Top 3 Quad Drum Tips for Tenor Drummers (+Drum Lesson)

So when I'm teaching Tenor Drummers for the first time or when I introduce my basic Quad Philosophy, I go over my Top 3 Tips that are ESSENTIAL for Quad Drums. This is probably one of the funnest videos I've ever done and I enjoyed making it so I hope you guys get a good laugh and learn something as well :)
If you guys liked it and learned something, please do me a huge favor and share this with your friends. If you guys have any questions, please leave it in the comments below!
Also, as I discussed in the video, if you want to know more about Tenors and getting the ULTIMATE "philosophical" guide to Tenor Drumming that I call #quadphilosophy V.2.0, then click the link below:
bit.ly/2zWCTk3

[@a-10warthog23]

It seems like it's true that certain personalities work better with certain instruments- like percussionists tend to be laid back but serious about what they do. Guess it's reflected in how they have to play..?

[@KarlDrumTech]

I think Tenor Drummers tend to be more laid back...not sure why this is...any ideas?

[@a-10warthog23]

@@KarlDrumTech I'm not sure. I think it takes a certain kind of person to be drawn to a specific instrument. Like the thing that seems to make a lot of "instrument stereotypes" true.

[@thehawaiiandrummer9275]

I'm percussion and I wear Hawaiian shirts every day

[@elijahboots182]

Every good percussionist I know is a hot headed asshole lmao

[@doverfdresponses3092]

I’m a new marcher. Im a freshman and I just found out last night that I’m playing quints for my school!! I can’t wait

[@KarlDrumTech]

Congratulations! Welcome to the fraternity of quad drummers :)

[@jonathangunoskey4769]

That’s awesome bro, this year I’m a sophomore, and I’m practicing hard trying to beat the quad player that’s there now, I’m from a small school and there I only one quad player.

[@isaac-zq6ex]

Drumline is fun but it's also the most serious section and probably the most important. We're considered the heartbeat of the band

[@KarlDrumTech]

We are certainly important for sure!

[@jacksonbrown1751]

This is a late comment but I’m a Sophomore heading to school for the first year and recently started on quints! I am so happy… it was a bit worrying at first but it feels so unique and I love the challenge of being one of the only two quint players at my school. Loved the video so much and your fun personality as well! Keep playing!🥁

[@KarlDrumTech]

Not late at all and I'm gald you saw this video after I posted this a few years ago haha. Also, thanks for giving me one of the best compliments I can get...I appreciate you! Happy to hear that you are a fellow quint player, so that's very good. Enjoy the experience and the challenge of seeing how far you can take it :) Keep in touch alright? Also, if there's anything I can ever help you with, please let me know!

[@UpcomingJedi]

I even took LSD to get relaxed and it doesnt work. I still cant play. All it did was send me to the moon to furl the American flag and rode the moon buggy. ( I hope they dont notice i ran out of gas)

[@KarlDrumTech]

Hope you didn't jack up Neil's footprints...

[@neildembla1]

@@KarlDrumTechnot my name being Neil… 😭

[@KarlDrumTech]

@@neildembla1 you the man on the moon!!! Lol

[@paigec1660]

Next is my senior year and I really want to play tenors for my last year. I’ve played bass for three seasons now but I’m so afraid that I won’t be able to get on tenor line.

[@KarlDrumTech]

Congrats on getting ready to graduate! You can do it! You need your motivation, the right guidance and you gotta put in the work! You got this :)

[@DustinSmith796]

Paige C bro same

[@zoracantbebothered2691]

I hope this will help me, I planning on moving from marimba to tenor so I can be a more useful drum captain when the current graduates.

[@KarlDrumTech]

There are some good fundamental info here, so it should help :) If you have any questions or need help at any time, please let me know! I want to make sure you get all the resources you need to be a great captain!

[@zoracantbebothered2691]

karldrumtech Thank you!

[@hunteralexander9791]

Hey Karl, I’ve been a fan for quite a while even though I’m not exactly a percussionist, your videos have often touched me on a personal level. My school used to have an indoor drumline, but it fell apart about 3 years ago. This year we have indoor winds and we’ve done quite well for our first year in existence. I was wondering if you could look into the Rock Hill Indoor Winds in the scholastic A division after we go to Dayton bear the end of this April to conclude our season. Thank you so much for helping me grow as a musician and a human being :)

[@KarlDrumTech]

Hi Hunter! I love it when people who are not primarily percussionists watch my videos. I try to speak from the heart on things that matter that can really help you in life, so I'm so happy to have been able to affect you in a profound way. You know, I actually have never seen an indoor winds program yet. Would you happen to have a video? Send me a link so I can check it out! Otherwise, you're very welcome. Keep growing and keep being the best version of yourself every single day :)

[@hunteralexander9791]

karldrumtech Here’s a link of our show mid-season kzbin.info/www/bejne/hn60q4GVqcp1fdk

[@brennan_crowder]

Starts at 3:44

[@KarlDrumTech]

At least I tried to make it interesting :/

[@steampunkhulk5559]

@@KarlDrumTech not a fact but: certain people are watching this in the bathroom before an audition trying to get better, sadly...

[@KarlDrumTech]

@@steampunkhulk5559 Sorry I'm replying to this now but...wow...for real? haha

[@steampunkhulk5559]

@@KarlDrumTech yeah i was trying to figure stuff out for high school audition so i was spamming through videos ;-; rip me

[@KarlDrumTech]

@@steampunkhulk5559 Well, despite my response time, I hope you will continue to use me as a resource to help you in your playing journey. Feel free to email to if there is anything I can help you with specifically: [e-mail]

[@ThrowbackGames_]

My drum line instructor makes me feel bad about myself because I’m not great at the quads. I’m like “iVE onLy been playing for like 6 months! It’s not my fault you never show up at practice to help!”

[@echo3568]

Tahts why you practice outside of practice

[@hhHhHUhahauhaHh]

Hello again Karl! The school year is almost over so our battery upperclassmen are teaching us the basics of how to play their instruments. I have been practicing, but do you have any tips on how to improve zone accuracy? When i practice i often see my sticks landing closer and closer to the center of the drum. I also can’t seem to get crossovers right. My arms are bumping into each other and i can’t get the stick bounce very high off the drum. Any tips would be very very appreciated. Thank you!

[@KarlDrumTech]

So to help with zone accuracy, you need limit yourself to something smaller than the general playing area. So find specific targets within the zone and try to hit that spot everytime. If you get better at hitting those spots, then you'll not only stay within the zone but you may also hit less rim. For crossovers, one arm is over the other right? Make sure the arm that is over has some solid clearance above the other arm. For a better bounce, put more velocity on your stroke and make sure your hand does not get in the way of the stick going back up. Imagine letting the stick go in order to allow it to bounce back up. Does that help? Let me know if you have questions!

[@503music6]

Ur awesome man! I learned the most i could for my quad audition and got rejected, but i got bass 5 tho, you are a big inspiration to me and i bet i’ll get it next year (also freshie lol)

[@KarlDrumTech]

Aww thanks so much! Love the positive attitude! You're right...you will get it...happy I can provide the inspiration! Kill it on Bass 5 and then go get you that quad spot next year :)

[@503music6]

karldrumtech my director said that I didn’t get it because my tempo was inconsistent, is there anyway that you know that can fix it?

[@KarlDrumTech]

@@503music6 While there isn't one thing you can do that can fix this issue, my suggestion is to make sure you mark time to everything and work out exactly when to put your feet down, whether it's a note or a rest. For a good example on how to work this out, check this out: drumlineblueprint.com/feet/#page-content

[@hhHhHUhahauhaHh]

Hello Karl! I’m going into freshman year of high school at the end of the summer and i want to eventually play tenor. Thank you for these videos! I will keep these tips in mind

[@KarlDrumTech]

I really hope this helps you! Let me know if you have any questions at anytime during your journey to play tenors and once you actually get there :)

[@sdjmalik]

Time to check this shit out!

[@KarlDrumTech]

What do you man?!

[@lotus_r1ce478]

Where did u get that quad pad? i want one

[@KarlDrumTech]

it's from beetlepercussion.com/percussion but they do have a new model so check it out. If you are interested, I'll throw in a free 30 minute tenor lesson with purchase, so let me know if you're down for that :)

[@taternater7495]

lmao this is hilarious, makes me want to learn quads even more 😂 you’re awesome man

[@KarlDrumTech]

Haha thanks so much! I really appreciate it :)

[@shocka89]

This was AWESOME!!!! Great vid!

[@KarlDrumTech]

Thanks so much! Means a lot :)

[@rawhidelamp]

Alright! Trying out for quads in my Sophomore year, thanks for the tips

[@KarlDrumTech]

I got you! Good luck! Let me know if you need any help! :)

[@jumpropestairs6129]

Where can i buy tenors in south bay instead of on line

[@KarlDrumTech]

If you want new drums, you can go to almost any instrumental music store and buy it there. They may not have a set of tenors in the store, but they can certainly order it for and you can pick it up at the store when it arrives. If you want something used, then you'll have to all around local high schools and see if there's a set they'd be willing to sell. Hope that helps!

[@jumpropestairs6129]

Thank you il hit up costa and rival dondo. I want to play tusk usc styl.

[@sophiabelle7597]

great video karl!!! 😊

[@KarlDrumTech]

Thanks so much! I certainly put some work into it :)

[@joemuthaoggabogga5652]

i was a bass this year and got put on quads this year and i wanna be the best quad player i can be

[@KarlDrumTech]

Love the attitude! If you have any questions or anything I can help with let me know! Congrats on getting Quads :)

[@bssyfy6462]

My back hurts when the harness on

[@KarlDrumTech]

The harness may need some more padding

[@bssyfy6462]

karldrumtech thanks so much and I appreciate your response unlike most channels. Btw is there any way I can hit u up on messenger

[@echo3568]

Wait just the part where the harness touches your shoulders and upper back or are you talking about the lower back when the drums were on

[@ediblegrainadhesive1698]

Hey Karl, loved the video! I'm currently in drumline and something I struggle with is performing with my facial expressions during a show. My main problem is I'm not sure which facial expressions to use to fit the music, any advice?

[@KarlDrumTech]

I do! Did you see my latest video? I literally created it in respond to your question so let me know if it helps! Thanks for watching!

[@natemiller6873]

The problem I have and why I probably wont march tenor next season is that I'm very small. I'm talking 5'3. I have really strong legs, but it is really hard when my quads are bigger than me.

[@KarlDrumTech]

Hmm, how much do you weigh? Also, do you expect to grow anymore if you are still on the younger side of hs?

[@Way2fizzy]

Bro same I’m just super determined and don’t wanna stop

[@echo3568]

Im 5’5 and managed a marching seaosn and indoor drumline season with them. In indoor we have choreo that includes some spinning lunging and “dancing”. I am a bit on the heavier side tho but it’s not impossible

[@andrewjaschke7795]

Hey love the videos man

[@KarlDrumTech]

Thanks so much! I hope to get better and better at it!

[@hydrofach]

Really love this sensei video 😎

[@KarlDrumTech]

Glad you love it :) More to come!

[@xhalgr]

I can’t believe I was the solo quad player for my drumline and I was never taught to read music

[@KarlDrumTech]

That's such a bummer! Sometimes, we have to take our education into our own hands. What have you been doing to make sure you learn how to read music notation?

[@wendyproulx1167]

I’m looking for some advice as to how to get fit enough/ how to handle carrying the quads throughout the season. Anyone have any tips or tricks for me?

[@KarlDrumTech]

Hi Wendy! You got to get stronger for sure, so for one work your cardio so you can get blood and oxygen pumping throughout the necessary muscles in your body. You will want to build your core, glutes and hamstring strength. If you don't have any weights, do crunches (core), lunges (hamstrings) and squats (glutes). Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@maxm9664]

Whatever you do, don’t lean back

[@dylanbaldwin7934]

@@maxm9664 I get that it is not visually pleasing but will it hurt you too?

[@maxm9664]

Dylan Baldwin yes, it will destroy your back and you can seriously injure both your spine and your back muscles. It also can really affect your marching technique and it’ll make your playing areas far less stable. Plus yeah, it looks extremely goofy.

[@saraigallegos9137]

@@KarlDrumTech hi, I’ve only recently started on quads and have had pre-existing back pains, the quads make it a little worse, what kind of exercises would you recommend to relieve it? I’ve been thinking of doing yoga or something but I’m not sure

[@bryangarcia2997]

Where did you get your drum pad

[@KarlDrumTech]

Beetle percussion!

[@jumpropestairs6129]

I run in that park

[@KarlDrumTech]

Hickory Park? Oh man, I got picked up here by the school bus everyday to go to Middle School at Madrona. This was a great hang out place too during HS. Good times! So you're in Torrance?

[@jumpropestairs6129]

Do you have anything on the spider cadence? I went to my settings, turned the speed down and it came slowly but surely. USC Cadence - Guerreros Marching Band - KZbin

[@KarlDrumTech]

Sorry, I'm just seeing this now. I don't actually, but if I had sheets, maybe I can put something together. Were you able to put something together for yourself?

[@jumpropestairs6129]

@@KarlDrumTech Yes its coming slowly... Is this the entry level quad routine?

[@KarlDrumTech]

@@jumpropestairs6129 I have a few videos. Check out this set of videos on my website: www.karldrumtech.com/for-tenors-only

[@everythingoutdoors5356]

Video starts at 3:41

[@KarlDrumTech]

Thanks you for helping others who don't want to listen to my drivel ;)

[@tortilla7122]

What the link to those training pads?

[@KarlDrumTech]

They're not selling that particular pad anymore, but keep checking back when they release a new tenor pad www.beetlepercussion.com/percussion

[@degobeats425]

Yo im a senior trumpet player at my school and im really into percussion. My freshman year i wanted to switch but my director said no. Tried again sophmore year director said no. Now i just play percussion with them during sectionals. I wouldnt say that im amazing but im compitent at snare and quads. However id say im really good at trumpet. (Im not trying to be cocky). My director has a huge bias towards trumpet players since he is one aswell, and would never let me switch to percussion despite me being alot happier on it. Ive been nicknamed “honorary percussionist” by the percussion at my school because i play percussion so much. My question to you is if theres any opportunities i can take after high school to play quads? Ive only been self taught so i dont have the chops for college drumline and cant really do sweeps. Any advice?

[@KarlDrumTech]

First of all, this is awesome that you are a good Trumpet player and LOVE to play drums. It is unfortunate that there aren't many opportunities to play drums in HS. At least even in the winter seasons, wind players have an opportunity to play drums when they have an opportunity do both Wind Ensemble or Concert Band and winter drumline. If you don't have such an option at your school, then there are opportunities after HS. I say look for independent groups close to you and audition for them, even if you're self taught. At the very least, you'll learn a lot and you'll know what you need to work on to be better prepared next time. I also suggest getting a private drum instructor. Yes, I offer them, but just get it from someone as they will be able to help you get better faster than you just always doing things on your own :) I personally have worked with students where Percussion wasn't their primary instrument and get them ready for auditions AND make spots in independent groups. Hope this helps! Please feel free to use me as a resource anytime as you move through your journey from being an "honorary perucssionist" to a performing percussionsist ;)

[@Drumlinechops]

Quality :)

[@KarlDrumTech]

[@therealjumpmanjohnsonnatio6127]

New sub💯🤟🏾

[@KarlDrumTech]

I appreciate that so much thank you!

[@therealjumpmanjohnsonnatio6127]

@@KarlDrumTech anytime because I have sticks and a percussion book but nothing to play on

[@daganalford3011]

Bro thank you so much I'm in 8th grade and or old quad player got injured oof

[@KarlDrumTech]

Yo no problem! I'm glad this has been helpful to you! Welcome to Quads fellow Quad player! :D

[@amaanshaik9758]

I'm having problems hitting rims; seriously, all my fast crossover parts are pretty much a rimjob, any tips?

[@scherzo7224]

Haha this is the best thing! Subscribed!

[@KarlDrumTech]

Haha thanks so much! And thank you for subscribing! :)

[@_nonamedame_3084]

Is sophmor year to late to play quads for the first time?

[@KarlDrumTech]

I started my Junior year, so no, not at all :)

[@spongewithabob6873]

When I Carry My Quads For A While Time, My Back Starts To Hurt Really Bad. An Christmas Parade Is Coming Up, I’m Scared That I’m Gonna Hurt The Whole Time. Can Anyone Give Me Any Tips Or Any Videos That’ll Help Me With It?

[@lupinz6097]

This is a lot of video for three of the most basic things that most people already know

[@KarlDrumTech]

Thanks random KZbin expert! I next time will rely on you for how to create videos for beginners that should know this stuff. Can't wait to see the amazing great works you put out into the world to help others! ❤️

[@zaki_burton_4708]

You dropped your sticks. That’s 20 push ups. Ten per stick

[@KarlDrumTech]

Faaaaaaaakkkkk!!!!!

[@noahpatry8123]

haha we called our best player the quad father

[@KarlDrumTech]

Head of the family haha

[@camillerasch6245]

What am I doing here? I play trombone and tuba...

[@KarlDrumTech]

I don't know, but if you find any value in this, it would be awesome :)

[@camillerasch6245]

@@KarlDrumTech sure! Our marching band is losing two tenors next year, we're gonna be needing some help

[@nathancharles6468]

These are common sense things

[@KarlDrumTech]

Nice! Good job figuring out how to play tenors intuitively without any instruction :)

[@ashergannon9865]

Good tips but cut all the crap out. So annoying

[@KarlDrumTech]

Thanks for the backhanded compliment? lol

[@donovanmack612]

I’m sorry but your old school technique makes me cringe.

[@KarlDrumTech]

Donovan Mack kay