The Secrets Behind Gospel Chops - And How To Play 'Em!

[@8020drummer]

Great solo! Question I’d posit: does the inventor of this two-word phrase own the idiom of drumming that phrase came to represent, or is it bigger/has it become bigger than that? In your solo, I saw you drawing from a lot of modern influences - Aaron and Chris, but also everything that’s happened since then. Ideas spread lightening fast now with Instagram and KZbin, and the last “shed” I attended had a great mix of backgrounds and influences. Traditional jazz drummers are influenced by the drumming for religious music, and church drummers are checking out guiliana and nate wood. I think the only phrase big enough to encompass it nowadays is “modern drum improvisation”. (I’m also a little sore at the inventor of that trademarked phrase 🤣🤣)

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

WUDDUP, NATE 👊🏽 Yea, I don’t know who made that name up, man. I just refer to it as that ‘cuz that’s how folks identify with it. Like mumble rap. Back when Billy Cobham was doin it, it was just called ‘playing the drums’. We know it’s all just a reinterpretation of the same ol’ alphabet. I was definitely channeling a couple of the recent influences, but I learned how to navigate thru all that stuff just from doing a couple exercises I got from a Weckl instructional video back in the late 80s. I used to drill those straight for 15-20 minutes. Coleman and Pridgen and them dudes nail that stuff pretty hard, tho. Love your channel, BTW 💯

[@Assimilator702]

The 80/20 Drummer Yeah I always simply defined it as playin the drums. I actually despise that 2 word term.

[@joelgoodwin8805]

Sometimes genres do have certain approaches to the drumwork that just is what it is. And this even differs between studio recordings and live audiences. As a pianist and drummer who plays for black churches yet does a lot of Jazz, Neo Soul, And Thrash Metal I see and play the differences all the time.

[@adityatyagi4009]

I hereby rename "Gospel Chops" to a totally new, hip style of drumming called "Flurry Notes." :D The name says it all. hahah.

[@AmillioFrank]

well gospel chops sounds weird. Most of us hate the term. But, the fact remains....most of these moves or atleast the interpretation that is at the forefront of drumming was pioneered in the black church. Yes we watched Weckl, Chambers, Couliata, etc. But the groove, accents, context and syncopation of Gospel music is what determined the crazy timing and inversions of the rudiments and linear patterns to come up something dope for Sunday, recording, or gig. With social media all styles have intertwined to an extent but yeah come to black church and shed you will see a whole nothaaa animal. Now, just being observant. Some guys just hate the term because it denotes that only black people can play this style....maybe the groove yes...but the chops no. Now rewind 10 years all you will see is people like you, Mike Johnston etc lol having black dudes on their platform breaking down chops. another observation

[@TrustmeimexperienceD]

Do You guys know how lucky our generation is to have such experienced and seasoned professionals teaching what they’ve learnt for free. It’s beautiful

[@jaquilleoneil7282]

I've been drumming for one year now and I already understand what Eric Moore, Thomas Lang, Chris Coleman, etc are doing. Can I do it? NOPE! But in the age of information I do understand what's happening. Now all I have to do is one thing... PRACTICE!! I am hoping to be at a very high level within 10 years. That's my goal.

[@markoveljic626]

I don't know which generation you belong to, but you're totally right. I'm a little older and I've captured the old school of practice from books, and it's best if I find a VHS tape, but today everyone can learn this much easier to play only if they want to. Thanks also to the great drummers who are willing to share this with us because when I started playing I often came across drummers who weren’t there to really clarify because their ego ate them

[@markoveljic626]

@@jaquilleoneil7282 First year, congratulations. I want you to continue and you are just practicing and practicing .... and the net serves you to pick up exactly what to practice. I've been playing for about 30 years and I'm still learning and the more I learn the more I understand how much I don't know

[@alexfuller3029]

I've been playing a little over six months, this man is my teacher, he has a way of breaking it down for me unlike other videos.

[@jodyzannoni]

True

[@judsonl8990]

"It ain't nothin but a triplet" should be on your next t-shirt

[@b0geman117]

Rob you are no joke! I watched this video a couple months ago and it changed the way I play the drums. Like a complete overhaul, not just fills, but beats and comping as well. I always wanted chops like that and I had NO IDEA how to play stuff like that. You simplify it so perfectly in this video. I'm not quite to the point of real chops but man, this one video has helped soooo much with gaining freedom around the kit. Thanks Rob.

[@Danielshalomjnr]

Definitely the most useful tutorial on drumming I’ve come across since I’ve been on KZbin...

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Thanks bruh 👊🏽

[@dominicdoyle2895]

He has lots of valuable ones Daniel....but this is is one of those top 10 classes

[@juanjavierm]

For sure, this clip is astonishing. How simply he puts it. Rob seems to be a real professional: "Make the difficult look easy". He is right: it is not something intrincated at all. The secret lies on....set the click slow at the beginning. That key will open you doors.

[@kin.l4012]

Same thoughts!

[@masonianbund]

“Explosions and fireworks. It’s the same reason we love Die Hard...” *clicks like immediately. “This man speaks to my soul.”

[@mikel.laughridge9480]

Rob is so so smooth. One of the best teachers for everything on drums!!

[@dcairol]

“It ain’t nothing but a triplet” 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

*Hey friends! If you want this play-along track, download info is in the description box. Happy sheddin’* 🤓🤘🏽

[@kennedymack5777]

Rob Brown Please sir I tried downloading but it Say's the item is not available in my country. Please isn't there anyway else which I can get it🙏🙏

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

It should be available pretty much everywhere as long as you’re not on some remote island in the middle of the ocean. So try searching ‘solo comps for drummers’ or ‘rob brown solo comps’ in whatever music download service is in your particular area. 💻

[@waynewilson3871]

Rob you are very smooth.

[@dikbeats2720]

Hey man, u r a great drummer, but your teaching approach and manner is greater. I've learned a lot from your vids.. Peace and funk bro

[@juanjavierm]

@@waynewilson3871 Absolute description. His drumming....flows.

[@ShaMan54321]

Had no freaking clue your shedding chops were this solid. Holy crap, dude!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Yea, I don’t pull out the heavy Kung fu much 😏 Thanks 🙏🏽

[@xXEvangelXx]

hello, the "BEATDOWN" in Beatdown Brown ain't for nothing

[@nickwadson5731]

Mike Johnston's Linear Drumming book breaks it all down too.

[@hanbo123]

Practicing the 8th note triplets with a metronome that has an actual voice saying "One, Two, Three, Four" is very helpful in learning how to go in and out of the beat. Do it for hours and hours, and you'll start internalizing the "One".

[@ryanspeed4671]

Not surprised that you can play gospel chops. I don't believe in stroking another man's ego & I say this sincerely. You're one of the best teachers,whos humble with awesome skills out here bro. Real talk!!!

[@andresaguilar327]

Gospel Chops is what happened when church guys tried to copy or "decipher" what Vinnie and Weckl were doing with Chick Corea... What they didn't knew at the time, is that they were overpassing that thing they were trying to imitate in sound. God Bless all of those guys.

[@markoveljic626]

Man, you're the best drummer pedagogue. You simply explained to me something that I have been studying lately, but I have not come across the net for someone to explain it so simply and concretely. I sit down right for the drum and practice 16s with accents. I understood what it was about, but I was exactly confused by the accents and the combination with the bass drum. Thank you very much. God bless you

[@treybushorr1544]

really felt that solo man.... great job👏🏼👏🏼

[@edgenovese]

Honest and simple. A teachers teacher...Humble with a world skill. Each time I see this person, I think, "How is he not famous!" Brilliant instruction and your persona has so much class...You make your parents proud and we are too! Bravo...

[@jnate4883]

I appreciate how you took something that looks so difficult easy. I can finally wrap my head around this type of drumming. Thanks man! Awesome skills also.

[@mattwithoutyou]

I come back to older Beatdown videos sometimes to get beat down again with knowledge. I know I have seen this video before but something about the “distribution of accents” just unlocked something in my brain just now, so thank you for that!

[@christschinwon]

Easily one of the best tuition vids going on! Like you said about some of the greats, it's still just playing drums but that was broken down so intelligently. I love how with drumming somebody can come along and tell you you're already doing this but you don't know it. Once you release, you can hone in and make it work for you. Thanks man

[@BarcodeTeacup]

I really like your relaxed teaching style. Some drum lessons are so stuffy/serious and by the book it takes all the fun out of drumming for me. I can see you enjoy drums so i can actually engage in learning something. great stuff.

[@Thajet2]

Amazing! I wish at 2:05 you went to the Swiss cymbal with that lick!

[@johnstahrstartcleanfitwell1051]

There you GO!!! "Beat Down" is once again THE MAN for that AWESOME Gospel thing... beautiful beautiful beautiful My brother Fam 👍🏻😇 Once again THANK YOU 🙏🏻 brother!!

[@MikeVDrumming]

I have been drumming for a long time, and I learn something meaningful from this channel everytime I watch. Keep it up Rob

[@alefeans]

This is one of the most important videos for modern drummers ever ! Thanks for sharing !

[@kraig800i]

This is a really good explanation of linear drumming. Or a unique angle on the method. I've listened and practiced with other videos and linear drumming always feels like it's stripping back but gaining little in return. It's a means to an end to flow from one groove to another. But purposeful accent mixing has given it a nice wee twist. Makes me want to get back behind the drums again.

[@wimgui]

Thanks a lot Rob Brown for this clarification of something that could temp to be very imposing for many of us

[@classixdrummer]

4:29 - Me and the whole shedding thing. Thank you for the demystification, Rob.

[@DarrenMatthes]

Great description of the common elements of the chops. Thanks!

[@VikTheGreat360]

I absolutely LOVE how straight forward and to-the-point your explanation is. I also like how you dismantle the intimidation of these fill types by simply stating “it’s just a triplet man”. I feel like it puts me in the right ease of mind to start practicing and cranking out some of these chops! Been feeling creatively stuck for a little while and I’m so happy I found this video! Tysm :D

[@glennracoma7481]

Thanks for breaking all the craziness down...Sixteens, Triplets, emphasizing notes in those groups and alternating sticking and drums. Finally keeping that triplet subdivisions locked in brain.....too Cool

[@spencerholloman9354]

Thank you so much for the tutorial. Been playing for about 25 years and this was very simple and it helped

[@avealotoaso4381]

Rob made an excellent point. Dave and many of the old cats have been doing this for yrs. Linear chops the foundation of many of these gospel chops.

[@Simplecannibus]

Man oh man I’m having a productive Saturday, thanks Rob!!!!!

[@Tristanrgreene11]

Those buzzes in the begginging of your solo were and smooth as silk baby. Love it! Ty

[@szathmaridonat5213]

I've been watching tons of tutorial videos about chops. I tried to practise patterns and these kind of stuffs... but this video gives me the key!! Thank you very-very-very much!:))

[@justtellthemno]

Just bought the whole album. Perfect tracks for drummers. Thanks bro 🤙🏾

[@AustinPetDetective]

Beautiful sounding kit, thank you for the lesson.

[@verbalhustle]

First video I've seen of you. So relaxed and logical. You have a new fan.

[@zagyex]

same here!

[@LimpBizkit999]

You have been a huge inspiration over the past 12 months whether it’s gospel chops, groove, jazz, rudiments or funk. Thanks Beatdown 🙏🏼🥁

[@teddycampbellband2648]

Great job brother! I just shared this video with a friend who’s wanting to learn gospel chops. A few years ago i actually shared with dave Weckl that he was probably the biggest inspiration behind my generation of gospel drumming. He was humbled to hear that. Blessings to you! 🙏🏾👊🏾

[@TheRizaRahman]

Rob... This is first time I saw you... But i can feel you are a humble person and nice man... Love your explanation there... 👍🏾

[@goranlazic8327]

you have incredble feel to play solo on track...amazing skils and creativity..on of the best way to do solo..

[@Tama3166]

You nailed this Rob. Yes, older cats have been doin' this for a while, it's just that the feel and pads/ sounds have changed. I was just listening to Weckl's Nite Sprite group and early Chick Electric Band (w/ Henderson) last night and Weckl REALLY had a Gadd feel with that group! But with the 'shifting accents" you are talking about, I think any of us can do that forever... the trick is to do it for 2 or 4 measure at a time and be able to come out on ONE in the 2 or 4 bar phrase. You can drive anywhere you want with your car, but if you don't know where you are every 20 miles, your not going to go where you need to be. Keep on keeping on... I'm digging your stuff bro!

[@damstevieray]

You're the kind of person that bring simple answers to complexe questions, where everybody beat around the bust and ended telling you to buy this course or something else... Thanks so much for the awesome content and clear explanations !

[@papapoodo6685]

You sir are a great teacher! Your delivery makes it easier to absorb. Great technique too! Thank you

[@willpackham_]

Thanks so much Rob, brilliant video as usual, really helped me out!

[@ARGBlackCloud]

Linear is so misunderstood and really the foundation of all playing. Great explanation and video on this topic Rob, keep up the great work !!!

[@willdavid6697]

Excellent explanation, brother!!! I've been looking for the fundamental bed that these rest in for a while. Thank you for creating this lesson, Rob!!!!!!!!!

[@AC-ub4kk]

I think you are awesome teacher...You always explain everin details

[@sawsickness]

love your vids. Your very laid back dude and you explain things well. thanks

[@ChuloDavidcito]

Astounding! All that beautiful complexity, but never losing the groove! 👏

[@mitodrum7218]

Summary is in 16:21 I understand what you saying, some things even already.. But just my limbs don’t..

[@MarkGarnerDrums]

This was fantastic. I’ve always to know how to learn the gospel solos, and obviously everyone’s just blazing through the drums to where I can’t even see what’s going on, like you said. This was extremely helpful, and I can’t wait to try those exercises out! Thanks!

[@thibodaux3424]

Gary Chaffee's Patterns book will help with most of this stuff. That book is gold! When I started on it 15 years ago I remember thinking to myself “that's what Vinnie is doing! “ I'd change the title of the lesson to “Chaffee Chops“ because once you can string together and orchestrate the A, B and C sticking patterns you've pretty much got it.

[@manny2092]

so cool! that makes a lot of sense! Thank you for explaining "Gospel Chops" foundations!

[@mlechway]

Love your vids, Rob. What amazes me the most about them is the fact that each time I hit the wall I can't even comprehend let alone figure out how to deal with it you come up with a video which gives me a very practical tip on how to move on. It's something magical, I love it ! Oh, and greeting from Russia :)

[@PerpetualTwilight88]

I've seen a few videos explaining GC and this one was very straight forward and makes a lot of sense. Thank you brother

[@_P_M_]

That's so cool that you mentioned The Next Step. Great vid. Dave Weckl's funky beat displacement. Rod Morganstein from the Dregs, used to do articles in Modern Drummer on these concepts back in the 80's as well.

[@policeboy1288]

Can't wait to start learning practicing.

[@phillippeharris5557]

Great great breakdown! I needed this understanding thanks so much

[@vivenzeo]

this is the only gospel chops solo i know that the drummer is relaxed. SOLD!

[@JamesOKeefe-US]

So mind bogglingly smooth :) The trick to it is for me to get a lot better 😂 or take up gardening... Thank you so much for this brilliant video!

[@diamondraven484]

I love your method of teaching I needed this along time ago

[@BobSchoepenjr]

Just wow Rob how musically you master your playing!

[@1138pratt]

A kid I was teaching how to play just would *not* stop bugging me about soloing and flashy chops. When you made this video I slapped it in his inbox like " Here, boy!!!! But it won't work if you don't have no *POCKET* Thanks for explaining it way way better than I ever could.🥁♥🎶

[@hardcore907]

I fucking love this dude’s personality much more than most “KZbin drum instructors”.

[@tktkdrums]

Never seen your videos before and enjoy most instructional videos, but you just make sense and in an extremely pleasant way. Thank you!

[@TheGurner1]

I love this style, (Chris Coleman is one of the best in my opinion) thanks for a great vid!

[@drumminfro]

TheGurner1 Chris Coleman is in my top 3

[@TheGurner1]

@Duklin and he's superhuman when he really starts in on those drums ;-)

[@gmoney1592]

Another great lesson. Something new and challenging to learn. Thanks for breaking this down and showing us how to play this. Love your relaxed approach to playing . Trying to learn that myself thanks again

[@SKragseth]

Gary C. Me too man I catch myself spazzing out while playing too often.

[@matthargett2284]

Love this dude he’s a old school but he know new school....just simple that’s it

[@LuthorHuss2]

Rob has a better throne than I do... to hold his freakin Ipad !! XD Great job anyways

[@tharris1291]

Super Solo! It makes many solos even by the big names seem at times a little repetitive and not have the same amount of light and shade that Rob brings to the kit...I guess I'll be putting in plenty of practice now!

[@Simplecannibus]

Rob you’re the greatest I’m moving those triplets all around the Kit!!!!!!

[@mrmisfit635]

So happy for this!

[@kennethryandunahoe]

Very detailed and explained easy. Thank you.

[@hotdammusic]

Nice touch and feel, man!

[@iamjakin_kd]

I should learn how to play that 👍👍👍😭😭😭😭😭🥁🥁🥁

[@joelgoodwin8805]

I appreciate this info and demonstration. What’s crazy is that I could probably teach it better than immediately apply it. But I’ll study this video and others.

[@drumphills]

Rob, that was a great lesson. In a drum frustrated vortex, thanks for helping me to get out.

[@juliocontagro]

KILLER snare sound!!!!

[@joshg3767]

Thank you, Iv'e been looking for an approach to gospel chops for awhile now

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Hope it helps 🤘🏽

[@Munch1289]

Wow gospel chops are this easy just sticking and accents😂i see why lol rudiements also help to increase ur vocbaulary in these 16th notes triplets and stuff

[@cowboyblaze8767]

Channel is very refreshing- thank you

[@brantblk7360]

You remind me of my old manager from Rent A Center "Earl" haha he was a cool cat. I'm trying to get back into drumming btw! Good vid brotha

[@emmanueleverett4777]

Thanks I’m drummer to and I feel like u helped me a lot because I was really needed help of soloing and using different variations and I feel like u helped with that

[@robchismar4679]

"...then it really starts to sound a little bit Wonky". I luv it! Fitting word. Thanx for yet again a very helpful video. This makes sense. I don't wanna start sounding wonky' bcuz that's easy to let happen.

[@NoelMay]

Thanks again Rob for a simple explanation of something that seems unreal ! I watch those guys you mentioned and to me it's all a blur ! A wonderful sounding mass of notes that somehow fit together to make an incredible rhythm . Those guys are the masters of that at great speed but I now have some idea of what they are doing.

[@Zachadiddle]

Dude! Thanks for demystifying this! This style has always looked like so much fun but I’ve not been able to wrap my head around it. Now if you will excuse me, I’ve got some practicing to do. You rule, Rob!

[@prescott65]

Thank you and Bless you and you Family!🙏🏽🥁

[@slyphon]

"it's the same reason we love Die Hard" made me actually laugh out loud 😂

[@williammills1026]

As always...good stuff...nice and clean!!!

[@Diamondlifebruhh]

I swear i love your videos they make everything so simple to me man thank you wish u nothing but the best

[@omartapiagallegos1940]

Excellent clinic dude!! I really enjoyed it. Pretty clear

[@kimtorres9202]

Okay, that lesson was just refreshing. Liner and accents. Who would have said that straight out explaining gospel chops? Thanks man! That was awesome. I will be downloading that backing track.

[@scottr5211]

Excellent lesson. Thank you!

[@torpedoboy4]

Ha! You're an old head like me. I remember back in the early 1990s, us young church drummers couldn't wait to get our hands on the newest Chick Corea or John Patitucci albums. You named all the ones we were listening to, and we were trying to decipher how they were getting those sounds. Great breakdown of these concepts, btw!

[@terrytaylor4730]

Thanks for keeping it real. It just takes a little insight into most of the popular rhythms and fills. Really appreciate your perspective and desire to bring the rest of us guys up to speed. T

[@kpcheck1]

Thanks very much Rob...great tutorial...

[@FedericoFoglia]

I wanna really thank you for a very illuminating lesson! You helped me to start a new engine!

[@coreyroberts47]

I cant wait to practice