Triple Your Hand Speed On The Drums - Russ Miller

Fix your hand technique:
► www.Drumeo.com/hand-technique/
You may already have the skills to triple your hand speed in one day - you just need to know how to use them.
The human body can only go so fast. But drummers like a good challenge, right?
Russ Miller studied with Jim Chapin and Freddie Gruber, two of Sanford Moeller’s protégés. Moeller was a pioneer in standardizing movements - notably the ‘whip’ - that allow drummers to play with more efficiency.
Russ often hears from drummers who are concerned that they’ve ‘hit the ceiling’ physically, or that they don’t feel they’re advancing sonically. In this video, Russ dares you to change the way you think about striking the drums, and shows you a few foundational concepts of the Moeller technique that will address both of these common issues.
There’s only so much movement you can achieve with one downstroke. You need to use the mechanics within that stroke to not only execute a higher number of notes, but better dynamics and articulation.
With the Moeller technique, you can create multiple notes with one movement. The key is controlling the stick height after the rebound, and leading the ‘whipping’ motion with your elbow. Try to keep your palms facing down for the most power.
There are three types of note that you need to know in this lesson:
The downward note (after which you let the stick rebound slightly)
The finger note/tap
The upward note (as Jim Chapin used to tell Russ, imagine pulling the stick away like you just put your finger on a hot burner)
The three-in-one formula is down, tap, up. With a whip motion, the power ends up coming from the stick’s tip. When you have to bring up your stick after every hit, you can only go so fast. This is why you need to keep the stick height low for the second and third hits.
While you stay relaxed and comfortable, here are three exercises to try while playing with less effort:
Exercise 1 (11:05) - The Basics
Turn on a metronome subdividing triplets at 60 BPM. Repeat after Russ: down tap up, down tap up. Not unlike a video game, right?
Exercise 2 (12:11) - Alternating Threes
In this exercise, you play 3, 6, 9, and 12 on each hand. That means 3 down-tap-ups on one hand, then 3 down-tap-ups on the other hand. You’ll then do it 6 times on the first hand, then 6 on the other hand, and so on with 9 and 12.
Exercise 3A (13:00) - Interplay/Rolls 1
Here’s where you’ll learn how to incorporate the movement into a roll. Imagine every down stroke is an accent: down right, down left, tap right, tap left, up right, up left. Buddy Rich used to refer to the visuals of this as ‘stirring the soup’.
Exercise 3B (14:20) - Interplay/Rolls 2
Now you’ll combine finger technique (on your left hand) and the Moeller technique (on your right hand). These are the moves: down on the right hand, fingers only on the left, tap right, fingers left, up right, fingers left. With this choreography, the accent is only on the first note. You can do this exercise in groups of 6 or 8.
Practice along with the video and don’t forget to keep track of your progress as you go through these exercises. Once you get them down, you’ll be able to get more speed and natural dynamics while lightening up your playing. It’ll be easier to play faster and you’ll sound better at the same time.
Voila: you can now play three notes where you were playing one note before! It’s amazing how many possibilities you can unlock with just one new technique.
Follow Russ:
►Facebook: / officialrussmiller
►Instagram: / rmisticks
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#drumeo #drumlesson #drums

[@yourfaceonmondaymorning]

Watched it everyday for a month. After all the tripling the frequency of my drumming creates such a high pitch it made all the dogs in the neighborhood go nuts and I've had bats crashing into my windows.

[@kurtthedrummingplumber]

This is the first time I've seen a lesson on The Moeller technique, explaining how to play it properly between hands. Nice one guys!

[@DrumeoOfficial]

🙂🤘

[@doozydrummer]

That is not the Moeller Technique, it‘s based on moeller technique but thats not the original. You should check out Claus Hessler.

[@trustdube2148]

Bori

[@trustdube2148]

Kkkkkk the best of drums

[@jordongrant2782]

Totally agree! Finally understand how it works between hands!

[@corontsurara3862]

If I triple my speed today, and then re-watch this video tomorrow does that mean I'll be able to hit nine times faster? Oh man, and then watch it again the day after tomorrow!

[@carlosandlena]

I watched it for a month, my hands caught fire while playing.

[@Munch1289]

@@carlosandlena i lost my hands cant play drums anymore vid deserves a dislike

[@therandom7796]

Try a year maybe you’ll be 2 times faster

[@sxmu3401]

So I Tried that, and after 5 days its just one Solid note so u dont hear the single Hits anymore

[@RATKING_irl]

*brain expansions noises*

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Motions 2:30 The Thing You Were Looking For 6:00 Exercise (#1) 11:05 Exercise (#2) 12:11 Exercise (#3) 13:00 Exercise (#3-b) 14:20 More Info in descirption. 👆

[@mathias841]

Drumeo what drumhead os he using ?

[@aarushs9201]

@@mathias841 remo

[@w4shep]

What a great technique! You’re a fantastic instructor !! Thanks for sharing !!!

[@jorrin007]

Bueller? Bueller? Bueller?

[@johnnyharperscoutstable5386]

Thank god. A little more concise is good…

[@storminsea]

Drumeo are unreal. The amount of tips, ideas and full lessons they post! Very inspiring content as always. This is a great lesson. Thanks!!👍🥁👏

[@benblackburn2693]

I like how he came in on a spaceship and dropped the mic on a great digestible lesson that everyone can comprehend. Even after a decade plus of playing I still have trouble with my hand technique but this breaks things down extremely well. Looking forward to going over the practice exercises

[@eastonotsae]

Its always a good day when Drumeo posts

[@lilpeteftw]

Tokio Hotel represent

[@tico117]

not for me my dog died

[@deepakvishwakarmaentertain587]

Pmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmllm

[@nabilel-geziry5037]

EXACTLY

[@drum-drum-drum15]

Russ was my DRUM teacher in FL - Wow, he made it.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

That's awesome!

[@jonnybravo3697]

That was a really well paced and narrated lesson on the technique👍

[@hardiksharma1428]

"Lead from the elbow" is something I only heard from Gil Sharone till now, which just clicked in my mind and solved the mysteries of Moeller for me, but he talked about it just for 2-3 minutes in his Drumeo vid. This is a complete helpful tutorial to just that. Russ rep++

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Thanks for sharing. :) Glad you liked the lesson, enjoy the drumming journey,

[@krusher74]

I'm trying, but feel like I'm flapping like a chicken!

[@scottspeig]

Its a fascinating lesson, as I was taught to NOT play with the elbow but with the wrist, as playing with elbow will be exhausting... It's going to be hard to adjust to this...

[@jofujenkins]

I love when the guy casually mentions, “yeah, so I took lessons from Jim Chapin... AND Freddy Gruber.” FML.

[@DrumeoOfficial]

And you are taking a lesson with him. 😉

[@mathias841]

Drumeo more of a public masterclass

[@nealsausen4651]

I studied with. FREDDIE GRUBER from APRIL 1969 to just before his death And I will tell you this: .... “pop -drop -up”! And so much more

[@bradtraq1]

First off the drum rack is insanely overbuilt and beautiful and I love it 100% so freaking much. Also this is some nicely and eloquently put drum lessons on theory and almost philosophy on a specific technique and I really thank you a lot for creating this. You connected the emotional aspect to the playing aspect in a very understandable way to help everybody with the part that matters most, which is expressing feeling. Good shit dude!!

[@a-dawg8711]

"not sure how much faster your ever gonna need to play then that." *Laughs in death metal*

[@benveo1554]

HAHAHA LOL

[@jeffconner8281]

I don't know about anyone else, but that was an awesome lesson & will carry anybody's speed & technique into a much better sounding, fluid & very dynamic that many drummers lack. It brings me so much joy & contentment to see a player that good, teaching the secrets of being a successful drummer, thank you!!! Sincerely, Jeff

[@mikecourt13]

Best explanation of this technique that I have heard in my 24 years of playing.

[@sturifas9511]

My thoughts exactly! I've seen this technique explained many times, by many drummers. This was, by far, the best yet...

[@blueberrypie2722]

I'd agree!! I watched tons of these moellar technique videos but I had gotten nowhere. This video really helped especially the part where he started the video by emphasizing the strokes generated with arm muscles and elbow movement.

[@badhabits25]

Is this the technique you would use for a hands together triplet fill, like in a schuffle?

[@KingShahede]

He should know after studying with Chapin who studied with Moller

[@miriambenjisalarmedia8340]

Drumeo is great! They inspired my drum instruction 🙌🏽

[@garrybrown7372]

That for me, was the most useful drum lesson I’ve seen so far anywhere. Thank you so much.

[@shaileshsharma2528]

I'm beginner from India Dentist by profession but love to play drums...Thankyou Miller sir and Drumeo for making such educational stuff for us to learn from.Thankyou once again really enjoyed your lessons....

[@TheFloatingBartender]

Russ thank you for helping me see that there is far more than metal and heavy music. Your dvd was the first I have ever bought and I watched it day in and day out. Thank you man

[@wacolawndesign]

Excellent lesson. The choppiest of drummers use these techniques to get their speed. Their endurance comes from constantly practicing these technique. Staying relaxed is key as well. Thanks for the killer tips, Russ.

[@Lafirin]

Incredible. First time I've seen this explained so well.

[@danieltrochei4544]

How many terminators did it cost to make those tom arms

[@DrumeoOfficial]

Just one.

[@KirbSyde-vf4cf]

That's some funny shit right there 😆 it does look like a T-800 is holding those toms!

[@badenfitzmaurice9013]

I've seen them on a few videos recently, but not before. Are they something new?

[@jeffd9193]

Baden Fitzmaurice, New or old, I’d like to hear a side by side comparison to hear if they really make a difference for the money they cost $$$😬 I doubt the person in the 3rd row would know the difference.

[@nickfili9409]

Don't know, but what an affective way to completely ruin the look of an otherwise gorgeous kit.

[@MadsMJ]

This makes my day: Jim Chapinjj' remark on "the last note being like putting your finger a hot burner". Great way of describing a swift natural movement! Great material Drumeo and Russ Miller!

[@FanPhys]

This is a great lesson and a very clear explanation of the Moeller technique. BUT, and it's a big but... I wish these guys would stop telling us that this is the only way to play fast single strokes. It's not. At 10:32 he says it's not possible to do it another way, but if you look at players like Damien Schmitt and Gergo Borlai, these guys have incredible speed and control and do not use cyclic Moeller movements. I was taught Moeller technique in the same way almost 20 years ago and it actually really harmed my playing by being told (similarly) that it's the "only" way to play the drums. Just keep an open mind and remember that any particular technique is just one tool in your box.

[@gabrielcruz3997]

His arms look stiff when he says he can't do it, kinda fake looking and sabotaged, probably to push his point. But I think I would never use this technique because you can't do a single stroke consistently at the same dynamic.

[@williammoses5939]

very true advice. becoming stuck in your ways, so to speak technique wise, can make things very challenging on down the road

[@CounterRhythms]

Agreed. Buddy "stirred the soup" at his top speed with accents but he could smoke most guys with no moeller and just cruise forever without accents. The idea that you can only play fast using Moeller is nonsense.

[@bergersbackbeats]

Such a beast! Great tips Russ and thank you Drumeo for everything you do for the drumming community!

[@thomaslatham9710]

I was in the Air Force, I recognize those tom mounts! They're off of the bomb bay doors from a B-52!

[@Ricacardo]

The elbow up movement is absolutely key. I'm glad you pointed that out because I've been struggling with that moeller technique for weeks now and I think I wasn't doing enough of the whipping motion. Thanks again for the info!!

[@mr.rainbowlovescoffee]

When I started playing the drums I was in the marching band in my high school and I learned a lot about technique and speed and I got to say this guy is spot on 100% correct you must learn these techniques it's very important I've been playing for 40 years now and I still learn from the best and this guy is top notch

[@josepablobaezalillo7970]

thanks drumeo for all these videos, im so greatful to learn more with this, just to imagine years ago itd be a lot more complicated to have this type of lessons. now with this material its way much easier and accesible

[@RedCymbals]

Awesome video on technique. This really breaks it down and makes it easy to understand. This is why we love Drumeo!

[@setantamanagement]

This is the best explanation I've heard man, thanks a million!

[@drumpatterns1]

Great technique and lesson thanks!!

[@peteharman1061]

I've seen a few explanations of these moves but this, from where I sit is The Best and will be a great help to me Thanks Russ for putting it so clearly.

[@iveywin]

What a great tutorial! Thank you Russ and Drumeo!

[@michaelherauf8376]

Thanks Russ, timing is everything and I definitely appreciate how many young drummers are going to dramatically increase their skills because your videos and therefore contribute so much more the the music they make.

[@Sanbas87]

What a simple yet great video. Easy and straight to the point. Definitely gonna focus on this, thanks man!!

[@Matthew-pn1qu]

Great video. Very well explained...thanks, Drumeo. Look forward to practicing these exercises.

[@michaelcougar6589]

This guy is a very good teacher. Explains things slowly and thoroughly.

[@michaelinglis8516]

Great lesson, I already use the Moeller technique but I didn't realize how fast it can sound with one hand going what seems to be much slower. I've been really going crazy thinking I'd have to eventually get my one hand up super fast. But with the interplay I can see you can actually play quite relaxed an still get a really fast accented tempo.

[@greatjobsam]

Probably the best video I've seen on the Moeller technique...he does an excellent job explaining this

[@philipmcevoy7206]

Excellent video thank you for taking the time out to share it .

[@Santardi]

Fantastic tutorial! Thanks for being such great instructors.

[@danielefalchetti1732]

Fine Mr. Miller this demo is very important ,and your demonstration has helped me a lot, i continue to practice following all her advice carefully ,thanks you are a good teacher.

[@jasonswick5307]

This is such a great video for people starting out or intermediate drummers looking to advance their technique. So awesome!

[@godsick]

First time doing this, it’s so nice to have someone to do this along with, compared to going through excercises at arbitrary bpms and reading through stick control without any pressure to follow along with. Thank you! I’ll be doing this set of exercises regularly. This is my first year focusing on stick drumming, where I’ve spent a while on the MPC just fingerdrumming over the past 5 years or so, I feel so much more confident that I can improve by keeping up with routines like this one in between band practices on a daily basis. Again, thanks for these videos, looking forward to exploring more stick control routines as well!

[@thundy3348]

I've watched other vids on Moeller technique before but I think this was the best and most succinct explanation I've seen of it. Can't wait to start practicing it, thanks!

[@krusher74]

"succinct" you could cut 70% of his waffle out.

[@jasonfarkas1521]

Dude! This really helped me feel more relaxed playing. It seems more natural and less painful in the long run/instantly. Opened doors to move forward! Thank you!

[@derrickchampion2521]

Probably the best teaching on the push pull technique i have seen on drumeo or any drumm lesson website for that matter. Just like arm positioning and everything really great thanks a lot.

[@richardliles4415]

Very cool lesson! I will be practicing that next. Thank you.

[@jordongrant2782]

Best video I've even seen on explaining this technique!

[@petertarkovsky]

Beautifully explained and demonstrated ! Thanks

[@alexsiuwh]

Good analysis of Moller technique, thanks for sharing👍🙏

[@williesagone5515]

A great video, thank you! For the last years I was very obsessed about finger technique in French timpany grip. Now I´m staring to work hard on Moeller and your video is just perfect for that. And you really make it work. Amazing work!!!

[@greenati]

Such a helpful piece of presentation

[@chrisspain7776]

Excellent! I have been struggling to get the speed I need, then I came across this video this morning. Just got back from a 20 minute practice of this technique and all I can say is it works for me. So all I need now is more practice so it comes automatically, with the quality I want. :)

[@jameshall1648]

Great lesson from a great teacher. Thanks for posting!!!

[@danielledispaltro4728]

Thank you. This is so incredibly helpful.

[@isihernandez9752]

WOW, amazing technique !!! I did know and use the Moeller technique. In fact, I used way before knowing it was called so, since I was a self-taught begginer back in the 90's, just because for me that "whipping" motion was very natural and efficient. Anyway, I used mostly with singles and doubles (playing mostly rock, that whiplash for the back beat on the snare when I wanted it to be loud is very natural and effective). However, I never used for triple strokes before. I've just watched this video and went to my e-kit to practice, and in just a few minutes I've noticed a huge improvement. I still need a lot of work to master it and make it sound as I want, but I already noticed a difference. The most difficult thing for now is to coordinate properly both hands, since I'm used to do more Moeller with my left hand (remember, back beat), than my right, but I'm feeling that in no time (as Russ said), the improvement will be awesome. I just felt the need to comment this right now in case anyone there is wondering if this is really as effective as Russ say.... for me the answer is "fuck yeah!!" Thanks a lot for this video, I'm excited for the next one and the feet application.... and I'm back to practice righ now....!!!! 😁😁😁

[@philwilson7494]

Thank goodness....somebody finally demystifies the dark art of the moeller technique in a way which my brain can understand thank you Drumeo

[@butchcassidy3373]

As a self taught drummer long before the Internet, I figured out the molloer technique on my own. But after not playing for many years I'm thankful for you guys putting these great tips here for us guys who are constantly trying to get better at our craft

[@carmtimes]

This was spot on advice for me!! Good work guys....

[@marie-eveblais6731]

Thank you Drumeo!

[@ScienceAppliedForGood]

Great advice! It's very useful technique and really an eye opener.It's a whole new world of possibilities.

[@RexyFan]

This is what I’m actually struggling with, so thank you for this great lesson. Cheers

[@phoenix11994466]

*_I wish I had this information when I fist started 30 yrs ago._* 👀😎

[@nrayc]

Russ, you are a very nice teacher & instructor. Thanks you.

[@vermin1970]

Interesting I had no clue this was a thing, but I’ve found myself using this exact technique to roll into fills in songs like hard to handle, didn’t even know what I was doing to make it happen until now, now I know how to practice it. Thanks

[@impulseproman]

Thanks Drumeo for the lockdown videos

[@charliemay5758]

Imo, this lesson has been the best I have seen from Drumeo (and anyone else for that matter) Thank you.

[@maartenvandervalk6062]

Wow,thanks!! needed that! Will work on it for sure!

[@DaleGuiducciERA]

Extremely helpful and eye opening. I think I'll be a lot less tired, too! Thank you! 👍🎯

[@fishfinderchartersdavis9556]

I haven’t played for 20 years and have a desire to play at home for pleasure again .... big thing for me.. this lesson is just fantastic, so well articulate and simply explained Thank you for doing this segment Russ just beautiful mate .... where’s my practise pads pant pant ;)

[@fishfinderchartersdavis9556]

Thanks for the like We all know “back Then “ it’s gotta be fast gotta be the THING right ?! Nope no no no do it slow get the technique right or it’ll never be smooth it’ll never flow it’s stiff and a consistent struggle Check this even if you embrace 80 percent of this technique you’ll fly I’m 53 an man my sixes and double strokes are cruising like crazy Love y’all All the best Please check your technique schedule please Out

[@Tristanrgreene11]

Wish I could see Russ miller more he’s been the real deal for a while.... thanks

[@nicotesner1957]

This video just changed the rest of my drum career. Tnx drumeo

[@hiranthe5723]

Thank you Russ for the honest gift given to us

[@james00779]

Thank you so very very much for your time,& tuition.

[@danielefalchetti1732]

Impara l'arte e non metterla da parte ,ottima dimostrazione ,e grazie Sig. Russ Miller.thank .you

[@philatkinson3955]

Holy crap, too easy drill sergeant...this is incredible...I lost my right index finger in an accident a few years ago and changing to match grip with moeller strokes...life changer! Thank you!!!

[@just82much51]

Thank you VERY MUCH for sharing this!!!!! I have Rheumatoid Arthritis which has severely affected my hands and wrists over the years. Needless to say, speed does not come as easy as it did when I was a kid. I'm going to start working on this technique right away. Thank you again!!

[@philipmcevoy7206]

Great insightful teaching thank you Russ for sharing your knowledge

[@graysonjung6982]

It opens up a whole world wow Thank you!

[@YourMomsSideDude]

Fantastic nugget of info right there. Thanks!

[@dirkwhite9270]

THANK YOU,THANK YOU I WISH I wish I had a teacher like you when I wanted to become a drummer. I am 65 years old now and never learned to play. My mother could not afford drums with six kids to feed on her own. I went on to become a great athlete . But as you can see even at my age now i STILL LOVE THE DRUMS. yOU GUYS ARE THE GREATEST I love what you do,

[@michaelpolen8229]

"Everything you do with your voice you should do with your instrument" well said

[@thebeatfreakz4278]

Nice touch and true!

[@anthonycousins1162]

Great lesson!!

[@scottieunome2]

Amazing...Thank you Drumeo...

[@stephenbru]

Excellent lesson!!

[@sipzter]

Met Russ Miller once while I was taking a lesson from Zoro. Many, many moons ago...Sounding good as always Mr. Miller.

[@NicoLargi]

Awesome content, thanks! Makes me want to jump on the drums right now and start working

[@rickmarquette9141]

Thanks for your information Russ! Keep up the good work great videos.

[@jimlassen9422]

Very interesting stuff Russ, thanks for sharing and well presented. I am nearly 64 and this is an eye opener in a way as I have never used my elbows like that but it all makes sense.

[@loucadz3930]

Yoo always notiify love drumeo💚💚

[@user-22-]

Such a *valuable* lesson! 👍🏼

[@CDMESD]

This is so helpful!

[@arthorvonblomberg1624]

Thanx Russ Great Stuff, I hear Jim in your Tutorial. He would be HAPPY....

[@alistaircornacchio5727]

Great video, thank you Drumeo and Mr. Miller

[@DrumeoOfficial]

You are very welcome!

[@nelsonlouis84]

Thank you ..this is so handy to know..Cheers

[@tjroy870]

That kit is GORGEOUS 💯🔥🔥🔥 One of my finest moments @ a gig was when another drummer approached me. I was using a 4 pc kit, ride, hi hat, 2 crashes, single pedal. That was it. He approached me on a break & said, "dude..... HOW DO YOU get SOOO MANY different sounds from that kit?" Best compliment, in terms of being musical, i think ive gotten. That i can REALLY REMEMBER. this was literally 20 yrs ago

[@heisenberg5747]

yeah love it! I play with single pedal 1 high and 1 floor tom 1 ride 1 crash to spare some space because I drum in a basement but I have a cowbell and on top of that a splash with gives you some more diffrent sounds with less used space

[@AA-yx2tn]

Amazing the way you deliver the info. Very professional 👏 👌 👍

[@jerrygamez5723]

Thank you so much for the video.

[@HiVisl]

Great episode!