Can You Learn 'Pocket'?! 🤔 - 5 Tips For Better Groovin'

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[@jimgeary]

Here’s one I’d add: overall fitness as well as energy level when your playing. My worst playing has always been when I didn’t pace myself for the day. And you can’t get in the groove if you’re fighting your own body for whatever reason.

[@JustinLiku]

"Tension is the enemy of POCKET"

[@mepkin9449]

You are absolutely correct!

[@t-man5196]

Well it is true

[@craigohearn8652]

However you can "keep tension on the line" while keeping your pocket deep

[@miriangraafsma9732]

That's the most essential advice out there!! That's applies to all instruments.

[@kirjian]

Pocket is learnable, I've watched enough Benny Greb clinics to believe so lol Edit: I believe at least 50% of the pocket comes from the face you make. Stank? Pocket

[@Ms74Biker]

Snare sound is amazing!

[@danielclee1]

"Music is the space between the notes." - Debussy

[@itsJonsty]

What a quote

[@chrismitchell4752]

Bro stop. I'm on acid. That made too much sense lmao

[@Herbster41]

Wow - never thought of it like that.

[@zenos.5315]

Best advice I have ever heard for drummers, 100% on the money,stay loose and relax.

[@bz7901]

I learned pocket. It was a process of getting over anxiety while playing - particularly grove anxiety. Meditation is a good describer.

[@xcodychaosx]

I saw chad smith talking about this he said "you have to own every note" comit demonstrated with a basic 2 on the toms 2 on the snare fill kinda half assed it first time and it makes an immense difference when he goes back with energy dum dum ka ka crashes and its just a whole world of difference...think this is to beginner and basic its gonna sound like it. if you look at it like less is more and know its just right for were it sits it will be just that

[@dirtydave151]

Great point, B Z. I never previously thought of it as anxiety, but now I agree with that angle. I'm working on relaxing and playing with the song in an intuitive way.

[@Daddynixterdrums]

Yes. Best comment I’ve seen so far. There’s a great difference. Some people may just not have timing or coordination. I definitely get that. But can “pocket” be learned?… to an extent I’d say yes. I feel it’s one of those things that at some point just… clicks. No pun intended… ok a little intended…. A LOT intended. That bad pun was the sole reasoning for this comment 😂😅 Anyway, I’ve had many moments where I’m relaxed and locked in everywhere, just jamming, having fun and confident. Really getting into it. Then today was a big day. I played for the worship team at church. My first official performance with them. Was fun and awesome! But so highly stressful. I felt like a lot of things went wrong. And it felt bad knowing that most of the feedback I was getting was based on my playing and how it shaped with the click. I love playing with the click. But between that anxiety as far as the feedback and just being in the moment and trying to get my adrenaline and heart rate to slow down… oh it felt like hell on earth. It wasn’t at all terrible. But just not where I want it to be. And I know that stress and anxiety is what caused it all. Aside from that, when I’m just relaxing and playing normally, it feels solid. The more you play and experiment with time and note placement, I really think the better you’re gonna get with the pocket. Cause if you’re in it but there’s stuff you want to lay down that you haven’t tried in timing yet… it’s going to come out questionable and likely going to throw you off.

[@squirrel8016]

I Would love to see this guy on drumeo 😁👌

[@ivannio4783]

Good idea :)

[@sethcashman1011]

Yes! Why hasn't that happened yet?

[@silascrawford6377]

Why? You're seeing him here, now.

[@sethcashman1011]

silas crawford Good point. 😄

[@squirrel8016]

Yes thats true but if he was on drumeo too it would be even better to double the fun 😁

[@jeremydumoit4487]

You can overcome anxiety for sure. Once you get out of your own way, you'll find your pocket.

[@remander3873]

I've found connection makes all the difference. When I'm into a groove and feeling it, it almost plays itself. Love that!

[@mollybloom5681]

Tip #6: Make all kinds of funny faces while wearing a 'Groove Responsibly'-tee.

[@ryanbergh1970]

Yes, by listening

[@johnmoschides72]

You taught this on DRUMEO, learning about pocket, finding the rhythmic foundation, get into the groove, that teaching on DRUMEO is a must watch, it is the basic fundamental to drumming, act on what Rob Beatdown Brown taught on DRUMEO is a must watch.

[@DaveElby]

Joseph "Ziggy" Modeliste, The Meters. There’s pocket. You know he’s in the pocket before even sitting behind the drums. ‘People Say’, a fine example. Pocket is about you going all in latching into a groove and like a nice piece of mountain bike flow single track, it just flows and you flow with it.

[@davefiano4172]

I agree it’s playing around the spaces vs. dividing the spaces with the notes. The ultimate is hearing myself play, and reacting to it at the same time, you know, like you’re leaving your body lol.

[@forgettable8365]

Pocket is learnable, that’s why people play along great records: to slowly get the feel of the drummer you like in your own playng

[@daprophet2970]

The Pocket is when you are locked into a groove and no matter what happens (like crowd clapping, stage blows up, etc) you keep playing and keep everyone in sync. You are simply in control of the musical environment in that moment, and you know it. That's pocket.

[@jonhattanrai]

Your videos might be simple and sort of raw, but the information that you give is 1000000% useful, your videos are the truest drum videos I've seen. Cheers man!

[@Docsjeff]

Rob is most definitely my Go-To guy.Just gettin back on the kit after 47 years.

[@Docsjeff]

The Rhythmic foundation lasts about the first 10 seconds into the tune for me.

[@seanbattledrums5198]

I feel like you can learn the technical aspects of “pocket” but it’s something you have to “feel” in order to start grooving. IMO if you’re spirit isn’t in the music your not going to be playing pocket. You have to have an almost emotional type of connection to really be grooving.

[@seanbattledrums5198]

Your****

[@bakedalaska4363]

@@seanbattledrums5198 you can edit your comments by clicking the three dots to the right. Hope this helps!

[@seanbattledrums5198]

Ted Girvan ayyy good looks I didn’t even know that 😂

[@davlmt]

Wu wei. Google it

[@dgwelcher]

I’m a country drummer in Nashville Tn buddy you’re spot on this subject I love it thanks bro

[@jorgemontoya2266]

Yes I can. Big hug to you from Córdoba, Argentina.

[@suarezroberto]

mandate unas empanadas para Lisboa,,, : )

[@Docsjeff]

You really appreciate the pocket when you’re the Frontman.Pocket makes a HUGE difference while singing.It’s like daylight and dark when you have one or you don’t. You kinda chase the pocket around vocally.

[@JBDrummer]

Right on the money on all points....especially #5!

[@TheRimshotDrummer]

"Pocket" is that feeling and special sauce you bring to the music as a drummer. It's the feeling that you give to the song while laying the foundation for the band. The other musicians feel it and it sparks inspiration in them then it keeps spreading.

[@gleventhal]

Yes, it's learning to listen, and a little bit about feeling it.

[@christophersmay4508]

The Space!!!! You really nailed it with #2 sir

[@mikkovaltonen3564]

I define "pocket" as your drum beat fitting in to the sound of the band like a wallet or cell phone fits in your pocket.

[@chrisslabon4809]

I kinda xheated and listened to what you said after but I think back back to my high school band teacher. He always preached that listening was the key to playing. If you listen closely you feed offf of the music. Even with percussion, you may be the timekeeper but you still have to hear whats going on around you. If you are playing by yourself, its timing. But when you play with a band you have to listen to each other. It's what makes the greats great. Hope I've articulated it properly. You rock Rob.

[@bertramattles1695]

I am a beginner drummer but a lover of all music and yes I believe you can learn pocket. As you progress in your skills and play different types of music you can develop a feel for pocket.

[@MateoHernandez-nq7ux]

I like this dude. He explains everything perfectly. Same language kinda stuff.

[@zeichner42]

Yes, pocket relies on a series of skills that relate to how you play with the other musicians. Steady time is part of it, but it also relates to how well the whole band feels the time together.

[@cosense3858]

Good morning! Pocket we're supposed to do the verse like no else did that a little bit such "forefront" but it is the alternative groove that comes 1st. "let us make the society great"

[@joeowen6121]

Absolutely you can learn to find and sit in the pocket!

[@michaelpeele9207]

Your hero and mine Phil Gould was born with 'pocket'...just listen to him and you'll know what 'pocket' is. Check out the song Physical Presence from Level 42....

[@marcononi9926]

Favourite Pocket Player is Nate Smith. He's unreal. Hard to say if it's learnable.To a certain degree it is, but to take that last final step to fully get into the pocket you probably you just gotta find that feeling inside of you and I'm not sure if that's learnable. All the tips you give in this video are important, for me personally 'embrace the space' is most crucial. My drumming significantly improved when I started hearing the space in-between the notes. And now i really love being aware of the space in-between. Makes the beat or groove feel more complete when you hear both, notes and silence in-between.

[@jcsihp]

Being Cuban born and fooling around with percussion I can tell you “feel” (aka pocket) is genetic. I have had drum teachers from Berkeley school of music try to write and play some of my most basic grooves - results - robotic, drum machine, reproductions of what I played. Mind you - I have NEVER been what I considered to be an “accomplished” percussionist by any stretch. But - at any time, regardless of practice I can lay down a simple fat grove. I won’t even have the endurance to play it for long - but when I lock it in - it’s in. The feel never leaves you when you are born with it. GREAT JOB ROB! Love your stuff and bought few shirts to support you! 🙏 Groove responsibly. 💪🏼

[@drzflyest4]

I feel like pocket has more to do with the ability to dance. If one can dance one usualy will have a good pocket. This is just a theory of mine ive yet to see disproven.

[@jcsihp]

drzflyest4 I have to agree with that one. Maybe dance has to be define for this purpose. “Dance” meaning the ability to rhythmically move to groove - not necessarily be proficient in any one dance style! If not - we are gonna have to learn to hustle and salsa all over again!! LOL New shirt ROB - “pocket responsibly”

[@tosinkingfishercheeseburge8901]

That pocket sounds really good

[@roberttaylor1275]

Embrace the space!!!!!! Love it..usually drummers are so caught up in chops and rudimentary stuff..I now play a sloooow Rosanna grove..then incorporate rudiments...

[@roberttaylor1275]

A great snare SOUND sweet spot is also a huuuuge thing!!!!!!!

[@ethangreene5505]

pocket so clean, i got distracted and thought an ad was playing

[@bradsims5116]

For me it was relaxing , that got me more in the pocket.

[@bryanswilley9735]

You can learn it ,the basics, but ultimately you need to feel it.

[@Darren9077]

Some have it naturally, some can learn it. It’s a mindset. Giving space.

[@jonathangray6563]

Funny and in the pocket. Gotta love this guy!

[@MrGlenakatheone]

Can learn. Caveats: some folks are more naturally gifted than others, and some have to work a lot harder, but I yhink with enough of the appropriate effort and honest self appraisal it can be learned and improved over time.

[@TheJulesound]

Great video. Pocket has always been my ultimate goal.

[@bartvliegen]

i believe one can learn pocket. for me it' s that feeling of being on the beat, in sync with my bandmates, cool, relaxed, on time, just feeling the beat in connection with my band. slowly but surely my timing and feeling as a drummer, my musicality so to speak, are coming out

[@owenbrown47]

pocket is numero uno for drummers - i have been working on it for 15 years - getting there

[@arjunapartha]

Teach us up Rob! Thank you for teaching the kids properly and using the correct vernacular, such as “embellishments” as opposed to “fills”.

[@ikp1222]

Pocket is learnable but there are people I believe that come by it naturally. These concepts can be applied to bebop/hard bop. Complex stuff is great but time & groove is essential.

[@timekeeper46]

I think you can learn pocket and be good at it......I also think you can also be born with rhythm in your bones and be great at it..........Great video......

[@gixxerboyroyluvdrumswaters9023]

That snare sounds good.

[@icanhasfreecat]

I think if you're comfortable with what you're doing on the drums, then pocket comes out naturally, it's all about the confidence.

[@peterpeirce3928]

Of course you can learn pocket. I’m going to right after I get done practicing my loud, fast, solos.

[@SuperRowdyone]

Love me some Chic and the very underrated Tony Thompson, those guys could hold a serious groove!!!

[@jakeloranger1419]

Right on. Nothing beats that feeling when the rhythm section is laying down the groove and people start dancing to it, even if it's only tapping their toes or bopping their heads. The times where I was relaxed and only thinking about making the music feel good were always the best shows. I remember a New Year's Eve party I played and the whole club was moving to the music and the band was playing Blues, old R&B and rock. I was looking at the smiling people and thought I was so blessed to be allowed to be a small part of what happening there. I think it was the first time I truly felt aware of the awesome communal power of music. I believe that some people are naturally born with the gift of pocket but for the rest of us mere mortals it is possible to get better at it through practising with a metronome to improve our time, learning how to control our limbs so that we can "self-mix" our dynamics and let the accented notes and back beats really pop out from the unaccented notes and finally learning to relax and pull our selves out of the way to let the music flow through. I agree 100% that being aware of the space between the notes can really help give them their full value and not rush the time. And the other musicians will love you for that because it helps to make what they play feel so good. Thanks for your great videos. Jake L

[@bluephoenix1911]

Yes you can and it is correlated with good technique.

[@cymbalsjefen]

To answer your question, I certainly think you can. But only with a combination of physical excersises and listening skill. I have always considered pocket as a skill of both the body and the mind combined.

[@tommo3378]

That groove felt so good Rob and lovely left hand ghost note fill channeling Phil Gould 4.03

[@lilqzscribbleshow1560]

a bit of both robbie. once you feel the groove and melt it with it you just do it you become the beat

[@jjjudge4039]

Hey Rob, JJ Judge here.. Been playing 60 years(started at 8) and made a living and didn't make a living.. You said something that rang so true!!! Tension is the enemy of pocket!!!! So simple yet so profound... Love watching.... JJ...

[@bombocropper5142]

Rob Brown you are a superb teacher! Keepin' it loose and relaxed, love your comment: " tension is the enemy of pocket" that is a perfect example of your ryhmatic wisdom

[@bertsyms4305]

Love your channel Bruh, Coming from an old man. Pocket class note: Always learn the form. aka Intro,verse, chorus etc. of the Song. Blues, Gospel, Jazz and Funk. Before laying it DOWN my friend. The bass player and you will be "THE Pocket".. Peace...

[@mickhogan2490]

Thanks Rob for some of the best content for drummers on the internet! And it's free!! It was really pleasing to hear you say that maybe pocket can't be learned. I've had disagreements with people for years about whether talent is a thing or not. I've been teaching drums for 40 years and I know without a doubt that we each have a certain level of talent, and that can vary from person to person dramatically. Keep up the great work!

[@kakgrooves]

Yes

[@Darren9077]

JJ Johnson. Tedeschi Trucks , Mayer, Doyle Bramhall II. Great pocket guy

[@jcsihp]

Just got both albums! Great stuff with huge variety of rhythms to learn and practice with. Solo comps VOL 1 - FUNCKY CLAVE - my fav!! Get it and support brother Rob!! On the beat down!! 🙏

[@Docsjeff]

Thx for the heads-up.

[@EarthWorms77]

You always have the best, most pertinent videos

[@Tagger0325]

Long time ago I got into James Brown Live at the Apollo 67-68ish is the one . To date, it's my favorite album . He also had one in 63 but the later 68 is the one . I really got into Clyde Stubblefield's playing .(cold sweat). All of a sudden in the band I was playing in people started commenting and telling me how funky I was. I knew then I had something going . Heads are bobbing you got pocket .

[@fabianschreck4393]

Oh my God!! He used Finish what ya started as an example.... that‘s my favorite song to jam on the kit!!

[@TheRimshotDrummer]

"Tension is the enemy of pocket". Dead on!! Cool stuff Rob.

[@mat4410]

Once again, touching the untouchable. Love your channel Rob. I encourage my students to drop in and listen to what the MAN has to say. Also, I can’t get over how many times I hear myself in your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@cjulescarson]

Hey Rob man feelin that tune. Ive always been a pocket drummer. To me pocket is way better than being overly flashy with the super complex fills..... Keep it simple. My favorite pocket drummer has got to be Phil Rudd of AC/DC. That man is a pocket king lol. Thanks for all u do man for the music community keep it poppin

[@jimmyvegas1000]

It is my belief that you can do anything that you set your mind to do. Talent takes hard Work!

[@anthonyrutten4018]

Dude, it’s probably the hardest part of playing drums. Without a pocket your just bangin on drums. Get in the pocket and hold on baby🎶❤️🎶

[@glennugent6091]

Rob! That is absolutely the best explanation of pocket I have ever heard. Staying in the lane is the difference between a musician and a drummer. Love the get involved attitude also. Great video. Thanks Rob, good stuff! Nuge

[@lrdrums98]

I once asked Dan Bailey of Father John Misty if he had specific exercises / techniques that he used to develop his pocket. He told me that his pocket largely just came from lots of gig experience, repetition, listening to lots of music etc. So I'd say yes it can be learned - but its something different than learning a rudiment or a chop in that it takes time, and its cultivated very slowly.

[@waynebuzzbussard5240]

If the term pocket in the music sence can be defined, I believe it could then be taught. There are those who will have a natural sense of the pocket and identify with it very easily. Like all things musical, practice and knowledge can open doors to those who don't naturally bring in talent.

[@TdScott342]

Some people are born with the ability to play a clean pocket but overall you can learn how to play pocket. Just like there different types of genres your pocket has to felt the style you are playing. No pocket is created the same.

[@fatttbear6606]

Rob I Love your channel....God bless you!!!

[@pauls3946]

Another excellent video, Rob. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@cymbalmonke]

I'm in the process of learning it. Definitely doable, and it's immediately made me so much aware of the value of what you don't play, and letting the groove breathe, stepping back is as powerful as stomping it down.

[@tylerhathaway9525]

Examples? VULFPECK man. Even if it’s a guest drummer. Also, agreed that pocket is a state of mind. I think to say you have it or you don’t is dangerous because I believe some people have it but they haven’t discovered it yet. For me, after a long hiatus from drumming I feel like I’ve lost touch with pocket, but I’m slowly getting reconnected to it, even if in fleeting moments for now. It would be wrong to let myself believe that “I don’t have it” just because I’ve been struggling with it lately

[@coreyroberts47]

Hell yeah. Pocket comes with confidence. You can play just a boom bap, but if you're tentative itll sound floppy, if your strong on your notes ppl will be dancing. Needs intent and foreknowledge too

[@raybrun9193]

You can definitely learn! Especially with a teacher like you , thanks

[@masonrobbins1877]

drums were the first instrument i started playing and i got into when i was like 6. after a few years i fell away from it but my feel for groove always stayed with me. now that i’m older and i’m rediscovering my passion for drumming i still have that natural pocket that i gained as a kid. i think it’s one of those things you learn as a kid and if you don’t it’s way harder to later in life. perfect pitch for example is developed at an early age and if you don’t develop it you simply can’t get it later in life. i think pocket or groove is learnable but i believe it’s one of those things you gotta learn as a kid.

[@formerdungeonmaster1232]

I think so yes, through experience

[@gothic8]

Rob, I agree with you throughout this video. And disagree to one thing. I had to learn to play the "Pocket" but only understood it when I did an Open Mic session and I was told in the same night by a few musicians that they appreciated how i created and held space in the music we were playing. My initial response was WTF! Then one of them took me aside and explained and the lightbulb blew up. This sessions slams it to HEART! Great work and much, much love for what you do!

[@Rollsie6666]

Gotta get that Stank face on!

[@davidjohnson3748]

Awesome video. Great advice. Relax, dance on the throne, have fun. Yes pocket can be learned but takes a while. A metronome and experience helps.

[@mwbro123]

Good points ...relax and recognize the space.

[@seaneliel]

Great video Rob! It’s like you read my mind somehow, I was just thinking about the concept of pocket this week! I’ve always thought that pocket is often achieved when you sit in and feel the music, sort of like a mental state where you ‘can feel at home’ and improvise within the margins of what’s appropriate for the song/genre.

[@jasblick9984]

Ty pRob. You are an Amazing teacher

[@jonathansherman-gj4dp]

Great video, Rob! I’ve been a latent pocket drummer and it’s bursting out of me now. A sincere pleasure to radiate from the pocket. Really appreciated all that you shared with the key tips. Well done. And thank you for the Bernard Purdie suggestion. Wow! Loving his vibe. Steve Gadd, Quest Love, come to mind. Thank you!

[@dannorris642]

Totally agree with the rhythmic foundation part. I usually have a basic figure in mind to guide my playing, during a tune. Gadd, Purdie, and Porcaro are my favorite pocket guys and that's what I get from listening to their playing, too. Pocket is pretty easy for me to find, but keeping it consistent and precise is where I find the most difficulty.

[@plan4u56]

Brother Rob....I'm 64 been playing drums since 1960....."Pocket" "Groove" is a Skill that is Improved by Metronome at different speeds in addition to Different time signatures...Keeping in mind turning on a recorder to record the session then letting a third party listen.....and Critique the Fast and Slow sections of the music of your drum playing.... Now leads me to How a person Feels...One day your Dead On Deep in the 'Pocket" can Do No Wrong! The next day Your Struggling...Your Bio-Mechanics in your body aren't quite up to the task...For Me I Have to Mentally Throw Out All My Garbage of Relationship, Work, Etc. and Focus 150% Each time to Find the "Pocket". Part comes Naturally but the other half is the Baggage of Life that gets in the Way...... And thinking Drugs and Booze will help you find it...Think Again!!! 'Pocket' 'Groove' it's there when you play...You'll find it if you Pay attention and Put the Effort in to make it the Best you Can! It'll Never Be 100%! But if you can Consistanly play at a 80 to 95% "Pocket" Be Happy! Thank you Awesome channel! I'm learning many Great tips! D. Killingsworth

[@tbone8358]

Thank you D. I think that you’re right, it’s like being in “the zone”. People always talk about being “in the zone” for many different sports/techniques/etc.

[@josteinv.jordet257]

One of the best snares ever right there beatdown, you're lucky man!

[@ashleycrashdissinger8021]

Thank you. After a little over a year of playing almost every day (I've only missed 4 days in the last 14 months) last week it clicked. The world stopped n time slowed like shootin the gap in football. I immediately went from Mr. Roboto to Cary Grant with sticks and my playing jump to a level I was starting to think I'd never reach. I won't claim to have a pocket but wow when you can 'feel it' it transforms you.

[@Arty10K]

I don't think it can be learned in the same sense as technique. But I think one can learn to feel the groove better through more active listening and counting both while playing and as spectator.

[@lr213]

Great vid. Really good tips. And that snare!