Mark Guiliana: Exploring Your Creativity On The Drums (FULL DRUM LESSON) - Drumeo

Faster Hands & Feet (in 10 days)
► www.Drumeo.com/faster/
The Ultimate Guide To Recording Drums:
►bit.ly/2sp6w8H
Improvisation is a word that's usually feared by most musicians. Coming up with creative, unique, and musical ideas in the moment is a daunting task and it feels like there's no solid, structured way to actually improve these skills.
Mark believes that it's better to have a select few of ideas that you can mold to fit into any musical context opposed to one-hundred ideas that you can't change at all. By utilizing the four powerful tools Mark lists in this lesson, you can take any idea and adapt it to any musical context on the fly. The resulting options are limitless.
Lesson Index:
0:21 - Drum Solo 1
5:50 - Introduction
8:22 - About the lesson
10:30 - How do you start forming your own musical ideas?
13:12 - The four tools
18:34 - Running an idea through these tools
39:44 - Drum solo 2
47:07 - Beginner Tips
58:45 - Drum solo 3
About Mark:
Mark Guiliana is a drummer, composer, and educator who has become recognized as one of the world's leading drummers. He was chosen as Best Jazz Drummer in the Modern Drummer Readers Poll 2017, Best Modern Jazz Drummer award in 2018, and Downbeat dubbed him a Rising Star in its Critics Poll.
In addition to his own group - the Mark Guiliana Jazz Quartet and electronica-minded Beat Music - Mark has recorded and/or performed with a wide variety of artists such as David Bowie, Donny McCaslin, John Scofield, Matt Cameron, Meshell Ndegeocello, Lionel Loueke, Gretchen Parlato, and many others.
Mark plays:
Gretsch Drums
Sabian Cymbals
Remo Drumheads
Vic Firth Sticks

[@colebaker1406]

I can not believe that in this era you can absorb a full lesson from Mark Guiliana FOR FREE. Simply incredible.

[@reemolan5498]

Yes, it's incredible.

[@justinalexander1056]

Can we give an award to the sound engineers. The natural sound of the drums has been provided like pure gold.

[@thesadnesspath8371]

More like a pay raise

[@user-nk5ou4sb6j]

believe it or not, but sound quality this good comes from master class execution....better mics and editing room tricks cant do anything to make it sound better its already so perfectly played

[@Monsterdrumma]

@@user-nk5ou4sb6j That and this is just the sound of Gretsch drums I know I have 3 sets of them.

[@haydenmacmath3457]

I think the most incredible thing about this is lesson is the inspiration. It's rare to see a lesson that inspires so many individuals to think "I need to go play the drums right this second" without giving a specific exercise. Inspiration beyond expression. To Mark, and I think I speak on behalf of many drummers when I say this, Thank you.

[@DBSplayers]

Admit it , this is the lesson everybody was waiting for :D

[@colsonrizzuto7973]

Kevin Nguyen Drums Eric Harland next

[@kieranstewart78]

Nate Smith and nothing but a hi-hat

[@sergiufanica4547]

@@kieranstewart78 or Chris Dave but with the spiral only..

[@vlastion]

Mark's playing is so good he can't even watch himself and has to look away

[@josephlopez1063]

I read this right as he did I it.

[@meetgadhia2524]

Now ITS time to bring a lesson with BRAIN BLADE IT WOULD BE OUT OF THIS WORLD

[@tomekp95]

@Mac Ton LOL

[@MrDarkstar620]

@Mac Ton Brian Blade. Extremely great jazz drummer.

[@ramonkey2939]

I don’t think these guys got the juice to get Brian Blade

[@JHPRS]

The performance at the beginning was my favorite part. I am 62 and just started playing drums recently. I am inspired as hell after seeing Mark play. Thank you so much. :)

[@cactusland88]

Mark reminds me of a young Bob Moses. He's very creative. Makes me wonder how he fit in supporting David Bowie.

[@rhythmista7707]

Mark's playing is not only phenomenal, it's actually soothing. If ever I'm stressed out with the crap life throws at me, I go to find videos of Mark drumming to soothe my head..This video happens to be one of them..

[@matt1637]

My favorite part was how I came here for a drum lesson, but ended up learning the meaning of life and reaching total enlightenment thanks to both Mark's drumming and intellect (particularly his words about joy/passion at 56:30).

[@kylesmith6165]

Favorite part was his emphasis on understanding the emotional effect your parts have on the music. I'm always amazed at how small changes turn a groove into a completely different part.

[@jdb3611]

I’m in shock right now just because they actually got mark

[@LimpBizkit999]

Me too

[@reconbaby1997]

Chris “daddy” Dave next please!! He’s one of the most important and innovative drummers of this generation.

[@thebopwashere]

Tyler bean for sure! Dunno of hed wanna do it though. Be so good to hear his thoughts though!

[@sixthcenturyfuturerecovery4306]

He’s not tho, c00l fivelet grooves. This dude is talking about what’s important

[@ambroulard]

Tyler bean Great Player!! Pretty sure I have this story correct-- At the HIgh School for performing and visual arts Daddy Dave took first chair in his freshman year!! That’s pretty much unheard of- he very likely stole the chair from a senior-.

[@byronhoagland7932]

Daddy slices that time signature like no other.

[@adrianbadillo8606]

My favorite parts, the solos and when he said "Practicing drums will make you a better drummer, playing music with other people will make you a better musician", I really like the way he see the music and his ideas as a drummer, he is one of my favorite musicians right now and man that Coltrane's shirt, love it.

[@skiphoffenflaven8004]

I absolutely appreciate and respect his request to develop your own ideas instead of just taking someone else’s ideas. I see the latter almost 100% of the time online today.

[@nicknorton7132]

My favorite part was talking about phrasing in an emotional sense. I.E. when he said playing 5 sixteenth notes starting on beat one was like a "firm handshake", etc. That really got me thinking about my approach and how I need to think less consciously about what I'm playing and focus on the why!

[@superblaziken12]

I Love the part of the lesson where he says that he really loves doing music and creating with other musicians that he really admire himself. And I love that thought of humbleness, that he sees himself under the musicians he plays with. It gives the perspective that he cares for the music more than anything else. Which it is drumming is actually All about. Playing music.

[@adamparent5986]

My favorite part was when he talked about limiting himself with improvisation, ie use only the hi hat and snare and stay there for as long as you can. The amount of options can be paralyzing and i've felt that way so many times. Great advice. Fantastic lesson.

[@JamesOKlippel]

Love love LOVE the way he perceives and handles "music" through simplifying it to the gross expression

[@dantelamusta]

I’ve been waiting for Mark to be on here! He’s incredibly insightful discussing the depth of the music. I’ve always loved the “in the moment” themes during this lesson. It has become more of a lost art and I truly appreciate you Mark Guiliana! I’ve sincerely enjoyed every project you’ve been apart of. Much love!

[@Scarecrow6459]

One of the things I enjoyed about this lesson was Mark talked about his approach behind the kit rather than solely technique. I think once we can think of ourselves as musicians and not just drummers, we can expand our palettes. This lesson actually reminded me a lot Antonio Sanchez's drumeo lesson, when talking about improvising and soloing. However they both have their own approach to the instrument, it's wonderful.

[@leviborz4596]

I really liked how he said that playing with other musicians, improvising, living in that moment of creativity brings him so much joy, and I relate to that a lot. Thats what its all about, sharing ideas, talent, and inspiration. Your a legend Mark!

[@Theodorevonz]

I'm happy to find a lot of unbalanced playing in me ..and in the most basic of things. These findings keep me grounded and humble. Thank you Mark Guiliana and Drumeo for the lesson, such an inspiration you are.

[@brionesmusic]

“The perspective is from what the music needs as appose to what you can offer it” Very inspiring to hear these micro insights. Thank you guys!

[@Teriyakiwarri0r]

This lesson was very eye-opening. I love Mark because he approaches drumming from such an emotional place and seems to consider himself a musician more than a drummer.

[@mjwhyte7556]

Mark is one of the greatest jazz drummers of all time in my opinion. Great musical sound on the kit, and he creates awesome melodies in his solos

[@patrickbrennan2864]

Then you gotta check out Larnell Lewis’s City Lights solo, the live crowd version- it’s GORGEOUS ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS

[@dariocievski645]

Mark is the most humble genius I know in the music world. The amount of knowledge he has is overwhelming. He is challenging the most fundamental concepts of music composition in a way that is very understandable and yet so powerful. It's an honor having him alive and growing in this time, where so much of the time people are so bombarded with information. Having him strip down the fundamentals of music and drumming is one of the best thing that happened to the drum world. So powerful, so thankful. Keep growing, Mark! Love.

[@jonasverlo]

Wow! The best Drumeo-lesson yet 🤩 My favorite part of this is how Mark talks about creativity and improvisation in such a “general” way, in my opinion. I’m sure every musician can benefit a ton from this, not only drummers. (also digging the face at 1:04:13)

[@NANOMAN1994]

He came to mexico 3 years ago, he signed my gretsch snare drum and his album. A great musician and human!!!! Thanks drumeo for sharing

[@pabloordas3775]

AMAZING!!! You can even hear Mark humming at the end solo!!! Such an influential voice! Thanks Drumeo for the gift of this lesson!

[@jahnumusic5115]

What I love about Marks playing is that he has has such precise playing but also has so much feel. So many drummers are one or the other but he just has it and that is so magical to watch. I have been following Mark since I first heard him with Avishai Cohen 2003. I knew that he would blow up one day and am a bit shocked it took this long for him to be truly recognized. Thank you for so many years of inspiration as a drummer, musician and just pure being. Here's to many more records from such a great talent.

[@RobShaffer]

I love how he explains his approach to the drums. He makes it seem so easy.

[@MultiBatman0]

I just loved the whole lesson. Mark really is a genius - the fact that he is able to perform these kinds of solos on its own is mindblowing, but to break them down and give out handy exercises for others to learn is truly amazing and humble of him.

[@JustYerStandardUFO]

I loved his comment on joy. The joy drumming brings! There are times when I play I actually thank God afterwards that I have the ability to do it. I’m not on Marks level but joy can be there no matter your level. I loved the lesson. As great as he is solo, he really comes alive with music.

[@StompL7]

i was waiting for this for such a long time ! I remember when this was live on youtube i stumbled upon it randomly and had only seen the end of the lesson, then i got really hungry for the beginning of it. My favorite part is when he demonstrates how dynamics can change the emotional impact with only one simple idea at 20:00. When he plays it Forte , it's crystal clear how dynamics are so important !!

[@markwrenn5965]

The way Mark speaks about playing with dynamics in this video opened me up to whole new insight on the subject. Love it. Thank you!

[@rumbalikka]

Great solo in the beginning, It's amazing how he can be so deep in the flow. Dynamics, precision, feel, melodic ideas, It's all there.

[@lukes2943]

Best drumeo ! My favorite part of this lesson is when mark talks about how find your own personality and own sound 53.05 . The statement "practicing drum will make you better drum and playing with other people will make you better musicians " is fantastic . Thanks druemeo and mark for the lesson

[@TheDrums2112]

Man this was my favorite Drumeo video by far! Gotta be honest, my favorite part was watching Mark’s reaction at the very beginning whilst hearing his achievements read out for the viewers. He is so humble and respectful which is something that’s immeasurably important when your an artist and musician!

[@alexpavilionis1157]

This lesson was wonderful and eye opening. My favorite part of course was watching Mark play the concluding solo. The intensity and emotion that he conveys when he plays is just unmatched and is so very inspiring! Thank you!

[@FatManLaughing]

Absolutely amazing lesson! My favorite part was the musification of drumming: treating every statement with a relating meaning or emotion. It gives a really expressive attitude to drumming and, I believe, releases a new kind of improvising powers.

[@sunitsikdar2153]

I think we are ready for JoJo.

[@onn.studio]

OHHHHH YES!!!

[@joshuaeg5629]

I was about to comment about jojo You took the words from my fingers

[@arjunchakraborty2206]

True to say....he doesn't support the art of teaching....but he's like he can do clinics and stuff but....he like won't give exercises to boost up any aspect of your playing...it's quite wierd...

[@NathanSletner]

Arjun Chakraborty He has two full dvds of stuff you can do to boost your playing.

[@arjunchakraborty2206]

@@NathanSletner I get you but still....if u see his documentary he clearly mentions the same

[@tylerblake3596]

I love how Mark is constantly considering the musical messages he’s portraying in his playing. The way he speaks through the drum set is so fluent. Love this exercise as well!

[@g_vulf]

His attitude, soul and perspective on drumming is gold! So down to earth and insightful...

[@chazmcleod802]

This is so refreshing and inspiring. There's so many people playing completely musically irrelevant ideas. Especially in social media where people are just showing off. Having respect for the music and playing to add something to the music, not to your ego is so important. What a great message. Such a humble guy too. Favourite part was the solo at the end, it was mesmerizing. I learnt so much about my own playing from watching this too.. How limited my ideas are when there's so many possibilities. Thanks for this!

[@MrLuukN]

I watch a lot of drum lessons on youtube. This is THE lesson for me. I find it hard to use licks of other fill-like lessons. This 'idea' lesson is perfect. Just practice an idea an use an idea when playing. Useful for soloing and playing! Always found Mark a great drummer! Was super stoked when you guys posted the picture of his drumset of facebook

[@sosotsagareishvili1596]

My favorite part is that moment, when mark says that every little thing can be music, if you take it seriously and if you mean what you played. I love that he is trying to explain how to make music and not to play just something that you already know. The fact, that drummers are musicians and they have to play something that’s appropriate for the music. Love his outfit from his t-shirt(fan of Coltrane) to his shoes. Thank you Mark and Drumeo for this incredible lesson.

[@Omalleydrums24]

I love how genuine he is. He talks as if he’s just like us, trying to finding his way and sound on the drum kit. He’s giving us great ideas but never does it in a way that makes you a clone. He literally tells us to find our own way of playing and finding new sounds. Amazing lesson Mark

[@AllenIverson444]

This was just a great lesson. I love how he pushes people to find a personal way of playing and of practicing. Getting to the core of things.

[@timjurasewicz4838]

One of my favorite lessons! I love the way weaknesses are naturally exposed by exploring the four tools. Then you have the opportunity to single them out and improve. Thanks!

[@cesaregermogli484]

Man, the car driving analogy explaining the concept of be prepared was so on point!

[@Nosrednawdrummer]

For some reason the way he talks about it is just as relaxing as his playing. What a creature right there.

[@isaiahhernandez232]

Marks is so mindful of his environment, it's so nourishing.

[@drumb0ne507]

Very helpful. Beyond exploring a rhythmic phrase at all points and times, you talk about doing it for multiple years so that voice isn’t telling you what to do and instead it would be a reliance on the practice and homework to guide you through the music. Touches on fundamental growth; playing with other people, improvisation, preparation, not to mention staying true to oneself… Thanks for the knowledge!

[@MrDrummAZZ]

"A huge difference between planning and preparing". Such a great thing to keep in mind. Beautiful.

[@drummershort]

Possibly one of the best drum/ music lessons I have ever heard. I recommend all musicians, not just drummers, watch this.

[@alexcasta135]

My favorite part of this lesson was definitely several times when Mark gave examples of what he explained and played it throughout the kit That's when it becomes so clear and it becomes such a cool concept and way to incorporate that into your drumming and more importantly the music As a beginner this is so valuable Thank you Mark

[@ajlambert11]

I always really dig the language he finds to describe everything about his approach to the instrument and music. It’s refreshing.

[@SylarTheBest]

My favourite part was definitely Mark's playing... Have seen him live at least 3 times and I always learn something new. Go Mark 🙏

[@kieranstewart78]

That was fantastic! Mark always sounds otherworldly in his recording that I can't quite follow the process of how you can achieve so many sounds and textures without getting lost. Just having him break down a five note pattern is like taking the blinkers off. Very articulate Mr Guiliana, thanks for this! Also, very good interviewer in that you let him speak and develop his points. I can see that you were having several mind blown moments, you and me both!

[@CaptainsOrders]

this guy is a true teacher/master.. i am posting this before ive seen him play

[@UltraRareCustom]

At last! I've been highly anticipating this lesson! Thank you @Mark and Drumeo! I loved how he spoke about listening and knowing what the music needs rather than just playing something and hoping it works.

[@jah9253]

Mark takes a very mathematical approach to drumming, which I can relate with. Start with a simple idea and expand it by finding all kinds of permutations from that simple idea.

[@vikshane]

I've been to his clinic here in Greece a few days ago and i have to say it was a lifetime experience! His persepective of music and the way he expresses himself is unique. Despite his awesomeness, he stays humble af.

[@eioclides2407]

I really appreciated Mark's comments on the eventual "softening" of that internal voice that many rely on when first starting out. Having that extra mental overhead is extremely useful to help explore new possibilities on the set.

[@petarpavasovic6333]

I just love this guy. The way he explained this stuff is beyond amazing!

[@heardrum]

Honestly, the best informative lesson ever! This helps to see music in a different perspective. Not about playing charted practices fast. Mark Guiliana ROCKS!, thank you Drumeo. Peace.

[@Drumma75]

My favorite part was that fact that you got Mark for a lesson. Seriously, I've been waiting a while for this one! Other than that I dug the "Four Tools" bit. It keeps it simple.

[@itaysasha3136]

my favourite part of the lesson was marks improv using that single 5 note theme. that was so interesting and only came from a single idea. mark g is my favourite drummer, he consistently inspires me with new ideas and things to try. i love this video

[@trixasparas]

crazy that from simple notes u can do such things and "tricks" with your mind n then play it on the drums. This lesson provides a lot of inspiration

[@mileyondrumz]

Game-changer drummer/musician on the scene. Sorry I’m late here. Mark is by far one of my most influential modern guys right now

[@paulaaronwolf]

I just love is whole approach at the drumset. His free mind principe and "let the music conduct" thing is so human! My favorite part at his solo is where he grabs the Hi-Hat and it gets stuck. I don't know if he even recognized it but he found a brilliant way to solve it in a musically way. Much love!

[@alecj3454]

Fascinating video. Guiliana has become a legendary figure within drum circles, and id never heard him talk about the instrument. Let me just say, he lived up to the hype. So cool. You know he is a genius and a master because he doesnt consider himself either. You cant help but learn from him.

[@Dylandamonte]

My favorite part is how humble and soft spoken he is. He makes his biggest statements through his music, and I love it!

[@timburtsoasislover]

my favourite part of this lesson is his Coltrane t-shirt. The greats learn from the greats. Mark is an unbelievable drummer, super creative!! Thank you Mark and Drumeo for this gift!

[@thesympathyorchestra]

Of all of the Drumeo lessons that I have watched, this one has been the most enjoyable, eye-opening and inspirational. So many fantastic and useful ideas and concepts. I can't wait to work on the DROP concept.

[@teezak]

Totally refreshing approach/concept in an age where chops rule everything. Marks touch is unreal.

[@aynuzle]

My favorite part of Mark's lesson is the feeling of freedom he exhibits behind the drum kit and in his methods. He doesn't seem to reduce practice to any one thing or seem to have a confined approach, which allows for more exploration.

[@MikeSchertenlieb]

my favorite part is the delivery of information: mark's playing is wonderful, of course, but i also admire his ability to express his thoughts, speak about music intellectually, and speak honestly about his own experiences.

[@izmatejada7906]

My favorite part is how marck explain the joyful of play drums, it's amazing how he play's but also how he speaks about drums, music, and art. What a great person.

[@miliveful]

Mark's approach to such simple elements and subtleties is so inspiring. Just makes you want to go and practice

[@deletednomas4095]

the simplicity in his approach is amazing! i have had writers block forever! this helped me so much!! I would love a free copy of his book so much!!!

[@ockidocki]

Mark GUILIANA! Loved the whole thing, feel incredibly inspired, and find his approach to "constrained exploration" very motivating. Chapeau!

[@ishnadxabirahmed1231]

I love his solos..they sound so sneaky 😍

[@Diamond_Sandwich_media]

Great job guys, beautifully prolific, Mark! My favorite part was Mark's humble demeanor and heartfelt, compassionate teaching style. His verbal improvisations are as valuable as his playing is. A few highlights of this are including but not limited to: 12:00 : "You can't plan for the unknown, but you can prepare for the unknown." 17:45 : Coming from a place of Mastery. "What does the music need?" 22:42 : Changing the rate, changing the communication 26:18 : Small changes in orchestration, significantly different musical statements 29:20 : "Please, please, inject your own personality." 31:33 : The feeling effect of one change 37:24 : "No-shortcuts" transcending into "silent computation" 44:06 : Creating an interesting narrative 49:30 : "Just make noise" ...and putting your heart-felt intention into it 52:38 : "Practicing drums will make you a better drummer, but playing music with other people will make you a better musician."

[@brianmunsell6190]

What an amazing lesson from such an amazing musician & human. Thanks to Drumeo and Mark for this hour that I will cherish and continue to learn from! Sincere thanks to everyone involved! That last solo was phenom!

[@petermorris3312]

Thumbs up to the interviewer. Not just Mark getting the tone right!

[@boarhead5573]

My favorite part was his explanation about the idea of orient oneself by the need of music and not by what you can give it. Awesome lesson :)

[@joelmatthew1024]

My favorite part of the lesson was the humility of Mark, and his obvious passion for effective jazz drumming, to blend well with the ensemble.

[@metalxdrummer666]

Drum solo III just blew me away. Definitely my favorite part. Thank you @drumeo!

[@sebaromanbaterista]

I loved the phrasing concept of moving the idea into the subdivision possibilites ( 33:50), instead of searching and phrase the idea into every possible beat (at least at the beginning). It gives much more method to start whit it. Incredibly wise lesson, thanks a lot!

[@dagostinoification]

J'adore sn approche, sa simplicité humainement , son intelligence de jeu ! Et son groove ! Excellent musicien hors pair !

[@PintSizedJacob]

Mark presents such a simple message, a message so many of us need to hear. Incredible as per Mark! It was fantastic meeting you last year in Cardiff!

[@EmileHoogenhoutbehr]

Absolutely inspiring, with such brilliant philosophy behind these fundamental concepts. Much love and respect to the ever evolving Mark Guiliana.

[@andykuhlmann7516]

Great lesson, as always. My favorite part is how sympathetic and humble Mark is.

[@bobbyspittle4144]

Very helpful....I love having a simple practice method yet endless complex possibilities. Can’t wait to get in the practice room and try this out.

[@Em-ws2tr]

Best lesson ever! Mark, you're a brilliant player and teacher. Really inspiring! Thank you drumeo as well.

[@Nibbz23]

The sound of the whole kit was just flawless!!

[@201_ace]

Love this! Favorite moment is any moment Mark is playing.

[@ivarssonjorgen]

Wonderful lesson! So much inspiring material in just one hour. My favorite part was how he acknowledge how strange it can feel when you try new orchestrations on the drums.

[@juerggasche1552]

A very useful introduction to d r o p - material to work with for years .... inspiring ideas of how to approach drumming in the way the music needs. Thank you Mark Giuliana