Learning the Moeller Technique and Applying it to the Drum Set

[@rockford3943]

I have to admit this is the umpth video I watched about the Moeller Technique and the first that really helped me understand. Thank you!

[@theopinson3851]

“I first learned this technique from Joe Morello...” 😮

[@nickjones5641]

I love that interlaced sound

[@blahblahgdp]

Ive been dealing with arm stuff for a long time already and i recently started learning drums. Im glad I found this early on in my search of lessening tension

[@TheUnwritersOfficialChannel]

Hello from Italy. Just to say that it's fantastic to see a terrific playing by a great drummer. This kit sounds so good. Many people forget that Hip-Hop, Funk, etc. come from Jazz. In this video you show it well. We are a small group, nothing special but our drummer learned these techniques in the 80s in Paris & he is more than a fan of Joe. It's not strange at all that these drummers who know this technique very well have an almost perfect playing: clear, precise, fast and providing incredible dynamics. The push / pull + Moeller techniques should be taught in all drums academy School. Thanks a lot for sharing your knowledge, beautiful to see. All the best! Z

[@jimbarcelona1078]

What part of Italy?

[@awangendahl]

you are an amazing teacher and drummer, thank you so much.

[@neurocosm]

Dude, you are so in a zone. Highly motivating. Even after playing 37 years of playing.

[@TheGuitologist]

I need to apply this. Thanks!

[@patrickivors3232]

It's 9 30pm ireland That's amazing drumming I could watch you all day

[@rickdior]

Thanks Patrick

[@nkunal11]

Beautiful hands

[@Musicman7007]

Hello from Stamford CT. Enjoying your videos so much Rick. Teaching me a lot. Wanted to thank you.. :)

[@BenJerry-vk4re]

Game changer. Thank you!!!

[@Northeagle66]

Very impressive and effective application of the technique. I learned a lot as this video helped me understand some fills I had never figured out. Thank you ! The Mueller technique is really worth the long practice it requires to master it.

[@jacksmith5045]

Incredible, great explanation!

[@jeffreywegener8841]

Pure gold . The story alone is worth millions 🙏. I doubt whether you’ll read this Rick but I’m obsessed by stick size at present . I’m 69 doing well playing and practicing but can’t play too light a stick like a 7 a . Same time I know you reviewed the Buddy Rich stick - love it but seem a slightly smaller stick helps me move around the kit .

[@williamchampion1651]

Those toms sound phenomenal.. One of my favorite videos of yours - it strengthens my understanding of relaxed playing and teaching.

[@rickdior]

Thanks Will Hope you and Chi are doing well

[@andrewspaulding7970]

Brilliant, you're fun to watch!

[@timvivoda5208]

You are playing poetry on those drums my highest respects .after thirty years I'm trying unlearn my bad habits .this was very helpful Tim from Australia .

[@richmacdonald]

Great to see and hear that you are using the Moeller stroke with rebound. One of my teachers, Ed Soph, was a stickler about including the rebound. I also love the inclusion of the changes in stick height relative to speed. Excellent video!

[@rickdior]

Doesn't get any better than Ed. Great player teacher and friend.

[@Nagroddy]

Same here! I had the pleasure of studying with Mr. Soph when he lived in North Haven, CT!

[@ICT_Anton]

Great video. Extremely helpful for a self taught drummer that's been playing a long time but finding myself stuck due to not taking the time to learn all the techniques like these. Thank you so much

[@rickdior]

Your welcome. Thanks for watching and hopefully I will not need the services of your company.....

[@jvz1970]

You're an excellent professor!

[@gregarious7573]

Very smooth and fluid. You make it look effortless. Thanks!

[@edoardozampetti4601]

Very good job sir

[@salvogiugno5584]

thank very much! thanks for all!!!

[@mat4410]

There’s a great story on how Moeller rediscovered if from very old Civil War veterans when the US army needed to rebuild for WW1. They shuffled down the hall, Moeller gave then some sticks and they just sailed like hurricanes and Moellers eyes popped out. The drums they used were a mahogany cannon with a few in the Smithsonian. Very rare!

[@jeremyhagefino9445]

Wow... that was awesome. Rate it 5 star.

[@Fr3akyPL]

soooo good material. thanks!

[@Six3rdy]

Pardon my language......but, well damn! I came for a lesson on Moeller, and I left with a lesson on Moeller, AND some mean chops! That was some swagnificent kit work, man! Great groove, great fills, great feel!

[@dominikn19]

Dear Rick, I hope you’re having a wonderful time. I’m preparing for a series of lessons with Claus Hessler at the moment which is the reason I can’t stop thinking about the Moeller technique. Over the past 3 years, I worked really hard on my push pull technique. My playing changed a lot and I can express ideas I could only dream of 3 years ago. What I’ve learned from these countless practice sessions truly helps with understanding the mechanics of the Moeller technique, but the grip I use right now doesn’t seem to allow for heavy wrist movements. I trained myself to play French grip with an index finger fulcrum as cleanly as possible. I thought the most ergonomic way was to involve all of my fingers (equal distribution of weight). I feel very comfortable with this grip by now and it works incredibly well for subtle playing and quick rolls - in the context of jazz comping language for example. As far as I can tell though, the Moeller technique is only being performed in German/American grip with a middle finger fulcrum. Are both of these attributes essential for a proper Moeller stroke? Is there even such a thing like a French grip Moeller or an index finger fulcrum Moeller? Do I have to change my whole approach for this technique? Is there a combination of “fulcrum” and “grip” that works for everything? When I watch you play on the drum set or on the pad, I see an American grip with a middle finger fulcrum most of the time (if I’m not mistaken). It would be a dream come true to learn the historically correct Moeller and give my fingers a chance to shine at the same time. Well, this escalated quickly. Nevertheless, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your help, Rick. You changed me as a person and thus as a musician. Yours, Dominik

[@rickdior]

Hi Dominik I do not use a middle finger fulcrum. I hold the stick with my thumb and index finger and move the stick with the rest of my fingers. I keep those fingers close so it may look like I am holding the stick with assistance of my middle finger but I am not. The moeller technique is dependent on the rebound created with the primary whip stroke. The fingers are not moving the stick but are regulating the stick movement so it does not fly all over the place. No French grip is involved. Hope this helps.

[@dominikn19]

@@rickdior This is beyond helpful - I can’t thank you enough! Have a beautiful week, Rick!

[@drumhead9034]

Thanks! All of your videos are really good . Like going back to the real thing about learning.

[@salthedrummer1]

Nice work my friend.. Good playing too...

[@Cutis773]

HEY BROTHA! YOU TOTALLY RIP! That's some amazing teaching and drumming. Now i can play All of my favorite Slipknot Runs

[@michaelmorris8210]

Excellent playing...informative teaching...wonderful presentation!

[@rickdior]

Thanks Michael I really appreciate that.

[@michaelmorris8210]

@@rickdior I'm actually a little ticked off I've not seen or heard of you before now. Keep up the great work. Do you gig any? If so, where can I see those dates?

[@gowensbach2998]

More of a Tai Chi move than a Bruce Lee. I am returning to drums after a long absence. I really never learned technique and found that brute force is only getting just so far ( always pushing the stick ). Thank you for this video!

[@Nagroddy]

Yep! I thought the same - Tai Chi for sure.

[@sebastiancuthbertmusic]

Great Rick!!! Very helpful! Great player

[@Noah-gq7pq]

great watching,you can play for sure

[@rondeangelis7384]

Nice Rick. I liked the overhead side view tonsee your hands . First time in your vids you had this view i think 👌

[@rickdior]

Thanks Ron Not a real good view of my scary facial expressions but folks have been asking for that side so I hope it's working.

[@rondeangelis7384]

rickdior we are so intrigued with what you playing not looking at face lol 👌

[@rickdior]

That's a relief

[@thenel2162]

this guy is a beast! I have really enjoyed your videos!

[@davidbrown9395]

Thank you Rick - inspiring. Def true re aging. Well into my 8th decade -shoulders need a lot of stretching. Am not deterred from working on Moeller

[@rickdior]

Thanks David Keep on trucking. You inspire me

[@josephbradetich1560]

Excellent

[@embarakasnerekete2749]

hello Rick, greetings, from Brasil! will be in the US in two weeks time and if possible would like to have one or more lessons with. My name is Alyrio Lima and I played percussion with Weather Report Jonh Maclaughlin , Carlos Santana etc... I like your simplicity, thank you. Drum set is my instrument since the age of 14. I went to NYC and studied percussion under Vic Firth and Frank Episteinat in Boston at the New England Conservatory. I would really appreciate to have some of your fundaments om my playing. Thanks and please let me know

[@rickdior]

Hi Alyrio When you are in the States, email me at [e-mail], and we can set something up. Safe travels

[@bruceyork6405]

Really great! Love it!

[@Noah-gq7pq]

great kit looks like a sonar

[@wedieritrea131]

GREAT JOB, THANK YOU

[@christopherallen7812]

"kind of a Bruce Lee move" LOL! Love it Rick! I'm a huge Bruce fan.

[@rickdior]

Hi Chris Hope you and the family are doing OK.

[@christopherallen7812]

@@rickdior We're doing OK given the circumstances. Been checking out your channel since quarantine hit. Great stuff! Many thanks!

[@echohawk9579]

Thank you Sir!

[@jimbarcelona1078]

Rick still got my original sticks Ludwig model 1B dont think they have that model anymore.Im a little Italian guy as well.

[@thebeatlabmusic749]

Did you know Bob Hohner? He was a student of Morello, Able, and Hinger. Great videos by the way!

[@rickdior]

I did not know him. Probably before my time. I studied with Hinger in the 80's and Joe in the late 70's through the 80's

[@mat4410]

Moeller, Stone, Morello, Dior…love it. Learned from a Chaplin compatriot and I like Morellos comment on it to turn down the madness of it. “Leave the aerobics for the girls at the gym.” I like the Morello hybrid of Moeller.

[@toddgraham6006]

thank you Rick!

[@craigyost8443]

Awesome!

[@tmaddrummer]

Thanks Rick, I really enjoyed it! Great sounding kit and cymbals. Too bad the Quiet Tone Drum Pad is not made anymore.

[@rickdior]

It is still made by Sabian.

[@tmaddrummer]

@@rickdior thanks, I'll check it out!

[@graememcdonald1547]

The best demo/explanation of the 'Moeller Technique' I've seen yet. I sort of had to change to matched grip some time back and despite lots of left hand lead practice I just don't seem to get a relaxed controlled feel happening. My doubles and Paradiddles which were once pretty good are now shyte. I made my living as a drummer but now more of a "I can't quit" hobby. I'm 70 years old now. do you reckon it would be worth taking a Skype lesson (Or 100) with you. all the best to you.....Graeme from Australia.

[@rickdior]

Hi Graeme Thanks for watching I am still teaching Skype lessons so if you are interested contact me at [e-mail]. I have several students around your age and older. The lessons seem to be helping them. Thanks Rick

[@jvz1970]

Thank you!

[@salvogiugno5584]

very interesting. Thanks professor Rick Dior. I would like know the model your ride near tom 12",. Thanks very much

[@rickdior]

Hi Salvo You will find all of that information in the description for the video if you click on the down arrow.

[@molonlabe3456]

You, Sir, are a badass

[@Joshholbrook2024]

I just lit my cigarette with your paradiddles

[@RayHennebeul]

9/23 Rick, I am practicing your technique on the fast jazz ride cymbal. Is it normal to feel some strain in the hand and forearm? I am on my 3rd week of practicing. Thank you for taking the time to explain the steps. Ray Hennebeul Las Vegas

[@rickdior]

I would have to see you playing it. Can you send me an unlisted youtube video of you playing?

[@RayHennebeul]

@@rickdior Rick, thank you for the offer. I don't know how to do the video. I will have my son help me and send it. I appreciate this and I am obsessed with getting this and the sound of those 3 notes on the cymbal. Thank you

[@tambor76]

12:16 is that taken from a particular drum solo? Sounds familiar.

[@humbly-soalejandro6898]

Video after video and can't seem to get this, I know it's me but I'd like to do it on a actually kit not my Alexis mesh kit so I know it's 100 me. It's feels so awkward, like I'm practicing in a way I never plan to play anyways , the way my hands are when I try, but I want to be able to do those nice hi hats for like the funky drummer break or and dfa1979 songs

[@maximkabalskis1723]

Super!!

[@renostarman]

WOW ??? WOW how many people can say that they studied with Morello? I just stumbled onto you// -you look and sound great also. I doubt if I could have picked up one of his sticks had he dropped it. I'm 67 now and hadn't sat behind a kit since my 20's, BUT I grew tired of playing my dashboard so I recently bought a new kit and I'm having a ball. I'm still far far away from having the ability to take lessons from you--I'm back to paradiddles with the metronomes' but I put the headphones on and pretend of what might have been had I actually had talent.

[@rickdior]

Hi So glad you are playing again. Joe had many, many students. I would guess thousands over all the years. That speaks to his great personality and kindness as well as his obvious genius on the instrument.

[@johnwhitmore2531]

When you play high hat with crossed arms how can you execute this technique, don't flailing arms in the air not clash?

[@jimbarcelona1078]

Hey Rick using moeller technque works well but had shoulder surgery a few years back but been playing since 1966 on and off but since early 2019 ive devoted 4 hours plus a day but occasional pain in shoulder but using a 70 gram stick and later go to 5a or even 7a speed is there but im 67 yrs old and having to be careful Im strickly a traditional player. The faster the easier . Any hints would help. Thanks Rick and just an additional i stretch prior to my work outs and very relaxed when I play. i play alot of Rich style.

[@rickdior]

Hi Jim I have gotten some other questions on this and will address it in a question and answer video soon. You will want to do the lower, sidearm version of the Moeller technique instead of the original high sticking version. In other words come in from the side instead of the top. I have 2 partially torn rotator cuffs and I can do that without too much trouble.

[@vladtepes97]

2:23 cool trick

[@alancuthill7432]

hello. please tell me what snare practise pad you use in your videos. i see you list “pad quiet tone”. a quick search revealed this to be a mesh product by sabian. is this correct? it’s just it sounds like a rubber compound to me??? i must say, it looks like a great practise tool, and i’d like to track one down. ps fantastic videos. inspirational, in-depth but lean - no unecessary waffle. breath of fresh air. huge fan. so much material ! thanks, you’re doing a GREAT job sir.

[@rickdior]

Hi Alan Thanks for watching. That is an older quiet tone pad. The new ones are made by Sabian. They are not mesh. It is a real drum head. Never use a mesh head for practicing as the response can do some serious damage to your hands over time as well as sanding down the tips of your sticks.

[@luigicordaro3957]

👏👏👏👏👏🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁 Sticks model?

[@tortillasarenotbiceps7622]

Steve Smith is a great example of a transitional type drummer who has eased into a more subtle, relaxed style as he's aged.

[@Sloanpierce222]

Hey Rick, have you ever played in a pipe band? I feel like there is a lot of cross over in your hand technique

[@rickdior]

I have never done that on a regular basis but I have studied the technique and also performed some ceremonial music with several bagpipe groups. Those guys are just great.

[@gutterisatool4489]

Fuc!#% Amazing

[@νικοςκαραμ]

Hi what what type of practice pad is this?

[@LukeTang-t8l]

He says I. The description that it’s a quiet tone pad from the 90s

[@derekscherzerberlin]

Thank you for your great videos! Fantastic playing! I learn a lot from your videos! Are you planning to make a video about finger technique? Or did you already made one (Couldn´t find it)? I like how you can control your strokes with the fingers at a low stock heigth! All the best from Berlin, Gemany!

[@rickdior]

Hi Derek Yes that's on the list and I will get to it eventually. You may want to look at my Hand technique playlist as I work on that in many of those videos but I will do a video focusing on only that.

[@jimbarcelona1078]

Thanks Rick for the return yes me too with partial torn rotator. I was laughing. About you playing the paradiddle in a wipeout form. Looking forward to see the video. Going around the set with a pataflafla was the problem child with the shoulder. Meantime im using that side angle motion. Thanks Rick. I really enjoyed your Krupa interlude and adding your more modern interpretation. Thanks again.If you dont mind , how old are you?

[@rickdior]

I am 57 years young

[@jangobango2847]

@@rickdior still crushing it! Making us young kids sound sloppy

[@Nick-of-Tyme]

Kudos for another informative video. You can really sing Sing SING on those drums!!! Are Mini Hats cymbals different from Regular Hi-Hat cymbals (besides the size)?

[@rickdior]

Not really The bottom is not as heavy as the usual pair.

[@oldmanfromscenetwentyfour8164]

Where do get those Sticks?

[@rickdior]

You can contact me at [e-mail]

[@joshuar3632]

Is at 920 your stuck rolling in your fingers?

[@Nagroddy]

I Love it! "Kind of a Bruce Lee move..." In fact, at the very slowest speed, with the large motions, it is identical to Tai Chi movements! And I wonder whether or not that Moeller was aware of that. Tai Chi has been around for at least hundreds of years and there have long been serious practitioners in the NYC area, where Moeller eventually resided, after growing up in upstate NY. Two of his students were Gene Krupa and Jim Chapin (Harry Chapin's dad, BTW). I learned this technique from the great jazz drummer, Ed Soph, who stressed the importance of remaining completely relaxed at all tempos. Although Mr. Soph merely demonstrated Moeller tech to me a couple of times, I went on to explore it in depth, on my own. Lastly, the I believe that the photo on the cover of the book "Syncopation" shows the Moeller technique being done. Thanks very much for this great video!~

[@rickdior]

Ed is the best, one of my all- time favorites.

[@joeyd3324]

are you from the Bronx..?

[@rickdior]

I am from Brooklyn.

[@joeyd3324]

Cool...Great Video...will check out more ..Thanks...@@rickdior

[@thomasnichol4138]

I had no idea Joe Morello was blind!

[@yoni2406]

Hi Rick, have you heard about David Rich? He was also Joe Morello's student. He told me once, Muller didn't believe in Joe and even told him he won't become a drummer...but as we all know Joe didn't give a dam..

[@rickdior]

Yes, I heard that but not from Joe who was not the type of guy to talk about himself much. There is no way to verify it but I know that Joe did study with George Stone and later Billy Gladstone and we talked about that quite a bit.

[@jjfloyd618]

1 of my old instructors (not Joe Morello unfortunately) tried in vain to teach me this technique. He said it was like pulling teeth.

[@coalcreeker583]

“Really can’t play like I used to anymore”. Sounds plenty tight to me.

[@gballmaier]

Sounds like there's wood under your snare head?

[@rickdior]

Hi Greg That's a quiet tone practice pad

[@gballmaier]

@@rickdior Thank you for letting me know. Great lessons!

[@mattycreek384]

Stick Bounce

[@markshina3511]

Did not know Joe was blind

[@jonhaslam3699]

How could Joe learn something by watching if he was blind?

[@rickdior]

He was not born blind. His condition worsened with age and by the time he was in his 40's he was legally blind.