 27 year’s of playing do I understand the power of this. Thanks for the years of inspiration and it’s an honor to call ya a friend and mentor. 🙌🏻

[@Sc4rPride]

Thanks Mike, the lesson is awesome and you are a teacher like no one. I am brazilian and you talk so good that I can understand exactly what you said. Thanks a lot.

[@jimdrummer816]

Your "attempt" at blowing my mind worked. Well done, great vid!!!

[@juliechan8626]

The timing of this video is crazy, as I was just having a discussion about chops (and licks) with another drummer friend 2 days ago! This video is brilliant in all ways ✔️🖤🐈‍⬛

[@LouMontulli1]

I love the new round rug, very stylish! Good chops too. :)

[@MattHaide]

Love this one! I've been playing for many years now, and just in the last year or two learned about Rllk (I think I got it from the DRUM podcast! and it's wayyy overdue obviously) and have been messing with variations so much. It's totally changed the way I look at drum fills and finally opened my mind to how to construct more intricate chop ideas. I know it's not all about chops, but it really does help with hand/foot coordination and is super valuable. I've got a long ways to go, but this video is a great reminder of how small, simple ideas can turn into really cool, game-changing fills. Thanks Mike!

[@bobbydeluca]

That is the first time I've ever heard someone say, "What matters is being able to play what's required at that moment". That's really the essence of being a great drummer. Pocket presence is huge! Playing with others who understand that (and promote that) is vitally important. I've played with some mediocre players and some real studs. The difference is staggering. I learn much more playing with the studs. DavidMiller2050's comment is so true. There is so much content out there. And it seems to be all over the place (which gives me a headache). I've narrowed it down to reading a few books on peak performance, quality instruction, practice and playing with those who are always looking to improve. It pushes you to become better. And it reveals things to work on. Nobody has ever gotten better (at anything) staying the way they are.

[@fzkrm]

I'm always amazed by how much Mike push the boundaries with his work and give so much meaning to simple shapes. Mad respect 🔥🔥🔥 still can’t get over how good that looks :)

[@artydum]

Again, killer instruction! Thanks, this is huge for me.

[@proto35]

Damn I have never thought about attacking the paradiddle in just single stroke accents. Mind blown hahahah adding that oneeeeeeee. Thanks for the killer lesson as always Mike. Definitely nerded out a little when I saw that hahah

[@johnjamesmclaughlin]

Mikes still the best teacher out there

[@mrchungus9492]

I am 16 and have been playing drums for over 10 years now and your videos have a significant impact on expanding my library of grooves and chops. Great stuff as always.

[@mikeslessons]

That's amazing to hear Finn! That you for allowing me to have an influence on your growth and your playing :)

[@MrFalkodieselta]

The video was great, thanks! I can't get over how tasty your crash sounds with this extra long sustain dizzle sound from the little chain. :D

[@vadymstetsyuk6887]

Thank you, Mike. The idea with paradiddles is amazing, and indeed, such an approach can be applied to other things. It's priceless.🙂❤

[@billykohler9153]

You make loving ( drums 😎 ) fun ! Encouraging mix and match one’s own. U da best Mike. God bless ya brutha.

[@Cannibalovich]

Simple, useful, genious! Mike is number one!)

[@monidelvalle11]

Best chop explanation ever. Thank you, Big Bro :)

[@KonradasDesignCo]

It was not only eye opening, but also mind blowing and inspiring! Thank You Mike! 🤜💥🤛

[@drummermomcjs]

Once again Mike you are right on my wavelength! I was just doing this a couple hours ago with a couple of paradiddle permutations and practicing them in preparation for a solo that I am working on where I restrict myself to the paradiddle. I have couple of small chunks that I am learning to play with different accenting, phrasing and across various subdivisions and time meters. This video just gave me some more ideas on how to vary and tweak the basic chunks I am working with. Thank you Mike.

[@ynotyoga]

Dude, I love you! I've been following you for years and you are the one person I consistently come back to be a better drummer. Everything about your approach, investment in the student, and overall positive attitude is unparalleled. You truly are the whole package. I refer to you as "Drummer Yoda" when I reference you. I got into your intermediate drum camp for next June, so I'll see you then! Gotta go practice now! :)

[@robertosilveira2384]

Incredible lesson Mr Johnston!! Thank you for this!

[@adityatyagi4009]

The KRL paradiddle pattern on the toms is awesome! Sounds very tribal! Thanks for sharing.

[@giovannicatellani1183]

Unique and awesome and Porsche passionate !

[@jonashellborg8320]

Awesome lesson, Mike! This dissects for me the kind of stuff I am doing in fills and solos: I have certain small things I know super well that I always use : like a “diddle” or “rough” (super low stick height fast bounce things) run on the snare drum starting a fill. Then an accent on whatever : hi hat, floor tom etc. These are what I do, others will have other patterns, and I totally agree that you can generate tons of fills and solos off just a few well rehearsed ideas. I need to practise more K-R-L and K-K-R-L as I love how that sounds.

[@keelgood]

Amazing lesson and your drums sound BEAUTIFUL…warm and deep!!🤘🏻❤️🥁

[@thomasnappo6309]

Mike...simply your the best..😊

[@jimmccomb3982]

Great lesson Mike!

[@joannblondin8980]

Ouf!!! You are so efficient in a brilliant way thanks a lot ❤

[@m.lieber3967]

Best video about chops I have seen in years. Thanks so much Mike 😊

[@hauntedhose]

I call the soft notes between accented notes the “fluff” …fluffing a roll sounds much more musical/jazzy and less rigid 😀

[@hifiveshandshakes2231]

You're the Man, Mike! Great video!!

[@michaelagbay4212]

Thanks Mike! You always have great applicable content I'm your videos. But your energy and excitement is what puts it all over the top. Your playing skills speaks for itself. Just wanted to put this out.

[@oso1978]

I always thought your videos were the best ever .... no sir ... wrong ... Now your videos are the best ever ;) .... you did it, you just rise the bar even higher. Bro really, best video ever. Video quality, editing, flow, and content. I wish my professors in the university would be able to break things down the way you do it. Thank you for your passion.

[@mikeslessons]

Brother... you're gonna make me tear up. Really man, thank you for the words 😢

[@jandrogarcia1641]

Thanks Mike!

[@danieljuday9419]

Another amazing lesson to fill my Sunday afternoon. Thanks teach for always giving us inspiring ways to explore this instrument we love so much! 🙏🥁💛

[@julianaferry]

This is so helpful. Thank you

[@jordy4054]

Mike. Such a good lesson man. Feeling motivated!

[@DrumFaceP]

You the man Mike ❤

[@Rocking-on-with-Frits]

Very helpfull indeed. Thanks!

[@GeorgeFalconer]

Great information, and a great haircut! :)

[@user-hk4sm4lt2h]

I came into the comments to see if this important topic had been touched on

[@tottfiy]

MAN you are amazing!!!

[@sambafreak13]

Best drum teacher on the internet, bar none (and this is coming from a drum teacher, so my standards are high).

[@theguamy]

Thanks, Mr. J. Also working this into brushes. I think it'll translate well.

[@kiamt.9166]

Nice!

[@LastSeenDrumming]

Thank you so much! Every single lesson is an eye opener to me. Do you know why we count triplets with the "and" at the second position? Wouldn't it make more sense to have it in third position like "1 e and 2 e and ..."? Hope you don't mind that unrelated question. Thanks again for your inspiring work!❤️

[@maeu59]

I count them 1 Trip let, 2 Trip let…..

[@hugolaulhere7491]

I love when you do this type of content ! As with your from the page to the gig video, I have one question remaining, how do you choose that one group of note s that is worth the time and effort ?

[@mikeslessons]

That part is actually easy. Choose the thing that excites you most. If I walk up to a dessert buffet it will all look appetizing, but something about that dark chocolate tart just says “PICK ME” louder than all the others. Enjoy your dessert Hugo 🍵🙏🍵🙏

[@rockytoprecordingreviews4167]

Mike! Great video! And what a fantastic way to break down the mysticism of chops! Also, I dunno what exactly is different with the angle, but I think this shot you've set up (when you're facing the camera, but still behind the kit where you just pivot to face the kit) is fantastic! Really makes me feel like I'm right there with you for a personal lesson right there in your studio!

[@mikeslessons]

Brother, that means so much! Thank you for noticing the subtle details. Small details for the video usually mean days if not weeks of obsessing on moving the camera or light by an inch or two, lol

[@rockytoprecordingreviews4167]

@@mikeslessons your care and intention absolutely shines through! Keep up the great work!

[@zigzagposers2955]

I follow you I guess from very very first of your videos , still best man out there cheers

[@slumvillagecitizen1137]

You are still Great man !

[@jwlee1059]

My very first kit at 12 was a blue sparkle as well. I can only imagine, if I had stuck with it instead of trading it in on a mini bike like my mother encouraged, where I would be now.

[@rafaelferrer1]

Great lesson 👍🏾 ❤ Which is the tuning of your Snare ( Sound Amazing)

[@ishmaelhunter5105]

YES AMEN

[@rocktonmusikschule]

Great ideas...is that a stereo or mono overhead microphone?

[@dominikn19]

I'd watch this at the cinema.

[@mikeslessons]

Awe man... That means the world! THANK YOU :)

[@gfuterfas]

What is a good exercise for practicing chops? I'm slow and terribly uncoordinated with new material. Is it a metronome exercise to build them up?

[@everynameistaken567]

The crazy thing about chops is they almost always sound more complicated than they are. I was trying to figure out what was going on when I heard the intro fill, then once you explained it I was like "oh, that's it?!"

[@SHIIDRAG3LESS]

Never knew how much I needed this 🤌🏾

[@Reeftanknology]

respectfully..........there is nothing "pretty cool" about this..........this is "all kinds of cool!!!!" I feel weaponized! Thanks Mike!!!

[@mikeslessons]

Awe man.. you had me going there for a sec. LOL. Thank you so much. Happy to help :)

[@lajeanette33]

The problem with chops is not a yes or no question but the real place they have in drums and music learning. The are the center of the drumming social media world meanwhile they are almost absent from tons of songs. So yeah, i’ll still teach them but always way less than grooves and styles!

[@maeu59]

That’s only if want you want to be a simple drummer playing simple music, it gets tiring hearing that drummers should just sit there and keep time.

[@lajeanette33]

@@maeu59i get your point. And i never just keep time 😊 But i’m, personally getting tired of chops orientated drumming.

[@maeu59]

@@lajeanette33 yes but when it’s done musically maybe more in a Jazz-Fusion or progressive rock format…..I wouldn’t stick it in pop rock or Beatles songs.

[@terrydrums]

Great. Now, how do I get a set of Broadkasters? Can I have yours? Don’t tell me they don’t matter. 😉

[@nickdenardo6479]

hey man, inspiring video, as usual. i'm just wondering, did you come to some sort of agreement with Meinl dictating that "no one can have a Transition ride that's as sweet looking as mine"? 😆

[@michelelelli1]

👏👏👏👏👏👏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@mattsmith-drums]

RLL RLL RLL KRL RLL RLL KRL KRL Thats my fav chop :)

[@maness2112]

Back to the shed.

[@AhmadEbrahimpour-tj4zc]

Hi A)Rlk B)krL then ABAA ,BABB any good u think plz

[@mikeslessons]

Yes sir. I did a whole masterclass on that in 2010 for Musicians Friend and then again in 2020 for Long & McQuade

[@riokdenn]

Dynamics are just crazy, the main problem is that, u need to hv the patience to work on playing each and every accent variation

[@orngejoos]

If you input RLK into chat gpt and ask it to make random patterns...your screen will go black and it'll ask you "would you like to play a game?"

[@sandyhanson6082]

One name....Ringo.

[@mikeslessons]

Ringo had chops for days! Try playing in. Beatles cover band and you’ll quickly realize how insanely underrated he is.

[@maeu59]

It’s usually the guys with no chops say chops don’t matter😂

[@evanhill9494]

It sure wouldn't be the guitar player who says that 😂

[@scooter825]

sorry to stick a tech question on here @mikejohnston but is there a discord for members? having trouble adding my practice sessions to practice view and routine view.

[@mikeslessons]

No problem at all my friend. There isn't a Discord at the moment but you can email me directly and I'll help you out ASAP - [e-mail]

[@scooter825]

Sounds good. If anyone is on the fence on the paid plan don't hesitate! This is the best platform out there.@@mikeslessons

[@InSyncDrums]

Beautiful little lesson good sir! Thank you :D

[@giovannicatellani1183]

Unique and awesome and Porsche passionate !