How To Develop ROCK SOLID TIMING! w/ Beatdown Brown

This video shares some very valuable information on how you can develop seriously solid time keeping ability! This one actually applies to ALL instruments. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHANNEL for more cool video lessons like this!
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[@gmd1417]

"Just because you can tune your toms to play "Mary Had A Little Lamb" doesn't mean a thing. We have one job-----rhythm..." Now that is priceless!

[@RudyPalos]

That gem went straight into my back pocket. Can. not. wait to drop it lol.

[@maxtonforrest608]

instablaster.

[@Kubakaiser]

"Goin' for a fill and hoping to God that comes out on time" - you got me there.

[@AOK_Adam]

For real!!

[@permpress]

Rob cuts a straight, no BS, laser beam path directly into the crux of the matter. Bravo.

[@jimstone1430]

I’m 60 an been drumming since 1978 and I can promise this man is the best teacher I’ve ever seen and I learn something from him every time I’m on his site. And I want to say thank you Mr Rob Brown. Much Respect 🙏✌️🙏 Jim. Hammond Louisiana

[@BostonballH8ter]

I'm 53 and have been playing off and on since 87 and couldn't agree more with you .we didn't have the tech that allows someone to be instructed the way you can today,if you were lucky you paid for lessons and went somewhere to learn,now I'm playing at home with electric drums with software to make them acoustic and having the privilege of having a talented musician like this gentleman help me become a better drummer than I believe I've ever been!!

[@degoisb]

Subdivisions was one of my first lessons when I got started on drums. I totally ignored it! Because I wasn't disciplined to sit down and work on fundamentals. I'm 31 y.o. now and it took me around 12 years to finally go back to the basics. It sucks when I think about all the time wasted, however better sooner than later. Fortunately I've developed a good sense of feel and melody along the years. Amazing video, Rob. Thanks!

[@danielherridge7948]

I play bass, and I love this.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Thanks man. Yea, this applies to everything from drums to left handed accordion

[@wstrijdhorst]

Same here!

[@jakegreene4313]

You know you're a good drummer when time-keeping is one of your favorite topics

[@BramNaus]

5:29 even his eyes keep time

[@jorginon]

Bram Naus hahaha for real!

[@matthewdavis7674]

Nah bro he’s rushing hahaha

[@moniquewrites9046]

Bram Naus lol

[@dragonoftheblackpool6884]

Dude your videos have been such a huge help. Everything you present is right to the point and easy to comprehend and you embroider just enough to put your lessons into perspective. Your videos have been a huge help to me. Thanks so much for doing what you do.

[@harolddavis3610]

I'm 60 years old and playing since Day 1! ..these basics you hear is where it all starts..I'm still playing today and my wrist are like rubberbands!! ...go on Rob teaching the young bucks!!

[@jazovideo]

I've been playing for 5.5 years now (self-taught) and my time-keeping is based solely around feel. It's crazy to me that the way you explained playing within quarter-notes is exactly how my mind has come to understand "keeping the time". I didn't have the words for it before but now that I do, I will be sure to practice in this revised context. Thanks Rob!

[@mcsequoia5107]

I forget what pro drummer I heard use the phrase "time feel", but it changed the way I thought about time as a drummer. Before the Western notation of time, time was communicated via rhythm as rhythm is defined as the space between notes.

[@h.i.mcdunnough9421]

​@@mcsequoia5107 Peter Erskine?

[@Lisa-vj6pz]

Rob conveyed his message well... This guy is a master

[@ar7rie]

Thanks a lot. Here is my practice plan: 1. Quarters | 4 2. Quater Triplets | 6 3. 8ths | 8 4. 8th note Triplets | 12 5. 16ths | 16 6. 16th note Triplets | 24 7. 32nds | 32

[@petekearns8533]

I'm a beginner drummer who's been scouring the Internet looking for help with keeping time. You put it in words and in a way that has been most helpful to me. I'm going to spend tonight watching all your videos. Thank you and keep the lessons coming!!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

+Pete Kearns Niiice! Grab a cold beverage and enjoy 😊

[@0801524]

Hey Rob, this is actually my first comment on youtube ever. I've been watching your videos for a while now and it has been one "Ah-ha" moment after the other, you are an amazing drummer and especially an amazing teacher. You make me want to be a better drummer. Thank you for all the great content. God bless you, brother!

[@aarongroh8018]

Thanks Rob. I agree with you about subdivisions on the practice pad. I've been doing it a lot the last couple of months. I would consider myself a high begginer to low intermediate drummer. But without any drums at all and just the pad my timing has improved incredible 👌😁

[@jake7945]

RB always puts me in a good mood. Always positive about everything and straightforward . He does not over complicate what he's teaching. He TRULY understands the art of drumming.

[@Lisa-vj6pz]

I've never owned or used a metronome..... I have been drumming... All my life.... Oatmeal containers by Quaker oats and changing the pitch with sand inside of the containers...... But I have learned and figured some things out without a metronome.... But there's this internal strength that I'm working on as a drummer..... To be solid in my own beat.... My own truth..... I mean it's great to connect with the other band members.... And still be very very solid in my own....... Timing an space...... Thank you so much for sharing ... I really learned a lot today .... Master Brown all the way!!!!!

[@sydneyslump]

"Take it or leave it"? I'll take it Rob, thanks!

[@mcsequoia5107]

Based on this video, I started practicing all the rudiments I can play competently in all of the subdivisions. It has greatly improved my internal clock, my time feel and my drumming. Especially my fills. Thank you Mr. Rob Brown!!! I agree that drums are more rhythmic than melodic by themselves but they're a musical instrument. Drummers can play melodically and make sound choices that support and/or enhance the music, Neil Peart was the first drummer I heard who made me aware of this. There's a video of him & the president of DW talking about tonal intervals between toms, timbre of different woods, lamination types, shell structure, etc. It's really interesting stuff. Sound is important.There's a reason why drum notes are put on a musical staff with notations for dynamics, crescendo/decrescendo and not just on a simple time grid. Each instrument produces different musical components such as pitch, timbre, attack/sustain. Melody by definition is "simply a sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying." By definition, a melody could be played on a practice pad but it sounds a lot more musical on a drum set. If you showed up for an audition with a practice pad & sticks and said I'm going to subdivide time to your songs, you're not getting the gig.

[@simonmaranga1643]

why are your exercises so simple yet more effective then most guys on KZbin?!? this is so good👍🏾👍🏾

[@bigdrumadventure5549]

"This things got one job and that's rhythm!' Awesome line!

[@adityatyagi4009]

Awesome lesson man. Too many drummers don't want to spend time doing these types of exercises and in the end they sound crappy. Once relative mastery of the subdivisions is attained, there is no going back! For an additional challenge, after 16th notes, try dividing a quarter note into a quintuplet. Then alternate every other quintuplet. You can use this to speed up your time by a factor of 2.5 against the quarter note pulse. Super challenging!

[@cgotsill]

Spent the last year getting this into my playing. That idea at 12:01 about subdivisions. Thanks for opening my ears to it

[@johanandstina4472]

"Going for a fill and hoping to god it comes out on time" Hahaha Guilty AF. This video is very helpful! Thank you :)

[@dougsowell]

This makes perfect sense Rob. Love your videos.

[@HeinekenPete]

...I really enjoy your drum instruction videos. I was wondering if you have another video showing more examples of how to practice further breaking down these sub-divisions. Thanks!

[@treewar72]

Found your videos on how to tune everything up and Thank you for such straightforward lessons!! I'm slowly going through vid by vid learning more and more about how to use my drum set to the best of my abilities! You are a great dude and I thank you!!

[@BobSmith-uo3iz]

Ive been playing forever and this has got to be the best drum lesson I've ever had in my life. Thank you

[@Mrjasonjohn74]

Man, just love how simple you break things down Rob and it makes so much of sense especially in giving us beginners/intermediate drummers, hope and a life line to getting better! Keep up the awesome content and thank you so much for what you do!

[@davidjkim93]

Thanks your videos have been helping me get out of a plateau and a rut :) It means a lot that you spend your time on this content

[@mulletATheart]

Love it! You explain everything in a way that's very easy to digest. This one brought back memories of my old marching days.

[@dylantritschler9805]

This is the best instructional vid I have ever seen. The way you break everything down to the sub-divisions, it all just makes so much sense when you really explain what is important rather than just beating every drum around the set as fast as you can. Thank you, Rob

[@NWShotStoppa]

Beautifully explained. So grateful to be able to hear your wisdom. Peace brother.

[@hgaubaul]

Just started learning how to make beats using a DAW. Was looking all over KZbin for someone to clearly explain for me the relationship between beats and timing/metronome when making rhythm. Your explanation about subdivision is the the shortest and best explanation i found. Thanks for taking the time to share it. Sharing is caring!

[@guymitchell3096]

Man I love your whole approach to great metering!! I was a playing musician until I had 5 back surgeries and a knee replacement. You have inspired me to try to get my chops back.. I don’t know if it’s possible by I’m thinking about dusting off my snare , kick and hat and see where I can take it. I haven’t been able to play for about 12 years now so I’ll be back at beginner level... I first fell in love with playing drums was around 11 years old and I asked my parents to let me join a drum and bugle Corp. I thought wow I’m going to be cool . They started me out on the bass drum and it was all about timing and as I graduated up from the bass drum to the snare line I didn’t realize how much it helped me in timing. It was a great experience for me and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to play drums or a horn!! I also learned latter when I played on a kit with a band a little phrase I lived by( When in doubt leave it out) and not to overplay and play drum solos throughout the entire song!! I’m also an owner of a professional Live Production Company and always give special attention to the drums and explain what I’m looking for in my mix:) I’m looking forward to seeing your videos in the future.. Thanks

[@distortsequel]

This is pure genius love the way you put everything, removes a lot of intimidation factor from big picture concepts

[@Rodveeee]

Always extremely informative. I've gotten into drumming less than a year ago, and the amount of informations I've been able to learn from watching "beatdown" videos is just insane. You keep doing what you're doing Rob. I appreciate your work greatly.

[@schlagzeugvideocoach]

Great lesson - as always! Thanks Rob for your constant high quality output in every way! Keep it up and big drummer hug from Germany! 👍🏼

[@philgibbs5090]

Thank you Rob for this video, and the Left Foot videos. I've been playing for decades. The advice you've given in the videos, which I watched yesterday night and have practised today, has transformed my timekeeping in one day. I can't believe it. Thank you so much dude.

[@morgankara]

One thing that you are bringing to the table is your self confidence. Don't ever underestimate that attribute. When James Gadson was asked about the what his definition of funky was, he said something like "everyone is funky if you listen to them" "being listened to is what makes you funky"well you are and we (my students and I) are listening. Its good of you to share your knowledge and experience.Hope you never stop.

[@mikesutcliffe1142]

I think this might be the most important drum tutorial video I’ve ever watched. And I’ve watched loads! A great lesson, intelligently taught and explained. Thanks, Rob!

[@juneyoon4432]

Love your movements. So crisp and intentional

[@ricklarson4627]

Rob since I’ve found your drum KZbin videos you’ve inspired me to start working on a lot of different aspects of my drumming needs, and I need a lot! I especially like your no nonsense right to the point approach without boring me to tears on how to and how not to play the DRUMS..your simplicity to tuning your drums or practicing certain rudiments or an approach to certain ideas are great and TO THE POINT! Love ya keep up the superb job you’re doin great.. Thanks a’lot I really appreciate it..✌️&❤️

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Thanks a lot, man 🙂👊🏽 Very encouraging

[@glendrummer01]

Great video man. There was a point in my career where I had shattered my kick drum leg from the knee down. 13 breaks including four screws in the ankle. Rather than canceling gigs, my band stripped down to an acoustic presentation. I played on a wooden tool box with bundle sticks (I made them out of Oak dowels, this was 1997). Had I not understood subdivision, that could not have worked. It did, and well. If you're not subdividing, you're struggling unnecessarily. I was laying bare the subdivision that was happening in my mind and how I used it. When I finally got back on a kit, the "click of the mind" was even stronger. When I work with artists now, we have this discussion. Yeah the click.. it's what you feel in between that really matters. Obvious? Not always. Drummers live in a special place. And, the slower the tempo, the more I subdivide.

[@josephharvey1762]

New to the channel, but your style is fantastic. So chill, and it feels like you're really talking to the viewer directly. Thumbs up!

[@PedroDVC]

Great, great advise!! Always learning with you, my man. What you say just makes sense!

[@mcgrup]

Great lesson, love who you can simplify explanations of things people overly complicate!

[@joelsmith1329]

Neil Peart was always subdividing. In the high school halls, in the shopping malls… basement bars and backs of cars you name it. Great video thank you.

[@davidpeavy8544]

Felt the passion for how huge this truly is. I sometimes rush the first rim shot after a fill especially on very slow songs. Great lesson Rob, truly~!

[@DrumTutorJeffA2z]

Eloquent, Rob! Your way of describing what playing time is makes it both real and useable. I refer other drummers to your site because of this approach, which is the best I've found anywhere. Cool!

[@mick_c_horror_and_pop_culture]

Rob, as always, great. Thank you for sharing. This video and other videos you have posted have helped me tremendously.

[@rjsal246]

Solid advice that’s exactly what I’ve been doing and Mann I’ve honestly been getting better at it especially when you go for that fill subdividing and still land on the one, it becomes a natural thing after a while.

[@michaelthe13th]

you are so right about the click.. I know so many guys who play perfectly to a click and have terrible time without it! Very good video, as always. Thanks Rob!!

[@NeuroplasticityReprogram]

Mr. Brown, you are a fantastic teacher & of course drummer. Thank you for sharing your gifts. - All the Best!

[@zact6262]

Thank you so much! Im just starting out and this has really help me start my journey right! my timing has improving so much now especially with fills! loved your lesson on drumeo!

[@joeljoseph1435]

This information was so on point. Thank you Rob. I love your content

[@Harry1s]

Very well said buddy. Knowing your ability and knowing where you should add fills or not is a huge part of me keeping better time. Thanks for the vid!

[@Rpoke21]

Great lesson, Rob, on how to REALLY keep time. You do such a great job of keeping important, and sometimes difficult, concepts and techniques, simple and understandable. I'm not a pro but I've been playing drums a long time and what you teach and how you teach it, is not only helpful but usable. Many thanks.

[@MrKeizza]

Man....I've seen a lot of your vids. And just like how Peters Crane puts it, you just break it down to WHAT IT IS. So many times we, as people, can over think things waaaaaay too much. I'ts best be simple....cause this stuff really is. Thanks dude. Thank you so much.

[@paulcronin1603]

Thanks Rob, I am just getting back into playing after while off where life pulled me away, its all good. Your videos have such a relaxed, fun, style that they make me want to just pick up the sticks. I am holding off on a kit for now and taking a few months to just get my hands going on a pad. I never took the time before to develop my hands, and I am having a blast with, and with out my metronome. Thanks for taking the time to share with us. You have a new fan. Keep up the great work.

[@anthonybella135]

Great video as always Rob. You’re a natural teacher and I always take so much from your lessons. Thanks!

[@jobzstryker]

you are a great teacher.....you break things in the kit to a level where learning is achieveble....

[@michaelkeymont501]

You have a gift for teaching, sir. Keep up the great work! This was one of your best lessons, IMHO.

[@dtpr9661]

No one should ever over look the importance of being loose behind the drums. Not only for all the reasons mentioned in the video but also in terms of beat placement .Back, Middle ,on top. This gives you control and helps one feel and internalize the time better.Also in terms of widening out your beat it's absolutely imperative that you're fluid ,loose and relaxed if you choose. Spoken by one who originally came up studying with classical percussion teachers that never taught or approached playing time. Mainly snare drum etudes w/ an orchestral or parts concept similar to that of a tpt , clarinet or bassoon. Doesn't help much if you aspire to play drum set for a living but that's another topic for discussion... Great videos Rob!!

[@zapputopia6383]

Best explanation on time keeping I've ever heard! Keep up the good work👍👍👏👏

[@williewhite7037]

I am so proud of you brother. You sound like a drum genius. Thank you very much. I think timing along with making good drum fills are my greatest weaknesses. I'm looking for your video on having the combination of interesting drum fills along with precise timing. Again, thank you and keep 'em coming.

[@pk462a]

this is exactly how i think of drumming... thanks so much for putting it eloquently into words!! it is true. fit the parts of ur drum kit any place anywhere but be intent in each of your stroke and make sure ur subdivisions fit within the base wiarter quarter notes in the right speed!

[@Positive-pat]

Aced it! This was HUGE! Thanks for putting this out Rex. Have been teaching this concept to my students for a while now.

[@jimsuhy]

Great take on Time and how to look at it

[@terrencenbanbury5220]

Great stuff as usual. No matter how creative you get, it all needs to "make sense" (music) inside the time signature "box".

[@addradz]

Going for the low down as per usual! Absolute pearl of wisdom straight up. Thanks mate!

[@yoursola]

EXCELLENT!!!! Just subscribed!!!

[@martyrogers4918]

Hi Beatdown, I had the very fortunate experience of growing up near two different railway lines. Our house was about 250 feet from where the tracks crossed. All day and all night I heard the complex rhythmic sounds of steam powered trains at various speeds. I firmly believe that it not only influenced my interest in rhythmic practicing, but ultimately made me a better drummer. It has been 58 years and still practicing my subdividing skills. Great concept in this video. I absolutely agree with everything you taught here. Best wishes as you continue to give us the proper tools and understanding. Thank you!

[@mlaugh3]

ROB BROWN. You have helped me alot. From Tuning to keeping time.....you the man!!!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

mlaugh3 Thanks, dude 🙂👊🏽

[@artimmius]

This is hugely important for drummers. Great stuff, Rob.

[@MisterSpeaker.]

Great advice, and so inspiring! Thanks, Rob!

[@NikaoWallace]

This is golden Rob. I came up with a couple of exercises based off of this that I practice and put all my students through. Really digging your videos.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Wicked. Glad it was able to help you out, man 🙂👊🏽

[@amyd104]

Very good Rob, very useful. Thank you!! You're nailing it brother

[@rondeangelis7384]

great video on the concept. for the newbies, rob is talking about the table of time. excellent demonstration and rob knows his stuff about this.

[@pablogonzalez7468]

Rob, as always thanks for millions. For aaaalll the druming videos around your's are the most enjoyable and helpfull to me. I also think that Copeland is the greatest ever, it felt like I new you as a friend when you make the heroes video of him.

[@dosaurus]

Another awesome lesson ! Thanks so much Rob!

[@pcdrumz187]

Pulse centered playing? more like mind blown! Mike you bring so much into perspective! Thanks for the lesson.

[@ryanspeed4671]

Excellent video!! Thx for the insight

[@johnbarile7679]

Having this mindset is going to help my playing so much Thank you !!

[@chrisscustomdrumsmanzella7803]

rob, thanks, this video makes so much sense, i usally have great time live, but lately bass player mentioned that i varied a tiny bit, probably being picky, yet it bothered me. ive watched a few of your vids, really gives me some re focus on tempo, thanks brother

[@masterofnaan]

i LOVE this approach

[@Volentry]

Finally the answer I was looking for. Great explanation!

[@eaaeeeea]

We've been playing with my band for 10 years on and off with almost no formal music education. We've been recording our first song lately and when I put my drum playing in a grid, I realized how much variation I really have even with metronome. Yeah I can edit it but that doesn't help me if we have live gigs. I don't have a kit at home but luckily a good practice pad. Thanks for the video, it really got to the core of drums.

[@dmutant2635]

Your video's are a gift to the drum community. keep up the good work!

[@jensanruby6739]

Just found your channel and I've been playing untrained for 10 years now, this had been confirming alot of what I've noticed and explaining the why. Thanks for the practice tips

[@rickmiller5772]

another great video I couldn't agree more on your thinking

[@kevinweese7740]

this approach really helps...thanks for sharing

[@cmo_357]

Getting an answer on what an advanced drummer is thinking when playing is huge for the self taught drummers of the world. It's a nugget and I'll take it. Thanks Rob!

[@marclabelle8964]

Pretty cool lesson, nice perspective also. Thank you.

[@fannydwargee1818]

Rob, you nailed it down mate, that's exactly what I think is the best approach to drumming for a beginner drummer like me. Now is time to look for exercises for improving that (thanks in advance to anyone that point me to videos/lessons). Many thanks for your video and your advice, you got my like.

[@bobbucketgeneva5920]

thanks man! this is a great focus!

[@DoroTheExplorer]

ive been playing drums almost 10 years.. but this is the best explanation ive got.. thanks sir..

[@tobydogloser3128]

Your advise here IS $$$$!!! I became too reliant on the click. I needed it. I couldn't even count off after using it too much. Metronome is very valuable, especially for practice, studio etc.... but a live show...it had me questioning if i was even cloes in time. It got scarey for a bit

[@super_coop9925]

thanks Rob, yes a big challenge, keeping time is difficult, I'll definitely work on subdivisions around the quarter note!

[@schwammerlsepp4752]

This dude is always on time. Cheers mate, your videos have led to such a great improvement in only a week

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

NICE 🙂👊🏽