The All Inclusive Practice Routine Every Drummer Should Follow

Grab the in-depth practice routine PDF, complete with every exercise & example plus extra tips for success. Do yourself a favor and download it. It’s FREE!
the-non-glamorous-drummer.myk...
If you’ve been practicing and practicing and making no progress… This video is for you. I’ll show you a specific practice routine to use that leads to serious growth, even if you only have 30 minutes each day to practice. You can do this! The trick isn’t knowing WHAT to practice. It’s knowing HOW to practice. Once you know the right approach to an exercise you already know, you start making rapid progress and new growth without actually learning anything new. When you apply this mindset to everything you’re already practicing (plus a new thing or two), you start getting consistent growth on the drums every day. This practice routine is simple, and it just contains 3 parts. But don’t leave out any one of these 3 parts if you want to achieve professional, well-rounded skills. Have fun!
I believe that ANYONE can learn the drums, and I believe you’re far more capable of becoming a great drummer than you think you are. Don’t sell yourself short! SUBSCRIBE for more Non Glamorous videos that get straight to the point of solving drumming frustration. Stay Non Glamorous, Everyone!
→ Learn ANY Song by Ear in 60 Minutes Without Using Drum Tabs or Video Tutorials | Download my FREE, 23p. PDF guide, “5 Steps to Learning Any Song in Under an Hour.” the-non-glamorous-drummer.myk...
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Contact me here at my email! I’m not always able to reply to comments on KZbin, but I’ll always reply to any question you send to my email. I look forward to hearing from you!
[e-mail]

[@sccdrum93]

→ KNOW WHAT TO PRACTICE! Build 4-way independence, Grip your sticks for speed & fluidity, and Reach your musical goals with the FREE e-guide, “The 3-Part Daily Practice Routine.” www.thenonglamorousdrummer.com/the-3-part-daily-practice-routine

[@sifugurusensei]

Hi stephen. I've been having this problem with stick grip for years. What happens is that the sticks gradually away from the fulcrum as I'm playing it? Is that a common problem? How can I fix that

[@lftnbrand]

Thank you for taking the time to create a really thoughtful and thorough resource for those getting started on drums. Luckily I know a little theory to read the notations. The only thing I would add is a refresh page on how to read drum sheet music. Other than that this was perfect. I hope all is well and you keep on rocking 💯✊🏾❤️

[@anon_opensource]

@@sifugurusensei What pops up in my mind is either you get used to repositioning the stick as it moves, or I used years ago... a rubber mesh (on a roll) that you can wrap around your stick to grip better

[@BangNiceShot]

Hi, how can I get the 17page pdf guide?

[@fallasies]

hii. i don't usually leave comments because i'm shy to do so. but i just wanted to express how much i appreciate your generosity in sharing all these tips. i am starting to take practice more seriously now (making it a point to do dedicate time to it daily) because i've decided to pursue it professionally. and i hope one day (in the far future i guess) i'll also be able to contribute to the drumming community and inspire others just as how you are right now. i just received access to your practice guide and i'm really stoked about it and i just wanted to say thanks. also hope to be part of the $29/m membership (when i'm financially able to) soon so that i can support you and your channel. sry for such a long comment. just saying thankss

[@larrydicus7822]

Thank god. Finally a lesson for people in a time crunch most days.

[@Heathensrule]

Umm, Stephen is the one who created this lesson. Thank Stephen! 🤙

[@RafikGRizkallah]

that was clear

[@gickygackers]

@@Heathensrule literally chill dude, that's what he said

[@roffee]

@@gickygackers He thanked God lol

[@blazed00796]

Ya right, 5 books later

[@sensorialstraw3155]

You say "what" the same way stewie says "whip"

[@jrafferty1954]

Wheat Thins

[@ryanbrokenshire]

Glamorous pronunciation of "w".

[@bjornesping4876]

Saying hwat hwierd brian?

[@yo_asian_boi1424]

cool hwip

[@bensmitt7088]

@@yo_asian_boi1424”ok that one doesn’t even have a H in it..!” 😂😂😂😂😂

[@morrismorris6912]

I'm surprised this is exactly the way my teacher is driving my learning process. You made me realize I'm in good hands. I can slowly feel the improvement but totally works.

[@Skradgee]

11:07 Best tip ever: When you can’t practice, just listen and learn! 👂

[@joelstephenson8017]

THIS

[@woozihae]

That's what I do when I'm separate with my instruments 😂😂. Like if they're at a different place for some reason and I really wanna play so I just listen and learn like I have my instrument with me😂

[@256k_]

this really reminded me not to rush and really focus on the fundamentals. i guess this can happen without a dedicated teacher, once can rush through practices and levels and miss out on the core fundamentals. almost makes me want to seek out a dedicated teacher.... but im 37 years old and only learning drums as a hobby

[@Will-Iam-INFJ]

I spent $1200 US on a Drumeo lifetime membership. I honestly believe I’ve gained more from watching your free online content. Wish I could have paid you the $1200 for remote lessons instead. I support every video of yours I watch and pray God blesses your family, your friends, and your self. Sincerely, thank you friend.

[@davidkruszewski9865]

started 3 weeks ago and been practicing every day for 1 hr but didn't realize I was missing little things like this thanks man

[@theglasshouseproject9645]

Did you keep going?

[@thenodrumdrummer2923]

You’re the wisest and most concise drummer on youtube I’ve found so far. Most of the other “practice guides” I come across are some jackasses playing 180bpm chops for 30 seconds, and then saying, “Alright, your turn!”. All the while they have the goofiest sound effects and editing and off topic BS. I appreciate it, new sub.

[@thezayofzays6802]

LMAO, the "your turn" part of those videos always ticks me off.

[@mikepalmer2219]

I really appreciate your videos. My grand daughters are learning the drums now and I am learning with them. I played around on the drums some as a teen just playing by ear to songs but now I have a lot more interest in all the proper ways to really learn the drums. Thanks again for these videos.

[@bane1240]

As a 54yr old who has nvr had a drum lesson in my life but has always had a drive to want to learn how to play, this advice makes a ton of sense. I am subscribed and looking forward to applying these techniques as I dive into learning to drum! 🥁 Thanks!

[@Mauriceh1984]

Awesome, i'm going to use this for my practice! I've been feeling like just screwing around instead of really learning. I hope this will help me get bettter, thanks! Keep up the awesome work, love your channel

[@douglasstraight3648]

Great lesson advice. Good choice of books. I love your style of learning, Stephen. Slow and precision so important. Right on.

[@essbee2316]

This is one of the best videos I have seen for a practice routine and in turn “mastering” the drums. Thanks very much Stephen 👍

[@innerstrengthcheck]

This is amazing. I just started drums after years of guitar and bass and this is applicable to any musical routine. Also given drums aren't my main instrument, I love that you give an opportunity to work quickly but also effectively. Thank you!

[@ILikeWafflz]

This video is pretty much exactly what I've always done, but I didn't know if it was the right way to go about it because I saw so much about practice routines and rudiments that I had no patience for; I thought I'd end up having difficulties later, but I guess impatience pays off sometimes! In reality though, my single biggest obstacle was the constant nagging thought that I'd be driving people nuts with the noise; I saw a _massive_ boost in progress when we moved out to a ranch.

[@sxcdekj6155]

Thank you!! I have always been a self taught kind of person and this has been really helpful! 🤗💗✨

[@illdrew818]

Thank you for this video. First time viewer and liked the way you explain things so clearly and easy to follow. Looking forward to more of your videos. Subscribed and liked!

[@Bcwilderness]

considering we get into drumming because of music to tie it all together so that the compressors on those records are not doing all the heavy lifting, its good a rounded drummer understands how to control internal dynamics too, that way drumming can breathe, aka soft parts loud parts closed hats verse open chorus, tip of the ride and driving the bell, thinking musically and velocity, harder to master on headphones, but this is how those records we adore are made, and something ive grown to love about drumming after 30 plus years feeling my way through from ginger baker through copeland to benny g and garska, they all got internal dynamics down, great vid

[@davidgomersall7185]

Just downloaded the pdf, really helpful. I've been working through Ted Reed "Syncopation" as a way of learning to read notation. Such a good book!

[@LeeHutchingsdrumsUK]

Hey, Stephen. Thanks for inspiring me to focus more on my technique. I've downloaded the PDF and will try it out immediately.

[@carpathianhermit7228]

Finally looking into lessons this video is appreciated you can only go so far through instinct and ears 🤣 got to grade 3 in school then hadn't touched the kit in a few years. Always had a passion for music, I'm pretty much never not listening to music and through a mushroom experience listening to black Sabbath I returned to the drums. Last few years all I've been doing is listening and jamming to music, emulating and adding my own stuff. Of course in order to become more technical you need to learn techniques which I haven't really done, well I have just self taught. My methods been good for being comfortable on the drums and being able to jam well but I'm gonna start watching plenty of video's to broaden my arsenal. Have been stagnant for the past 8 months

[@probablyalex]

Really good video! I’ll be giving these a go. I definitely feel like I’ve stalled in my progress hoping this helps

[@vacuna6636]

Your channel is great. Good content and good perspective about drumming. Greeting from Guatemala

[@miniuzi10]

This video has helped me so much. Thank you Stephen!

[@DrumsEngineering]

Super cool! Its helping a lot to follow these tips! thank you!

[@MissTiffMischief]

My band instructor, Mr. Naylor, always said "practice doesn't make perfect; PERFECT practice makes perfect." That was 35 years ago!

[@michaelangeloturtle4705]

Some inavailable advice , nicely done. Delivered like a true instructor, "Props Homie"!!! Gonna go grab the pdf now. 👍✌️ 🤜🤛

[@paulyoung4781]

I like you,your so good at explaining these things about the kit,makes me understand what u are on about thank god finally!!!

[@thenodrumdrummer2923]

Dude, I’ve learned a crap ton watching your videos!

[@chriso216]

You’re a great teacher. Thanks for the lessons!

[@stixnfeet7818]

Such a nice presentation of the How What & Why in addition to practical tips..just discovered. Subscribed!

[@richiebonomo133]

You’re the man for making this free

[@jessdrummer_]

This is a great drum lesson. One of the most important. And in the case you still dont get it... it is not about what, it is abbout HOW! :D go to practice fella!

[@SwordCymbal79]

Wow. Great content. Amazing job!

[@andretempler]

I've had 10 years of piano lessons and 5 years of singing lessons from age 7-17. There was a special routine that my teacher used that I'm complementing to the drums. It is very similar to what you explain. We started up with warming up fingers and getting them loose for 2 minutes. Then we started with technique, which meant scales. Always one of 21 C, C#, Cb, D, D#, Db, E, E#, Eb and so on and the notes that are inside that scale. Let's say C is C D E F G A H C. No #'s and b's.. There I played simple scale up and down, seperately then both hantods. Than playing chopped chords, sep. and both again, then full chords and all this. 6 different technique practices. Then came notes, first writing notes to letters then letters to notes, then identifying notes in songs he chose randomly, then he played notes and I had to guess which it was. Then identifying randomly chosen signs in note sheets of whole songs. Then we started going through all 5 songs that I was learning and practicing at that time. From 1-5 it was always one newer to one I almost knew already. He corrected my mistakes, gave grades on how I seemingly evolved from last time if I had practiced and he would always notice if not. And in the end I was "allowed" to improvise and play whatever or something I myself composed. That was the weekly, 2 hour music lesson and I practiced daily. Almost made it to a Music college but my school grades weren't good enough even though my entrance examination was very good. Now I transformed that to my drum routine. First warming fingers, then different techiques, then notes, then songs, then improvisation.. I do this self teaching lesson that takes 2 hours, 2 1/2 with break 3 times a week and on the other days I just play songs and improvisation. It works for me!

[@mustanggt2781]

Thanks man, good tips!

[@richardohenry354]

You are a great teacher, I really need your help so I can play kool stuff on the drums 🥁 like you

[@Stellifant]

I like this a lot. It’s all aimed at the most important thing; making music!

[@maxigalera]

This is awesome, thank you very much!

[@patrickdubois7692]

Very nicely done!!

[@OneEyedDrummerTDHE]

Ive been playing for 15 years and nothing more is important then a solid foundation in my last band i strayed from it for far too long. Now its time to reinforce my foundation!

[@modernmusicstudio303]

Just because you run through things a few times doesn't mean you practiced correctly. It's good to slow down focus on different techniques as you go. Great lesson! There's a book called "The lesson" that also speaks a lot of practicing fro a different perspective.

[@paradiddle5150]

Congrats on 100k Stephen!

[@HugoStiglitz88]

Also if you're big on double bass, use the stick control book for your feet. Makes a huge difference

[@samseven5260]

Good info. Used to play pro, got sick, moved, havent played x 7 years and NOW have opportunity to play in a great studio with great players. Used to play thought free... the magic zone. Going to try your tips AND play along with five diverse grooves... in particular, I think Jeff Porcaro tunes are a perfect start for reconstucting a fried brain. Slow but sure. Kind of amazing how quickly it comes back! Keep the faith brothers. Thoughts?

[@shirleymorrow7674]

Thank you, Stephen.

[@Xeno7241]

I gotta say, after seeing the PDF you really put work into this stuff. Thanks man.

[@agneserakovska8325]

Can you please send me the pdf file? Because I can not download it. The page shows that "this site is unreachable". 😔

[@Piatic]

same as the other guy. the site just says "unreachable. tried both of his links.

[@To0Aw3s0m3]

See this is great! I need something that teaches me the very basics and how to improve. So many guides are like "just do these rudiments and you will be better". But HOW do I do these rudiments? What should I keep an eye out for? How do I know I'm doing them right? This guide is super helpful. Thank you!

[@julianasofiagalindoarenaza4989]

nice video, thank you!

[@komagank631]

Thanks Stephen...waiting for the pdf/video

[@adamfink8958]

Wow man... everything I was looking for in one video... Let's give it a go! I'm gonna tell KZbin to pay you 4x for this video :)

[@jeusu.m]

Im an amature drummer , never learned proprley Jhst playing from the inside . Really helpful video technique is evrything afterall

[@RamaVetury]

Thank you so much from a beginner drummer...

[@MrTooVaLoo]

thanks alot for an eye-opener

[@bpmcmanson8701]

My drum teacher always told me "practice doesn't make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect" if you practice all the time but u practice wrong you are doing yourself a disservice, u have to practice perfectly, pretty much the same as he describes in the beginning of the video

[@officialbennya7616]

Thank you Mr Clark

[@Bradpit_CompanyBlogs]

Learn a lot from you thank you sir.

[@matthyder5131]

Man you got some lucky students dude. Wish I had this when i started many moons ago :)

[@Renejames1117]

Thank you! Super helpful 🥁

[@melaniehaefner5981]

Thanks Stephen!

[@DamianS1893]

Appreciate you Stephen

[@mehdikaroui5386]

Great video thanks !

[@DangiaWild]

Very cool, great work!

[@paulrogers7067]

Thanks for your help appreciated

[@lorrainemaeasperga5624]

Thank God, I can now practice drums first in basic. 😇🤗

[@jasdog]

Thanks!!!

[@cantonak.3007]

Great stuff man

[@shyintrovert9599]

I have a drum set and i know my way around it but ive social anxiety and i freeze up when i play and go away from it (i know i picked a great instrument😭) any advice about how to get out of the beginner awkward stage? Thanks for making this video👍 (thanks so much to the people who commented and gave me advice💖)

[@zairaivanna2271]

Hey! I started playing drums when my social anxiety was at its peak. I could give you "tips", but the truth is that they are not as helpful when compared to tackling anxiety in general. I know it's hard and it sucks, but my life and my drumming have improved a lot since I overcome it. For playing alone, try to silence your kit or get an electronic one. People will hear you less and they won't know what you are actually playing when it all sounds muffled. Also, just deal with it head-on. As awkward as I was, I went to lessons and I was very clumsy and shy in front of the teacher because I didn't know how to play, but you only get better by playing. And keep in mind that people don't care as much about what you do as you think. I know it's hard to believe, it took me a while, but it's true. And when you understand it you will feel a weight off your shoulders :)

[@SagaContinu]

Keep trying! Everyone gets self-conscious and drums is one of the loudest instruments. My recommendation is to sit down at the drums and for the first 5 minutes play as badly as you possibly can. Your goal is to play terribly for 5 minutes and endure the anxiety. Then afterwards you can start your session and practice what you are going to work on. The reason this will work is that instead of sitting down and trying to sound good and worrying you sound bad you do the opposite. Sit down and play badly and therefore you are facing your fears head on. Good luck and remember just like you can learn to improve your skills on an instrument, you can train your ability to face your fears.

[@wickedlee664]

Drink.

[@seanf1ynn]

Hi Stephen, I'm going to adapt this approach intill I've nailed my singles, doubles and paradiddles. My only concern is I know in terms of speed, I usually hit a wall. When this happens ( let's say on my doubles), is it a change in technique to obtain higher speeds or, Focused practice ? Thanks for all the content, fantastic work !!!

[@terabellecomet]

HELP THE PDF LINK DOESN'T WORK

Really useful your video! I'll subscribe!

[@seromaisrael641]

Think I missed the PDF part; anyone knows how I can access it?!

[@Comisch1]

Bought the first two books for 15€ total on ebay :) Thanks for the recommendation 👍👍

[@BlackThreadDev]

Hi Stephen. Would you recommend any practice (routine) apps? Which do you use while practicing?

[@shanedogg6742]

Best teacher

[@pushkinchakraborty665]

Thank you

[@sandeepkandya835]

Sir wisdom of the ages "HOW" is important then "WHAT" THanks sir

[@man66iac]

Cool, man. Respect from guitarist

[@blujay9191]

Right on the money with the Ted Reed book. Only your imagination limits how it can be used. To be honest, I usually just use the figures on the cover and don't even open the book.

[@gitarman666]

Cool I bought the kit, where do I buy that coordination stuff?

[@silkroad1201]

The best way to practice any instrument is drills (exercises). It gets your dexterity and muscle memory in order and doesn't get you stuck on one beat or riff that you'll consciously try to add to everything you play

[@mattalxdr]

Shoutout to Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer! Amazing book

[@PROTSHNEKI]

God bless your, or whoever is capable of blessing you

[@robvandervelden3271]

From holland; long time drumming, ....but always struggle with combined fills between 2 toms, snare and kick. Mostly witch drummers use in solo’s or ending climax of a song. Is there something you have or can don on? Kind regards Rob

[@inksashawn]

Came for the drum tips, stayed for the whens and whys sir 🥂🤌🏻

[@lisuardo5280]

Vale compare! I'm from Chile

[@gypsijo]

🤟🏼awesome topic ...cuz i'm sure stuck 🤔

[@rhombusMN]

tried to download the practice routing with 2 different email account but never got the confirmation email. Any other way I can get this?

[@ItsBriiiiii]

Best practice method is combining all of the major facets at once. I don't agree picking one thing a day and working on it, that's slow and limiting. Build a routine that combines everything including dynamics, creativity, and other aspects not mentioned here. The only caveat is time signatures, if you only have 30 minutes I'd suggest picking one and sticking with it. But every day try something else...9/8, 3/4, 6/8, 11/8 on and on.

[@craigcaines885]

who is the "favorite band" that you mentioned? curious : )

[@ChristianCamarena]

Hey Stephen, thanks for all your work, I had a question about hand speed. I feel like I’m still a little stiff. Been using your techniques to strengthen and speed up my fingers but I feel like I’m missing something by not using my arms. If drumming is about being relaxed and using your whole body, why are some tips you have for using arms to influence the speed of fingers and wrists? My doubles just feel stiff right now

[@miscellaneousmusic2149]

Hey I know I’m not Stephen but I had the same problem a couple moths back. My tip is to learn the Moler technique and holding the sticks looser it’ll take some time to get down but you’ll get there. Hope that helps

[@ChristianCamarena]

@@miscellaneousmusic2149 thanks. I'll check the technique out

[@matteoceccherini7810]

My teacher make me grip with my little finger rather that Thumb and index finger. Because It prevents any kind of joint pain.

[@walterkempbruce4907]

The idea that everyone has the time to sit at a drum kit every day is what most surprises me

[@mashcigar]

How do you get these exercises from the books into your computer, do you have to scan them into PDF or do you enter them yourself into a notation program?

[@nickmilo932]

Both ways are valid... Scanning is definitely easier.

[@myYouTubeChannel31]

Where you get your books? My great great great great great great great great great grandpa

[@sloggothband]

I've got the hwat? A good HWAT?

[@shanewise7625]

Just FYI, the guy box for the whole thing without showing you this routine. You can download the PDF if you give him your information. You will agree to be on his mailing list. Fair enough, as this guy is great! But the title probably should have read something like: Watch my 12-minute video then go to the link and give me your email and you can download my PDF that will show you my practice routine. If you can read music.

[@johnsagsveen8238]

Practice makes permanent