Terrible Drummer Habits to Break TODAY

[@mrmisfit635]

Thanks for the shout out, Q, shared it with my family, and you have made me a celebrity for the day...Po Po ain't comin' for me! Some of your greatest lessons have been taught to me without you even hitting a drum! Super awesome video✌🏼

[@drumqtips]

Glad I could make you a celebrity with the fam for the day. Even more glad the 5 0 will be passing you by tipping their police cap🤣🤣

[@drumqtips]

Are you guys guilty of any of these terrible habits!? I know I have been😌

[@dominikn19]

22:25 That’s a big one. Appreciate each other’s strengths and work on the weaknesses together! Music isn’t a competition.

[@drumqtips]

That's right Dom!

[@captainkiwi77]

If I were gonna play devils advocate on tuning, I’d say that the winds have never and will never give you the grace to then have your equipment, god forbid you have to adjust a drums tuning. Every wind player wants silence while tuning yet won’t afford folks the time to get our instrument right. I work in a marching band context sometimes and it’s like, we’ll warmup, the winds will do the tuning, then a chorale, and the drumline will just wander about because we get told off for so much as using pads, and after that they launch straight into the next thing, no thought as to whether we are ready because obviously we’re just wandering around. They don’t think we have anything important to do back here

[@drumqtips]

Very good point Cap! With this explanation, I think you could get officers to cut you some slack😂

[@brewstergallery]

Spanish Ned saying, I totally agree. I am guilty of a few of these sins but it is frustrating for drummers to get respect from the rest of the band when we're patiently waiting for their squeeks and twangs to stop. Maybe have a meeting and let them know ???

[@LogicShouldRule]

Hey Q - Teach up that cool beat you do at about 2:15 in beginning of video. Never heard it quite like that & I'm dying to be able to play those kinds of beats. Thanks Q

[@philipnestor5034]

Showing up with plenty of time for the gig to set up, get your instrument cases off the stage. Don’t drink in the gig know what to wear for the gig, god forbid, don’t wear shorts on stage. As Art Blakey once said about dressing right for the gig.. “ the audience SEES you before they hear you!” Great videos Quincy!!!

[@drumqtips]

Thank you for sharing these great nuggest Philly! You've save a lot of drummers from the slammer with your comment. Cheers!

[@jakeschubert5430]

Hilarious intro 😂 Very informative as well. I love your videos, playing, and teaching style. Very informative to my own teaching, now I just wish I had students that were into jazz!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks Jake! Glad you enjoyed it my man.

[@richspicer7818]

Good to see you live streaming Q! Thanks for all you do for the drumming community!

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Spicey! Thanks for always tuning in my man.

[@captainkiwi77]

My thoughts on watching something while drumming. I agree with Q, there’s a a certain kind of practice that limits you to but I don’t think it’s explicitly bad. How often are you behind the kit and you’ve got someone trying to talk at you, or an instructor is yelling directions from the band stand. Splitting your attention and/or drowning out loud outside noise while drumming is a legitimately useful thing to be able to do for drummers and being dogmatic will halt your progress on the kit “trust me”

[@drumqtips]

Right on Captain! Glad someone agrees with me. I'm expecting some others to slam me for it:)

[@Oni_SmokeCG]

I have a lot of takes on bad habits drummers I see do, but one thing I always notice is that at my jazz school, everyone has an absolute wack, illegal, straight up goofy setup, hi hats being almost a stretched leg away from the kit, the seat being either as high as the snare or as low as possible, cymbals very high and horizontal, rack tom either being facing parallel to your face or completely horizontal, floor tom facing away from the kit, hi hats up above because "it gives more space for the left hand during back beat".... I really get annoyed changing the kit around everytime I have a class. Great video, cheers from Portugal

[@drumqtips]

Everyone's set up is very unique to them. So while some set ups may seem weird and wacky to some, it might be perfect for others. But I agree with you, some set ups seem extremely awkward.

[@bradg4562]

Hey Q...holding your breath especially during fills. You have to breath naturally from the diaphragm and your time and fills we be much more in the pocket.

[@drumqtips]

Amen👍🏾

[@bradg4562]

@@drumqtips bummer about our Lions! Maybe we can catch a game next season? 👍🏈 got season tix!🤪

[@rorypilborough5300]

To clarify, I did mean distracting yourself with youtube, netflix, etc, while you just fall into constant noodling with no real intent. I've fallen into doing that before and realised that I hadn't really practised anything other than just the noodling stuff because my attention was mainly focused on what I was watching. Basically if you are going to watch something, have the self control to turn it of and practise things properly, like what Q said. Love the vids btw.

[@drumqtips]

Right on Rory. I agree with you!

[@waderonsse8819]

Great collection. I think the only one that I disagree with is the "existing" one (although I think that was all tongue in cheek). The only circumstances that I can think of in which "a drummer just shouldn't be a drummer" are if they don't like drumming and are doing it for reasons other than intrinsic motivation or if there is something inherent about drumming that is detrimental to their health and wellbeing. A couple other tidbits that other drummers have imparted on me: Letting your knowledge and experience get in the way of having a curious mind. Never practicing slowly. Not being able to shut off "practice mode" brain while performing. Not being able to shut off "mindless noodling" brain while practicing. Dependance on self medication (alcohol, caffeine, weed, psychedelics, etc...) in order to function on the kit. Not keeping one eye on the bandleader for cues. Not watching the Max Roach documentary on PBS lol

[@drumqtips]

Damn! I wish you had left this comment on my IG or YT community. All excellent and important habits to break! Thanks for sharing.

[@ckr430]

All of these are valid points .. I’d like to hear what you have to say about the fine line of over playing to underplaying.

[@drumqtips]

I say, never play more than the music needs to thrive. And never play too little for the music to thrive. It's all about our personal choices and taste. As long as we're really staying sensative and aware of what's going on musically, our choices for "how much/how little and when" will come across as somewhat musical.

[@jmfs3497]

I love this sport. So much comes into play. My number one observation is the spectrum. Finding my natural sweet spot, and then exploring the spectrum. Loud/Soft, Fast/Slow, Linear/Parallel, Melodic/Harmonic, Loose/Tight, Tense/Relaxed, etc. It's never perfect, but I love it.

[@drumqtips]

Hot and Cold. Nice and scary. I like that way of looking at life. Thanks for sharing!

[@parkersibley1619]

Another great video Prof Davis! I’ve never asked any of my teachers over the years, but I’d be curious about your thoughts on being able vs unable to teach touch? I had a teacher put on “Ahmad Jamal Live at the Pershing” and that was the only touch lesson I’ve ever had.

[@drumqtips]

Funny you should mention this Parker. I was just working on this today in my improv class of only drummers. It's definitely hard to "teach" it but I've figured out ways of tricking students to play with more touch.

[@joewar-booker5485]

Hi Mr. Davis 🥁!!!! Thank you...

[@drumqtips]

My please Joe Book!

[@TannerGodwin-w2k]

Man, about posture, i JUST learned that my body mapping has been wrong my whole life. I was bending at the lower back to sit up rather than at my hips. This was even true when i would try to touch my toes. Making sure im bending the femur and hips while keeping my lower back straight to sit at the throne fixed my balanace issues on the kit and removed a lot of tension from my thighs, of all places. It also fixed my overall posture. And i can touch my toes now :) - Tanner G

[@drumqtips]

That's amazing! Glad you "straightened up", otherwise the cops woulda put you in the slammer for...I think it's 4.5 years, or maybe 8.5. Can't remember🤣🤣🤣

[@scotthartman6440]

Thanks Q! Mia Culpa - Time, form, and musicianship. These are my curent focus. However, there is one item you have yet to mention that will mean a long long sentence for those that are caught: Not watching your youTube channel!

[@tomcarr4630]

Thanks for the kind mention! Great comments. Ironically, I was playing paradiddles on my leg during the entire video. Drum exercise for the hands and mind simultaneously.😄

[@drumqtips]

Boom! You can get a lot of work done "mindlessly" practicing. Glad I could entertain you during your leg shed T 🚗:)

[@tomcarr4630]

@@drumqtips 😄

[@JoelCarbonellGonell]

Great video Quincy! As always! I adhere to the "Both-And" mentality where I think that a lot of things have their place in the right moment or situation! (I learnt that "Moto" on a Dan Weiss IG story). The habit I broke recently was to listen "blindly" to people who told me what to do or not do! Now I listen, but then I decide based on my knowledge!

[@drumqtips]

That's VERY smart! Listen and learn from people but then figure out what that means TO YOU. That's a very mature level of learning. Merci for sharing that JCG!

[@JoelCarbonellGonell]

@@drumqtips 🙏🙏🙏 thanks to you!!

[@qsviewsrpgs4571]

A lot of great advice here to be sure. Many thanks to all that shared their wisdom.

[@drumqtips]

Glad it was helpful!

[@c.l.4895]

Dynamics, listening, not overplaying etc. most of these bad habits are necessary for all musicians not just drummers!

[@drumqtips]

True!

[@michaelstevens8]

Outstanding Video as Always Quincy. On the subject of Developing an Original Style, I'm always reminded of the advice given by Trumpet/Flugelhorn player and Educator Clark Terry, and this applies to any Instrument or Genre. "First, you must Imitate. Then, you must Emulate. Then, you can Innovate. " Thanks.

[@drumqtips]

That's it Mike! Thanks for sharing. Mr. Terry was spot on with that.

[@russellesimonetta9071]

Great lesson today. My biggest pet peave is misunderstanding the age old advise to learn how to listen! It,s hugely important but doesn't,t mean you accompany. Always grab time and key on the bass player. You don t adjust the time or feel to other player solo,s . Some people play relaxed and free some like to push the heck out of it. Don,t follow. Hold down the fort. You drive the bus or ride on it.

[@drumqtips]

Great advise Russ! It's a hard mentality to take on but it's required of us drummers. When we doing drive the bus, the band suffers. Thanks for sharing!

[@davidbrown9395]

Cute. Helpful. BTW, having trouble with K hats. Beautiful tone ,but a bit heavy to control -thoughts?

[@drumqtips]

Have them shaved down a bit to make them thinner. Lots of artisans who could do that very easily.

[@ritabrooks9059]

Hi Q! I will add When on the gig never smiling or looking like you don't want to be there.

[@drumqtips]

That's a good one Ms. Rita! I mentioned that one in last week Boring Drummer Habits video. That's a terrible offense that deserves a lengthy sentence🤣🤣. Hope you're well!

[@davidbrown9395]

Perhaps a lesson on dynamics at low volume. EG stick sound in a duo or trio in a living room size space

[@drumqtips]

Good idea Davey!

[@davidbrown9395]

daVID if you please . I will start my 80th year soon. grateful thanks to you for your responses.

[@drumqtips]

Joe Book!! 💪🏾💪🏾

[@brewstergallery]

Spanish nutty Ned sayin these are all so necessary to keep us outta jail and thank you for the heads up. I got one for the non drummers, stop tuning while I'm checking out MY set up you'll get your turn in a minute and don't rush me neither. Love to you Quincy and all the family.

[@drumqtips]

Yeah! Don't rush brother Ned while he's getting his kit right. Good point Nutman! Hope you're good.

[@brewstergallery]

The wife and I are just fine but worried a bit over all the crazy weather in the US, Great video as always and I must say I was red faced with a couple of the "violations" but will do my best to change my wicked ways before I get into trouble. @@drumqtips

[@JerryAttric42]

I didn't hear anything about overly long solos!

[@drumqtips]

Shoot! That one really needed to be mentioned to cut down on the hundreds of drummers who will be caught off guard in the middle of their long ass solo from getting tased and arrested by local authorities. Well, sometimes you gotta learn the hard way🤣🤣🤣

[@coconutandrus4944]

Enjoyed hearing others opinions. Thanks

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@sharethefootage1088]

Bad habit to break: Not having the correct response when told you're too loud. Here tis... How loud 'can' drums go? 11, right? Ok, play a rocking Stones or Beatles song on your guitar or keys. Turn your amp to 11. Now play very quietly, just by gently hitting your strings or keys...while sounding and feeling like you're rocking the heck out. That's what it feels like drumming gently to a song that demands some feels. Or just say we need to pick quieter songs!

[@drumqtips]

Fresh perspective. Thanks for sharing!

[@_Jake.From.Statefarm_]

For me.. There is a double edged sword. It's not learning your rudiments (esp on time) but also relying on them. A lot of drummers learn by ear, some by theory, but ultimately end up in the same place at some point in time. They are sticking patterns, great for muscle memory and getting specific sounds. Your playing should be able to come from your imagination and be fluently translated. You can play the same notations on a single stroke roll as you can on a double. It does give you freedom of expression though. Don't waste it on a section just because you're working on paradiddlediddles.

[@drumqtips]

Excellent point Jake From Statefarm! Btw, can I get your autograph!?🤣🤣

[@ddrumcorner4682]

Another banger here Quincy!😅 Hmmm idk man...I think I agree with Rory..hope I got that name right. I feel like practice should be intentional...a warm up is one thing but tv for practice? I disagree there 😅. Maybe this one really is subjective but if my mind is off I see it as "performing", not practicing.

[@drumqtips]

Wow! I've never had one of my videos be called a banger. I'm honored! 🤣🤣🤣 Yeah, everyone has a different approach for practicing that works for them. So we gotta do what works for us. That's all that really matters. Good to hear from you as always!

[@eduardzizak1178]

Thanks. Very good one 🔥

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching!

[@jonathan6604]

Damn, feeling called out regarding the PJJ hi-hat crash on 4 lol! That’s a tough habit to kill! Edit: It sounds damn good when the OG does it though

[@drumqtips]

You are so right! Somehow, we never tire of it when he does it. Maybe that’s because he invented it but we admirers of must handle with care.

[@markscountlessbarks]

Love this Q!! Now we perfectionists can be MORE neurotic, lol! No really, great idea and food for thought.

[@drumqtips]

Right on Markie! Thanks for watching my man.

[@batteurgroove4155]

I like your videos but... You've got a problem that you have to fix. Take that Tama fixation off of your ride and put a normal screw bolt to get it tight. Your up tempo will love it 😉

[@drumqtips]

No way! No Tama obsession (though of course I love Tama:). I actually prefer when my cymbals wave up and down to the crowd freely when I'm floating on it:) I'm exaggerating of course but you get it. But I know some drummers like Bill Stewart and my teacher Billy Hart (and sounds like you too) like to have their cymbals clamped down. That doesn't work for me. Everyone has their preferences.

[@batteurgroove4155]

@@drumqtips Crashes are Always wavy of course, but the control of the rebound on the ride isn't so good when it's wavy. But if you like it that wau okay 😉👍

[@Nachtdwaler]

Checking out this list, I'm getting 25 to life for sure if they catch me.

[@drumqtips]

Damn! I tried to save you but I came to late. Hopefully the fam will visit you🤣🤣🤣

[@abramolivas8040]

Interested to hear from all y'all drummers the top bad habits bassists need to break!

[@drumqtips]

Ha! That would be a great video Abram. Hmmmm...maybe I should do this will all instruments. You got me thinking. Hope you're well my man!

[@abramolivas8040]

@@drumqtipsI'm all for it! I gotta make a trip up to the school soon, see all the faculty and the new performance spaces

[@williamkleitsch1153]

If these misdemeanors and high crimes were enforced Buddy Rich would be a lifer.

[@drumqtips]

Will! What are you talking about. Buddy Rich was "connected". The cops couldn't touch him🤣🤣🤣

[@williamkleitsch1153]

@@drumqtips so you agree! He is guilty but protected!

[@isaacleedrums]

Hahahahaha !!!!! Stop the needless imprisonment of terrible drummers!!!! I hear a siren near my studio…I gotta go!!

[@drumqtips]

Damn, and another drummer hits the dust. Hope you got out on bail at least🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@isaacleedrums]

@@drumqtips Thanks! I'm out on bail but I have an ankle metronome and i have to attend meetings with a rhythm group.

[@davidbrown9395]

What to DO about posture, concentration and awareness: Stretch. Meditate. Be sure your seat height balances and centers your weight. Brain cannot help to use some of its energy and focus on balance--- you will be robbed of concentration and coordination without proper seating.

[@drumqtips]

Spot on D Brown👍🏾

[@renedayzdrums]

Thank you, 3:14 🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻🤟🏻🔥

[@drumqtips]

Thank YOU my man! Glad you enjoyed the silly video. Can't wait to win the best actor Oscar🤣🤣

[@uriahcaraalvillar6445]

Definitely Oscar worthy

[@drumqtips]

You’re the only person who’s told me that. I’m so touched🙏🏾. Keep your eyes out for me on the silver screen coming to town near you🤣🤣🤣

[@stephencaton6419]

switched off at 2.18............painfull

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for the 2:18 anyway.

[@rawtwhylahthadrummer6256]

18 years in jail for not knowing Chick Webb is GOLD 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@drumqtips]

Should be longer 🤣🤣🤣

[@drumsleuth]

Hey Quincy this one is great and funny.Also drummers need to stop playing naked.

[@drumqtips]

Lots of naked drummers in jail in 2024 my man. The tide is turning🤣🤣🤣

[@markscountlessbarks]

EXCESSIVE COWBELL???? Never. I got a fever,...

[@drumqtips]

🤣🤣🤣

[@jkd432]

Rushing tempo through fills.

[@drumqtips]

Wow! That's a BIG one. Thanks for sharing.

[@josefinacupido9872]

Thats me!!!!!😢

[@drumqtips]

🤣🤣🤣

[@insanedrummer89]

Haha highly entertaining

[@drumqtips]

Glad you thought so my man because I definitely had a ball doing it!

[@BobSchoepenjr]

So funny 😂

[@drumqtips]

Glad I could make you laugh a little:)

[@g.eorgios5702]

you forgot one drummer habit that we all should stop: not hating the police.

[@drumqtips]

Right on but I don’t think that’s a habit limited to just drummers.