Jazz Drummer Q-Tip of the Week: Improve Your Up Tempo Ride Cymbal Playing!!

[@chuckc7375]

Philly Joe was a master at feathering. You can hear him feathering on the album with Sonny Rollins. The album was called Newks time. Philly Joe was a monster.

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely Chuck! All of the masters feathered the bass drum great.

[@johnnyoneal6673]

Hey Quincy, this is pianist Johnny O'Neal. I would just like to extend my musical gratitude towards your approach of this music. You're so very detailed in your explanation, and I think all drummers should be paying attention, because this is the nucleus of what a drummer should sound like when playing this true American art form which is swinging jazz. You have all the essential ingredients. Looking forward to playing together again sometime soon. Much love, O'Neal with a long lasting appeal musically for you 👍💯

[@drumqtips]

The GREAT, Johnny O'Neal!! Reading your kind words mean a lot to me. Thank you so much for taking time to watching this lesson. I definitely look forward to the next time we share the bandstand again. All the best to you Johnny!

[@TheEdwardProject]

One of the best teachers on KZbin. Thanks for all you do.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Ed.

[@ericsheckton9915]

I’ve been struggling with this ride technique for a while. Thanks for breaking it down and giving me a “reset” device for practice. It’s so easy to practice a mistake and yet so hard to correct it. Nice work and thank you.

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Eric! Glad it helped.

[@3willyd]

Brother Q!!!!! I was just telling one of my students this, switching between the "shout" or polka and the swing, yesterday!! I'm sending them all this video today.

[@drumqtips]

My dude!! Got your message on fb. Bout yo write back brother👊🏾

[@kotn2]

Thank you for good jazz lessons. You give clear understanding what is jazz drumming is!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Luondrums]

Thanks Davis this is so helpful at my side

[@yarpyarp85]

Man! that was awesome. You're my favourite teacher online!

[@drumqtips]

I really appreciate that Matt!

[@manuelgchapajr2000]

GREAT LESSON

[@drumqtips]

Thank you!

[@peteywheatstraws4909]

Tony Williams was the one I remember really pushing the envelope for blistering rides back in the 60's and 70's.

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely Pete!

[@bobweber4140]

Love your teaching right to the point excellent

[@SteveDiRocco]

Quincy sir.. you are just incredibly Amazing.. i love your content,your tutilidge and approach to teaching..i just found you and i subscribed to your channel.. yourself and Rick Diour are my favorite teachers.. you both are on another level man..i can watch you and Rick all day.. im really starting to learn jazz the correct way..please keep doing what you do its life changing

[@drumqtips]

Thanks a lot man, I really appreciate it! Glad you're enjoying my teaching style Steve. And Rick is great!

[@SteveDiRocco]

​@@drumqtips Thank you for the reply Q,,👍

[@CUCHINful]

Thanks Quincy!!! excellent

[@shneydermane]

Damn I wish I discovered your channel sooner. Truly a wealth of knowledge, love it.

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed the lesson! Thanks for watching.

[@roccosamuele9323]

Thanks for this, Quincy. Really appreciate the emphasis on technique & avoiding injury and, as always, tying the lesson back to the greats who played uptempo - love the song list.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Rocco! See you later this week friend👍🏾

[@pitdahm1155]

A little tip from jeff hamilton: play the fastest tempo you can first thing in the morning. (I used to put a cymbal next to my bed). Write down the tempo that you managed to play. And check after a few weeks how consistent you are. Of course some of us are more prone to injuries so its good to keep that in mind playing fast without warming up. Thank you Quincy! Really enjoy your videos and album recordings! Sounding great as always!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for sharing and thanks for the kind words Pit!

[@elgrupocachedallas9685]

You keep a ride cymbal by your bed? That’s hard core! Love it!

[@jenko701]

Outstanding .

[@drumqtips]

Thank you!

[@alanmikkelsen400]

I´ve been years looking for this data. Thank you!

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful Alan!

[@hectordesosa4123]

Spectacular tips and clasess. You remember me the teacher Ralph Peterson . Hector from caracas venezuela.

[@cx777o]

This is what i was looking for! More lessons like this, especially on tony williams groove phrasing!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching!

[@andrewleventis8341]

got it at last, thanks Quincy...

[@fractalinc]

Thank you! The advice to just 'think 2 and 4' turned the lights on over here.

[@waynecastillo3512]

Thx Quincy your Cook'n w/ Grease & Speaking the real old school Be Bop, like they say follow the Leader

[@michaelwoldman6646]

Thank you Quincy. You really help. I am still out jammin. But need build more speed like you say.

[@insanedrummer89]

Beautiful explained man. Man such a jazz pro!

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that as always Barret!!

[@insanedrummer89]

@@drumqtips I need a vid on playing the hi hat in places other than 2 and 4. That shit Mystifies me. I’m decent at snare and bass comping but yeah

[@manu__alva]

Thanks a lot master. This lesson has a lot of things other lessons dont. Consice and super clear.

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Man!

[@tmaddrummer]

I'll be up tempo in my sleep tonight...... Thanks and Blessings Q!

[@drumqtips]

Hope you could get a little bit of sleep friend:)

[@rjrichmusic]

I was taught to count measures like 16ths like 1e&a 2e&a etc up to 8 or 12 depending on the form to keep that think slow idea you mentioned. It keeps track of the quarter but feels way more relaxed than 1234 per measure. Thanks for another great lesson Q!

[@extrashuggah6672]

Hi Mr Davis ! Thank you so much for your precious advices. I've searched a bit in the comments but i don't think i've seen someone quite in my case, so here's my question (anyone feel free to answer obviously) : I've been drumming for 18 years now, have had periods of intense practicing or like not at all for alternate years, and as far as i can remember this was always something that would make me struggle for ever. Thing is i can now play everything pretty relaxed and not hurting myself, and i've been teaching for years these positions, and kind of same advices about not holding hard, playing with all of your fingers and keeping the sticks in the inside phalanges, "spreading" the motion and effort across every part of your arm. But i never achieved to do it myself haha. It instantly hurts and i can barely hold a full song. Even though i try to relax, progressively raising the tempo, warm up - stretch / take breaks, it's like it's all for nothing when i try it again or reach fast tempos. My fingers seem weak, my grip progressively tighten, my suppleness suddenly disappears and it feels unbearable pretty quick until i play only quarter notes or just take it slower lol. What would be your advice on getting over it ? Thank you and everyone !

[@proziggy3634]

Thx, this is great

[@fitzroi47]

Thanks. This video was well worth the time.👍🏽

[@andremartinscardoso7383]

Thank you!!! Amazing tips!!! Best regards from Brazil!

[@drumqtips]

Obrigado for watching sir!

[@diegomenendezjust654]

Great lesson, great aproach Quincy! Regards from Argentina

[@wojciechlubczynski2254]

Reeeaaaaly useful lesson Quincy, thanks!

[@Lukas8034]

Every time i see a new video with you it motivates me to go an sit an the drums and try what you just showed!

[@drumqtips]

Love to hear that Lukas!

[@alfredbeasley1]

Hey Quincy...... I love your playing on Lost in Thought.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Al🙏🏾. That’s my favorite song on the album.

[@alfredbeasley1]

Is it possible for you post an instructional video of what you are playing on "Lost in Thought " ? I know you are busy with many things... It's just that "Lost in Though"t (is to us drummers) the new "Fred" by Tony Williams. We all say that you are the Tony Williams / Alan Dawson of this generation.

[@alekosspanidis9702]

Oh man, u re doin great work!!! We re learning from the other side of this planet.... Greetings from Greece,love ur work!!!

[@drumqtips]

Cheers to you Alekos! Thanks for watching!

[@tyronesmith8250]

Very great presentation!!! You broke it down slow so there is a foundation to build off of and understand. Thank You!!!

[@Badtvset]

Great opening solo!

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that!

[@153tonyt]

Hey Quincy,Beautifully explained…..and PLAYED!

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that!

[@DonaldSturgeAnthonyMcKenzieII]

Love what you’re doing

[@wallyjanz5248]

Great explanation about both wrists and fingers being used.....thanks

[@stevethulander8938]

I gotta tell ya, Q - I was following along, and understanding. And, finally, you got to what I've been working on - even at the pad: INTERACTIVE rhythms between the ride and the other 3 limbs. At the pad, or even using the hands alone, it's a heck of a lot of fun to mix in rhythms between the ride and the limbs; almost never using the standard dotted eighth rhythm. There are various ways of developing these rhythms - just explore; first w/o sitting at the kit. Start slow to get the feel of exploring rhythms with both hands - coming in and of the underlying pulses: unisons, opposites, rests, 1/2 time, double-time, poly-rhthms, accents, presses . . . thank you, so kindly, Quincy. Great channel !!

[@drumqtips]

That's it Steve. As long as everything feels good then it's all on the table for sure! Thanks for sharing and watching sir:)

[@roberthall7336]

Another great lesson, Quincy. I admire how you are so clear in your instructions, what different things to consider, and your playing is so swingin', clear, creative and with presence.Thanks!

[@drumqtips]

Thank you for your super kind words Robert. Glad you find my videos helpful. See you on the next one!

[@Epicurus48]

hey i've been watching your a few of your videos and i'm still learning traditional grip but i noticed that you have your left hand further down the stick--like maybe 1/4. I was always taught to hold it in a rough 2/5 maybe for the stick to be able to rebound, is there a reason you do this and is the way you play like a different techinique?

[@drumqtips]

Great observation! I adjust my grip depending on the sound and feel I’m going for. Holding the stick closer to the center can give you more bounce, while moving towards the back provides more power and control. I think it’s important to stay flexible with your technique and not feel restricted by any one approach. Different teachers have different perspectives, so it’s always good to explore and find what works best for you!

[@kouranyemilio]

very good demonstration Quincy. thanks

[@Bozha_Kapetanovic91]

Great man, hello from Serbia.

[@drumqtips]

Thank you for watching all the way from Djokovic land Bozha!

[@Bozha_Kapetanovic91]

@@drumqtips Djokovic and Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets ,NBA MVP 2021) : )

[@JMcNultyDrums]

Very informative video, Quincy. Love the 5 strokes from the snare to the ride in the intro.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Jonathan! Yeah, I'm a 5 stroke roll junkie😂

[@martinapollo1537]

Thank you very much for this lesson !🤗🤗🤗

[@drumqtips]

You are welcome Marin👍🏾

[@boomerisback6545]

thanks for another great lesson

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching!

[@sparksjazz]

Awesome lesson and explanation!

[@drumqtips]

Thank you sir. Glad you enjoyed it Marv!

[@rodrigocantujazz]

great lesson! thanks!

[@AlexisTovilla]

Thak you so much Quincy!!!!!!!!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching Alexis!

[@richspicer7818]

Another great lesson Quincy! Thanks man!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Rich!

[@richspicer7818]

Hello again Mr. Q, I really enjoyed your lesson showing 5 ways to play Jazz from the Syncopation book. However, I find when I work on playing the first two ways, using alternating snare and bass drum my ride cymbal pattern turns into a shuffle instead of the traditional ride pattern. Is there an easy way to correct this? Thanks, Richie

[@marwinsbosny6395]

Very helpful tips, thank you very much!

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fortedrummer3026]

Thank you so much, Professor Davis, for this lesson! You are presenting the precise information and instruction that I need at this very time. I have been an on-again, off-again part-time drummer since high school (which was a very long time ago). I have always loved jazz (thanks to my dad) and always wanted to play jazz, but have always struggled to play fast tempos, which of course limited my opportunities. Just a few days ago, I got to play a jazz gig with my son-my first gig in a year and a half. I really enjoyed it and it went well enough for me that I'm inspired to work on my jazz drumming techniques again. I also want to be able to play uptempo samba grooves. I enjoy playing many styles of music. When I was younger, I was too impatient to play music to focus enough on drumming techniques. Now, I'm all about learning and developing good technique. It makes all the difference. I appreciate your entire Q-Tip series!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for sharing your story and thanks for supporting my channel. All the best to you and look out for more videos to come!

[@alainsyx1967]

Very great lesson. I really needed this. You're a great teacher !

[@drumqtips]

Glad to help Alain!

[@richardstardust2355]

Hey Quincy, i wanna thank you for sharing you're vast knowledge on Jazz drumming, it opens a lot of doors for me.

[@drumqtips]

I love to hear that Richard. Thanks for watching!

[@sebastianloaizamusic2856]

This is just AMAZING!

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Sebastian!

[@purostarros]

Waiting for that lesson, thanks Q ,always great data for the mortals 👌

[@drumqtips]

You bet! Thanks for watching:)

[@JimBrooksDrums]

Great lesson. Thank you Quincy!

[@drumqtips]

Thank you Mr. Brooks!

[@jimlippman3063]

thanks Quincy... appreciate all your videos!

[@drumqtips]

I'm glad you like them Jim!

[@rishipoddar2559]

Greatly explained maestro. The drums are tuned way too good. :)

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Rishi!

[@brycejohnson8486]

Im hoping to attend unt in a few years and your videos are very helpful :)

[@drumqtips]

We look forward to seeing you!

[@tomdrums88]

Excellent video man thanks!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you liked it Tom! Thank you!

[@dennisblassnig9144]

best video so far about uptempo. what i discovered is, that once you got to a certain tempo and don't practice that much you'll lose a bit the quickness in your ride hand but you will never lose the ability to hear that fast. So when i play a gig when i haven't played in a long time, i'm able to make it feel at that tempo and let it feel relaxed even if my technique is a bit rusty and i'm not hitting every single note. So one of the most important things is to train your ears to be able to hear the fast.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for sharing Dennis. That's a great point! We can play fast unless we can hear fast...and slow at the same time:)

[@TheRealWillGeronimo]

Thanks Quincy! I’ll need to work on my ride swinging. It really sucks right now but the breakdown you have in playing like a polka really makes it easy to understand.

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Will!

[@delp7833]

Just liked and subscribed, right at the request to do so…👍🏾

[@drumqtips]

Thank you🙏🏾

[@ManuKrishnanU]

Always a pleasure watching you explain.. Awesome.

[@drumqtips]

So nice of you Manukrishnan! Thank you.

[@agardnerist]

Thank you for all of your amazing drum videos!! I’ve been watching them since your Manitoba days!!

[@drumqtips]

Hey Albutt. I appreciate the support and I'm glad you're STILL enjoying my videos friend:)

[@garysmith3173]

Best video on this subject I’ve seen yet,thankyou.

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Gary!

[@yarpyarp85]

I love what you're doing! Thanks as always!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for the nice words and thanks for watching as always Matt!

[@cainmunns231]

Cheers Quincy, grateful to have you share your knowledge here. Love your work

[@drumqtips]

Much appreciated Cain!

[@teddycook1299]

Couldn't help smiling when you added in the fingers at 6:48

[@drumqtips]

Ha! Glad my fingers could put a smile on your face Cookie:) Hope your summer is going well. See you next month!

[@jasonreddish6125]

This is dope!!!.Can u please cover the uptempo samba? Would love.to see your breakdown and approach.

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed it Jason! I COULD do a lesson on up tempo samba, but instead, I'll try to find a samba drummer who can teach it the most authentic way. Thanks for watching!

[@madriddimdubvancouver3614]

Thanks for the great lesson Q!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Mad!

[@vouroukaris2745]

Nice job thx man

[@cjansenATL]

This is great information. Thank you.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching Chris!

[@半澤剛-p4k]

めちゃくちゃ参考になりました😊ありがとうございます👍左手が難しいですが頑張って習得します😊😅

[@drumqtips]

どういたしまして。左手がんばってね！

[@colinhinton8186]

Yeah, Quincy!!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching brother Colin!

[@igorstankovic3275]

exelent teaching aproach.tnx man

[@drumqtips]

Glad you liked it Igor!

[@ByronWookieLandham]

Super cool Q! Some things you mentioned actually brought me back to the years I worked with Betty Carter.. You have to be relaxed, and breathe. It's so important to develop a report with the group and ride cymbal before getting too busy comping with your other limbs. I usually think of whole notes when comping and half notes if soloing during fast tempos. It can be applied many ways in terms of time feel or inprov... Happy New Year! Health and happiness brother. Let's talk sometime... BL🙏🏾🎶

[@drumqtips]

Byron!!! Much respect for you bro Bryan. That must have been incredible to play with Betty. Awesome tip with the whole notes👍🏾. I wanted to play with her sooooooo bad. All the best to you and your family in 2023 brother👊🏾

[@nikitaptashko3430]

Thank you so much

[@nilsonevilasio2915]

the only methods I studied were ted reed (syncopation) and John Riley..I love be bop, I really liked your video and I think I'm on the right path. Thanks!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for sharing Nilson! You’re definitely on the right path my friend👍🏾

[@chiccoaccornero2821]

Thank you so much Maestro! Your teaching are very precious !! 👏👏👏👍👍💫💫☀️☀️☀️🙏🙏Keep Swingin' !!! 🥁🥁🥁🥰

[@drumqtips]

You are very welcome Chicco! Keep swingin!!

[@camildrums]

Great video Quincy. Thank you so much for sharing this. Can't wait to practice!!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching as always Camil. Hope all is well with you!

[@yuggothproductions]

This is great thanks! I noticed some drummers like Joe Morello uses more of the Moeller technique. You’re using more the French technique? I’m feel like I’m tending up so I’m gonna try and focus on staying loose.

[@drumqtips]

Staying loose is a great thing to focus on playing up tempos👍🏾

[@drummermikeclark]

Great Stuff

[@robvriens8812]

Great video. Have to start working on lifting again! Thanks for the reminder

[@drumqtips]

Ha! Glad I could motivate you to start lifting again Rob:)

[@Tagger0325]

Love it .. Thank you

[@MrAlasoft]

EXCELLENT !!!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you like it Roberto!

[@PabloTarantino]

Great tips Quincy! when you mentioned how it sounds when you play stiff reminded me of the sound of Jorge Rossy playing uptempo on Brad Mehldau's early records. Jorge's musicality is really amazing, super inspiring, but that's the only thing that I don't like about his playing. In contrast, I enjoyed so much how Jeff Ballard plays uptempo so smoothly, as he did on "Knives out" for example. Thanks for the video!

[@drumqtips]

Jorge and Jeff are both amazing musicians!! I appreciate you watching and sharing your thoughts Pablo.

[@sebastianbalaydagosto7802]

Great. Thanks

[@drumqtips]

You are welcome!

[@santih5043]

Excellent conception and sound!

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Santi!

[@massimodemajo]

As usual, a beautiful lesson from you. Thank you Q-Tip 😊

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that Massimo!

[@victormarshall9765]

Thanks Quincy for sharing excellent tutorials . Wonderful presentations .

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed it Victor!

[@edpias7881]

Quincy thank you, this is great :-)

[@drumqtips]

You're very welcome Ed!

[@JoelCarbonellGonell]

Thank you as always master!!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Joel!

[@jamesshipp]

This was such a pleasure to watch. I’m trying to improve my technique doing something related, but I watched this whole thing just cos it’s so nice to hear you play and talk.

[@drumqtips]

Awesome James! Thanks for watching.

[@mamajuke6309]

Excellent lesson Q! My main training for uptempo was trying to keep up with Thunder back in the WMU days after you had left town. That was a challenge indeed! Peace from Jon Wert in NYC

[@drumqtips]

Ha! Yeah, that was part of my training too Jon:) Good to see you man. Hope all is well!