Jazz Drum Lesson: Big Band Set Ups and Fills!

Free PDF's From all my KZbin lessons now available!
Click below!
www.timmetz.com/freepdfs.html
Find me on Instagram:
/ timmetzmusic
This video is about setting up a big band with fills.
Here is a gear list:
Sabian Cymbals:
22" Artisan Light Ride
19" HHX Extreme Crash(Left side ride)
14"Artisan Hi Hats
Gretsch Drums:
USA Custom 125th anniversary (2008)
18X14
12X8
14X14
14X5.5
Recording Gear:
M-Audio Profire 2626
(2) AKG C1000s
Audio Technica AT8471

[@amandaprince9837]

i’ve been playing for years, i have no problem playing alone, but the moment i’m in class my mind blanks out and i just keep time. i’m getting older and into more advanced groups that it’s no longer acceptable to stay in the background. It’s scary but this video helps a lot. it breaks things down making it less intimidating. along with that, a comforting video that has funny moments, making it seem welcome. thank you!

[@TimMetz]

I’m so glad you find it useful! Thanks so much!

[@kristopherconstante7344]

Idk why but as soon as you started talking I subbed. You seem like the most chillest dude

[@TimMetz]

Ah man, thanks so much!

[@aryehabeles586]

Wish I got this sage advice when I was 10! (I'm 47).

[@themole2024]

Tim the trouble is you make it look so easy. Watching your big band intro--so effortless! Thanks for the lesson.

[@TheMICMusicInspirationChannel]

"I'm here to help you with your Journey and big band drumming."

[@88strait4]

The laugh at 5:01 is the best part of this video

[@morsanima]

Agreed lmao

[@krusher74]

was it a burt from sesame street

[@mojoryse7836]

Peter Griffin

[@coloaten6682]

@@mojoryse7836 Or Jack The Ripper! :D

[@brandonmackiedrums]

I read this first and went straight to 5:01...you're not wrong sir haha!

[@GuilhermeMittmann]

Awesome, i'm not a drummer but conductor and found you when i'm looking for some drum patterns for a composition, thanks!

[@TimMetz]

Fantastic! I hope the video helped!

[@stephenpopovichl122]

Great fundamental teaching on set ups that are never taught in a straight and simple way. Great job Tim

[@TimMetz]

Thank you!

[@NYCBoomBap4Life]

That crash cymbal is beautiful. Sounds so jazzy

[@TimMetz]

Thanks! Sabian 19" HHxtreme Crash. I love it!

[@jerrycambria3630]

Excellent explanation and examples.Thanks Tim!

[@smathew257]

Wow that snare sounds so good! Perfectly tune. Thank you.

[@TimMetz]

Thanks!

[@founboy78]

Thanks my band was playing early afternoon blues and this video help with the ensemble hits.

[@johnkleemeier4351]

Hey dude i wondered where your vids went for several years good to see you put new stuff up!

[@TimMetz]

John Kleemeier I was at odds with my computer and trying to find time to make this a priority. I'm back and plan on being back for a long time! Thanks for checking out the new stuff!

[@shoeshine7002]

Very helpful filling ideas in those critical moments of the song. Nice to have as tools or tricks.

[@tdrum21]

Love this! Solid simple jazz big band knowledge 🤛🏽

[@TimMetz]

Thanks so much!

[@cocoblizzard]

Great exemples and great lesson overall. Many thanks !!

[@drumlover1687]

Great lesson! You have a great sense of time, and swing Tim. And your doubles are so smooth, and those Gretsch drums sound sweet.

[@TimMetz]

Thanks so much!

[@65luds20]

Fantastic lesson, thanks. Those cymbals are to die for.

[@TimMetz]

Thanks so much!

[@jerrymckenna9190]

WOW! I just found your channel and fell in love with it! I've been playing rock and blues for years. I'm now trying to learn how to play jazz. Thank you for the great tutorials, your insight is fantastic! Keep up the great work! Very inspiring and funny too!

[@TimMetz]

Thank you so much! More videos soon!

[@Aroyer1988]

Thanks so much for the information! Love of the way your cymbals sound.

[@TimMetz]

You're welcome and thanks so much!

[@stevepethel6843]

Love your video of Excellence...Gods continued blessings... Thanks you are great

[@drhappyyy]

Those Sabians are to die for! You really have selected some prime pies for that genre. Your snare is perfect too.......(also a compliment of your tuning). ALSO - This lesson is a myth buster - and lesson in mature playing.

[@TimMetz]

Thanks so much!

[@mrdoublet9921]

Cymbals sounds awesome! Your hand too! I love that Sabian Artisan

[@TimMetz]

Thank you!

[@vincentbuonora8477]

Appreciate your great lesson

[@TimMetz]

Thanks so much!

[@mathias841]

I love this intro

[@TimMetz]

Thank you!

[@RogierRJDonker]

Very helpfull. Thanks! Great playing and sound also.

[@jasonroberts3353]

Lol, that laugh at 5:02, lol !.

[@Bbragamusic]

dude that was incredible! thanks for sharing!

[@TimMetz]

Thank you!

[@yosoyrachael]

you, my friend, are a life saver

[@TimMetz]

So glad to help!

[@WhirlwindDrums]

Thank you so much! You are spot on!

[@TimMetz]

Thank you!

[@mk4black89]

Mr. Metz, great video !!! I am from Brazil and I am trying to learn the fundamentals of Jazz drumming. Your lessons are amazing. Your english is very clear and easy to understand !! Please do more videos about Jazz comping. I have watched your last video about comping (one of my biggest issues in Jazz drumming) and I would like see you teach more about it. !! Regards !!!

[@TimMetz]

MK4 Black thank you so much! I plan on it in the near future...

[@alistaircornacchio5727]

Great video

[@danielbagutti]

Very nice video! Thank you

[@SoggyBagelz]

loving these vids man :-)

[@TimMetz]

Thank you so much!

[@gregsbasicdrumsetlessons1172]

Great video. Thannks Tim.

[@TimMetz]

Thank you!

[@amandaalvekrans3205]

Such a good lesson!! So well explained :)

[@TimMetz]

Thanks so much!

[@klaus-dieterbachmann7036]

Best Cymbals i head for along time

[@najretuek]

love this lesson..

[@TimMetz]

Thank you!

[@MultiSkyman1]

Tim, I think you are a fantastic player!

[@TimMetz]

Thank you so much!

[@dmgsoultogetherness6667]

because im not a sight reader its very difficult to remember where those pushes,dynamics are meant to be in the song,id have to memories every arrangement and thats wayyyyy to much great video.

[@TimMetz]

Thanks for watching!

[@yvanmessier5764]

nice work MR. thank you very much!!!!!!!

[@TimMetz]

Thanks!

[@hawkrider88]

Best sounding Sabian jazz cymbals I've ever heard. Artisan or Legacy? Med or Med-thin? Any info would be helpful. Thanks!

[@TimMetz]

Thanks so much! 22" Artisan Light 2396g, HHX Extreme crash, 22" Artisan light china 2050g. Artisan med hats. Hope this helps!

[@hawkrider88]

Helps a lot. Thanks much and keep the vids coming!

[@TimMetz]

Will do!

[@maxskins373]

Hi Tim I am one of your followers on on youtube. your explanations are simple but at the same time they are well explained and are very useful and practical. I really like your style of playing. I also play in a big band and in a jazz quartet. I found very interesting the ideas of this latest video for the big band. I would like to congratulate you. Please ontinue to upload new videos because they are very useful and interesting. Do you have videos or suggestions how to tune the drums ? I really like your way of tuning as on this video. Swinging greatings from Max from far Switzerland (Gretsch USA custom player)

[@TimMetz]

Thank you Max! I will likely do a tuning video in the near future. Honestly, I don't have a tuning system, I just use my ear to get me where I'm going. Also, in the intro where I'm playing with my band, I'm using Calf heads on the toms, so the tuning changes quite from where I started in the evening. Thanks again!

[@bigneutron5510]

Very helpfull! You are a nice guy! Greetings from bavaria!!

[@TimMetz]

Thanks so much!

[@bigfatpaul1759]

Great to see you back doing videos again. Your older videos were awesome. Since you asked, could you do a video on buzz rolls? There's very little practical and usable information on youtube/the interwebs. It's guys on pads doing the 'let the stick bounce' thing. And some examples in context (al la Elvin) would be great!) Thanks.

[@TimMetz]

Thanks so much! I'll probably incorporate Buzz Rolls into another video idea soon. Thanks for watching!

[@HaloAdmiral]

I remember in your tuning video, you only tuned your floor tom. I'd love to see you do a small rundown on tuning your whole kit!

[@TimMetz]

That could be arranged.

[@osterkenn]

Hey Tim, can you do a video on some of your favorite phrases for trading 4's?! Bass drum comping would be great too! Thanks for all you do.

[@TimMetz]

osterkenn yes I can. I have one in the works already that will be about building solo vocabulary. Thanks!

[@twinsmm1]

Tim, love to see video of some of your gigs (entire tunes, sets, etc.).

[@TimMetz]

Thanks! I'll try to video one soon.

[@TimMetz]

Also, if you follow me on IG, I'm going to be posting a lot more there in the very near future. I recorded a couple tunes from a gig last night and will post them there. @timmetzmusic

[@DaveTyas88]

Great lesson Tim. Im great at keeping time and have lots in the tool box but when it comes to fills i dont have many and struggle to keep time. Could you please do a lesson breaking down good fills to learn and how you keep time throughout? Thanks, Dave

[@TimMetz]

Thanks Dave! Yes I can, but I'll help you out here too. The main secret is to count while you're playing your fills. Keep practicing with a metronome, and try some very basic fills while counting. As that becomes easier, try more complex patterns. Counting is the most important part. Hope this helps!

[@russellesimonetta9071]

I like to catch the kick with the bass drum for the bones and snare for sax,s and trumpets.

[@Walt1960]

That was cool

[@TimMetz]

Thank you!

[@pppupu1677]

I'm inspired now :)))

[@nelsonfru2793]

that's a good one!!!

[@TimMetz]

Thanks!

[@jacob6938]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

[@TimMetz]

You're welcome, and thank you!

[@MichaelMolinaM]

I’d like to see a video on big band chart interpretations. Instrument / cymbal pairing, etc.

[@TimMetz]

I will work on that.

[@philipnestor5034]

Great video Tim. Do you have a video showing how to break up rudiments around the kit as a fill? I know this is something Philly Jo Jones use to do. Thanks again.

[@TimMetz]

Thanks Philip! Not yet, but it is in the works. Stay tuned!

[@JulianFernandez]

Good one!

[@TimMetz]

JulianFernandez thank you!

[@imazery]

Love your snare sound! What is that gretsch or something? Thanks for a cool vdo bro!

[@DjTushar_Percussionist]

Thanks it's helpful..

[@TimMetz]

You're welcome!

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

I was a successful session drummer in Hollywood in the 1980’s early 90’s. I recorded for very well known artists but it was pop / rock. Now fast forward 20+years without playing im very enamoredmwith jazz. Can you do a video on ghost notes? Im having trouble with other videos explaining it . You seem to be VERY GIFTED in explaining concepts. I understand you and your videos and can incorporate immediately what you are teaching. Is there an easy way to understand ghost notes that makes fills and soloing Sound pro? Thanks much. You are awesome. BTW im now 65 and again excited about drumming.

[@TimMetz]

That's a great idea. I'll see if I can't get it together for Halloween. lol! Thanks so much for your comment. -Tim

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

@@TimMetz you rock Tim. I look forward to this video as once I see and understand something I can usually employ the techniques because of my prior experience. However you are one of the very few who breaks techniques down into understandable pieces so that viewers can replicate. I soooooo appreciate you sir!

[@TimMetz]

Thanks so much. The new video will be live in an hour! Hope you like it.

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

@@TimMetz Hey Tim, I’m quite excited about your new video, however I’m not finding it posted on KZbin. I’ve searched KZbin with your name and see all of your past lessons, but not your new video from a few hours ago. Any suggestions? Although I’m 65 I use and am pretty current with tech :-) hehe --sincerely Boomer Appel777

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

@@TimMetz ops. Found your video. I was skimming looking for a title regarding ghost notes. My bad. Listening now, I’m sure it’s fantastic !!

[@bateriayguitarra5032]

No se porque algunos no les gusta.La verdad es que ayuda mucho,gracias

[@modenmack]

nice video, can you make a video talking about turn araounds and conectors for changes of sections ? it will be helfull for me. Keep going, i watch you from Colombia.

[@TimMetz]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'm working on something like that in the near future. Stay tuned!

[@dougkirkpatrick6227]

Is that Cadillac Green? Sounds good too 👍

[@alecvargas1156]

Great vid! Think you can do a lesson on using the 7 stroke roll?

[@TimMetz]

Alec Vargas yes I can. Thanks!

[@0674bruno]

you're good

[@twallace9788]

Great instruction! Thanks. I'm in a local swing band and we don't have a conductor so when we get to a fermata ending it's up to me to control the ending. I'm not very good at it. If you did something on endings I'd appreciate it!

[@TimMetz]

Great idea! I have a new video coming out tomorrow, but I’ll do one on some endings next. Thanks for watching!

[@SAHBfan]

Great lesson, thanks. My biggest problem is reading. I usually get lost navigating the chart and then fluff the ending but I didn't realise we were at the end. There are so very few lessons onm youtube about reading jazz big band charts - I really would appreciate some guidance.

[@TimMetz]

Thanks so much! I have something that will help you coming up in future lessons. Stay tuned!

[@AV-dr1rg]

Hi Tim, great video as always! Do you have any recommendation on your top 5 or so big band albums?

[@TimMetz]

I can list my top big band drummers; 1) Mel Lewis 2) Papa Joe Jones 3) John Riley 4) Clarence Penn 5) Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Louis Bellson.

[@kpeck667]

I would like to hear you counting out the bars plz when playing at the slower tempo

[@AleksandrVtorov]

Great video!could you tell please,which drumhead you use for the kick drum both side?thanks

[@TimMetz]

Absolutely! They are Aquarian Texture Coated single ply both sides. Cheers!

[@phatbackbeat6553]

Can you show some Big Band drumming using “ matched grip “ ? Thank you, Tim.

[@TimMetz]

I can, but it is the same as Traditional grip.

[@stevepruittmusic]

Brah, you sound great with a big band! What's the left cymbal?

[@TimMetz]

Dude, thanks so much! It's a 19" HHX Extreme. I highly recommend it. Been my go to crash since I've been with Sabian.

[@shlomolaufer]

Hi Tim, I like the video and pdf. I guess that this video is only about " ensemble figures". How about a video and pdf on "section figures" Thanks alot Shlomo Laufer

[@TimMetz]

Shlomo Laufer it is the same concept. If you're playing behind a sax or brass section, the same concept for setting up the band applies. There may be different dynamic or orchestration concerns, but the fills and set ups apply. I truly thank you for your support. It really means a lot to me.

[@theshaker6458]

Congratulations Tim, not only you are a great drummer but also a great teacher. I am trying to get more into jazz and I have found your lessons really useful . I have a question for you: I have seen many jazz drummers using the kick drum occasionally when playing a groove (pretty much a swing groove) . but I have noticed that you keep using the bass drum on the whole 4 beats of the measure (very softly though) . In your opinion, should drummers do so all the time? Greetings from Lima, Perú!

[@TimMetz]

Great question! What I'm doing is feathering the bass drum. It is a practice that goes back to the big band days of Jazz. I believe it is important to feather as it helps the bass player (and the rest of the band) lock in with your time. There is no way to say it should be done all the time, but if the situation calls for it, you should do it. Hope this helps! Thanks for your question!

[@theshaker6458]

Thanks Tim! great answer! and please keep doing what you are doing. Honestly, your lessons on this video and some others have been very very useful for me. Cheers!

[@tmaddrummer]

You might get fired, but not if you were Buddy! Thanks and Blessings Tim!!!

[@TimMetz]

Thanks for watching!

[@adityakuttus]

Weirdly your reactions remind me if pewdiepie xD great lesson btw. subbed!

[@TimMetz]

Thanks for the Sub! More videos soon!

[@gretschludwigdrummer209]

Love the fill at 0:12 sweet ! what's the sticking pattern ?

[@TimMetz]

Thanks! I am not sure, that was in the moment and not a pre planned lick. One of these days I'll get around to figuring it out.

[@brianchisnell1548]

Being a rudimental snare drummer is a great way to get the jazz chops.

[@bherward]

How do you feel about the 19 HHX X-treme as a left side ride? Sounds killer as a crash in these fills...how's the ride...would it be appropriate for softer sections vs. main ride?

[@undergroundman6602]

Hey i subscribed to your channel, i hope to learn jazz drumming.

[@TimMetz]

Awesome, thanks for the sub! Let me know if there is anything you'd like me to make a video on.

[@undergroundman6602]

Hey Tim i like your videos alot i am a big fan i dont have a vid idea but i was wondering if you could recommend me a few albums and artists in the big band genre to get me started i have listened to buddy rich and the most well known stuff but i bet you know some great more niche stuff. Thanks Tim.

[@TimMetz]

Yes I can. Anything from Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Mel Lewis/Thad Jones, Vanguard Orchestra, Clayton/Hamilton Orchestra, Maria Schneider, and The UNT 1 O'Clock ensemble. Hope this helps!

[@timchurchill1166]

if you dont mind 1 what kit is that 2 the bass drum size is that an 18 inch lovely sound .

[@TimMetz]

It is a gretsch USA custom. The bass is an 18. All the gear is listed in the description.

[@tdrum21]

What's the the fill @ :13? Is that paradiddle? Are you using the kick as a part of the fill?

[@TimMetz]

To be honest, I have no idea. When I'm playing, I just play what I hear. I'll take a look for you to see what it is when I have a couple minutes to sit down with it. Thanks!

[@valeriankapeller1471]

Helped a lot! Thank you :-) 05:02 hehe

[@TimMetz]

Glad to help!

[@goldmuffingaming957]

What’s the name of the song at the beginning of the video?

[@ulusot]

05:01

[@benkornak]

What do you do if you're stuck on the same few set ups and you listen to a lot of jazz already?

[@TimMetz]

Ben Kornak transcribe, transcribe, transcribe. Then work on your transcriptions. Many musicians play the same licks all the time, building your vocabulary will make it seem less stale.

[@barrylightfoot8897]

It's been sometime I know but I can't find the PDF on your website.

[@TimMetz]

Here you go. Thanks for watching! www.timmetz.com/youtube-lesson-pdfs.html

[@rac1477]

Hi Tim, I can't access any PDFs. It just gives me a blank page.

[@alistaircornacchio5727]

Hi Tim, I purchased the pdf a while ago and printed it, do I need to buy it again to print again?

[@TimMetz]

Send me an email through my site and I'll send over another copy.

[@alistaircornacchio5727]

@@TimMetz great, thanks so much!

[@GSA_Drums]

Link doesn't work in Germany :(

[@sethbaer7567]

Can you tell us what finish is on drums? Lacquer? wrap? color name? Thanks

[@TimMetz]

Yea, the drums in the beginning of the video are late 50's era gretsch round badge drums. They are finished in Midnight Blue Pearl wra . The green drums are 2008 125th anniversary Gretsch drums finished in Cadillac Green lacquer. Hope this helps!

[@Parkyurkarkas]

Hi Tim, I've been trying to buy your PDF lessons for several days, but your payment system keeps rejecting my credit cards and won't access PayPal. All of my payment types are valid, so there's a problem with your payment vendor. Please advise. I sent you a message via your website, too. Thanks!

[@tdrum21]

No lessson this last Sunday?

[@TimMetz]

Sorry, was on vacation with the family, will be back this week!

[@SteveJobs557]

What’s that song at the beginning

[@TimMetz]

Blues Machine

[@Big_C_4205]

I don’t know why I’m struggling with the beat 3

[@founboy78]

You're playing blues machine in the intro.

[@TimMetz]

Yes we are!

[@founboy78]

@@TimMetz Great video this helped me a lot with one of the songs I played in high school.

[@GorcStew]

666th view :D

[@TimMetz]

GorcStew 👹!

[@davidmartin6959]

6 minute for 1 trick waw ...

[@arcticjet7154]

Oh god im getting fired

[@TimMetz]

😂

[@kevinturner5857]

Hi thanks for the help ☺ which HHX is that your crashing !?

[@banename3004]

Hi Tim got any rudiments that I can practice my rolls cause awful when I play fills where jazz drums sound besutiful

[@TimMetz]

Yes, just keep practicing rolls. Practice on a pillow or other non bouncy surface also try keeping them "in time." Hope this helps!