Loosen Up....Please

In this video, I beg you to loosen up your technique to avoid injury, get a better sound, and greatly improve your playing.
More videos on this topic can be found in my Hand Technique and Drum set playlists.
Equipment
Drums are Craviotto Private Reserve
20'x15", 10 x 8, 12x 8, 14x14 floor tom, 14x 6.5 Snare Drum
Cymbals are:
21" 1950's K ride
18" 1950's K crash/ride with rivets
Sabian Vault 16" Crash
GM Designs 22.5 "Odyssey Flat Ride
Sabian 13" HH Hi Hats
Sticks are my custom Vic Firth Signature drum set stick in maple. These are available only from me at [e-mail]

[@tomtomboy6471]

Rick Dior is the Drum Guru. Anything Rick cannot do with a pair of drumsticks is not worth doing! Rick and can play anything and then some that is waiting to be invented by his unique approach to drumming and rhythm. Much Love to Rick and family, take care!

[@jeremyschneider9531]

Agree!

[@bobrummage3878]

Amen!! Thanks Rick!

[@dominikn19]

Amen. You can hear his love for music in every note. I can’t even imagine the work and time he’s put into mastering this wonderful art form. I can’t express how much I’ve learned from him and how thankful I am for all of it. Maestro.

[@davidfriedlaender4130]

Thank you for this- I played very briefly as a kid but never got to fulfill my desire to play drums- recently now in my 60's I started having multiple neurological problems in my neck and arms. I decided to get a cheap hi hat to gently exercise my hands and arms rather than squeezing a foam ball. I am now up to a full kit and can swing maybe up to 180 bpm. My teacher has noted how light my touch is and even let me try his slightly cracked 50's Zildjian K ride. It feels better to play than not play at this point! Also I just want to thank you for all your amazing videos especially during Covid, they have made such a difference- very much appreciated

[@kirjian]

Look at that GORGEOUS technique 🤤

[@HrSamstag]

The very most important lesson i got to feel how it needs to feel, when you are an absolute beginner in Jazz, was from the great Jeff Boudreaux, a New Orleans drummer who lived the last 30+ years in Europe. He held a cup of water toward us students, we had to dip our fingertips into the water and then shake off the water loosely. That’s it.

[@williamtaps4565]

Thanks for sharing this video on the importance of remaining loose and relaxed when playing drums, Rick. In my opinion, it’s definitely one of the most important goals to achieve. And once the player learns how it feels to remain loose and relaxed they’ll discover their dynamic range expand, allowing them to execute phrases from a whisper to a shout with minimal effort using rebounds and controlled motions. I’m still a work in progress in this area, getting looser and looser every time I practice in spite of my occasional lapses into hitting like a caveman. Many Thanks.

[@andymccormick6809]

KZbinr Michael Lowenstern of Earspasm Music once said “tension is the enemy of anything good on a musical instrument.” I couldn’t agree more. If playing any specific instrument required tenseness, no one would play that instrument because it wouldn’t be sustainable and it wouldn’t be fun!

[@AstAMoore]

I think it was Henry Adler who said something akin to this: “There’s only so much force you can hit the drum with before you reach the volume limit. From then on, you can all but drive the stick through the head and it _still_ won’t sound any louder.”

[@rickdior]

Yes, that's so true. And if you record in small rooms a lot as I do, you can actually overplay the room so your sound is smaller. It's always better to play lighter and let the mics do the work.

[@goodtimejohnny8972]

I believe the key here is you were properly taught by someone when you started drumming. I would bet that many drummers are self taught and just drum without any professional techniques. For many in this situation, it would have been very beneficial to have the Internet back in the 80s. Great content. Love the channel. Keep on teaching!

[@Joethedrummer]

Glad you released this, most useful advice ever😀

[@williamperri3437]

To sum up what he saying: RELAX! It’s not that hard! Someone should be able to grab the stick out of your hand. Super tense people and drumming are a bad combination. Adjust your seat height if it’ll help you relax, do some yoga! 😂 I started playing drums in 1990 and I broke a stick maybe once or twice and one cymbal by 1993 I never broke a stick or a cymbal again

[@shapiradani]

Another great video Rick. Watching your videos really improved my playing, made me more aware of the importance of looseness in playing. Thank you for taking me a step deeper in this musical journey.

[@ACLOCKWORKDRUMMER]

I'm all ears...a lot of well known younger drummers are assaulting the drums....they I don't think care... unfortunately...I'm glad I studied with Henry adler a forgotten giant..great work rick

[@tonysaporito8880]

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can't hear it enough to play relaxed.

[@jojothetasmaniansassmonkey8866]

It's also important to be mindful of all of the other things you do with your hands. For instance I had some hand problems a few years back that my doctor referred me to a specialist for, and it turned out that how I was working on my computer (and particularly my laptop trackpad technique) was a major culprit (as was a problem with the blood vessels in my ligaments, that I had been unaware of). Switching to a mouse and getting an ergonomic chair/keyboard helped a lot.

[@DrGray_Drummer]

This is one of the most helpful videos for me. I was rarely relaxed, especially after a couple surgeries, and steady pain. I’ve been playing a long time, but when I finally figured out, I need to stay relaxed, my playing began progressing quickly. Thanks!!

[@Chiroman527]

Outstanding Drummer, Rick. Love the sound of your Drums - tuned to perfection. I'm a 72 YO, retired guy, who resurrected playing drums in 2019 after 50 Years [1969]. Since the resumption, I have delved more into all things Drums : the drums, drum heads, drum Tuning (which as a layman is an ART) , drumming accessories, etc. I have Spinal Stenosis and Spinal Spondylosis (arthritis in the vertebrae & facet Joints throughout), causing much chronic pain & terrible stiffness. A significant issue for me is Tuning the drums . Getting the sounds I hear here is elusive to me. The sounds are "true" , no Miked Up drums. I'd love to see your Tuning tricks in a video. But I forge ahead, playing at home about 1 hour a day along to My Music for enjoyment. I do strive to improve and admire your channel very much. Thank You for these Videos

[@rickdior]

Hi So glad you are still playing, even with all the health issues. If you type in "drum tuning" in the search box on my channel page, several videos will come up. Check out drum tuning 101 and 102.

[@Chiroman527]

@@rickdior THX Rick...

[@macvoutie]

There's a woman who has a page where she motivates and "teaches" younger people how to play Rock and Metal. On that page she put up a post complaining about how a major cymbal brand makes terrible crash cymbals because she bought one, cracked it, had it replaced, cracked the second one and the third one. In response I mentioned she might want to reevaluate her hand technique to which she responded that she's been playing and teaching for 10 years and I knew zip about drumming....Oh Well.

[@BadHatNZ]

I've been trying to dial in my hand technique lately and let the rebound do more of the work for me, this was a great reminder!

[@snared_]

Another BANGER (no pun intended) from the internet's drum teacher. Thanks for the reminder!

[@brendanleahy5354]

I only got back home from teaching myself this evening, and was feelin' very much the same about teaching students. This video is cathartic :)

[@paulstix1]

Thanks as ever for your words of wisdom Rick .

[@dennisstgermain4187]

AMEN!! Took Rick's advice years ago. No more pain and lots of gain !!!

[@brichpmr]

I love those drum set sticks! They feel balanced and well crafted. Rick walks the talk, and it's very cool to work on the relaxation concepts. I would love to see Rick post a Timpani video so that we can observe how he uses his chops on the 'kettles.'

[@dominikn19]

Beautifully melodic playing in the intro and a gorgeous ride to your right. Great lesson as always!

[@elvismjrocks]

Rick what is ur opinion on gospel drummers? Like eric moore, tony royster junior, their hand grip seems to be always much tighter (with no space between thumb n index finger like u always advocate) n they always seem "tense" when playing in their style of drumming

[@Jath2112]

Wow.... that opening solo is pretty inspired. Really showcasing those incredible cymbals. Fantastic lesson here. Thanks Rick!

[@sticksbass]

good vid. i watch ken loomer a lot. i just recently stumbled upon u.

[@kaiowens1616]

Thank you for this! It is really improving my playing in the past years of watching you play. I always preach these ideas to anyone who will listen as well

[@catfishrushdie1444]

Thank you, Rick! These words are golden wisdom. Relax!😇

[@macalby]

That flat ride 😮

[@josephg.bradetich3064]

Beautiful sound

[@thirdlineage]

Love this. My teacher learned from Joe Morello and passed down the same wisdom about technique to me. There's a very special feeling when you can float effortlessly around the kit!

[@TheEdwardProject]

Thank you for posting this. It cannot be said enough!

[@mistermael2008]

Always a pleasure, huge knowledge and experience and huge humility, thank you 🙏🏽

[@kaiowens1616]

Thank you for this, your teaching over the years has really improved my technique. I went from constantly having issues with tendinitis and pain, to now being able to play much longer and much better with much fewer issues. Still always working on loosening up but I am certainly heading in the right direction now so thank you

[@AlbertoRoubertJr.]

Thanks, Rick! Super helpful and inspiring!

[@Millsmillsmills]

Wow beautiful playing and topic - that 21 Old K though woooo.

[@DeezNuts-qd7ok]

Recommend Caliente Snare Drum video written and performed by Rick Dior. It’s mind blowing technique and orchestration on various parts of the drum.

[@andrewdelrusso4951]

Great Video Rick. Thanks for uploading

[@malcolmlarri8236]

That kit ! OMG its too gorgeous !

[@thoralmighty5133]

Rick you had me LMAO! this is not a contact sport Honestly Great lesson among many. Thanks so much!

[@webstercat]

I view drum mechanics as a swish watch. Every challenge I had to overcome was an issue with stiffness. It eventually clicked and now it’s effortless…

[@johndiraimo1444]

Another great video Rick. This is such another important subject. The Fulcrum and the transfer of energy are all important factors. The custom made drum sticks you make, zero in on this subject... especially when working with a good practice pad. For louder gigs, perhaps a heavier drum set stick can help. Thanks Rick!

[@ILikeWafflz]

12:30-12:45 That's how I feel about drumming now. The sticks feel very good in my hands and everything, from balance to posture to ergonomics, feels very comfortable when I play. I certainly can't yet play to the level displayed in this video, but what _can_ play, I'm able to play very relaxed.

[@kevindorn]

Thanks for this!

[@JackNiles]

Wow this is really good positive information. Thanks

[@zenmasterx]

Playing and practicing with relaxed muscles should be the first thing that a drum teacher teaches, but that was not my experience. It seems to be assumed, but when you are trying to maintain control, it natural for many to tense their muscles.

[@hansberrick]

just so good~

[@inlovewithmycar]

Its tough, i've been playing for 2 years so far and I developed a bad left arm/shoulder tension/burning problem from not having good technique. Now I'm having to restart everything slowly and learn good technique. But it will be worth it

[@rickdior]

Yes, it will be worth it since you will be able to play for the rest of your life.

[@tomaszbogus9008]

Awesome

[@thomasmoje5926]

I'm a pipe band snare drummer and have been playing drum set for many years..I keep drumming into my students (play on words there) to stay loose let fingers and wrists to the work worse thing you can do is 'choke' the sticks with too tight a grip.

[@jimbarcelona1078]

Thanks Rick I'm 70 and the only problem I have is my right thumb but other than that I'm loose as a goose. Ifbyou excuse the phrase

[@Jath2112]

I've been listening to that opening repeatedly since release. It's fantastic music. What is that super unique cymbal on the far right? I recognize the others but that one is new to me. It's mesmerizing

[@rickdior9776]

It's a GM Designs flat ride. Thanks

[@joakimfrostblacksmithing7127]

Wish i where one of your students 👍

[@Arbigale]

Oh well my work, as a cruise ship drummer, Vdrums are the kits we use now, yup top line TD 50 VAD Rolands, so at time when I go back to the real kit, i automaticaly play soft cause my hands would hurt😅😅😅

[@facedevices]

Should sticks break when playing rimshots?

[@rickdior]

No, not regularly. Every once in a while, you might get a bad stick. It happens. Sounds like you are playing into the drum. That would definitely cause breakage, especially with maple sticks.

[@Metzok]

Great stuff Rick! Do you have a video where you interpret written 8th/16th notes (like page 48-49 in your book) as 16th note triplets?

[@rickdior]

I am sure I do if you look through my hand technique playlist.

[@davidtorras5556]

What about ears protection? Do you use any especific recomended plugs? I'm not confortable with the sound I get with mine ones. Thank you for your lovely teaching Rick

[@rickdior]

This should help kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2jEeaKli9-tjrs

[@davidtorras5556]

@@rickdior Thanks a lot for your fast response😃Love your way Master

[@josephg.bradetich3064]

Players play hard loud seems to be the norm

[@attiliosylvio2799]

With respect to playing hard to be heard, Stewart Copeland explained on one of his interviews (I think with Rick Beato) that, when he played in The Police, he tuned his kit very high, in order to cut through the sound of the other instruments. His kit didn’t sound great on its own but was well heard when playing with the band.

[@rickdior]

Yes and you can see his hands all bandaged up in lots of pictures and videos. Of course, I played in a punk band in the 80's and the whole idea was to play hard and fast.

[@pauldougherty9330]

What about playing congas and bongos with your hands? How do you loosen up? Especially in Salsa?

[@rickdior]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mqWpgYqdg7pnlc0

[@cool-km9ck]

I want to get 3 cymbals(including the hi hat) under $780 and I want to play mostly funk and jazz.what cymbals should I get

[@DrUm-_-WoRlD.]

What do you record video with ?

[@rickdior]

A Canon 70d

[@hugostos09]

That’s why you have golden hands: you play at least 8h/day!!!

[@johnmckenna1776]

Breaking sticks is one thing, but breaking cymbals is so expensive, and what a waste if you break your favorite crash cymbal!

[@brockvellettawilliams5107]

What about Ari hoenig he plays real stiff like and I’d say he’s one of the more popular young drummers out there

[@tylerrynberg]

What does popularity have anything to do with technique? There are dozens of well known drummers with horrible physical ergonomics at their kits.

[@TheSPACEDIEVEST1]

To be honest I hit hard at first to loosen up my limbs

[@BB-doc-fan]

That completely unnatural traditional grip invented for marching with an angled drum/tom tied up in front of you.. So get rid of it if you’re not marching but just sitting behind your kit.

[@rickdior]

So you are saying that all of the great drummers of the past who invented modern drum set playing and played traditional grip were doing it wrong. I suppose you play better and are more influential than all of them. Can't wait to hear you play but wait....I can't find anything.

[@BB-doc-fan]

Has nothing to do with my playing (even if I wouldn’t play drums) Rick. The traditional grip was meant for playing while marching and to be able to march while drumming the drum needed to to be hung in let’s say a 40 degree angle. And that specific situation needs the traditional grip. The drumkit evolved from first putting the snare and bass together (Dee Dee Chandler, double drumming end 19th century) to adding a hi-hat, later cymbal and tom. And we (elderly) were still all trained/educated (mostly first only on the snare > practice your rudiments) with the traditional grip. Which is unnatural to be honest sitting behind a kit. The younger teachers (@least the one I recently picked) as I thought would be good to have some lessons again take it differently. She showed me the posture of several famous drummers using the traditional grip. They all adjusted their posture/shoulder angle to the straightness of the kit > left shoulder somewhat lower. Same with fills around the kit > the reach of the left arm vs the right. And she convinced me. Takes some time to get used to but is in the end a more natural posture;-)

[@rickdior]

I hate having to respond to these comments over and over from misinformed people, but I think I will do it one last time since I think it needs to be said that it is important to learn both grips. This will be a long rant. Your argument is arrogant and not based on facts. It can't be taken seriously because you have not displayed an ability to play the instrument in all styles on a professional level. Please send me some clips of you playing all styles of music as well as with brushes. This has everything to do with your playing or lack thereof so you might know the difference and benefits of each grip. The traditional grip has many advantages on the drum set. The tilt you speak does not even need to be there. I am not tilting my snare at the kit as you describe as you can see if you watch any of my performances. I am not leaning a certain way and my body feels great after playing for 55 years. All of my teachers also played both grips and they played well into old age without any hand or body problems. I play and teach both traditional and matched grip in my professional life as I do on this channel for all to see and hear. I use each grip for specific things, and they are both useful and valid. For certain things though such as playing brushes the traditional grip is the best grip and if you played brushes well in all styles you would know that. The traditional grip takes advantage of the weaknesses of the non-dominant hand by getting it out from under the control of a weaker wrist and letting it be controlled by the fingers which are more dexterous on the weak hand. Rebound is easier since there is more space to move as you have no restrictions in the bouncing of the stick. It also gives you lots of angle superiority on the hihat, snare drum and toms if you use and play it correctly. Of course, you have to master it to realize this which is no small feat. If you have not mastered the grip, you would not know this. Instead, you might take someone else's word on it as you have done. I could easily list 100 names of the great drummers who have used this grip while inventing modern drum set drumming, but I think it's pretty obvious to everybody that these players are the pinnacle of drum set and drumming technique. I will list a few, Warren Baby Dodds, Jo Jones, Billy Gladstone, Buddy Rich, Joe Morello, Tony Williams, Jack Dejohnette, Roy Haynes, Steve Gadd, and so on. Of course, if you had a leg to stand on here it would be the fact that you have mastered both grips, but I see absolutely no evidence of that. Until that is proven you are just a Monday morning quarterback or music critic who is just trying to stir things up and put false information out there that could really do harm to young players who want to be complete musicians and not just drummers who play one style of music.

[@BB-doc-fan]

Rest my case, good that u did it one last time (important to learn both grips as the one or the other fit different styles better). I’m just a simple hobby drummer playing bit of blues/funky/poppy stuff. But if we’re honest, Steve Gadd & Buddy Rich are great examples of two drummers where the shoulder line has grown out of balance over their drumming career years. Steve even without drumsticks in his hands shows always that left shoulder down posture ;-)

[@rickdior]

I think it's time for you to get a new hobby, a political consultant, maybe?

[@ghyogi1]

Woow.Nice feeling a real touch on the drums.Reminding my of Roy Haynes style.I salute you, master.👌