The VINNIE COLAIUTA FILL You NEED TO SEE! - Complete Breakdown

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Hey y'all. Our friend Austin Burcham over at ABBDrums/STUDY THE GREATS has come through with a great transcription video for us and has also made it available to you to download. Grab it from his website right here www.abbdrums.com/vinnie-colaiuta and make sure you subscribe to his channel! 🙂

[@MalikEmmanuel]

can you post the link to the original video in the description please

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Up

[@noahhackers2172]

Hey Rob Brown! >>>> those drums of yours sound killer, man !

[@manojkamalakar6293]

Hey rob . Please tell me which yamaha kit you used in this video. And did you get the kit with those wooden Hoops ?? Or you replaced them ??

[@drumstudiomonchengladbach8131]

@@RobBeatdownBrown Sorry this is the wrong lick/link

[@abbdrums]

I had a good time transcribing this one out... such a great fill 😍

[@fdasaro1]

thanks dude

[@dgaubin]

You guys are great!

[@jwagy]

Austin Burcham where can we find the first fill transcription of this fill Rob broke down!?

[@yvanmessier5764]

Thank Austin for your great work!!!!!

[@zaio15_DarioMannu_DM-DrumCover]

Yeah! Thanks A LOT!!! But I don't understand, you Austin have transcribed group of 6 notes... Rob speaks about group of 5... I think your transcription is the legit one.

[@homard62]

Learning to phrase 16th notes in odd groups like 5 or 7 is a door opener. Internalizing the sound of these "odd" groups is the key. Being able to transcend counting is paramount. Break em up into groups of 2 and 3 with these syllables. Taka = 2 and Takita = 3. Taka takita . = 5. Taka taka takita = 7. Then if you accent the first syllable you start to hear the sound or "melody" of these groups. By coupling that with the math of 16th notes and how those values divide into them for example, (3 X 5) +1 =16 / (15 + 1) . or (2 X 7) + 2 = 16 / (14 + 2). You have all the info you need to make this part of your own vocabulary. Then fool around. Move the groups of 2 and 3 around. 9 = takita takita takita (3 + 3 + 3 ) or taka taka taka takita (2 + 2 + 2 + 3 ) Etc. Those two syllabic groups feel very different and are the same numeric value. This method counting tech I learned from Ralph Humphrey and comes from tabla drummers. It is a door opener and can help you on your way to finding your own voice. I have found that it isn't confusing for the other musicians because they can still hear of feel the recognizable 16th notes going by. But only if you execute. Good luck. and enjoy. Remember though. If booty's are shaking, You are doing your job. Peace.

[@90Aga]

homard62 amazing. Thank you so much man.

[@Hogy58]

this was very helpful, thanks

[@tobytoxd]

That's really amazing to work with odd groupings! One of the most inspirational, most methodically logical and most musical DVDs regarding this imo is: The Language of Drumming by Benny Greb. The DVD includes a PDF with many pages and there is also a book with the same title. I teach this to all my pupils and it changed my fundamental approach of my teachings with my higher grade students.

[@zanestackhouse8297]

I know this comment is 2 years old, but this fill is actually sixteenth note triplets (6 notes per beat) and sixteenth notes are only 4 notes per beat. So the math would revolve around 24 notes every 4/4 measure, and would work slightly different and is based around a different subdivision than sixteenth notes. Still, very cool phrasing ideas!

[@bighouse5804]

@@zanestackhouse8297 OMG thanks for the explanation, I was so confused by the comment because of that! Can you apply the method they're talking about in the comment to 16th note triplets? Because I'm kind of confused in the video how they are "groups of 5" at all - what is it that makes this fill consist of groups of 5? I don't really hear that, it just sounds like 16th note trips to me

[@earlbrackett6508]

Vinnie has some of the most complex fills I've ever heard, and the way he strings them together is mind-blowing, he is truly one of the greatest drummers...

[@bwolohan18]

I totally get it man. I tingle when Vinni Flares up. The real unique thing that Vinni has is that he grooves just as much as he is technical. His playing on Stings "seven days" would never be topped. Great post 👍

[@L.A.W.Studios]

Late to the party, but as a bassist who's a drum freak, and stickler for time, this was flawless! Yes, you did it justice!

[@BrianEisenbergJazz]

Thanks Rob so much for the breakdown, I'm honored! To everyone watching, get the album here: store.cdbaby.com/cd/brianeisenbergjazzorches Thanks for your support, it helps us create more albums for you!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

No sweat, Brian. Thanks for letting us all in on the session! Show your support and grab this album, y'all 🙂

[@louiscalabrese9945]

Greetings, I met Vinnie a few times when I was a just starting out recording studio tech at Westlake Studios in LA between 1987 - 89. Vinnie was a really down to earth cool gentleman. He was doing drum sessions for a company called LANY who used to write jingles for big time commercials. I guess they needed the best!

[@nikcrosina]

i saw the session on youtube, probs the same as you. i have literally tears in the eyes when I watch him play. he is increadible. one of the very very very few people who indeed could sip a coffee and read the papers while playing zapp backwards.

[@praxisdev1884]

Holds head in hands and sobs😂: an appropriate reaction to Vinnie’s greatness. Great video, man. Keep up the great work. I appreciate your passion.

[@almas7123]

I’m not even a drummer but man your passion, attitude and appreciation made me stay for video and like you. You’re awesome man!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Hey thanks much, dude 🙂👊🏽

[@solohour]

Killer fill. Even better explanation. Thanks Rob.

[@ChristopherDillman]

4:56 - Your gift of music and teaching, tis the holiday season. I'm a fan. Thanks for decoding the one and only Vinnie. And doing it without his trademark glasses! That's a rarity in and of itself.

[@andrewwright7267]

Great video Rob! Did as you suggested and sat with my practice pad...watched & rewound...plenty of times! Got the basics down in about 40 mins. I think replicating it on the drums is gonna take a bit longer! Love your work man!

[@1bluetomato]

Don't cry ROB. VINNIE is a monster, a master, he's probably the best thing that happen on drums since TONY WILLIAMS. It's natural, drums are his life...

[@EphICanIMite]

Whoa! I watched the video of that song... not only is Vinnies playing spectacular through out the entire song... but it's just so nonchalantly like... well yeah, this is what I do for a living. And those Hi-Hats... so crisp and articulate. Thanks for the redirect to that video.

[@derekstocker6661]

Rob, what a wonderful lesson in drumming, WOW, I will now see the drummer in a band in a different light. Always been a great fan of Charlie Watts, and now seeing all this close up my admiration for you guys is so elevated. Thanks for showing even us none drummers something really great AND so well explained. Now where's those sticks....

[@BenjaminGib]

Rob, this is epic on so many levels. What a gold mine find. Love all the comments on here. Great job breaking it down!

[@mapquest681]

LMAO. I love the comment about calmly sitting there sipping coffee and reading the paper and then announcing he's Batman. That gave me a really good laugh this morning. I must admit most times when I see something that Vinnie has done I don't even try to figure it out because he's so otherworldly about doing fills like this. You sir make things like this look easy. Hats off to you my drumming brother from another mother!

[@brian07470]

Rob....What is priceless is your reaction to the video. You did exactly what I did..Just shook my head. The dude in the control room that throws his arms in the air just makes it that much better.

[@Nissantrommler]

This drumset sounds so fu..... great - besides the tuning of it !!! Thanks for breaking down this wonderful fill !

[@Nissantrommler]

@@ReconXOverland I have the perfect Christmas present for you - some new glasses - so reading will work for you again ! Nobody else misunderstood my comment !!!!!!!!

[@vlastion]

I love the bit at 10:11 where's Rob's like 'this is a cool fill but don't forget about my sweet new cymbal'

[@RA2Music]

So Vinny and I studied the same incredible teacher (Gary Chaffee), but man, I couldn’t come up with something like that. Such an amazing player with the grace and confidence only a seasoned master can deliver. Thanks for showing it and breaking it down for us. This also shows how good you are as well Rob, nicely done. Merry Christmas from Beantown.

[@larrytate1657]

Practice your six stroke roll and variations around the kit and you’ll surprise yourself. Make the doubles on the snare ghosted abd the accents melodically between snare and toms. The groupings will just be a by product of that

[@halcoy4373]

Many thanks Rob! I agree, just when you think you've seen it all....This is the kind of stuff that really differentiates Vinnie as a drummer. Jazz band recording, rock, fusion, country, soloing, and beats galore. I'm still trying to grasp how many different sounds he gets out of his hi-hats. Excellent piece of vocab for the tool box. Also, appreciate the call out for Austin. You two are my top for vocabulary ideas!

[@n0iseboy]

You continue to 'beakdown' exactly that which I want "broken down'. Awesome video content and delivery as always...thanks Rob. Happy Holidays to you and all...spread some love...

[@farclebaba]

Amazing. Just amazing. I'm going to repeat what I just wrote on Austin's comment section for this video: Rob's reaction to this clip was pretty much my reaction as well. Here is what's special about Vinnie, and Zappa touched on this in one of his books: Vinnie's ability to improvise advances polymetric figures in real time, and do it in a way that is not only musical, but inventive. It kills me. There are great drummers, and then there's Vinnie. He's the one drummer who consistently plays things that makes my drum brain say "That was amazing, it totally worked, and I have no idea how he did it."

[@andybrown78]

It’s awesome because Vinnie then goes right into a disco/dance groove after!

[@jimshadforth7660]

I LOVE BIG BANDS and I love this tune "Gift With Purchase". The musicianship and composition are brilliant. Finally I have found some new music I can get excited about. Thanks for mentioning this band.

[@martinreilly2752]

Super! Thanks for taking the time Rob!

[@jedidrummerjake]

We need a new word for AWESOME! Thank you, Rob! You're a fantastic teacher and drummer!

[@BJD1964]

Thanks for that - appreciate the time put in to show the whole thing - very impressed with your final run through at full speed - cheers

[@D_Hill_Drums]

Great video man. Not sure when I’ll be able to use this fill but I’ll definitely find a place for it. Thank you!!

[@rhythmantic]

Thanks for taking the time to break down the fill and explain it. Not only is Vinnie a master drummer, he is a fellow brother in Christ. For another great Vinnie fill, check out what he plays on the break in the Brian Doerksen tune "Change Me On The Inside" studio recording, (not the live version). The song is on the "Holy God" album. I attempted the fill in a cover I did of the song.

[@1618forex]

Rob Thanks for being so REAL when it comes to how you FEEL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

[@spookybaba]

I love how you appreciated the Genius of Vincent Colaiuta. He does a great Seal bark, too ;)

[@angelafields5798]

Outstanding way of breaking it down....as Yogi said..."A lot can be observed by just watching"..Thanks very much Rob!

[@vxrdrummer]

I love how you loop. First teacher I have seen do that and this is the first video I have seen of yours! I like how you explain things.

[@alexsorel514]

your concepts are always strong, useful and easy to grasp for the everyday working drummer. great work and thanks from Turin, Italy

[@Garymayes24]

Really kool what you're doing, in the way you approach teaching. No nonsense, straight to the point. Keep up the good work sir.

[@pcs56]

Excellent video...thank you for posting this! When I was a kid I got the instructional video of Steve Gadd breaking down some of his grooves. I was most interested in learning "Late in the Evening" and I was determined to get it. I had to write out the part for each hand, one at a time, rewinding the video over and over. After laying the parts on top of each other, I finally figured out the "feel" of how they fit together. I was one happy camper! :)

[@1dudecrush]

I love how you couldn't resist hitting the swish at the end there. That thing may very well convert me to Paiste just by itself...

[@michaelmartinez6437]

So much goes on in the video but the fact Rob knows it is so surprising !!!!

[@Shon70]

Love the shirt! Mode has a special place in my heart.

[@Bix12]

Just gotta say....VC has been blowing my ever-lovin' mind since FZ introduced him to me way long time ago, and now me love him long time. I'm no drummer but I know what I like....Vinnie, Mike Clark, Peter Erskine, Gergo Borlai, Bruford, Ronald Bruner Jr, Ndugu, Lenny White, of course Tony Williams....rock drummers Ian Paice, Carmine Appice, Barriemore Barlow, Stew Copeland, Jim Keltner and a lot more. You sir sound amazing!

[@apieceofdirt4681]

This guy is off the chain!!! I knew he had to be cool with a Depeche Mode t-shirt.

[@vincem45]

Dude them drums sound Amazing..,. overhead mics and a snare mic only sick!! I have the Vinnie Colaiuta Yamaha maple customs with the 4.5 signature snare circa 1993 bought brand new only owner.. One of the greatest drummers ever ...thanks for paying hommage

[@kahaunds]

This vid is great. Your explanation is crystal clear- Thanks for repeating each section a bunch of times. And, your reaction to the awesomeness of Vinnie's fill was fittingly priceless. Great stuff.

[@speedalbert70]

Rob, you’re an amazing drummer and a great teacher; I do not understand half of what you say because my English is worse than a sandwich of nails ... but my friend, it's a pleasure to see you play. All the best from Spain. Fredo

[@darrinmiranda7408]

Man thanks for deciphering that bad boy !!! Ever since I saw that like you it completely blew my mind !! Good job !!!

[@johndisalvo6283]

I actually watched that video of Vinnie last night , about 6 times too!!!!! You were fantastic also!!!👍👍👍

[@kylebatty3682]

excellent break down of Vinnie's creative magic! Thanks for the video!

[@drumlover1687]

Great job Rob of breaking down that fill. It's never easy to explain or let alone play a Vinnie fill. But you did it, and played it flawlessly! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@MrFg1980]

I'd watched the Eisenberg video of this fill a bunch and wouldn't have tried it had you not broken it down. Gonna' check the transcription as well. Thanks everyone !

[@drewper73]

Wow! Somehow I’m over a year late seeing the original video and then watching your video and Austin’s transcription. However, you did such a good job of breaking down Vinnie’s fill that I don’t think I need the transcription, but it’s nice to know it’s there should I need it. I found myself wanting to accent the right hand stroke that comes directly after the left hand stroke on the hihat. After I got rid of the tendency to accent that note and stick to the sticking things are falling into place. I still can’t play it cleanly at full speed yet, but I’ve only been working on it for a few hours. When I first heard Vinnie play this fill it sounded like he was hitting the snare and the hihats at the same time. After listening to it a few times I could hear the space between the snare and the hi hats. I definitely thought that I would never be able to wrap my head around this fill. But thanks to you and Austin Burcham, I not only have a full grasp on this fill, but I can play it, even if it’s not at the original tempo. I think that’s really cool. I can’t wait to play it for my fellow drummers and other musicians!

[@DeanWuksta]

Love the explanation without all the 1e+a crap, thank you and merry Xmas!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

“1e + a 2 e + a 3 trip-LET 4 trip-LET”....(smashes head through wall)

[@reynardzeefox]

Thou art Hilarious...I love Vinnie...I love how he does stuff mere mortals can only dream of

[@gmsdrmr]

I love you, man. This is great. I just watched this video a few days ago.... over and over and over.

[@chrisbrock9027]

VERY COOL... It so AWESOME that you took the time to figure this one out and expand your Horizons ! THANX

[@moulinex79]

Greetings from Argentina, and sorry for my english. But i love your way of transmit your knowledge, funny and accurate. Without going around. Thanks man.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Argentina in the house! 🇦🇷 Thanks, Diego 🙂🇨🇦

[@fredmeltzer7566]

Rob this is the first video of yours that I have seen and it is EXCELLENT! Will continue to tune in and you inspire me after 40 years of playing, to learn new things!

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Thanks a bunch, Fred 🙂👊🏽

[@LondonWeekendTV]

I like the little run around the drums with the flam-like ending...Merry Christmas Fob and to all your followers!

[@schiffwasright]

So well explained. Watching this video today and learning this fill got me back into playing drums...for the first time in a long while. I signed up on Patreon.

[@DarrenD777]

*Triplets RUEL!!* I love 'em, can't get enough of them! THANK YOU ROB for the breakdown!!

[@quadracept576]

Dayummm that was difficult! Took me forever to get the coordination down for that lick but I got it and am pretty close to mastering it, thx Rob!

[@andersdo2925]

Love your reaction when the camera comes back to you lol!

[@deppurple700]

You are a true professional from every seance of the wprd

[@kjc9trader491]

brilliant - I love the way you can "feel" it - and break it down that way 1st... Great job!... a year 1/2 later!...

[@Flinty3121]

Great fill and thank you for breaking it down so clearly! Fantastic work..

[@TheFamousMockingbird]

Awesome video! I do the same with Vinnie. He is an absolute monster and probably my favorite drummer of all time

[@christschinwon]

So well broken down dude. Love to give this a go!

[@christiancanalita6487]

There's SO much goodness in this...thank you Rob! Thank you for the Christmas present! And who gave the thumbs down on this....wtf....JEEZ!

[@fepatton]

1:42 lol - I know that feeling! What a stunning thing to pull out of his hat, right?

[@todzillia3242]

Thanks Rob for all you do. Your a great drummer and even greater teacher. My hat off to you.

[@MusicianMarkusRaivio]

Great playing and a great video! Just for a detail, Vinnie is playing also one foot Open Hihat, in the last lick, to be precise.

[@toddliggett4093]

Great break down and demonstration Rob. Keep em' coming. I really enjoyed this.

[@Mr_Mijagi]

Thanks, Rob, for your Christmas present and all your great stuff during the year. Keep on rollin'!

[@garydonnelly100]

Yeah, my reaction upon hearing that the first time was much the same...I stopped the vid and probably laughed my butt off for five minutes then started it again 3-4 times before I listened to the whole tune. I usually hate to do that but geez, really there needs to be a warning on stuff like that!! :) Rob, thanks for the breakdown and many thanks to Austin for the transcription. I've been enjoying all of the stuff that both of you have contributed. I'll be shedding this tomorrow!!

[@radeum1010]

That's soo funny cos I have just discovered that video of Vinnie and was knocked out by that fill of course then by chance this video explaining it. But what (to me) makes that fill that much more spectacular is when you hear the simple almost 'disco' groove that it comes out of which makes the fill so sublime.

[@dwdrum11]

Thanks rob, I love your vids and also Austin’s too, thanks for taking the time to make the videos that help us ultimately become better players

[@zappa2013]

Great Breakdown Rob! your reaction was priceless!. love your other vids too!

[@daviddebuhr8995]

I had to put my second rack tom back on the kit just so I could try this killer fill!!! Thanks!

[@chrislong4003]

Beautiful man. Thanks for breaking that down.

[@DeanWThomas]

This video is excellent! The fill is broken down perfectly. Instant Sub for that and wish there were more drum channels like yours!

[@NWShotStoppa]

Insane. This is amazing. Great teaching! Great insight and personal touch at the end!

[@hanzelhansolo]

Bright!!!! You are such an inspiration for everyone behind the kit man!! Cheers and merry Christmas.

[@RobBeatdownBrown]

Thanks much, man 😊 👊🏽

[@maudrumatik]

Beautifully explained man, i noticed from V.C. he flammed a bit more the last R/L notes which gives more power to the end. For the rest is perfect! Thank you!

[@odaydrums]

Thanks so much. I always like your vibe and playing.Stay cool : )

[@emlix1]

Dude that was extremely cool, and you obviously worked damn hard on it. Props.

[@willb5240]

Thanks Rob and Austin. You guys are both awesome! And @ 1:42 in this video, priceless Rob! Vinnie just has that kind of effect on many of us.. Haha. Thanks for the video.

[@jazzfusionsoul]

Great drumming and equally beautiful drum set and the killer sound.

[@KevWhitehead]

Awesome fill ... and great breakdown, thanks Rob!!

[@stufromsaturday3957]

Absolutely brilliant breakdown Rob thanks for sharing this beauty 👊👌

[@starlightsign8666]

I’m exhausted from throwing my arms up in the air each time you make that fill!

[@jedidrummerjake]

This was FANTASTIC!!! Thank you for posting this gem!

[@MacMic333]

Thanks Rob and Austin.Toms sound great Rob!

[@FusionHowie]

Awesome fill, I would have never figured it out....THANK YOU !!!

[@FritoBanditoMusicVideos]

Who in they're right minds could thumbs down this video???? Damn Rob, Perfect breakdown!!! Nice Job!!! Love your style, and your taste in music!!! Peace!!!

[@CreamySpoon]

They wanted a PDF I suppose.🙃

[@jedfearon]

I love it. Great technique and awesome sounding drums.

[@jeffluker1895]

Super cool, thanks for putting that out! Your hats sounds great too.

[@brunovonarx240]

You are a Great Teamchef,Lovely greetngs from Switzerland.