How I Learned to Play Very Fast Jazz Ride Cymbal Patterns

Here is an updated version of a video I did about 4 years ago on playing up-tempo Jazz and how, as a teenager, I learned to do it. I have done some editing and fixed the low volume of my speaking voice.
other videos I have done that feature fast tempos are here:
• Blazing Fast Big Band ...
• Developing The Jazz Ri...
The drums in this video are 1982 Gretsch Centennial with calf heads.
The cymbals are original Constantinople K's
21" on the right and 18" on the left with a 20" Paiste traditional flat ride and a 20" Paiste 602 flat ride (for close ups)
the hi hats are old K 15".
The microphone is a vintage AKG C24. I am only using this one overhead stereo overhead microphone to give you a realistic sound of the kit.
Time Stamps:
0:00 Introduction
1:45 The Technique
4:15 The Tony Williams Influence
7:01 Developing the Pattern
9:30 Flat Ride Close-up
12:44 Adding the Rest of the Kit
18:55 Switching up the Ride Pattern
21:37 Closing Solo

[@Granola-ld1by]

i love how you casually drop the most outstanding solos at the start of your videos and then just move on. actual legend

[@denesisdelcorockschool3074]

One of THE best instructional drum channels on KZbin. Great lesson!

[@manifestgtr]

Recording yourself was such an under-utilized tool for those of us who are now in our 30s-50s. I remember hearing Wayne Krantz talk about that years ago and thinking “naww, I can listen to myself objectively while I play”…WRONG…luckily I fell into it as I moved into my twenties. Silver lining, though…I’ve noticed that my younger students are *much better* with this than we were. Say what you want about stuff like tik tok and social media. My more serious students in their teens and 20s are recording themselves with much greater frequency…which means they’re watching and listening (somewhat) objectively like I wasn’t at their age. The optimist in me believes that will make them better players than we were and really…what’s the point in working with young people if the ultimate goal isn’t for some of them to surpass you…

[@Augfordpdoggie]

boy that ride sounds incredible

[@toneyrush49]

Best instructional ever and I been drumming for 20 years. Explained so well

[@hornet224]

Rickdior is leaving us a legacy of inspirational lessons. This one is unique.

[@russ6541]

i truly think that rick is what drumming is all about, he is one of the most comprehensive and skilled percussive minds out there. i also think often how lucky we are that he has left such a great legacy behind with his lessons, books, and instructional videos.

[@dominikn19]

100%

[@kdw735]

Great Lesson. I Love how you are telling a story with the drums.

[@timcline2799]

Hmm. Pb snare solo competition scoring demerit points for wrist turning. As I got faster my right wrist just naturally started twisting. Instructor would comment ‘wow, sounds great fast’ then tell me, ‘ stop doing that ‘. Ha. The irony. Magnificent playing, Rick.

[@TheMASDrummer]

Geat video. Your channel shows drummers a way of playing this instrument in a way they didn't know was possible. I think it has been forgotten that the drum set is a fine instrument, similar to a violin (i.e. riding the wave of the soft cymbal). When I first discovered this channel years ago, I was humbled.

[@rickdior]

Thank you, that's very kind.

[@Han-Solo459]

If I heard a cat playing like the intro in a club? I would be going nuts; waving a towel over my head; “Bringing the smoke!”. …. Now you know why I quit drinking.

[@perecanyelles6469]

U r not just an incredible player but a marvelous teacher, reasoning and explaining the why.

[@papaw538]

Best lesson on fast jazz I’ve ever seen!

[@mogollonsalcedo]

I really enjoy your videos and lessons, thanks so much.

[@RandyHanley]

One of the greatest, Rick!

[@deanbrader1253]

Great video! Thanks for all the great tips!

[@hometownrocker1]

Thank you so much for taking the time to teach us. I really appreciate it.

[@howardk4016]

Outstanding discussion! Thanks for posting.

[@paihobbes8680]

This is such a great lesson, from a great player and teacher! Thanks so much for this!

[@tompetteruti250]

Really great lesson Rick! Thank you.

[@loucontino4804]

Well done Rick. Loved it all.

[@johnrobinson8323]

Awesome lesson Rick! Thanks. 🥁❤️

[@aaronocelot]

Great video that covers a lot of the essentials.

[@markwalkerdrums]

Thanks, Rick! Excellent lesson!

[@jezm1703]

Very, very interesting and instructive. Thank you.

[@unclerhombus]

Incredible playing, awesome lesson. 👍

[@scotthesler644]

So clean you are a great teacher!

[@tonysaporito8880]

Excellent lesson. Thanks for your talent and passion.

[@adamt.mercer4923]

Super helpful! Great lesson!

[@DeadEyeDrums]

This is a great video. Thank you for taking the time to put it together. I am working on developing my jazz playing and working through Chapin's Advanced Techniques. I look forward to watching all of your videos. Cheers!

[@jeffreywegener8841]

Fantastic stuff. You own stories are inspiring & helpful .

[@garyharden2362]

What an excellent lesson ❤😊!

[@ClassofEighty2]

Wow, great video. Really unveiled some concepts I want to work on. Thanks, Mr Dior.

[@RussSternglassDrums]

You have an incredible touch!

[@Arbigale]

One of the best drum prof/channel❤❤❤

[@simon_jakobsson]

Incredible! The technique, musicality, and range blew me away. Glad I found your channel!

[@cleitevieira]

Fantastic class!

[@journey2112]

Absolutely fantastic a most excellent video!!!!!!!😊

[@ericsheckton9915]

Just came across this channel and subscribed. Thanks for this. I have been working on my ride cymbal technique for quite some time and have never really felt that it’s becoming “second nature”. It’s so easy to practice a mistake and yet so hard to fix it. Thanks for breaking it down and giving us sort of a “back up and regroup”. Sometimes we forget to go back to basics and work everything back up to par. Eric

[@clayfoster8234]

Along with a great tutorial on playing the ride this is also a great tutorial on how to play Jazz.

[@zebfernandez]

Beautiful playing and gorgeous sounds! Your main ride is amazing! Gotta love a cheeky 30k overhead mic! Ha ha

[@FrankParente]

Great lesson/great playing!

[@trailbanana7287]

great lesson and a sympathetic teacher 😊

[@ricardobarajas1036]

Very good video Rick.

[@julianp4787]

This was brilliant! Thank you so very much :)

[@luisrene2633]

Hey Rick, thanks for the lesson

[@GonzaUY]

Great info rick keep it coming

[@giuseppefortinelli6396]

This video is a treasure trove. Thank you so much for it!

[@rickdior]

You're very welcome!

[@VintageBoxingTM]

Rick what a gem of help you are mate 🙏

[@rickdior]

So glad I could help you.

[@alfredovelasquez1263]

Thanks for such a great lesson!

[@jimmoore1661]

Very difficult, I”ll keep trying! Thanks Rick!

[@toolspro7612]

thank you for this fantastic video!!!! You are amazing musician!!!!

[@gustavocamposmusica]

beautiful playing sir

[@rbrtracks]

Lovely, as always. Thank you very much :)

[@arkhamianotargos]

This is definitely for very advanced drummers but, damn, people are lucky nowadays to have such incredible informations and feedback for free on youtube. Thanks a lot man for this kind of videos... this is so motivating. Your playing is wonderfull and your advices are priceless.

[@stevenreich8623]

Your channel is just fantastic--it is both instructional and inspirational.

[@rickdior]

Thank you Steven

[@leoalexhorta]

Great lesson! Thank you !!

[@vermine18]

Heard the first 10 seconds of the video and subscribed right away. You can really feel when someone just plays so fluently. Amazing man!

[@peteywheatstraws4909]

Yeah I did as well. You can tell when someone understand something, they aren't as wordy.

[@pipeline555]

thanks rick, great lesson !!!

[@manfredbrey]

great lession! thanks

[@bromasi]

Another good one👍

[@jamescarey9367]

Master Class! Thanks. Subscribed.

[@marcoaccardi]

The closing solo!💯

[@sticksbass]

Awesome! I recently heard Taylor, great drumming!

[@timothygayne2058]

I love your playing sir ive never been the reader I am the player. Been playing for 40 years this year and I totally dig how u explain things at all levels. Keep up the Good educational vids and i hope for your continued success. Tim Gayne from Central Maine!!

[@rickdior]

Thanks Tim I love Maine. I asked my wife to marry me in Ogunquit!

[@blackasthesky]

Great lesson, thanks!

[@thebarak]

Your fast swing is delicious. A great lesson.

[@steevidrums]

Wow, you make it look so damn easy. I have even trying to get this motion down for years. I still try but have resided to the fact, I have a limit to it. Great lesson btw. I am sure other drummers will get this down with your teaching here.

[@gustafberggrensson9841]

Im addicted to this video!

[@Rigge64]

Great player....great teacher🎶🏆🥁

[@CosimoKeitaCadore]

Fantastic. Thank you.

[@muttmotel5209]

Excellent lesson! In all my years I have never had confirmation of my thought process of playing jazz with all four limbs, I only felt I should do this. This confirms many of my thoughts which gives me incredible confidence and an urge to keep exploring.

[@rickdior]

I'm so glad I was able to help you.

[@Brewkowsky07]

Excellent video. Thanks! I find that I can play a fast ride at times, but throw in an attempt to comp with my left hand… well, the train derails rather quickly I’ll get it one day maybe!

[@ReverieDrumCo]

fantastic video

[@fepatton]

It was Buddy Rich’s “Time Check” that made me want to learn the fast ride. I decided I would try out for the high school jazz band when I could play that. I eventually tried out anyway and had a great time. You’ve got a new subscriber!

[@righteouswhippingstick]

Ha! Love that subtle punch line!

[@luisfernando-mm3jt]

Nice work

[@davidtorras5556]

Brilliant🤩

[@leomattos8077]

Such a tasty intro

[@russ6541]

cool to hear how with the old cymbals you compare it to “riding the wave.” i would bet that’s exactly where the name of the ride cymbal came from, its all about riding that wave while you play. great playing rick, thank you always for sharing your knowledge.

[@rickdior]

Thanks Russ

[@robsvibe]

Wow ! Thank you sir.

[@edsoph7006]

Really good!

[@rickdior]

Thanks Ed Hope you and the family are well.

[@edsoph7006]

Doing fine, Rick, thanks. Hope the same for you. All the best!@@rickdior

[@cratediggersplaza]

im a simple man, I see it I like it I subscribe. looks great thanks rick

[@rickdior]

Thank you for that.

[@maidenless_tarnished]

Fantastic lesson! Definitely saved for later when I'm behind a kit

[@denisben55]

Great playing Rick and what a unbelievable ride cymbal ! A K i guess ??

[@rickdior]

Hi The cymbals are listed in the video description if you click on those.

[@kaiowens1616]

Finally getting my comping at speed better. Thinking that fast is just difficult to get used to. My right hand actually got used to the technique rather quickly, likely because I had previously used an open close type technique when I was into death metal in high school. Haha the right hand speed was one of the few things to carry over. Now I get to mess with my band mates by calling Cherokee or impressions etc. pretty comfortable and relaxed for me up to around 330 bpm but my comping barely keeps up haha thanks for the video

[@rickdior]

Hi Kai Comping can be difficult at those speeds and requires a good bit of endurance.. It's kind of a community effort between your limbs. You can see me doing a version of that here. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m2fJfZhoZcydn7c

[@kaiowens1616]

@@rickdior I love that video, definitely something I strive for. Right now it is a bit of creativity for me and a bit of holding on for dear life with the max roach pattern 3-3-3-3-2 for comping like he does through parts of Cherokee with Clifford brown

[@tomtom3107]

Top vidéo. Tks you very much !

[@tomlynham]

These commenters are not kidding. This is the best internet video I've ever seen. Except for that King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard monster, but that's a different breed of "best.". Thank you for this Rick - absolutely inspiring.

[@sebastiancanalesgarcia]

amazing!

[@rickdior]

Thanks Sabastian

[@mariolago5655]

Exceptional lessons.. One ( or the ) best drum teacher today .. Thanks.❤ Mario 87 yrs old amateur Jazz drummer..

[@rickdior]

Thanks Mario So glad you are still drumming at 87... Fantastic!

[@mariolago5655]

Appreciate your reply Rick.. Merci..I live in Milano and via our 1960 /1970 s recording studio there we were extremely lucky to spend time personally with greats like the Duke and some of his musicians, Ray Brown , Herb Ellis, Ed Thigpen, Sarah Vaughan etc ..Rufus Jones, Duke’s drummer told me that with only the HiHat and a ride cymbal you could swing the whole band !! In one session he proved it by playing for almost one minute so.. Unfortunately thousands of ‘jazz oral history’ is lost forever..At least we are lucky to have some recordings..Wish you success in your

[@mariolago5655]

Profession.. Good luck and Keep Swinging.. Mario

[@8020drummer]

Nice!

[@Foundationcases]

Incredible

[@TheColdHarshTruth]

Wow! Why I have not come across this channel until now!? This is exactly what I’m missing! I studied drums for years in London with some excellent jazz tutors of this calibre, listening to this video was like being back in class, I miss this kind of talk, philosophy and discussion with other drummers on a regular basis! Due to starting a Family and moving house several times across three countries I haven’t had much time for drums in many years so I’ve lost a lot of skill I worked hard to achieve. I fully intend to get that skill back and surpass my previous peak skill level! This channel will definitely help me! Aaaahhh how refreshing listening to this after having just come from an angry Tommy EGO video where he’s ranting about politics and bullying and censoring other people for having a different opinion! 😂 All I want is serious quality drum education and calm mellow people! It looks like I’ve found that here! Excellent! Thank you! Keep up the good work! Greetings from Aberdeen Scotland! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Liked, subbed and shared!

[@gabrielpearson]

Ironic; I was just thinking about how Rick feels like the polar opposite of Tommy.

[@erlandnatanaelson1929]

Thx, för undervisningen. Låter väldigt svängit.

[@rickdior]

I love "twisted" LOL

[@sling11]

Me too!

[@stevemchugh1776]

Hi Rick! Great video! I hope that all is well with you.

[@rickdior]

I'm doing well. Hope you are too. Thanks Steve

[@jayar2880]

thank you very much

[@borisrecke]

Master of Drums

[@rickdior]

Thank you Boris

[@keithrunfola]

You are really good!

[@rickdior]

Thank you Keith

[@theresabrons]

Thanks for making this! You know what I think is funny? Every time a good drummer talks to me (a two-year beginner) about how they developed their skills, there’s some story like “well, here’s what I did that helped me, but I’m crazy,” followed by a story of spending many hours on a r single motion. So I had to laugh when you said it might sound strange that you spend an hour each day on one stroke!

[@rickdior]

Hi Theresa I don't think it's crazy at all. Repetition is the key to developing anything that is physically and mentally challenging.

[@theresabrons]

@@rickdior alright, it’s time for me to get started! Thanks again

[@itaytal9337]

nice man tnx

[@fohentertainment]

Thank you for showing the correct way to play the ride in a jazz form sense. I’ve been looking high and low for this exact instructional video. So thank you for going in depth. Even down to the wrist technique. I did also hear in another one of your vids that your teacher was Joe Morello. Is that true? Many thanks again 🙏🏻

[@mattdeluca99]

Thank you!