This Comping Phrase Was a Game Changer for me on the Drums🥁

In this jazz drum lesson video, titled "This Comping Phrase Was a Game Changer for me on the Drums," I share a powerful comping phrase based on triplets, inspired by the styles of Elvin Jones and Jeff "Tain" Watts. This phrase is perfect for working on the hemiola concept of 3 over 4 and will help drummers enhance their comping using triplets. Join me as I break down this transformative technique and demonstrate why "This Comping Phrase Was a Game Changer for me on the Drums." Whether you're a seasoned drummer or just looking to expand your jazz vocabulary, this lesson has something valuable for everyone.
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ZILDJIAN CYMBALS
21" Prototype
20" K Istanbul Zildjian
14" K Constantinople Hats
TAMA STARCLASSIC DRUMS
14X18 BD
14X14 FT
8X12 TT
6.5X14 Starphonic Copper Snare
SNARE DRUM HEADS
REMO - Ambassador
EVANS - Clear Resonant (bottom)
TOMS
AQUARIAN - Coated Textured Heads & Classic Clear (bottom)
BASS DRUM
AQUARIAN - Texture Coated (beater side) & Coated Resonant

[@benjaminlehmanphotography]

Always love watching Quincy - from his infectious smile to his skilled playing - just a pure joy to watch. Thanks, Q!

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate your kind words Benji! Swing on my man👊🏾

[@valerymourgues1544]

Thank you so much for elev(in)ate our playing !

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure!

[@EleniEliades_]

Before I began playing Jazz, I was {and still am} playing Drums to a variety of African Music from Algeria, Morocco, Ethiopia, Senegal, Nigeria, Uganda etc. I also loved listening to Jazz. When I started to REALLY listen to the Drummer and how each one was actually using their ride cymbal, snare, toms and stick sounds the one who was creatively playing and had the most unique way of using his Drum Kit while playing with other Jazz instrumentalists like John Coltrane, was Elvin Jones. When I first heard him playing that was it- I had to learn how to play Jazz Drums in the unique way that he was playing! And that's the key why I love listening to Elvin Jones and play along to his recordings every day... it's because his Drumming is very African beat-wise just as you said you heard that Bell being played when you were in West Africa and it has that same timing and sound when Elvin Jones used the Bell on his Ride Cymbal on that beautiful song he recorded and created the famous Drum section with John Coltrane on Sax which you demonstrated for us. Thank you for this great lesson as I'm still learning ~❤🎉

[@drumqtips]

Thank you for sharing your journey with jazz and African drumming-it’s amazing to hear how those rhythms and Elvin's unique style resonated with you! His African-influenced approach to the kit, especially the way he uses the ride cymbal and bell, is truly inspiring and transformative. I’m glad the lesson helped connect those elements for you, and it’s great to know you’re still learning and exploring Elvin’s recordings daily. Keep up the incredible work, and thanks for leaving such an awesome comment!

[@scotthartman6440]

Revealing the mystery around Elvin. Love it! Thanks!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed it Scottie!

[@mitchlynn2137]

I can't speak Elvin at all without dictionaries like this at hand.

[@blaisee1977]

Elvin had the hippest comping IMO. Great video as always, Professor.

[@drumqtips]

Couldn't agree more!

[@peterevans366]

Oh Elvin ate these things thanks for sharing in your inimitable style❤..Will get on this straight 3/4 way🥁🙏

[@drumqtips]

PE bringing cheesy music puns🤣!! You know I love the 🧀 since Cheese is my middle name👊🏾🤣

[@davidpage3400]

You’re a master man ! You nailed this for me 🧤Beautiful !!!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you got some value from this one Dave!

[@borndrumming1972]

I love the sound of the Copper Snare. I have the Brass version of that Tama snare. The quick release lugs are a game changer for sure! I am assembling a copper snare from a kit I found online. Wish me luck! lol

[@drumqtips]

Couldn't agree more! Good luck!

[@duanedavis7969]

As usual, quite informative.

[@drumqtips]

Papa Davis! Glad you enjoyed this one dad❤️

[@fabiodisanto9587]

Great Quincy🔥🔥🔥Thank You ,You are a Great Inspiration for me🙏

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Fabs!

[@billsmith1957]

10:19 "I know, something's wrong with me today, but I like it.." I like it too Q! That's a sweet lesson in a transition to 3/4, ty for sharing with us!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching Bill!

[@KinoHaitsma]

Been searching for this forever ❤

[@mrmisfit635]

This was a super lesson! My specialty is Latin, Caribbean, and African grooves, so i can use these concepts all day!✌🏼

[@Pedro-yr9nh]

Excelent lesson as allways! Greetings from Brazil!

[@drumqtips]

Obrigado!

[@borndrumming1972]

Very cool! Tgis is very similar to the motif he gets into on Stealing Babies by Our Lady Peace. He comes in around 2 and a half minutes in on the right hand side of the mix. Love the video as usual. Going to check out the deets on the group lessons! Have a safe and productive week.

[@drumqtips]

I’ll have to check that track out. Thanks for sharing!

[@roccosamuele9323]

Q, brilliant lesson. All kinds of sparks going off in my mind. That connection between 3/4 Elvin triplets to 12/8 & Mozambique roots… “when I was there..” & how this was a break through grove for you, in particular, to introduce triplets into your playing. I’ve been shedding a variation of this, but I like this much better. You should write a book on this topic. Seriously. Wish I could join your summer group lessons - love how you’ve designed them; still trying to figure it out, but I’ll be on summer travel with the fam. Thank you, Q. 🙏 ❤

[@drumqtips]

Rocco! Great to hear from you and very happy you like this one. Happy travels with the fam brother!

[@jazzhole8208]

What a deep dive ❤🥁🔥 i luv it 🙌

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@erwinballings9155]

Great Lesson Quincy !! Thanks.

[@johngrobson4899]

Awesome, Mr. Davis 🥁💎🥁👏👏

[@bobweber4140]

Thankyou quincy

[@drumqtips]

My pleasure Bob!

[@Manyra15]

That cymbal is really nice

[@drumqtips]

Glad you like it!

[@JunkerOnDrums]

Yes my man - love Elvin - went to three concerts with Jones in his time - fantastic :D

[@drumqtips]

Right on Junkie!

[@ВладимирСмирнов-ь5ы]

Куинси, спасибо вам!! Ваши уроки очень помогают в развитии!! 😊

[@lorenzojuniormuscoso2547]

Claaaasssssss!!

[@CharlesTPrimm]

It's been said an idle mind is the devil's playground. You are keeping very busy my friend! Good for you. And thanks for your great videos, your instruction, your inspiration, and for using the word "finagling.". Cheers always.

[@drumqtips]

You bet Chucky! And that’s one of the great words in American vocabulary🤣

[@markoveljic]

God bless you man!! These days, in this heat, I play light swing and jazz standards. However, a little monotony and boredom started. Your video opened new horizons for me! I enjoy this all day. Thank you very much 👍❤❤🎉

[@drumqtips]

Glad to hear you enjoyed this one Mark!

[@henrytheworst]

This is sooo sick - Quincy! This video is gonna have me practicing these for months - I’m not worthy!

[@drumqtips]

You got this my man👊🏾

[@bigneutron5510]

The Quincy essence of Jazz drum lesson!! Greetings from Bavria!

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for watching!

[@malvessidrums]

Love it! Steve Jordan taught me this lick. So nice hearing you playing it, with your sweet sweet sound.

[@drumqtips]

Steve Jordan taught you this! WOW!!!

[@patdaveydrums]

Big Elvin vibes, love it!

[@drumqtips]

Right on Pat!!

[@OBGynKenobi]

I like the 7/8 version.. Ta ta ta-ta ta ta ta-ta

[@drumqtips]

🤣🤣🤣

[@tomcarr4630]

Wow! Thanks for making that understandable! (Your one count in brought back fond memories of the movie Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom).

[@drumqtips]

Ha! Glad you enjoyed this one T 🚗. I’ll have to look at that movie again. It’s a really good one!

[@vanjanus]

thank you this is gold! Saluti dall'Italia

[@drumqtips]

Glad you like it!

[@silvanoolalla]

Amazing content as always Quincy!

[@drumqtips]

Appreciate that!

[@dannymo]

Thanks!

[@drumqtips]

That’s very kind of you. Thank you🙏🏾

[@lawrenceyolles9541]

man, your lessons always so thought provoking and inspiring.

[@drumqtips]

Glad you get so much out of them!

[@joseeduardosoria7328]

Beautiful!! A great joy to watch you, dear Quincy.. always. But this one is such a special material!! It´s GOLD!! Greetings from Argentina 🧡

[@drumqtips]

Many thanks!! Glad you enjoyed this one so much my man.

[@mikeanscombe9883]

Monster lesson, guv’nor! This is tricky sh*t - I think I need to lie down in a quiet room with a milky drink…😎

[@drumqtips]

Hilarious! Enjoy your milky drink brother Mike🤣🤣🤣

[@BrassAttack1]

Beautiful!

[@drumqtips]

Thank you!

[@janisuvivuo6696]

Thank you sir, this was the missing thing I was just searching For. Exellent lesson as allways. God bless. Greettings from Finland😊

[@drumqtips]

Awesome! Have fun with this my man.

[@DavidTheBurrito]

Would love more videos like this from you!

[@drumqtips]

When you say ‘like this’, what exactly do you mean? I’d like to know. Thanks for watching!

[@DavidTheBurrito]

@@drumqtips teaching new phrases, compings, limb jazz independence with the drum transcription on the screen to help some folks. Videos that have this type of format on KZbin have helped me out tremendously with my playing.

[@srklgk]

yeahh!

[@JMcNultyDrums]

6:06 Oh, this is a nice groove :)

[@drumqtips]

Thank you🙏🏾

[@yuggothproductions]

This is great! Thanks man!!!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you liked it!

[@wallyjanz5248]

Your smooth Quincy.............wally

[@drumqtips]

Thanks brother!

[@bigboy892]

damn this is a game changer for me!!

[@drumqtips]

That’s what I’m talkin’ about!

[@boomerisback6545]

I am already outside my drumkit this moment, but can wait to be there tomorrow and try it out. Seems to be hard as hell... 😮😮 A lot to do with that. Thanks for great lesson

[@drumqtips]

Always happy to kick your butt a bit Boom:) Have fun when you get to your kit!

[@angelozollo9506]

Mr Davis, did you mention that you were going to host a drum clinic? I may have completely missed something. If you are ever going to host one of those 5 day clinics/workshops, I would love to have the information. Even if I just come over to buy you dinner

[@megatedassaultituary6783]

11:10 that be mine reaction too

[@michaelleville5766]

Love these lessons!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you like them!

[@gonzalezbucareli3606]

👌 good stuff as always

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for the visit!

[@jeffreyondrums]

I really love this video content. It's fantastic!

[@drumqtips]

Glad you enjoy the content my man Jeff! 希望你一切順利:)

[@christiantangø-p4e]

It is a great video. You should do much more on the Afro- or Afro-cuban 12/8 etc. feel. I have searched trough your videos, but I can not find any videos on the afro-cuban (12/8) influence. Am I overlooking something?

[@drumqtips]

I don’t feel as much of expert on that style though I can play it. Thanks for the suggestion though.

[@j5001bcd]

Great swing groove. I really dig the sound of your kick drum. Almost sounds like two different pitches on your foot doubles. Can you share your tuning of front and reso heads?

[@drumqtips]

Appreciate that! Have a look at my tubing video I did a few years ago.

[@BillOdyssey]

💚

[@ronaldgenendlis6423]

I like it when he goes. Ohhhhh

[@drumqtips]

🤣🤣🤣

[@JoelCarbonellGonell]

Great lesson Q! I will dig this phrase in the shed! Thanks as always!

[@drumqtips]

Enjoy my man Joelli!

[@superjablko]

What do you do at 7:53 makes me brain crazy. Can you please explain the trasition. If at 12/8 bassdrum is a metronome- in what relation to that is 3/4 beat ? Or mayby you stey with the ride cyble at the same places and you fil it with the triplet ? Or it becomes sixteen notes straigt subdivision gruped with 9 notes frase .. please help me out 😊❤🎉

[@drumqtips]

Join my online jazz drumming community for a detailed break down of this and more things like it. Stay tuned for more details in today’s video coming out.

[@ssardonicus]

Love this phrase. Are you intending on changing the ride pattern from what's notated? It seems like the ride is following the double on the kick drum instead of doing the cross pattern between hands and feet. Still groovy as all heck 🔥

[@drumqtips]

I was paying special attention to the ride pattern actually. Thanks for watching!

[@BrendanEderMusic]

oh my god, I caught it!

[@drumqtips]

Awesome Brendan!

[@iwillfall]

Quincy thank you for such an excellent lesson. Those cymbals sound so crisp and light , what an amazing sound you have. Liked and Subscribed !

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that!

[@Tagger0325]

3/4 version reminds me of Jimmi Hendrix song Manic Depression played buy Mitch Mitchell who was originally a jazz drummer. Really like this lesson . Do yourself a favor and listen to that song.

[@drumqtips]

Just listened to it! Definitely similar to this. Mitch was a beast!!! Thanks for sharing👊🏾

[@HQplayzdrums]

Please review Cymbals!!!!! Show us your collection also great vid🫡

[@drumqtips]

Good idea!

[@jazzjohn2]

Unrelated question: what head mic are you using? It really works well picking up your voice over the drums.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks! I’m using a Shure SM35 mic.

[@ppmatt87]

Any relationship to bembe?

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely!

[@jmfs3497]

QQQQQQQQQQQQ! Do you have listening examples to check out Elvin... Tain/Watts comping? I'm a happy customer and student, regardless. Elvin has been a whole new world.

[@drumqtips]

Have a listen to Elvin with Coltrane live at the vanguard on Impressions. Then Tain on Kenny Garrett’s live performance of Two Down One Across here on KZbin. He’s playing it all over the place there.

[@jmfs3497]

@@drumqtips Thank you! I practiced this last night and LOVED it. I'll check out your classes.

[@don4476]

Haters? You have haters? Why on earth?

[@drumqtips]

When people do well, haters come out to play:)

[@c.l.4895]

Curious, do your UNT students have to yell at the start of their lessons? 😂

[@drumqtips]

No but maybe I will start making them do it🤣🤣🤣

[@pickinstone]

If these are COMPING phrases that drummers play behind the other instruments, then instrumentalists--REGARDLESS of their instrument--should learn how these rhythms work as well. The language of the drum should be the universal language of the bandstand, you know what I'm saying Q-tip? When Mike Longo (Dizzy Gillespie's last pianist) taught "The Rhythmic Nature of Jazz," half of his curriculum centered around the language of West African drumming. When Mr. Longo taught 3:2 and 3:4 polyrhythmic grids--he emphasized that jazz time was always three dimensional. That the subdivision of the beat was colored by the polyrhythm. Even you played "ordinary" subdivisions (quarters, eighths, sixteenths), you always heard the 3:2 and 3:4 polyrhythms in the back of your head. That was the difference between approximating time and really hearing where the pocket laid. Quincy, I'd love for you to check out his material one day and give your take. The triplet is a lot deeper than we think! Could you do a video on how more "traditional bebop" players use the 3:2 and 3:4 hemiola in their comping as well? I think they usually do those accents as rim clicks off the drums. That said, I'm not a drummer (but we all gotta be drummers in our heads, you know what I mean, you know what I mean?)

[@drumqtips]

Absolutely agree my man! Understanding drum language and polyrhythms is essential for ALL instrumentalists. Every musician should think like a drummer to really feel the groove! THanks for the great suggestion on the 3:2 and 3:4 hemiolas in comping based on Mike's teachings. That would be a great topic to delve into for sure. Cheers!

[@Zionist_Eternal]

Yo, Quincy... Just a rhetorical question, no response necessary: Who on earth could hate you or your presentations? Confusing, that.

[@drumqtips]

That’s how I feel but some people just don’t like anything others do that’s positive🤷🏾

[@Zionist_Eternal]

@@drumqtips Well, just don't stop. You're certainly welcome at my fire anytime.

[@ryancox5097]

Tasty.

[@drumqtips]

I’m glad you dig it brother Ryan!

[@BobSchoepenjr]

Even the haters….out there…👉🏼where?😆

[@drumqtips]

Trust me, they out here. But it’s just a sign of loneliness and jealousy. Lol!

[@ChristopherSmithNYC]

Silky.

[@cyberceil]

For God Sake slow down!What did you just do? Some young drummers are just learning to swing.Even slow they couldn’t grasp this. Your lessons are probably even more difficult. Not interested in your steel the show solos. Your scaring young drummers to death.

[@drumqtips]

If it’s too fast for anyone, they can always just use the easy to use slow down feature. Plus it’s written on the screen and I’ve provided a FREE pdf of the exact pattern I’m playing. But there’s always going to be someone like you to point out the one thing they feel is missing. I teach young musicians for a living so I pretty sure I know how young people learn plus many of them follow this channel so I know they get a lot from my lessons. Not too much more I can do to help them understand this often hard-to-breakdown art form of jazz drumming.

[@nickwilliams3372]

You should change how you notate the snare drum because you're ghosting half of your notes yet they're notated with accents.

[@drumqtips]

Thanks for the suggestion. Though in the past I have sometimes indicated ghost notes, I generally I prefer to notate things simpler with specifics so the player can interpret the subtle nuances like ghost notes on what they hear rather than just what they see. I got this approach from playing Bach partitas where he provides no dynamics, accents or other subtle markings.

[@batakamaster1]

I love yoy man! this is a great material to study! and your passion when you play drumms it's amazing!

[@drumqtips]

I appreciate that your words. So glad you enjoy this content my man!