The Chapin Book - Part 1 Introduction and Chapter 1

Time Stamps
0:00 book discussion
12:14 shuffle exercises-page 4-6
14:55 shuffle etudes- page 7-9
19:20 shuffle etudes page 10
Here is the first part of a video series on playing and practicing Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin. In this series I will play through most of the exercises and solos in the book chapter by chapter so you can get a feel for what it should sound like.
This classic book was the first of it's kind back in the late 1940's and the subject was jazz coordination. The book teaches coordination in the swing and early be-bop styles which was what was being created in those days.
Like most of you this was the first jazz coordination book I worked on starting at 11 years old. At that time I thought it was impossible to play but I managed to get through it slowly with the guidance of a great teacher.
Today the book is slightly dated with much more modern approaches available. It is however still very relevant, fun, and challenging to play and I use it with students to supplement other texts that I employ.
In this part 1 of the series I give a brief introduction to the book as well as my history with it. I also cover the first chapter which contains shuffle rhythms.
The drums used in the video are Gretsch Centennial from 1983.
The sizes of these drums are: 18"x14" bass,10",12",14" toms and a 14"x 6.5" snare.
The cymbals in this video are all 1940's- 1960's K Zildjian except for a Paiste 22" swish.
Cymbal sizes
21" ride
18"crash/ride w/rivets
16" crash
15" Hi Hats
22" Paiste swish/china with rivets
The drum heads are all calf skin.
Microphones are a AKG C24 stereo overhead and an Shure Beta 52 on the Bass drum.

[@jamessholtz6016]

My first lessons with Mr Chapin were in 1973 in New York. Last was in New Orleans around 1996 or 97. Jim loved to teach. Even when he was "yelling" at you going "no, no, no," he made you smile. He LOVED to teach. And kudos to you Mr Dior for all you are doing with your teaching on KZbin. Jims dashboard was beat to hell. He would drive around the country going to drum shops giving lessons to any level. While using his dashboard as a practice pad. real

[@rickdior]

Hi James Thanks for writing. Great stories!

[@jazzpotato180]

Mr Dior this is one of the most valuable videos/series on youtube. Can't thank you enough for this

[@rickdior]

Thanks

[@kurtblickenderfer4486]

I first did this book in fourth grade. Of course not playing it all that great. I was buying a pair of sticks at frank ippolitos drum shop in New York City in 1977. Next to me was some one playing single strokes at warp speed. It was Jim chapin. He took me up to the storage room. He was teaching there on a gretsch kit given to him by elvin jones. I studied with I think for 3 years before studying with Charlie persip. My dad was a commercial artist on 56th and broadway. He paid for the lessons. Hahaha. What a wonderful memory.

[@rickdior]

Thanks for sharing, great stuff!

[@henrysecen1436]

This is one of the most informative drumming videos I've watched

[@kentmoore8105]

Can’t believe I stumbled on to this. I decided to break out that same book and play/learn through it again during the pandemic. Except I was focused on learning open handed playing, ride cymbal on my left and snare played with the right hand. What a challenge! That book is timeless!

[@GenerationXReunion]

Thank you. You’ve help me overcome years of struggling with this book.

[@richardstardust2355]

Hi Rick, i had the privilege and honour to meet and have a (3 hours) master class with Jim Chapin in the 80's in Holland. Cesar Zuiderwijk the drummer of the Golden Earing organized it in his drumstudio in the Haque. Later i saw him in Germany at the music fair' Frankfurter Messe' and like "always" carrying his Real feel practice pad and map with sheetmusic under his arm, in short; he was a wonderfull person and true drumming legend. Thank you for you're amazing lessons and all the best, Richard.

[@rickdior]

Thanks Richard So glad you got to meet Jim, a legend!

[@primeporkycut]

Thanks for this, Rick. I studied this book with my teacher from 1975-77. We interpreted the tied notes as an indication of a rest on the second tied note. I don't think my teacher had a recording of the exercises by Jim, so I guess that's how he interpreted it. It doesn't appear to have had a huge negative impact on my playing but I'm just itching to go through the book again using the tied notes as buzz strokes (as originally intended).

[@rickdior]

It's just another way to play it. Not a big deal. Think long and short sounds like a horn player. Normal tied notation would silence the tied note so play it as written as well.

[@richardburger317]

Thank you! For posting Jim's book! I'm going through it again. This the most explained on video I've seen! I am throwing sticks on the wall! Lol! God Bless!

[@jessepetas]

Thank you so much for this! I’m currently struggling through this book as I am not a jazz player in n the least and your videos are an incredible supplement.

[@richardeskins]

Thanks for this Rick. Also got my copy in the 70s. This is the first time doing the exercises properly with a teacher. So helpful, and great fun. Brilliant!

[@ToriGirlytar]

Just got this book for Christmas. Thanks for your help!

[@marywacker528]

Love the video. Looking forward to going through this again with you. Lol, I brought out Jim's book to revisit and go through with you, original price $2.50. Ive been around so long I now know enough to know, I know nothing. Thanks again.

[@plasticgodzilla1]

So happy to see you doing the Chapin book finally! This one is my all time favorite. A true left hand boot camp. Thanks for this great content.

[@rhythmfield]

Fine display of this classic book, Rick. I still enjoy playing through different sections randomly, and with different limbs: reading the ‘melody’ line on the bass drum, riding with my left hand and playing the snare line with the right hand (I’m a righty). I’m 60 but keep finding new ways of playing through these wonderful classic pages.

[@rickdior]

So great to hear that. It's such a classic. We are the same age and I agree with you 100%

[@nealsausen4651]

A Good idea is to play the snare drum slide with a left foot on a high hat by the basement. Please ghost note quarters very, very softly very subtle rim click on two and four with the left-hand and the ride cymbal rhythm with the right hand The foot playing the solo lines! You can even get into some interesting left-handed left foot “ad lib” combinations with the “solo line “

[@jeshurunabinadab6560]

Thank you Mr. Dior! 🙏

[@davidpardy]

You've managed to answer the very questions I was wondering about the book (buzz strokes, how the swing rhythm is played, etc.) when I first got it around 15-20 years ago. I plan on returning to it but I'm actually really enjoying working on Alan Dawson's method at this point.

[@rickdior]

Hi David That is a great book as well

[@davidpardy]

​@@rickdior Agreed, it's one I wish I'd found years ago but can't be helped!

[@kdw735]

Please please complete the entire book. It has been my nemesis off and on for many years ( Pro rock/top 40 drummer $$$). It's an amazing piece of work and I would love to see someone like yourself that appreciates it and could really do it justice. Your T-shirt speaks volume!!! That east coast drumming vibe and I love it. By the way this is the first time I've ever seen one of your videos an am really impressed. You had me with your opening roll. Thanks, you made my day.

[@rickdior]

Hi I am done recording the entire book. I just have to find time to get it up here. It should all be up within a few weeks. Thanks Rick

[@kdw735]

@@rickdior Thank you. I'm sixty four and have been playing since I was nine. At my age and where I am in my career jazz is like the last frontier so I really appreciate you taking the time to pass on what you know. I love your playing /approach and wish you the best. Kip

[@claesblomquist3510]

Thank you Rick for doing this. I'm working my way through the book and it's really great to hear a pro like you explain it and play the exercises. 🙏

[@rickdior]

Thanks Claes I should have the whole book up within a few weeks

[@richardburger317]

Thank you Rick, I am going through this book again! Lol! God Bless!

[@adrumwhisperer]

Jim recorded the excercises in this book. Apparently people didn't believe that all of the excercises could actually be played, so Jim proved that wasn't the case. I bought a second copy(66th printing Dec 2010) of it, just to get the (2) CDs. The downside to this version.. it's not spiral bound. It's a minor detail, but spiral bound books are much better for staying open on a music stand. So I'm happy to have both versions! :)

[@Superchicken1234]

I love these lessons. Thank you Rick.

[@rickdior]

Thanks for watching

[@nirhakim7324]

thank you for this! wonderful video... made me realize how much work i still have to do to sound as good as you

[@JulianFernandez]

Tomorrow Im grabbing my copy and going for it once again. thanks for the inspiration!

[@johnnystaccata]

I originally bought the book included as a pamphlet with a record in 1980s. I don't remember all those buzz strokes though. I used to listen to the records and then attempt the exercises. Checking my $5 blue printed copy, 34th printing, August1983, I guess there is some special notation for the buzzes.

[@rickdior]

I talk about this in the video if you watch the entire thing, but you can interpret the tied notes as buzzes. It's all about note length and adds some more color to your sound.

[@skittl3z2311]

Thank you

[@juanescalante2206]

Thanks Rick. Great job!!!! Best wishes from Tucumán, North Argentina

[@mogollonsalcedo]

Great lesson and introduction, thanks!

[@luisrene2633]

Thank's Rick, great book to practice..

[@bettinau.erichkulling7642]

It's always a joy, watching your videos. You are such a great inspiration. Greetings from Germany, Erich

[@rickdior]

Thanks Erich. Hope you are doing well and making music in Germany.

[@_Xypes_]

Can someone remind me to come back if they see this comment more than 5 years in the future? I think 18 year old me would love this

[@michaelnesi0827]

The book with the transparencies is book 2. I have several copies if you need one. Jim's book one is dedicated to S.A.M, Sanford Augustus Moeller. Many of the exercises in book one are based on songs/melodies which I have a list of. He also makes a reference to what would become open handed playing, in 1948.

[@rickdior]

Thanks Mike I had a copy but it was lost with several other books when I moved from NYC. Please send me one if you have it. Happy New Year Rick

[@lucacutillidrums]

Could you ship a copy to Italy by any chance? Thanks

[@dhudach]

I just found your channel and your handling of the Chapin book is really going to be helpful. I am retired, have dabbled with drums most of my life. I've taken lessons at different times but admittedly I'm kind of self taught. Many years ago I spent some time doing the exercises in this book, both with a teacher and on my own. I'm getting back into practicing this book and another one that I like. My goal is just to improve and become more disciplined. The other book I'm using is "Progressive Independence A Comprehensive Guide to Basic Jazz Drumming Technique" by Ron Spagnardi. As with the Chapin book, it's also an excellent book. Have you posted any videos of lessons or exercises from this book? If you are so inclined, I would really be interested in the section on Triplet Partials page 26. For example Summary Exercises 10 and 11 on pages 32 and 33. Thank you kindly.

[@chriscarbe1042]

My bucket list to learn to play just a little bit like Mr. Dior!!

[@chriscarbe1042]

After watching entire video my new bucket list is just to polish hardware - Wow so incredible!

[@jamesconnors5653]

Thank you much.

[@hannahstansfield4034]

Great , thank you

[@jazzpotato180]

It would be fantastic to have a breakdown of "beyond bop drumming" similar to this one

[@rickdior]

I will have to ask John about that. He breaks it down pretty good in the book and on the recording.

[@willshaughnessy8515]

Knew Jim.quite well We did a, clinics and namm He was my mentor as my uncle Ed was on the west coast..I'd go to.gigs with Jim .. we'd also Talk about energy conservation.. Nice job Rick ..

[@rickdior]

Hi Will I did a week of recording sessions with your uncle Ed several years back when I was working with Branford Marsalis. Such a beautiful guy. Here is link to a picture of us cracking up at one of his hilarious jokes. www.acousticbarn.com/photos/shaughnessy01.jpg

[@willshaughnessy8515]

@@rickdior wow Rick that's awesome..do miss him...he and ny dad ,also on his Astral journey looked very much alike.. Everyone had such good things to say about ES.. Louie Bellson did a tour with my university big band It was me and Louie on 2 drumsets for every concert.. Trading 4's. Pinch me I had to say every gig.. Met Buddy several times.. Max we played at a voodoo festival in west Africa in Benin .I was living there studying ritual vodun drumming And we met the pope John Paul too.. Good days were back then.. Are you planning on gigging this year..I haven't been out for over a year... last tour was in SE asia.. met up.with my buddy Steve Thorton who played percussion with Miles .. We met Miles bf Steve left for Kuala Lumpur .. Both Marsalis brothers are quite accomplished players Things have changed so much in the live music world.. Good job on the tutorials..btw Stay safe WS

[@tobiaslagerberg8962]

Very good

[@davidbopdrummer]

Another outstanding video, Rick! My 1973 copy ($3.50 "sticker price") of the Chapin book has rhythms on the inside back cover - perhaps those were the inserts you mentioned, from the earlier edition? Following this video reminded me how much easier, complete, and more respectful it is to work with a purchased copy of a book instead of screen shots from videos. Can you tell us how to purchase *your* book (Advanced Coordination for Drum Set and Hand Percussion)? I see it on your website, but no path to order. Many thanks for your insightful and generous presentations!

[@rickdior]

Hi David Thanks for the comment. You can order my book from me. Just shoot me an email at [e-mail]

[@attiliosylvio2799]

Is your bass drum on all 4 or 1 and 3? Thanks so much. This helps me to make sure I’m accurate as I go through the Chapin book. Using my handcrafted Rick Dior practice sticks!!

[@rickdior]

The bass drum is feathered ( played very softy) on all 4 beats.

[@krusher74]

Interestingly calculated inflation from $5 in 1971 to now would have it at $37.98, you can get the book new from hudson music for $14.99.

[@bhaveshsolanki6485]

This book always puzzled me the exercises at the beginning of the book I get, but the page you put up on the screen the swing ride written as 16ths with the triplets underneath I never used to understand. So really your supposed to interpret those exercises with the triplet ride cymbal groove right? Great lesson and playing!

[@rickdior]

Hi Yes...sort of. The ride cymbal will play a triplet feel for the triplet and straight 8th section, a 16th (tighter) feel for the Shuffle16th section and 16th's for the 16th section. You will need to be elastic. As I put up the rest of the book it will become clear.

[@bhaveshsolanki6485]

@@rickdior makes total sense now thank you for the explanation, something that has taken me a few years to understand, total resolved by your great teaching and playing! Thank you Rick!

[@jamessholtz6016]

Never forget Jim also wrote Volume Two "The Open End."

[@rickdior]

If you watch tbe video you will a picture of that book. Please watch the video before you comment.

[@jamessholtz6016]

@@rickdior No offense was meant. I apologize. I finished the book in 1974. I play as a hobby now. Recorded at Bell Sound, Vanguard, etc. etc. I didn't watch the entire video. Been there done that. Sorry. Again, no offense was meant. Kudos to you for the knowledge you share.

[@Lightseeber]

Something I struggle with big time is fills and hits in swing/big band music. Do you have any recommendations for how to improve on these? Brilliant content.

[@rickdior]

Hi Paul You might want to take a look at my Big Band Playlist. Particularly this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXrLg6BrgMmLqJY

[@philipnestor5034]

Great lessons. You moved to North Carolina? Damn. I thought you were still up north near New York because when things got safer I would’ve wanted to take one on one lessons.

[@rickdior]

I had to get out of there. It's much nicer down south!

[@bartkuk1]

This is gem! and lovely drum set btw 🤗 I've got a newbie question, how do you actually count the L hand and the R hand following Jim's instructions for those part A exercises?? I understand these are not triplets, right? Cheers

[@rickdior]

They should be played as written. You can swing the dotted 8ths slightly.

[@jazzpotato180]

Also which sticks are you using in this video?

[@rickdior]

Those are my signature vic firth sticks. They are available from me at [e-mail] You see all of my sticks here: Www.rickdior.com/sticks

[@zivhoresh8663]

Hi, can someone explain me plesee in 14:55 wheb said "first quarter will be played in 140.....and then in 180".......what does these 140 & 180 refer to? Thanks and pardon my ignorance 😊

[@rickdior]

Hi These are the metronome tempos.

[@CesarGonzalez-sd8uc]

I study the Ted Reed´s Syncopation with a jazz pattern on my leading hand and hi hat. I read the method with triplet feel and also with straight eight notes. Is this (eight notes) really practical? I mean , can I use straight eight notes in the snare drum when playing with jazz feel? Thank you!

[@rickdior]

Hi Yes, you can use any subdivision you want. You may not want to play constant straight 8ths under a triplet ride pattern but you can use them sparingly. Drummers such as Elvin Jones, Billy Higgins and Joe Chambers, just to name a few, used straight 8ths at times in their soloing and time playing.

[@CesarGonzalez-sd8uc]

@@rickdior beautiful! Gracias maestro!!

[@alfredomorales188]

By that time they did not call it moeller technique , It was the way to play drums.

[@peacemusic6512]

Fantastic, Bravo!! Thank you for making an Awesome video,, Much Appreciation!!! I am excited to watch more and learn as much as possible!! You're and Excellent teacher and I'm so grateful to find your channel, after learning more about Jim Chaplin hand techniques, guiding me to you!! Please keep up the great work you do, I am super super appreciative!! Sending big smiles and blessing for your day!! (>‿◠)✌

[@baylockbuckingham3650]

Where in North Carolina did you move?

[@rickdior]

Charlotte

[@baylockbuckingham3650]

@@rickdior cool! Keep up the good work! Love the videos. Much respect🙏🏾

[@jamesmetcalfemusic3355]

Did you ever find your copy of Vol 2?

[@rickdior]

Nope

[@jamesmetcalfemusic3355]

@@rickdior I recently moved and gave most of my library to my younger friends in the field but I believe I kept Vol. 2. I’ll try to locate it. It’s a workbook you’ll never finish. I’ve only seen less than 4 or 5 copies

[@rickdior]

I worked on it quite a bit when I was in my late teens so I am very familiar with the book. I just can't find my copy. Thanks

[@HadEnough745]

If Amazon can post sample pages from the book so I don't see why it's a problem for a drummer to post a page or two from the book. You're actually PROMOTING the book, so I wouldn't worry about copyright infringement.

[@rickdior]

It is a copyright infringement. Just buy the book. Amazon gets permission from the publisher as do other retailers. The publisher owns the copyright. It is illegal to post copyrighted material without permission from the publisher. That is copyright law.