Drum Chops made Simple

I like to simplify.... a lot. So here's a little video on how you can simplify your personal development with drum chops.
Thanks so much for the amazing support guys (and 3.3% females). I'm actually freaking out (in a good way) because of all
the crazy support from you all. Wowowowowowowowwo LOVE YOU
As always, feel free to message me on Instagram @ZackGrooves if you have any questions.
I am now offering online video call lessons but I only take a certain amount of students per week. If you're interested,
email [e-mail]
___________________________________________________________________________________
Merch: zackgrooves.store/
MY GEAR (please note that these are affiliate links and purchases will help support the channel)
Favorite Drum Sticks -
imp.i114863.net/43gkM
imp.i114863.net/yz4Dv
Favorite Snare Drum at the moment -
imp.i114863.net/6vVaV
Drum Mic:
imp.i114863.net/ArRdj
Cymbals -
Hi Hats: imp.i114863.net/7414r
Ride Cymbal: imp.i114863.net/BjRjx
Drum Set -
imp.i114863.net/gbPAbB
​
Songs used:
@Beats By Con - I wonder
@Beats By Con - If Only
@Beats By Con - Tell Me Why
Drums r the sexiest instrument plz dont be mad
Intro Music: Made on GarageBand lol
Background music: "I Wonder" - Beats By Con
Drum Play along thing: Solo Break! Drumless Track For Drummers - Fusion Rock - "Look At The Drummer!" on KZbin
kiss on the mouth what

[@lucienledune1077]

Here's how to play chops : - Learn single stroke - Learn double strokes - just do random stuff with those two rudiments, fast enough so no one notice you don't even know what you're doing

[@slinaraprince6718]

Fr?

[@jimmyteriyaki9783]

What about bass drum? What are chops without bass drum?

[@joelsparkowich6892]

Fried Panda chops are rudiments with kicks in between

[@jimmyteriyaki9783]

Joel Sparkowich duh

[@Kurrai6095]

stop exposing me bro

[@ChristianOldsBruh]

I have literally never seen a hi hat invert like that while playing

[@ZackGrooves]

It’s pretty common with bigger hi hats. That’s why some people put a splash cymbal under the bottom hi-hat as well.

[@jeoocampo4199]

It looks like his bottom hi hat is bigger than the top hi hat

[@zackiep2221]

No one has😭😭

[@karikurifoxkkf3626]

Wait am I really getting memed or that was true? Lmao

[@abelbernal4766]

Ever been in marching band?

[@Saxologic]

Hey I think I love u?

[@evanchristman6110]

Bruh

[@Saxologic]

Brethren

[@theblackbasketball]

Saxologic Lmao

[@buzattopedro]

Simp

[@user-vd3pw6yf7b]

this is different kind of step bro action

[@jimkowalczyk7466]

How to exponentially improve your chops 1) learn a few 3-8 note groupings (RLK, RLLK, LRLLK, RLRLLK, etc.) 2) practice those grouping in different subdivisions (16th notes, triplets, sextuplets, etc.) 3) move it around the kit to see what it sounds like with different orchestrations 4) try combining those groupings in 1-4 bar phrases. Start simple (how many groups of 3 and 4 can you fit together in 2 bars? If playing 16th notes, how many different ways can you add 3 and 4 to equal 32? You can do this for any subdivision for any length of time) 5) use your smaller groupings to create larger groupings (3+4=7 or RLK+RLLK= RLKRLLK) 6) develop your own patterns and groupings to personalize your chops Do that for a long time, and boom, youre now chops MaGee. Zack is right, it all sounds the same at some point, and if you listen to enough chops players, they are doing everything mentioned above, and executing it at a high level. Love the vids zack, keep it up. P.S- try less dick jokes lol.

[@ZackGrooves]

This is a really good explanation. I love it. Thanks for sharing! PS: no, u

[@cjw3639]

why less of those jokes :(

[@beep_boop]

@@ZackGrooves nice

[@roghenejoel6793]

Hey.. I just read your reply and it probably the best reply I’ve ever gotten in the internet all my life… Thank You I have a question,for the 3-8 note groupings,am I supposed to play any of the notes as a ghost note?(Like RLLK-I play LL as a ghost note)or just play it like Zack did till I’m up to speed?? I anticipate your response in earnest 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@matchu_music]

@@roghenejoel6793its all up to you! thats the beauty of it. you can do whatever you want with the ornamentation of the notes. try out different combinations and see what you like

[@BraydenCaffarelli]

I can’t wait for this channel to blow up more than it already has

[@musicwithsilviaabreu6599]

Right??

[@marksayosmejia7251]

Same. I hope hes aa big as twoset violin or davie bass guitar guy.

[@musicwithsilviaabreu6599]

@@marksayosmejia7251 he's got what it takes and he definitely deserves it

[@marksayosmejia7251]

@@musicwithsilviaabreu6599 i already have the bell notif turned on.

[@mrelegoboy]

It's already happening!!!!!

[@davidnosa2318]

I can always predict when the “YOU NEED TO GROW UP” scene is coming 😩😀

[@gabrielfestini]

Love this punchline 😄

[@sionnachs_workshop]

Just popped my cherry on that one! Nearly spat me tea out lmfao I need to grow up

[@Aneuo]

RLKK Me:hmmm RLRLKK Me:hmmmm Zach: let’s put them together Me: WOAH WOAH WOAH HOW WOAH

[@aniruddhgupta2597]

i cry

[@fdavidevans]

Aw, Zack looks sad that his saxobro moved away.

[@ZackGrooves]

:(

[@divithnarendra]

Can we take a minute to acknowledge zack wearing a dragon ball tshirt...

[@nelly6016]

The boi got taste

[@Oneoftheccts]

No

[@piersA1]

I have the same one on rn

[@aniruddhgupta2597]

no

[@Oneoftheccts]

Aniruddh Gupta shut up

[@rubenspoolder3567]

oh man, when somebody has hella skin flute chops, amazing

[@pokerdealer2003]

I’m like Travis Barker on the skin flute

[@briantopps5638]

@@pokerdealer2003 i bet you ar lmao jk

[@leviackermann770]

I saw no other comments on this and it almost made me wonder if I was the only one who knew what the skin flute is

[@camron7910]

2:32 is just Zack showing off his muscles 😆

[@drummershort]

Zack did great summation of what I have always thought but was not able to put in words. My theory; you could take two books and become better than 95% of all drummers out there. 1. George Lawrence Stone's Stick Control, (working all the stick patterns around the drums). 2 Any simple, well written book of drumbeats; ie John Pickering's The Drummer's Cookbook; working every conceivable hi-hat and cymbal combination you can come up with. I've been drumming for at least 57 years. I can't ever remember using a fill I learned off of KZbin. I work on them sometimes, but rarely enough to where they become part of my repertoire. By doing the two things I mentioned above; cool and creative fills and "chops" will automatically come out of nowhere, often as much a surprise to yourself as to anybody listening. The soundman for our band is also a drummer. The other night after the band finished, he said, "Man you did some cool stuff I've never heard before." I said, "Yeah, me too."

[@JonnEnguero]

Awesome! Thanks, Zack!

[@GMtheTurtle]

I’m by no means an expert here but one of my good friends also told me to work on R L L and L R R as a pattern as well and even after a few days I’m starting to get the desired sound. It’s important to practice the dynamics and really accentuate them (very low stick heights when not accented, almost inaudible).

[@ZackGrooves]

Agreed! Thanks for writing in!

[@markomarkovic5729]

Add kick. My favorite sticking - RLRLLK. It can sound cool as a fill and it can sound cool as a groove. You can try different dynamics - RLRllK, RlRllK, rlRllK...

[@ramazantaikocusu]

Hey Zack. As a rock/metal drummer, you are the the one inspiring me in jazz drumming. You are the answer for my question "What the heck am I supposed to do with only one kick pedal?". Keep it up, you're doing awesome! 💙

[@alainpinsotes4844]

zackgrooves i’ve only seen 2 of your videos but you’re already one of my favorite drum content creators. you gave me back my otherwise inexistent passion for the drums and inspired me to grind again after a long time. I hope that even if you make it big you always have time to make content like this for your subscribers. peace! 🥁

[@PuppiesVideosCompilation]

5:05 wtf lol

[@silent_gamer0817]

I LAUGHED SO HARD

[@HaggardBacon]

MAD SKIN FLUTE CHOPS GROW UP

[@JacobS0527]

How do you get such clean and consistent double strokes from your kick? Could you do a video explaining what techniques and exercises you do to develop foot independence and stamina?

[@hudssntao]

have you seen the size of his legs? that's how. don't skip leg day.

[@a5dr3]

He’s just talented. It’s not even a concern. It comes naturally with learning to play drums. - Practice good times bad times

[@joelsparkowich6892]

Has a lot to do with the pedal too. I had bad doubles on my cheap pedal, then I got the DW 9000 and mine are fast and clean

[@BigDaddyWes]

Literally just practice.

[@slayerkeagapislayer3315]

try wearing heavy shoes and use high spring tension.push your foot down once then drag it back.that works for me at least.

[@ethrealxz6304]

Bro I’ve actually watched all of your videos so many times now. And as a starting drummer you inspire the hell out of me THANK YOU

[@devingreen86]

Rudiments and technique are certainly important with this amazing instrument, but I've got to say man you purely play as "you" and a drummer that can play like themselves behind the kit is a true artist, phenomenal!

[@gmurphy1028]

Omf this video reminds me of old youtube... i love it

[@claudiualt2576]

Man those accent are on so satisfying like you're doing A LOT of amazing chops and ghost notes, shuffles and still manage to hit those accents perfectly. You're a GOD

[@lordorjun1150]

nice and early, love your videos btw you are a great inspiration for me. You are a beast on the drums

[@biggydrake]

You inspired me to play the trumpet with this video. Keep doing what you're doing, Zach.

[@manianeusz8654]

Tldr: Man has a seizure playing drums Love u

[@benkornak]

You are my favorite youtube channel! My love for memes and my passion for drums are both found in your humor and editing style its so amazing

[@jonathanhilliam6560]

Thank you so much for doing this stuff. I really needed motivation to practice today and you’re helping a lot.

[@Charl_Ed]

30 seconds in and I’m just like THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!

[@svagelit9117]

Great vid bro. Ur my favorite drummer

[@sk8chamaniac]

Dude im having so much fun watching ur videos haha love ya! 😁❤

[@tejasmeharda8040]

great video bro I love the weirdest combos in music like jazz and metal so I love your videos broooo.

[@4444540]

Firstly Zack - awesome video as always dude, i love your approach, playing and humour! Secondly - 5:03 - from my years working in drum shops in the UK you'd be amazed how many thin cymbals i've had turn up inverted like that by bad courier services! Easy enough to flip them back in. When i was young and naive i asked the guy i worked with what this "weird china cymbal" was when a cymbal arrived inverted, only for him to laugh himself silly and take it off me and pop it back the way it should be... oops haha!

[@Andoroid]

1:51 *1000% agreed* One of my all time favorite drummers is Kosuke Kamata, he never does what the majority of people do when we think of "Chops" but it's always extremely unique and creative. I know it goes down to taste and subjective opinion but what matters to me most is creativity and originality *with* rudiments more-so than speed

[@andrum-5229]

Seriously the best way I've ever heard it described. Every other video about this subject tends to completely over complicate it. Thankyou for this man!

[@Dadedrums]

I discovered your channel few weeks ago and man, I'm loving it! It's not usual to find a drum related channel that's about music, fun and educational at the same time! Dude I like your style! Big thanks! Here you have a friend from Menorca!

[@miniwy01wyatt70]

Im am glad to have it clarified that nobody knows what chops means

[@tito_nb]

I honestly still dont know what chops mean 😂 I just practice and play lol

[@blacklightgamer97]

No I kidding I wanna hear more of that groove at the beginning

[@CoraStanley-ue7rw]

Just came across this today, and what a hoot! This is great advice and in light of the 30 day chops course that just finished on Drumeo, is particularly useful. Loved the 30 day chops course by the way, I am already seeing fruit from the course in my playing. Thanks Zack!

[@suntroman3287]

Man you make me laugh every time while joking in you're vids. :) Ty for reveal those chops! It means so much to me.Greetings from România!!!

[@Wiseroti]

4:31 4:40 Stop the wink bro I can't even lol

[@krystofmandlik8875]

3:51 the drum face is strong with this one.. i would like to have even only the face as cool as yours :D cool vid btw

[@JudiceAdems]

I loved this video! This type of drum content is perfect for moderate to expect skill levels cuz you’re talking about things in terms of vague modular tools you can apply to pretty much any drum. Good shit, dude!

[@ZackGrooves]

That was the goal!! Thank you man. Appreciate you!

[@m3tatr0n]

Great words Zack, I too find that hard things to play can be made easier by perceiving it differently.

[@andydrums4333]

1:53. Dude's right. Play only chops and you'll fall into a pattern. You'll notice your fills repeating, accents repeating too

[@Paul-gp8qs]

TSCHOOOPPPSSSS

[@dritonshijaku8726]

really appreciate videos like this, helps out a lot and the humor really makes me wanna go hop on the kit. keep it up

[@thebeatfreakz4278]

This is my second video, hilarious!! Dope man!

[@chanming3218]

Im gonna start praying to you at night whether you like it or not hopefully it will make me a jazz master like you

[@PTSDwithME]

Instructions unclear, opened a butcher shop by accident.

[@konotiyaamornwong354]

I’ve been looking forward to this all week

[@ryandirusso]

Lol gotta love them good ole chops! This is a great video! Gave me some good laughs

[@iamjakin_kd]

Make a vedio on how to play that first chops that you played like fire 🔥🔥🔥, were the Speck guy got shocked 😂😂😂😂.. Always one of the best drummers

[@King-gx7ps]

Ok I get the sticking and all but what about our kick? I always end up just throwing it anywhere and I feel like it sounds bad

[@bordercollie-zs2jt]

Yeah, usually I don't even use the kick when I'm fooling around unless it's completely random

[@marcodorsi7487]

Dude... I think I love you. Please continue with your music and videos. You're teaching me a lot (and I mean expecially out of drumming). Respect and best regards from Italy.

[@JBarbarosa]

It's all about the basics. Thanks man, this was actually really helpful. I am a guitarist and I take the same approach with speed building, arpeggios, rhythm and strumming, etc.

[@LeFloidfan4ever]

i need myself a couple of exercises to do at home my dude. Im working on my fundamentals but i feel like im far away from starting to have "Chops"

[@frans2673]

is that sean wright's chops ?? loll great job dude ps : i mean in the intro

[@glyder356]

You make me laugh out loud. I was in such a bad mood today and you made me laugh and want to get on my kit. So I did. Thanks. 😎

[@aju86]

Your one of the best drummers I've seen and I love your videos

[@tomoconnor4849]

Just sayin, I’m here before he blows up and becomes the next best YT funny drummer

[@paranoidandriod]

cringe

[@cubeofcheese5574]

@@paranoidandriod he's just saying

[@cashwarior]

I think the next thing I want to know is how do you know when it's appropriate and how much chops to use

[@joliedrumsnstuff]

You’re the first person to answer my question about how to speed up chops and what chops even are. Thank you!

[@FabianRitterG]

I haven't played drums for the last 4 years but your channel is making me feel so much desired to get back into it! sadly covid and living in University dorm doesn't make it easy. But I think I will give it a try after things get better. Thanks for the cool way you make the videos!

[@figgsboson]

Totally agree, after maybe 2-5 min of chops, they all sound the same, cuz I mean continuous 16th/32nd notes repeated is gonna get old. So, could you make a video on how to play a good drum solo? Not a chop battle drum solo, but a melodic musical one

[@3dmovieplayer]

zack made a china cymbal with his high hat stand

[@haydenmiller8226]

i love your vids bro. Keep up the good stuff.

[@mothabod]

Really love you guy....you make the sun come out of my heart...thank you for being... Kiss to you and your family of course

[@bigyoshi42069]

Zack it looks like you need to be a little more careful. Hi hat injuries are not common but can happen. When they do you will be shocked. These injuries can vary from cracking or breaking to inverting. What we saw today was your hi hat invert. I would recommend fix it up as fast as you can. We are lucky it didn’t crack. If you feel comfortable you can try and fix it yourself but I recommend taking to a professional to fix it. We hope your hi hat is alright. :)

[@djarcher9658]

Dawg... Like, nice that you care, but I think hes just gonna buy a new one

[@aidencoxmusicguy5097]

It’s also probably the weirdest way you could’ve said hey Zach be careful about you hi hats

[@Xtremecarfan10188]

Thank you for this video, been here since 5k! My personal issue isn’t speed or moving around. I did high school Marching Band so rudiments were mandatory. My personal issue is timing. It’s amazing how you can freely move but stay in time. I feel like whenever I do that I lose time and come back offbeat. Metronome isn’t helping 😂. Any suggestions? Idk what I am doing wrong.

[@pharella8815]

Exactly what I was waiting for. Thank you brotha. 😎

[@mistacoolkat98]

Hey Zach, great work. Keep choppin

[@matteosiazon5453]

What technique do you use when it comes to doing fast kicks? (Heel toe etc.) Love the content man, keep it up!

[@ZackGrooves]

I play heel up! Never really knew it was a thing until someone pointed it out to me. It’s how I’ve always played haha

[@briantopps5638]

@@ZackGrooves my drum teacher was a hardcore jazz drummer who learned from danny gotlieb and he always played heel down but he knew i wasnt a primarily a jazz player so he taught me heel up. as long as the drummer is consistnt and doesent hit extra kicks after the beater stroke if you know what im saying than to me it doesent matter

[@marsjokes]

@@ZackGrooves do you have your heel up for both feet? Because I need help with my hi-hat /left foot speed

[@pokerdealer2003]

If my drumming was on par with my skin flute playing I would be Travis Barker.

[@ianfrederickmagbanua2852]

Hey man i really enjoy your videos, thanks a lot. Also i'm a drummer (bass) but the way you present your ideas inspired me to go back and REALLY work on my rudiments properly again. Peace bro 😁 (jump cuts are very well memed btw👌)

[@nallymcnally]

Just throwing me penny in, F the jump cut complaints, I sub'd cause i like your edits, keeps it fresh man

[@TopDrumCorps]

His cymbal was like alright imma just invert myself cause these CHOPS are too tight and he needs to stop

[@stanleyhudson9928]

YUUUURURRRRR

[@sammyloehnis3373]

you a 66samus fan?

[@Charl_Ed]

Sammy Loehnis OHHHH YURRRRRRR

[@Kasey_PVKD]

OHHH YURRRRRR!!! 🤘🏼😈

[@DaveonDrums]

Haha, that intro! Love the creativity of this channel. And those CHOPS!

[@esperar1]

Thank You for sharing this, Zach. Very eye-opening and informative.

[@bluey1036]

HOW did you do that to a hi-hat?!

[@ZackGrooves]

THICC foot

[@tjbakugo9624]

Is it good now?

[@larsulrich7569]

tw

[@djdiggerjonez4063]

Best drum lesson I have ever had, took 2 minutes.

[@davidsogoni]

Man..you good😂😂.. the video is funny, and you are on time.. 💪💪

[@joshuastclairmusic]

Bro you look exactly my drum teacher from 10 years ago!~ You have inspired me to really get back into playing the drums and take them seriously. Your playing is sick! Much love from New Zealand.

[@kenpachi1327]

bro I literally have that same DBZ shirt

[@Temzy]

Aye but where can I get that DBZ shirt tho lmao

[@charlesl3638]

Yo best drum channel on the tube 😤😬👌🤙

[@leonardodipippo1663]

You are an amazing drummer with an insane technique man!!!

[@fayneplaysdrums]

Me: how are your invert chops? Zack: pretty good, look at this *inverts hi hat* Me: ... I meant inverted diddles but this is cool

[@musicwithsilviaabreu6599]

5:02 that happens a lot to my crash

[@vt6spd]

Zack; I just happened across a video of you learning to play Sax in 10 minutes and now here. I have been playing drums for 30 years, I have no chops. Your video has brought back some basics of thought for me to take home and work on. Spent years learning rudiments and performing in orchestras, and bands....but never developed beyond "making the cut". What you say here, rings with me! Basics, tighten 'em up, get up to speed! Paradiddle was my favorite rudiment as I developed it into my own groves and solos. Need to do that with RLKK! RLRLKK! With that said, I still have not figured out how to double kick on a bass....to save my life. :(

[@jamesbade1823]

I’ve been playing for 9 years and I’ve never learnt my double strokes. Any advice guys? Is it simply about patience and discipline or am I just a dumbass lol

[@cymbalsjefen]

Check Rob Brown, Gordy Knudtson for some excellemt insights. Most people will tell you about accenting 2nd stroke, but rarely go in any particular depth I feel. Unlocking clean doubles is really satisfying. And once you get that solid even sound going it gets super addictive, and motivating to work on. The "4800 double strokes" excersise made by Rob Brown gave incredible results for me in just a few days. After 1 year of doing this, lets say 1-3 times a week I am blown away by the results. Combine this with getting into different diddles and you will be set for life : ) Good luck!

[@reinaarcos4182]

CHOPS

[@DJRhinestone]

i like how you wisely goof, then break it down with facts. well done sir. and thank you

[@RAULDIAZ-re9ju]

Digging your channel... Your a machine bro

[@nedfo72]

What hats are those? They sound so damn good

[@adderon7476]

UFLIPs

[@Ratmatia]

They look like Meinl Sand Hats to me

[@user-gm6xb9bg5x]

아 진짜 존나 웃기네 ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@evcricket]

I always respect someone who is prepared to sit in front of a camera and say "I am an idiot". We all are sometimes. Just recognise it and keep practicing.

[@SpikeyESKIMO]

The jump cuts are one of the reasons I find this channel so good! keep it up!

[@st0mpz_G]

How to be a good drummer if you're a naturally good drummer. >.

[@joelsparkowich6892]

Hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard

[@larsulrich7569]

no

[@larsulrich7569]

@@joelsparkowich6892 lol