The Biggest Rock Drumming Myths

Faster Hands & Feet (in 10 days)
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(Registration for the Rock Drumming Masterclass is now closed)
When Todd Sucherman was in our studio for the making of the Rock Drumming Masterclass, we asked him to come up with three common myths among drummers (which especially apply to rock music). Todd will discuss myths regarding how to strike the drums and cymbals, the makeup of your own drum kit, and what skills you actually need (and which ones you don't need to obsess over) to proficiently play rock music.
What are some other myths that you want to be dispelled among drummers? Leave a comment below...

[@code_monkey_steve]

"Grant me the groove to play the simple parts, the chops to play the complex parts, and the wisdom to know the difference"

[@beatlesrgear]

Well said, Steve! You're spot on! :)

[@69rimshot]

I am so stealing this. Thank you.

[@wayne3340]

I'd rather hear Kenny Jones play Rush, than Neil Peart play The Who.

[@scottmckenna9164]

Kudos Steve, I copied down your quote based on the 12 step serenity prayer. I may repeat it each time I sit down to play. Thank you!

[@brendanmcg8566]

Nice

[@LautaroQ2812]

"If you can't make it on a 4 piece kit, getting more is not gonna help" Amen

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I'm not sure about thaaat. Let's not be too hasty here...lol

[@TupDigital]

Yep- buying a Ferrari isn't gonna make a shitty driver a good one

[@archangelvisrael2293]

@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 yeah.. shut up.. mediocre

[@gaboogablah]

I don't know how many times I've told people they don't need beat the crap out of the drums and cymbals. You get more different sounds and range of sounds playing like a normal person.

[@MiamiMike638]

I remember in the early-mid-70s, a drum instructor said just what you mentioned. He used Peter Chris as an example. Having more drums doesn't make you a better drummer. It makes you a better showman but not a better drummer. His point being the massive kits are for show. It's cool for the audience to look at

[@caffeineadvocate]

"I don't need a big kit. I want a big kit." :)

[@MrAffeman]

A friend of mine has a big kit... sort of. When I first met him his kit was Tama Imperial Star, 16" front tom and two 18" floor toms. Bass drum was 24". Sitting at his kit, this 16 inch big ass tom right in front of me was just nuts. He changed it later to an 18" tom and the floor toms went up to 20" not to mention the bass drum who stepped up to 28"... specially made for him, on top of that there are 5 crashes 18", and of course, a 24" ride. The only "normal" thing is the snare, everything else is supersized. Oh, he did ask me if it was possible to change the front tom to a 20" but I didn´t support that considering the weight of it all, and the special construction that has to be made in order to have a "small" bass drum as a tom... the floor toms would then be 22" and I was then completely out of words, how do you respond to that?? Go to the optician? Funny guy...

[@matthewdavis7674]

@arthur kitchen I strongly disagree with this statement

[@lukecovey8406]

arthur kitchen's musical theory comes from his dedicated study of Nickelback.

[@FanaticDrummer]

Honestly, small kits in rock just get SO boring. Same sounds, all the time, every song. Look at Warped Tour lol... God awful

[@holeesheet2021]

@arthur kitchen sure, whatever you say, pal. Pathetic, uh, sure....

[@TruthAndMoreTruth]

"You don't need a big kit". I'd say adding a few more cymbals before adding more toms is more useful and practical.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

Depends. You can't really do Hotel California without some small, high tuned toms of some kind (2). Don't really need more than a ride, an 18 crash or so and an old, corroded half a high-hat for a small China/crash.

[@GrandNebSmada]

@@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823 I play Hotel California regularly on a 4 piece kit and nobody has ever complained.

[@conradpons9238]

I'm 63, I started when I was 8, and what you said, took me a life time to learn. Man I wish there were these types of videos when I was a youth. I still love to play drums and I don't feel crusty but I do feel wiser about the instrument. Love it, Mr.Todd.👍👍👍👍👍

[@thrustkicktkd841]

I started at 63 and I really suck but everything Todd says is true. I find that his wisdom and guidelines would be true of my profession of 42 years which had nothing to do with music. You get smarter and more efficient with age. Flair gives way to flavor...

[@millatym04]

I’ve seen so many drummers that were technically good, but had no “feel”. People that play crazy fills and flare that don’t belong. He nailed it.

[@BiggieTrismegistus]

Groove is seriously underrated by some people.

[@beatlesrgear]

@@BiggieTrismegistus When I listen to music that's come out in the past 10 years, I don't hear much groove at all. The drum parts sound like they were played by emotionless, sterile robots.

[@BiggieTrismegistus]

@@beatlesrgear Judging from your name I'm guessing you're a Beatles fan. I get so pissed when I read people slag off Ringo Starr. Was he the best technical drummer? Of course not but that doesn't mean he wasn't great. Sometimes it's not about how fast your double bass work is and more about how well you groove and enhance the song. Give me "basic" drummers like Ringo, Charlie Watts, Doug "Cosmo" Clifford, Al Jackson, etc. over all the technical wankery I hear too often nowadays. That's not to say that technique is a bad thing, of course, but sometimes it seems that technical playing overshadows tasteful playing in my opinion.

[@wayne3340]

I was always more concerned with doing the best job for the song, than trying to impress anybody.

[@wayne3340]

I went to a Terry Bozzio drum clinic/concert. He must have had the biggest kit in the world. So amazing technical. But boring as shit. I like good songs. Play in the pocket, what the song needs. I auditioned for a band once, and the guy before me was a way better drummer than me, but I new the songs. I showed up prepared...and got the gig. Those guys were better musicians than me, but I had a great attitude, was easy to work with, and we had lots of fun gigging.

[@davidshaffer434]

You definitely are on the same page as me. I've been playing drums since I was 16 . I'm 70 now. I've got a Ludwig 4 piece. Same kit Ringo used on the Ed Sullivan show back in 64. Still rocking.

[@jordiruiz4323]

My main influence as a drummer has always been Jeff Porcaro and what he said at the time "plays everything in all possible ways and stay with what works best and if what works best is the simplest, stay with the simplest" Words are still present in my head every time I sit down to the drums.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

I love Jeff. Didya notice he describes the Purdie half shuffle/Rosanna beat one way, then plays it differently? I was charmed. And pretty pleased I caught that :)

[@TruthAndMoreTruth]

"DRUM-NASTICS"! The best term I've ever heard.

[@fordespub]

Here's a myth ... You have to start young to become a great drummer! That better be just a myth, because I'm taking a stab at proving it wrong in my 50's!!

[@fflam1383]

Hell Yeah!!!

[@wjb111]

I started 3 years ago at 56 👍

[@byerlys93]

Just keep learning, no matter whether you’re a “beginner” or “expert”! Have fun with the journey, or it will be a short one.

[@rondeangelis7384]

Steven Forde distorts I started at 59. Learned a lot and always pushing forward. Todd’s truly a fantastic person.👍✌️

[@lukecovey8406]

I've been playing for about 15 years now, but I've been pretty lazy about it. Im pretty sure with a little talent and some dedicated practice, someone who really wanted to play could be at least as good as me in a couple of years. Good enough to get gigs.

[@jamesspikes3786]

I agree with you 100 % , I’m 71 and I have been playing since I was 16 . I play with a small 60’s and 70’s rock band and I love it . I kinda wish I would have pursued my drumming career a lot earlier in life but my family was not that wealthy to do this . At 71 I still love playing.

[@tomjones2348]

I love the way Todd articulates his concepts so clearing. Nothing left to interpretation.

[@javierperez_21]

The third point is what most drummers do not understand. Just leave crazy fills and complex rythms for the music that requires them, like Rush's progressive rock, but if you use them in music that requires a stable and strong rythmic base, they suck. Thanks for the video, I really like this kind of content.

[@chrisdrumz7]

Take notes RAY LUZIER

[@JeffPenaify]

Depends my favorite drummer is Kakashi from Toe if you never heard them its worth a listen the band does odd meter post rock stuff but very barebones with the bass playing on sparse beats. But the drummer is phenomenal and is very melodic in a sense even when the beat is a simple boom chak hes adding subtle ghost notes and rolls on the hats. The song 8.6 by Toe Id recommend as the perfect balance of absurd chops and a deep groove

[@DanielGlue]

You're very right! I'm a big fan of Simon Phillips and his Protocol albums (fusion / jazz rock) and I love the crazy songs and its odd meters. However, my favorite song from protocol is based upon a simple 4/4 groove, without any chops at all, named Moments of Fortune.

[@changgames4637]

Rush is my favorite band, and that's one of the biggest reasons why, they figured out a way to show their incredible talent by playing music that calls for it.

[@EthnHayabusa]

It works both ways. I have heard drummers trying to force minimalistic Steve Jordan type parts over syncopated, ornate, eclectic rock. That sucks just as bad as people trying to turn the Dixie Chicks into Virgil Donati.

[@sauravbahuguna3186]

At 2:25 you can see him spitting fire. Pun intended....

[@chipgaasche4933]

No...he's spitting spit!

[@SpiritualAlien]

I'm 70 years old. Been playing drums (rock primarily) for about 60 of those years. In the early days I was obsessed with developing my chops and with playing those chops as fast as possible on the most humungous kit I could afford. Leap ahead say 50 years - I now gig on a 5 piece kit and keep everything as simple as possible while enhancing the music I am supporting. I don't think I have ever sounded better or had more fun play drums in my life - and my band and studio colleagues also appreciate it . Yes - sometimes getting older (even for us drummers) can bring wisdom and clarity! Thanks Todd!

[@scottchandler5465]

About 6 years ago, my son and I attended a drum clinic in NH with Todd as the special guest (we both love STYX and have seen them many times). After his talk, he did autographs and while they wrapped up the clinic we were standing next to Todd and got a chance to talk with him. One of the nicest guys I ever met, friendly, humble and engaging, that night will be a lifelong memory. During the clinic, Todd shared these "rules" for behavior regarding gigs in particular but they really apply to any situation (I hope I got them right). 1) Be on time (or even better, early) 2) Be prepared (know and practice the music you’re going to play) 3) Make sure you have all the equipment you need 4) Complete the job 5) Make them happy you were there (for instance, be the guy who helps the guitarist move an amp) My son tries to apply those rules every time he starts a job.

[@alexcasta135]

I have to agree with him about smashing drums like all hell. I don’t have that luxury due to certain circumstances but even so when I’m off my td30 and on an acoustic set I have no issue getting volume off my instruments just by playing at a regular velocity.

[@SebastianSteber]

"If you can't make it on a four piece kit, more drums isn't going to help you." Write that down. Remember it. It's sage advice from a top tier professional drummer.

[@deal5245]

I always think of Matt Helders from the Arctic Monkeys and his tiny kit, definitely an inspiration, playing for a little more than a year now and almost all the songs I've learned was AM's because of Matt's creativity, almost all of the rock songs now feel boring, like I could play it with no problem, so now I'm also starting to learn some QotSA stuff, and It's so much fun

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

But more drums is fun and everyone loves to have fun, don't they? Errr...maybe not everyone I guess? I started on one drum and now I have 3. It is so much more fun.

[@terrencenbanbury5220]

@@EarthtonesCymbals are you bandmates having fun with you? That's more important.

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

@@terrencenbanbury5220 That is my sole motivation Terrance-fun. I always say, "If your not having fun, your doing something wrong." You can borrow that quote if you like.

[@joakimfranne8056]

*zooms in on his face* "YOU WANT FRUIT."

[@ferd1572]

Whenever I feel like my playing is getting rusty or out of hand, I come back to this video. I always get so inspired watching this! Thanks Todd:)

[@SKragseth]

Todd thank you for this! Your honesty is appreciated

[@eddyirons]

Dear Drumeo people, i would like to ask if it is possible to get Nicko McBrain to your studio. He plays a unique style and he is a gratuated drummer too. So it would be nice to hear as long as it is possible what he is telling us drummers. You can not denie, that he is playing for one of the greatest metal bands in history. He is currently living in Florida, so he is quite near to you :) Sincerely S.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

I am working on it. Cross your fingers that the stars align in 2019. - JF

[@harryvna]

@@DrumeoOfficial, best of luck, Jared. Hope you will make it 👍

[@sideoutside]

@@DrumeoOfficial Let him be the 1m subs reward. He'd love that! :)

[@norskov]

Sideoutside that would be awesome, as well as Vinnie C. as a 1m surprise!!

[@johnca45]

Yes. The only single bass drummer in HM, that I know of.

[@ILikeWafflz]

I'm really glad to hear that first one, because I've never been able to hit very "hard", and I spent a lot of time wondering if it was an ineptitude of mine after seeing many top players reaching to the ceiling on the arm swinging: during the highest volume of playing, my forearms max out at a roughly 45° angle, and my hand only travels about 8 inches during a crash stroke; it doesn't don't _look_ like I'm hitting hard, but I actually think it sounds just fine

[@johnknight9150]

Thank you for tip #1. My older brother, geez, made my kit sound like it cost 50 bucks and just about always broke something. The meathead.

[@scottboyne8305]

He's always been one of my favorite drummers. Such a nice and genuine guy

[@divinegracerecords]

Drumeo is the best and you guys have inspired me to create my channel and to pursue my love and passion for Music so thank you guys for the support in advance 🔥

[@nickferrence8593]

Thanks Todd for another great video. Your absolutely right in saying that the groove of the music must be there and playing the right part for the music is extremely important. I like playing a large kit for all the "voices" I can utilize but I'm going to start practicing on a much smaller kit to strengthen my chops.

[@emikui9998]

Very good lesson! Thank you Todd and Drumeo!

[@dillardfilth8933]

"Look at Ringo." - -Can I please just listen to him. 😭

[@alexandercardoso5504]

5:54 Sir you earned those sweet gold plated double kick peddles. I have Much respect for you, a great teacher. I got a lot out of this, Thanks!

[@tomfreeman3640]

I saw you guys play at Westbury, 1st row, and I told my 16yr old son to keep an eye in ur playing. Im 54 and have played since I was 10 yes old, and teaching my son to play. Watching you he was simply mesmerized!! Afterwards on the walk to the car I had to tell him "don't look at me, I haven't a clue how he does it". Thanks for an amazing show brother!!!

[@kellysrarerecords]

Fantastic video! Very respectful, accurate and useful perspectives Todd! Love the "right spices" analogy - perfect!! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with the rest of us - very motivating and reassuring!! Cheers

[@beatlejim64]

Lots of young drummers need to watch these videos!!!

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

The old guy once said.

[@Carlos.Lizzoli]

Todd Sucherman is really a great drummer!!! Also he´s a great drumming teacher!!!!!! I try to listen to every advice that he give us. Thanks a lot Mr Sucherman!!!!!

[@johnpietrolaj8917]

I love watching your videos Todd! Your passion for drums oozes...

[@TupDigital]

Great vid- the art of soft hand on the cymbals, heavier hand on the snare/drums is something I've been focusing on past year or two. I used to have a big problem with hitting cymbals harder especially on fast parts, as opposed to cleaner and lighter

[@Mike_Isakov]

Need more of this dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@arturosanz8890]

I recorded Kenny Aronoff... the same phylosophy about the cake in the song. Great video. Thanks

[@benjamingentry4181]

Thank you so much for sharing this video! Long time drummer, I’ve played different styles, genres, etc. I still enjoy playing the basics. Rim shots can even add tremendously to songs. Thank you brother!!

[@jblgti50]

Love watching this dude. Love the intensity. Would of never heard of him without drumeo.

[@juanbautistafacio5204]

So true everything you said

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

But everything that came out of his mouth was not pleasant.

[@alandanielw]

What a great wealth of information!

[@Watchdoc65]

OMG! First of all, you are blessed with incredible talent and experience and the fact that you take the time to share this is awesome. Thanks for dispelling such myths as to the unaware, they can be distracting. Rock on!!!

[@U2WB]

Todd seems like such an awesome guy. It would be so much fun to sit and talk drums with him, and I think he has a wealth of information to share !

[@Customwinder1]

Great points and agree with everything you said. One myth is " expensive drums sound better " . A good drummer can make a cheap kit sound great. Good tuning and setup is paramount.

[@randysemenak2439]

Customwinder 1 totally agree after all a drum shell is just a cylinder with lugs on it ,with some variences (material its made of, depth, bearing edge etc.)and are not so different from drum maker to drum maker.Its in the tuning and the touch the rest is personal preference and marketing

[@norskov]

Customwinder 1 agree !! I even find that certain expensive drums has less dynamic ranges.

[@Troy.Ritter]

I’m 22 and I’ve been a drummer for about 10 years now. I would argue that the drums don’t necessarily matter as much as the heads do! The difference between a head that’s been bashed on for months and a brand new one is undeniably noticeable.

[@Customwinder1]

Everything you guys are saying is spot on. Never had a truly expensive kit but new heads is a must. Being budget minded , I've recently bought a Mapex Storm Rock Drum Kit. 10" ,12",14"and 16" toms. 22" × 18" Bass and it sounds great. Playing my old beast and then the new one is a noticeable difference. Even my mrs commented on how good she sounds. This kit hss black hoops and lugs , and am currently buying all the black stands to match. Already have the black snare stand , hi hat stand and a couple of boom cymbal stands. Two more boom stsnds should be here in the next couple of days and a couple more in the next few weeks. Love it all. I have a combination of ZBTs and ZHTs and an old meinl 16" cymbal that still sounds great. Eventually will get some Zildjian K or A series cymbals. We're going on holidays to the US in a couple of years , and the plan is visiting the Zildjian factory and buying thrm direct from those guys. After personally trying them of course. My kit has the original heads still on her but am looking to buy new heads very soon. Emad is the way to go for the Bass Drum i think. Not sure what I'll get for yje Toms yet. I was thinking Emperor Coated, but am looking at some Evans heads too. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I'll be doing a vid on her after new heads. Thanks fellas. Rock on. ✊

[@norskov]

Customwinder 1 Remo heads all the way! Coated emperor or pinstripes if you want them to last a bit longer. I’ve always been a fan of Evans on my kick emad or eq7’s. With cymbals, unfortunately, you will hear a significant difference when you get higher up in quality and price. Have fun, experiment. Not sure where you are from, but cymbals are gonna cost you a lot less if you buy them in the states and bring them back home, same with heads and sticks etc. bring an empty suitcase!!

[@oliverbraun4643]

I think, Todd is a hundred percent right ....the biggest myth for me was, when teachers told me, you got to have heavy sticks for Rock playing...to get the right sound....heavy sticks and pounding the drums equals Rock sound. .... Then I came across drummers like Dennis Chambers & Jeff Porcaro e.g...their signature sticks are far away from being heavy.... and listen what proper sound they pull out the drums.....

[@fab5720]

I play rock with jazzsticks. Nobody complained all those years. ;-)

[@Mudge07]

There is no rule that says you can’t change sticks for the way you want to play a song. I find some songs would lose articulation using a bigger stick, but equally a lot of drive and weight is just there with denser wood/bigger gauge sticks. Some players have a comfortable set of ‘cutlery’ and it makes their playing consistent and digestible too.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

@Scott Snyder Huge fan of maple. I called Vic Firth's halfway between tears and panic at the discontinuation of my beloved HS1 Highlander pipe band sticks. Enormous in size, very light in weight. High gloss finish so they don't chafe. And maple handles vibration REALLY well. Hickory is like playing with two crowbars on a rock in comparison, lol. Vibes right up your arm. Not the fastest sticks on the block, but I have "toothpicks" for that other stuff. :)

[@kellysrarerecords]

Great perspectives and analogies! Learning a tremendous amount about this craft from your videos, THANK YOU!!

[@norbertrenner9364]

You're completly right, said and showed it in a very nice and pleasing way,love it.

[@DanielHauser]

The intro song is Genie in a Bottle by Taylor Mills, if anyone cares.

[@agostob.larion1372]

Thanks

[@tmaddrummer]

True words of Wisdom.... thanks Todd! If only all musicians understood the problems of smash-crash Drumming.

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

But they have cymbals that are called "crash". Is that a problem?

[@tmaddrummer]

@@EarthtonesCymbals it can be if the crash is cracked!

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

@@tmaddrummer We must advocate to everyone... "Say No To Crack".

[@tmaddrummer]

@@EarthtonesCymbals always!

[@Ticonderous1]

That was some really Insightful lessons .... Never to old to learn .. Thanks Brother appreciated the whole video ...

[@steveelam4810]

Love your wisdom, my approach simple too,keep solid time, be dynamic ,minimal flash,you have great way of communicating with drumming community, thanks

[@animald1226]

Dave Grohl is one of the hardest hitting drummers I've ever heard, yet... he's amazingly talented and we love Todd's drumming too :)

[@joncohen3166]

Myth - being told from other musicians (in particular when sitting in or a guest appearance or even session work) that you are a good "in the pocket drummer". I have heard other drummers not take that comment well. Where in actuality that is exactly what makes you valuable; delivering what the song calls for, what the band calls for, great timing and not overplaying the tune.

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

damn right. It was one of the greatest compliments when a girl sax player said she liked my pocket when I was a newer drummer (best way to get better is go play and make mistakes :). Second, was when I'd made so much progress my own original coach didn't entirely recognize my playing :)

[@stevegosciniak631]

That is the highest compliment you can pay a drummer!

[@dokudokugwo]

I can't wait to take the masterclass he's teaching, signed up as soon as registration opened! I got a new snare for Christmas, my wrist is healed, and my acoustic set is ready to go again. Neighbors are going to love me, although maybe his first tip of not hitting so hard will help with that, and keeping my wrist healthy.

[@dominiquez5643]

Man I saw you playing with Styx 3 times and man I loved how you played ! You looked like tearing the drums apart, but now I understand that is just for show ! Amazing drumming by the way !

[@greatjobsam]

Thumbnail = Steve Carell

[@sega.milkis]

"NNNOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!"

[@waldemar.golebski]

Peter Gabriel ;)

[@ultrakool]

he is steve carell and alice cooper's love child

[@alessandrorumbo490]

YES! THANK YOU!

[@TrommelmonsterBVB09]

regarding "You need a big set to rock" I have one Name for you guys: JP Gaster from Clutch, I dare you to show me a drummer with more feel, groove and pure rock n roll on a small kit like his...

[@wolverineblues81]

The Bonham of our generation. JP ftw!

[@venomagent76]

Early Def Leppard. Rick Allen had feel and chops, all while on a 5 pc.

[@flacidhouse350]

Ringo Starr. Dave Grohl. Bill Ward.

[@mikemaroney6688]

Thanks Todd. I agree 100% with everything you said. I have been a fan of your playing for years and will be for years to come.

[@harrybeatmaker410]

Thanks Todd... thats a great influence for me how to be a smart & wise rock drummer.... cheers 😉👌

[@Pilnik666]

everything you say is true... you are great guy and great drummer

[@mjm5081]

When it comes to drumming wisdom I trust Todd implicitly.

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

Who's Todd?

[@EliPoli64]

@@EarthtonesCymbals are you joking?

[@paulrevelli]

I am so appreciative of your take on this. Regarding the first myth (intensity level on the drums), the problem I think a lot of us have is that on many occasions we are surrounded by amplified instruments, with guitars and keys usually being the loudest. I think the tendency is to start hitting the drums and cymbals harder when we are up against that type of electronic onslaught in order to compensate. I have tried to play with lighter touch on these types of gigs, only to find myself struggling to hear what my bass drum is even doing. It's like my whole kit gets cloaked by what's surrounding it onstage. Then add to that the fact that I'm wearing earplugs! But I'm going to continue to stand my ground with a lighter touch (or a common ground therein) thanks to your inspirational comments. I know I will save a lot more than sticks, heads and cymbals in the long run. It may even compel the other band members to come down themselves a little bit.

[@timallbritton7329]

BIll Bruford put out the thing about playing with less volume in the studio at a clinic I attended about 10 years ago. Made sense to me.

[@spellboundty]

Bill is one of my favorite drummers.

[@marcdedouvan]

In other words: There are two categories of rock drummers: 1: gorillas 2: musicians Guess who plays the best music?

[@Lazergirlz]

Check out Mario Duplantier. Plays hard as hell. Sounds good. Super talanted. It depends on the sound you're looking for. Sometimes gorilla-style fits the music. Myth nr1in my opinion: there is a right and a wrong way to play drums. Myth nr 2 there is a right and a wrong sound in drumming.

[@ventersepticeye7456]

Musicians

[@windsofmarchjourneyperrytr2823]

"I know! I know!" Lol

[@marcdedouvan]

@@Lazergirlz WHAT A POLITICALLY CORRECT STUPID USUAL CONTEMPORARY ANSWER! LMAO! YOU MUST BE LEFTIST. GOOD AND BAD EXIST: ONLY THE DEVIL AND DEVIL'S WORSHIPERS PRETEND THE OPPOSITE. IF ALL IS GOOD, WHY EVEN TRAIN ON SOMETHING OR LEARN SOMETHING? YOU PERVERTED MY SPEECH: WHO TALKED ABOUT HARD DRUMMING? ME? I TALKED ONLY ABOUT LACK OF INTELLIGENCE (THE THING THAT YOU JUST PROVED TWICE HERE IN PUBLIC ON THE TOPEST LEVEL)! QED SAY SOMETHING OBVIOUS, YOU WILL ALWAYS FIND AN ANONYMOUS PROUD OF HIMSELF FOR NOTHING TROLL ON INTERNET TO CONTRADICT IT! HA! HA!

[@Lazergirlz]

@@marcdedouvan You clearly don't understand music..... Some musicians/musical genres are meant to sound "gorilla style". What sounds good in your ears sounds like shit to other people, and vice versa. It's as stupid as to say there is good and bad food. Or good or bad movies. People like different food. Different music, different ways of playing music and on and on. It's really not that hard to understand. If your definition of a leftist is someone who understands that people have different taste in music, then I feel bad for you. As for the devil. What the hell does that have to do with taste in music? Or leftism? Get of the internet for a couple of days, and lower your aggression levels a bit. It's not healthy for you. Cheers!

[@robinjohnson6301]

I have an opinion on what I consider to be a myth but some might find it to be controversial.... And that myth is "less is always more". That phrase is something I very often read on drumming forums, KZbin comments etc. and in my opinion, that attitude amongst rock musicians is a big reason as to why the genre has lost so much momentum over the last 10 years. Mainstream rock music along with a lot of the drumming for me has become so overly safe at this point. Don't get me wrong, I adore Ringo, love Dave Grohl. But I also love players like Ian Paice and Jimmy Chamberlin - if players like those were starting out today a lot of people (producers in particular) would probably accuse them of overplaying. I enjoy simple and complex playing equally and of course it completely depends on the context. But I think for mainstream rock to become genuinely fresh again, it needs someone to inject some adventurousness back into it like Mitchell did in the 60s, Paice and Moon did in the 70s, Peart did in the 80s and Chamberlin did in the 90s. Sure, less is definitely more a lot of the time but not all the time. This is no dig on Sucherman btw, his playing is always spot on for me!

[@renatoloureiro9103]

I couldn't agree more! Most producers tend to worry more about the drummer's rimshots than their creativity. Of course having a clean sound is important, but it looks like producers, at some point, stopped aknowledging drummers as musicians. I'm really lucky to have had a drummer as a producer for my band's first album. He knew exactly what I intended with my playing and translated it perfectly to the mix.

[@TOAOM123]

I disagree with the point "drum parts habe lost alot of the momentum" Drum parts have only gotten more complex The only area its gotten "watered down" has been mainstream music But thats to be expected The majority of mainstream music is mass produced, bare bones, easily accessible jams That was true even in the "good ol days" However: look at bands like tesseract, dream theater (which has been in the top ten billboard 200 multiple times), Karnivool, August burns red, Travis orbin; there's still plenty of modern drummers who are insanely complex incorporating numerous styles and patterns into their music

[@TS-gn2wy]

@@TOAOM123 I totally agee. Pop music production has tried to turn live drummers into click track bitches. I consider myself a musician, but I detest being forced into being a drum robot. It's not just drummers btw, that are forced into this creative restriction. I understand music changes, but pop music in particularly changes in ways that takes away the creative process from the artist and gives it to "technicians". There's absolutely nothing wrong with objectivism from someone outside the songwriting process, but it should be on behalf of the artist creating the subject matter; MUSIC! Marketing is so vital, I also get, but without a viable product their is no need for marketing. Suffice it to say: I do believe we need each other's disciplines. I just don't like it when business superceeds art. Doesn't mean I won't listen to the man behind the glass.

[@beatlesrgear]

@@renatoloureiro9103 Rim shots are a spice that tastes best when used sparingly.

[@beatlesrgear]

@@TS-gn2wy Well said, T S. I agree wholeheartedly!

[@ChrisWhittenMusic]

Arguably the best video tutorials Drumeo has ever done. This is the truth about professional drumming, and gold for every other drummer too.

[@Herbster41]

I appreciate this because I’m always worried about my chops and fills. Your icing on the cake analogy is spot on.

[@jamesfulmer7080]

"But playing super hard is soooooo much fun"!

[@toddsucherman]

I know! Took me a long time to realize it doesn't sound as good.

[@MrAffeman]

I play hard when I´m pissed... which almost never happens... It´s like you trying to make funny stunts with a Harley, you can do it but it´s gonna cost ya if you crash... same goes with having an over priced drumkit such as DW, banging on it like crazy is expensive if it breaks.

[@asdf072xxp]

Not for an entire show it isn't.

[@Lazergirlz]

Haha I liked the hard playing sound more than the "good sound" But I'm a metal drummer so I'm probably wrong.

[@TheWitchOvAgnesi]

@@toddsucherman I actually learned that from watching Dave Grohl in his Nirvana days. You could hear his snare drum choking terribly when he would lay into it with a 2 foot high stroke (like he did on just about every song). I often think the 80's and 90's drummers did drumming a huge disservice with all the excessive arm movement. Especially for those of us who went on to play extreme metal. I basically had to relearn how to play to do my new passion properly. Anyway, great video! Thanks for all the great music over the years!

[@njdrummer7120]

I would love to see Jimmy Chamberlain in the studio. Something about listening to JC play is just memorizing ...

[@conorm2524]

He's also an astute communicator.

[@juliocesarmoralesarango1039]

Jonas Merk, did u mean mesmerizing?

[@rmandrums1959]

Todd, you have re-enforced what I have been saying for years. Drummers for some reason feel that they must be able to play at 190 mph for all songs. You are a very down to earth player. l really enjoy what you have to say and you present it with a lot of common sense. Thanks ~ Rex

[@joerico9461]

Glad drumeo didn't interrupt, thanks for your time.

[@m4theusmcdrum751]

Like 😍

[@moejoe3613]

Myth's.... Mine would be 1. Anyone can play drum's. Not true. I see a lot of guy's out their who think they are great drummer's and can't even hold a meaningful, heart felt, passionate beat. 2. Drummer's are the dumb one's in the band. False!!! Should go without saying...anyone can be the dummy in a band. 3. Drummer's don't have to read music. False. Although their are exceptions.... Buddy Rich, being one, drummer's should learn how to read music... Not tab!!!....notation. I've learned more from reading music, in a less amount of time, then all my youth, playing by ear. Get called more often too, if you read. Can probably think of more...but, I'll quit while I'm ahead.

[@rogerhigginson7803]

Don't agree with the reading music bit. Lionel Ritchie, Michael Jackson, Dave Grohl, Eric Clapton, Dave Gilmour, The Beatles, Benny Andersson to name a few musicians of a wide range of instruments who just managed to get by without being able to read and write music. It all comes down to what you want to do with it.

[@moejoe3613]

@@rogerhigginson7803 majority of the artists you mentioned, did eventually learn to Read music to a degree. Even Buddy Rich, before he pasted, was learning to read music. I thought the same thing, years ago, until I started to learn. I started reading drum chart's, score's, comps, military beat's, etc....and I was floored by what I didn't know. I was a egotistical punk kid, thought I knew it all. It's one of those things, I think, where you have to walk in the water in order to know it's wet. Ask Todd yourself. He went to Berklee. Best music school on the Boston mass. Won't graduate out of there...without reading. What's your take Todd?????

[@russ6541]

Well, I think anyone can _learn_ to play drums, but not everyone is as good as they think they are.

[@terrencenbanbury5220]

Agree totally with your number 1. Drums are the "easiest" to create a "sound", but perhaps the most difficult to to play musically.

[@regaltip8A]

@@russ6541 Exactly and some drummers do not work on their timing. They play the drums not the music

[@derekshowalter60]

One thing I’ve always admired about Todd is the fact that he connects his advice to real life applications, such as the cooking example in this video.

[@shutitup68]

Love this video. You definitely know what you're talking about. Thanks!

[@DavidGigoDrums]

Myth #0: Forget jazz

[@stephenfournier694]

I can't stop laughing...!!!

[@eliasfigueroa3324]

So true. Its crucial for being able to master so many techniques and other genres

[@roamershaker]

@@eliasfigueroa3324 jazz =memorizing a bunch of crap and playing it.

[@xImBeaST12321x]

Drumming myth........ "TooL is NOT the greatest rock band of all time"

[@nicknation2878]

What the actual fuck what about primus or fuckn Frank zappa they blow tool out of the water

[@ivangushkov3651]

They aren´t. Queen, Rush, The Beatles, The Zombies are all better than Tool. I will never understand how they can write such complex music and still put me to sleep anyway...

[@xImBeaST12321x]

@@ivangushkov3651 well fist off it was a joke. any real admire of music does not childishly say band x is better then band y. but personally i rather listen to tool then any of the bands you listed even though i also like all of those bands. and Tool doesn't put me to sleep at all, so its all subjective.

[@ivangushkov3651]

@@xImBeaST12321x nah man childish arguments about the music we love are awesome, don´t worry I don´t take it seriously. Also yea, Tool make objectively good music that just never fails to bore me more than the last time I listen to it. It´s weird cause I love super technical experimental music, my favourite band is Voivod, but Tool just does not connect...

[@princeofcupspoc9073]

@@ivangushkov3651 Zombies best by far.

[@lynyrddeville]

NAILED IT! Every single word !I am what my brother likes to jokingly/insultingly calls a "boom kah" type drummer. Yet I have never broken a hi hat cymbal, must be my light touch, and absolutely, in the studio, you want a ultra huge sonorous crash? Hit a large crash cymbal lightly, not with a through stroke. I never had the best chops, yet I never heard a word of grief over playing too simply, but I did get some flack when I got too busy with tom fills, so they got cut. Hard rock sounds simple yet a lot of chops guys don't rock. With my simple tools I didn't do too badly, and Todd used the perfect to describe that thing that makes a drummer truly rock. Intent. Perfect word Todd. With amazing chops at your disposal,you DO rock!

[@johnmackenzie9421]

Thank You!!!....always wanted to see drummers with either larger kits or smaller kits play the opposite of what they normally play with songs they normally play....like getting Neil Peart to play on Steve Jordan’s kit and vice versa....again Thank You for being a constant and consistent inspiration!!!!

[@SKARKIBANEZ]

That "tail sound" of the snare SUCKS -_-

[@mikemike7345]

There's really no such thing as the best but that would have to go to Buddy Rich

[@uwupandaXD]

John Bonham

[@mattwood1562]

Panda Potato Naw mate, Buddy was the master.

[@zacharywilliams2]

Rock drumming. Not jazz

[@TOAOM123]

@@zacharywilliams2 wasnt stipulated by the op

[@zacharywilliams2]

@@TOAOM123 wym? The video is about rock drumming, not jazz. Buddy was a jazz drummer. When the guy said John Bonham, it made more sense to the video. It just looked out of place.

[@scotts7017]

That was the most three I have heard of! Thank you Todd!

[@davekim8472]

Deep stack of comments. Great session - Todd's insight connected with viewers. I especially enjoyed the mature musician perspective. I would have disagreed as a teenager but his perspective about intent and tasteful choices for the music resonate most with me today. I still love Rush but I also love the simplicity of the perfect accompanying part. As I grow older I slowly realize drums don't need to be showcased in every song.

[@aquaman22095]

Good information......... Great job as always - Thanks Todd and Drumeo

[@buddyrichable1]

I remember a conversation about Louis Armstrong who didn’t have the chops of Dizzy Gillespie, but just like Miles Davis he could play with a tone and emotion that couldn’t be duplicated. Miles could play one note, especially in the lower registers and it would send shivers down your spine. This is true of the great drummers like Gadd, and Purdie. And also Todd. His groove is rock solid and balanced. Great video with essential advice.

[@MikeSmith-lc2np]

This was a great video. I enjoyed it. Everything was well worded. Thank you.

[@2009captainpaul]

Todd is such a beast on the kit but, and also a masterful communicator and teacher. I agree with all his points in this video. I've got numerous tapes and DVD's of all the top drummers instructional video's but Todd's "Method and Mechanics" is the one I always come back too. I've been lucky enough to see him play in clinics a few times, the last time a few years ago here in Perth, Western Australia, and he always seems extremely nice and down to earth. Love the Todd 😃. Oh, expect for when he so graciously threw a drumstick to a young kid in the audience who asked for a stick here in Perth, and even though Todd said "please catch it, don't let it hit you on the head" and guess what... the poor kid didn't catch it and got clocked on the head. Todd was mortified. Please come back to Perth ASAP Todd, we miss you.

[@ViestursSamts]

Thanks for this great video and great topics! I think one of the myths of rock drumming is you always have to have as much bigger drum sizes and cymbals as possible to play rock and sound good. 24 kick, 20 crashes etc. Ofcourse it could work if it’s needed, depends on choices, music, sound etc.

[@ACLOCKWORKDRUMMER]

beautiful vid!!! the part on playing hard wad like a golden nugget of teaching!!thanks man

[@davidbaines1425]

The second video of yours I have watched. I love your playing, your ethos, and your nous already.

[@elmoomle4565]

Great vid...I enjoyed the pragmatism of the points that were elaborated. Sweet sounding kit!!

[@SJF98]

I only just saw this. Well done Drumeo! Thank you for putting this out there and thank you to Todd for his insights. All this can be summarised like this - the drums are a musical instrument! Unfortunately it has been caught up in a macho thing for years. So many rock drummers sort of pride themselves on hitting things hard, breaking heads and sticks and being loud, but as Todd says the drums are "played"... World of difference... Hitting hard when you are young will actually cause serious injury later too... Any drummer worth their salt has experienced RSI-type problems at some point and switching up technique and playing and not "hitting" is the key to getting passed that.

[@thommyboydrums8696]

Man hes spot on. I love my 3 piece ludwig signet i play and its all i need. Im becoming a huge fan of todd. Thanks for the tips!!

[@DDONNRICARTUR]

Sir, all that you have said is sooooo true. Thank you so much

[@sweetdentistry446]

Todd,, great to see you,, I took your course in Fresno,,, still working on the new grip !! I have 5 months to go ,,, Cheers,,,,Dan

[@evening4092]

really enjoy the kick sound. especially with the crashes.

[@wayneblanchard97]

Great subject and excellently delivered, thank you. I manage volume with a combination of sensibilities gained from gigging and choosing the right gear, the latter all being small (10" hats, 12" snare, 8" main tom, 18" ride etc.). That gear is chosen for tone and cut (birch shells, small cymbals), not volume. Cut works in smaller venues, while there is typically mic'ing via a sound system for larger ones. Too often players mistake volume for intensity, and therein lies a critical misperception. It is possible to be super intense and excitingly dynamic between 0 and 1 on the volume scale. And the result is much more exciting because there is tension as well as headroom for release. I've seen Harvey Mason with bassist Jimmy Earle and keyboardist Freddie Ravel do that in a small booth at NAMM. And Art Rodriguez (RIP) do similar with Nathan East on bass, Lee Ritenour on guitar and a keyboardist in a large room. What revelations they were - ripping between 0 and 1. That was 'louder' because it sucked the listener into the music, didn't blow them away (literally) and out the door with volume. I was at dinner with a group of drummers when John Molo (Bruce Hornsby, Phil Lesh, John Fogerty...) strolled over and engaged Walfredo Reyes Jr. in a chat. "When I saw you with Traffic, Jim Capaldi's drums sound incredible...so big and massive, yet it looked like he was barely hitting them." Walfredo, current drummer with Chicago, had played percussion with Traffic, taking over drums when Capaldi moved up front to sing, responded with this (I paraphrase): "Yes, Jim is a really light player. So the soundman cranks his volume way up and that captures all the air and tone of the drum. That's how his sound is so huge and amazing and we get a great mix." As you note with your recording anecdote, Todd, focus on getting the best sound, then let the microphones do their work. Play too loud and those mics close up. Play more reasonably and they open up and let the sound 'bloom'. In live settings, play too loud and the soundman turns those drums down out front, which means the band is coming through the sound system but the drum volume is from the stage, which makes it impossible to get a great sound in the room. Also, when drums are too loud on stage, the other players turn up, which further contributes to driving people out of the venue. The fact that people wear earplugs when attending gigs is a sure sign things are simply too loud. There are still too many drummers who would also benefit from understanding that the space between quiet and loud is only one dimension of dynamics. Others include tension and release, tight and loose etc. With your experience, more videos like this - three points to consider - addressing various topics would be great (e.g., how all that scary technique is merely singles, doubles and flams). Cheers!

[@johanvanderneut6978]

He is not only a very good drummer, but also a great teacher and a smart guy !

[@jspic4907]

Very clear, articulate and concise. Thanks.