Stephens Drum Shed

how To Drum - Beginner Linear Groove

2012-01-20T07:07:00.000-08:00

Sometimes linear patterns can seem overwhelming...at least to me they are. The reality is, they're simply several smaller patterns, or fragments, put together to make a longer pattern. Once you learn the "words" you need to make a "sentence" then you're good to go. Here's a simple linear groove that sounds cool and that you'll be playing in 5 minutes.

Student Video From Belgium

2012-01-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

It's amazing to me that I am able to teach students in Belgium...and Finland...and the UK...and Scotland...and Canada...and the list goes on and on. Seriously, it's humbling to teach a linear pattern and then hear from a drummer halfway across the world...to see their progress. That's what drives me these days...seeing drummers from all over the world improve their playing. Here's Tielman from Belgium kicking one of the linear patterns from the live lessons...

On the Pad

On the Kit

Hip-Hop Drum Fills?

2012-01-12T05:51:00.000-08:00

Hey Stephen,

First off i like all your clips on youtube. Ive been following techniques and tips from your videos for over a half year now.
I will subscribe to your site later on this week.

I am currently playing in two groups. The second is in the hiphop.soul.rock genre.
For the second group all the songs are already recorded either electronically or by there formular drummers. The presure is a bit bigger for this group, because there is a management and everything...
Because it is hiphop it is much about the beat and i have no problem to play there songs but i want to give them and make it for me a little bit interesting. Most of the songs are around 80-90 bpm and played in 16th notes,2 bar or 4 bar beats. I really have a hard time finding descent fills to make it interesting.

Is this for example also something you help people with?
I am only playing for 3,5 years, started at age 25 :)

What's up Tielman!

Once you gave me your YouTube named I knew exactly who you were...Thanks so much for the email! I'm so glad the lessons on You Tube have been helpful...that's what they're there for.

It's great that you've getting involved in various groups. Hip hop is a different animal. I love playing it because the beauty is in its simplicity. It's all about the groove and making people move to the beat. That's a totally different skill than throwing a bunch of licks in. It's good that you're thinking about how you can enhance the parts that are already there, make it yours, and also make it a bit interesting rhythmically. My biggest piece of advice would be to LISTEN to the style of music...in particular, listen to a band called The Roots. They've been around for a really long time. They're what is called "Organic Hip-Hop". All of them play the instruments live. Their drummer, Questlove, is a BEAST! Just by listening to their albums, you will learn a ton of effective and useful fills. My other piece of advice would be...when in doubt, keep it simple. Hip-hop doesn't need a ton of fills...it's all about the groove. Focus on making your grooves as tight as you can. Use this opportunity to work on that area of your playing.

It's alot of pressure working with a band that has management and a regular schedule of shows. You're on the right track though...you're thinking about the gig and what you can do to enhance the music. That's a sign of a real musician.

I actually do help drummers with this sort of thing. If you subscribe to the live lessons, I'll make it a point to devote a couple of lessons in the next few weeks to this particular topic and style. I love coming up with lesson topics around issues that my students are having trouble with. It's what drives me as a teacher.

I'd love to have you join the online lessons. Today is Funky Drummer Day...we do it once a month and we pick apart a couple of funk grooves. We're looking at some grooves from a band called The Funky Meters with Zigaboo Modeliste on drums. Gonna be a blast!

-ST

Students Working Through the Lessons

2012-01-11T10:07:00.000-08:00

I get really excited whenever I'm able to check out how some of the live students are coming along. Chris posted a few from recent lessons...Check it out!

Meet Chris

Cascara Soca Lesson

Some of the grooves we worked on in the Soca lessons

A fill from one of the linear lessons

This one is from one of the YouTube lessons. He KILLS it!!!

How To Drum - The Cascara Soca

2012-01-10T14:45:00.001-08:00

What do you get when you mix a cascara bell pattern with a soca groove? Something really cool, that's what!

Do I Use Heel Up or Heel Down?

2012-01-08T06:52:00.000-08:00

Hey Travis,

Of course I remember you bro! Glad the downloads are working now.

I get this question alot and I'm probably going to do an extended post on the topic in the future...the 'ol heel up or heel down conundrum. Here's the most recent question...

"Hey Stephen, my name is Travis. I actually have a question regarding the killer bass drum speed lesson. I have been taking lessons for about 2 years and that said am very curious about your pedal technique. Do you use the same pedal technique during the constant 16th notes hits versus the doubles and sextuplets section? Would love to see some shots of your foot during the video, but don't know if that's possible. I agree the internet is full of cure all bass drum techniques that don't deliver. I understand that lots of practice with solid technique is the only answer. I guess, as a beginner, I am asking if you might have any tips in pedal technique or videos available. Thanks!"

Hey Travis,

I don't have any lessons available on pedal technique. That being said, here's my two cents on it.

Yes, I use the same technique on both. It's a cross between heel up and heel down that allows me to get the beater off of the head quickly after I make the initial stroke but also gives me the speed and agility and power associated with heel up. I think you should know all three equally well...heel up, heel down, and neutral. You should be able to play quickly and slowly with all of them. They're just tools to use. One isn't right or better. It's your personal preference and what feels best to you. But most of all, you have to just put the time into practicing. I'm working on heel/toe technique right now...I think the possibilities with that position are countless, but it's really hard to reteach yourself technique, so it'll take a while.

I don't know if that helps at all, but that's my two cents on the topic. Foot technique is frustrating to deal with...I applaud you for taking the time and effort to really try and make yourself the best player you can be. You inspire me to go practice!

Don't hesitate to shoot me any other questions you may have in the future!

-ST

Question on a Chad Smith lick

2012-01-07T11:28:00.000-08:00

"Good evening Stephen ! (I'm french so I beg your pardon for my bad english)

Firstly, I'd like to congratulate you for your videos which are very helpful, i really improved my play thanks to you! (I'm playing drums for two years). You are certainly busy, I don't want to annoy you or abuse from your work but I think you could help me. I really enjoy Chad Smith's drumming, I find it's really groovy. I try, but I don't understand a pattern

I would like to understand the pattern he is playing at 1 :00 with his floor toms and bass drum. Can you help me ?

Thank you very much !

Louis."

Hey Louis,

Thanks so much for the email! And your English is fantastic, alot better than my French, lol!!! I'm really glad the lessons are such a big help for you. That means alot.

Your questions don't annoy me at all man...that's why i'm here, to help. The pattern you're asking about is pretty simple in concept, but the speed he's playing at makes it harder. It's essentially Right-Left-Foot-Foot or Left-Right-Foot-Foot. He starts the pattern on the left hand and alternates between the two patterns I just listed. Killer melody he's making on the toms! I hope that helps you pick it apart.

Since the lessons are such a help, I thought you might be interested in a special I'm running for January. Sign up for the live lessons and you can lock in the $18.99 monthly price (for 16 half hour lessons a month, sheet music, and the live lessons vault) PLUS you get one of my books of your choice for FREE sent to your mailbox (a $19.99 value in and of itself). It's just my way of saying thanks for the support! The live lesson vault already has over 30 half hour lessons in it on everything from linear fills to James Brown grooves to the mambo, so you would have a TON to keep you occupied for a while. You can sign up here if you're interested in taking advantage of the January offer: http://stephensdrumshed.com/subscribe

Don't hesitate to send me any other questions you have!

-ST

Student Shed - Jason and the Linear Pattern

2012-01-02T20:45:00.000-08:00

We studied a linear pattern in the live lessons a couple of weeks ago. Not only did we look at a pattern, we broke out the individual stickings and started to learn how to use those to create countless other fills and patterns. Love how Jason is already trying to think outside of the box with the pattern!

Cascara Funk

2011-12-30T04:55:00.000-08:00

This is a really fun application of putting a common cascara pattern over a half-time funk groove.

Subscribe to LIVE weekly lessons!

Some Videos from the Student YouTube Channel

2011-12-28T10:41:00.000-08:00

As you know, most of my focus has been switched to teaching live online. I will be updating the blog in the near future with some more hands on and useful articles, but for right now I'll just keep you in the loop with what's going on in the Shed!

Here's 3 new student videos...

30 Second Drum Lesson - Thomas Pridgen - "Wax Simulacra"

2011-12-27T12:21:00.001-08:00

I love this whole album. Here's one of the grooves from it.

30 Second Drum Lesson - Muse "Uprising" Fill

2011-12-22T15:30:00.000-08:00

Silverfox StickBag Review

2011-12-21T05:55:00.000-08:00

My take on the Silverfox Sticksack

Getting Out of Your Rut

2011-12-19T06:28:00.001-08:00

Had a question come in about getting into a rut with your playing...

"Sup man! My name's Dominic, I was watching a Killers video on here and randomly saw one of your videos on the side breaking down a Ronnie Vannucci fill which was dope! I'm a full time musician...I play at my church and also have a band called Flagship, I have such a passion for drums and music, when I'm behind my kit it's the best feeling which I'm sure you can agree! Hints to the subject title above "Stuck in a rut"...I've just been really feeling like there's so much more inside of me that wants to make it's way out but I feel like I'm trap and stuck...like I've hit a wall...and this happens multiple times! It'll happen for a little while but then I break through it for a bit...it's like a cycle, it repeats itself...is that normal? I've only been playing for 5 years and I've grown a lot in that time but I never want to be satisfied with were I'm at as a drummer, I always want to continue to grow and be taught something new everyday so with that said after watching some of your videos and seeing that you're not only a cool guy but a really good teacher...I feel that I could learn a lot from you, do you think you could help me get out of this rut haha."

What's up Dominic,

Thanks for hittin' me up!

Bro, I completely understand the rut thing. The good news is...everyone goes through that. Here's a couple of things you can do to help yourself get out of the rut...

-Regularly scheduled practice sessions. You put them on your calendar, set the amount of time you'll spend practicing, and you don't leave until the timer goes off.

-A practice log so that you can keep up with your progress. You need to be writing down what your practicing, the progress you made, any fill ideas you had, problems, etc. That way, when you begin to feel in a rut, you can look back and see all that you've accomplished.

-Learn different styles of music, even if you don't like them. Take time daily to listen to different music...jazz, rock, latin, pop, country...develop your ears to HEAR the goodness in every type of music.

Drum Shed Student You Tube Channel

2011-12-17T21:29:00.000-08:00

So excited about all of the stuff that's been going on! Seriously, the Drum Shed more than tripled in size this week with new students (a big "welcome" to Scotland and Finland...just added a few peeps from across the pond). On top of that, I've been busy trying to make the live lesson experience as fun and interactive as possible.

First up is the forum for all of the live lesson students. It's simply a place where the students can talk to each other about the lessons, ask me questions, etc. Basically a big drum hang out on the website that's only open to the students. The second "hang out" I've been working on this week is the Drum Shed Student You Tube page. I'm really excited about it! This channel will be available to all of the live lesson students to upload videos to. I needed a way to watch, critique, praise, and see progress. This allows me to do all of those as well as allows the other students to see how others are progressing and challenge themselves to do better. Not to mention the pressure of having to hit "record" will make you practice all the harder! Most of the videos will be of students working through the live lesson exercises. That being said, it's not limited to that. I want it to be a place where ideas can be spread and students can learn from each other. Check out the first two student vids from Marcus. The first one is of him working through some finger control exercises. You need to understand...these are videos of students working through new concepts. They're raw and uncut...I LOVE IT!!! The second is Marcus again, but this time he's sharing a tip that he learned at a recent clinic (one that I've used for years...so glad he threw it up there).

Don't forget...if you sign up for the live lessons before the new year, you'll not only lock in the new low price, you'll get one of my books of your choice sent to your mailbox for FREE.

CLICK HERE to sign up for LIVE drum lessons 4 times a week

30 Second Drum Lesson - Make Ya Slap Yo Momma Fill

2011-12-15T17:55:00.001-08:00

This one is just for fun.

My Books FREE and Discounted Live Lesson Subscriptions

2011-12-13T05:15:00.000-08:00

Well, Merry Christmas! I'll get back to the informative posts and video lessons next week, but, 'Tis the season to be giving, so I am. Check out the video below for everything that's been happening and the details to the new live lesson layout. In short...

Sign up for live lessons before the new year and you can...

-Lock in a subscription price of $18.99 a month (16 half hour lessons a month with sheet music, a live lesson vault to review the old lessons, and a live time chat board to ask me questions and get an instant video response).

-Get any one of MY BOOKS for FREE when you subscribe before the new year.

-The 5th person that signs up after this blog post goes live will not only receive one hard copy of any one of my books, they'll also get PDF versions of my other two books for free!

The live lessons also make a GREAT Christmas gift...I'm just sayin' is all!

So for $18.99 you get a book valued at $19.99 and 16 half hour lessons...that math doesn't even add up! It's not a gimmick...I just want you to have cheap quality drum instruction...period. Merry Christmas...and don't forget to join the live lessons NOW!

New free You Tube lessons will be up next week!

Breakdown of James Brown's Song "Superbad"

2011-12-08T11:13:00.000-08:00

Here's a sample of the live lessons...A breakdown of James Brown's EPIC tune "Superbad"

30 Second Drum Lesson - Sextuplets and Paradiddle-diddles

2011-12-06T06:47:00.001-08:00

Download video lessons at www.StephensDrumShed.com

You Tuber Video

2011-12-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

I've been talking to Dan for a while now on You Tube. He frequents the lessons I do and I always enjoy chatting with him. He sent me his version of "Magic Island" and I really dig it. You should check it out. You guys inspire me to go practice. Keep up the killer work Dan!

You can also check out Dan's website at www.dangerics.com to get a feel for what he's about.

A Practice Log Book

2011-11-30T12:37:00.000-08:00

Before I launch into the topic...good news...just confirmed an interview with Rich Redmond, drummer for chart topping country artist Jason Aldean. If you don't know who Rich is, you should. Don't miss watching the interview.

And now on to the topic at hand...a practice log book. I've been looking for one for years. Something simple, sleek, with plenty of room to write and some empty bars to jot ideas down post shed session. Haven't been able to find one. So I decided to make one for myself.

I formatted the perfect page, uploaded it to the site I publish my books on, replicated that page 100 times, made a black hardback cover that reads "Practice Log", and then hit publish. Voila! Originally I had meant it just for my own use...but the more I've thought about it, the more I think others could benefit from it. So I'm making them available to anyone now. You can thank me later ;^)

If you want to see the format of the pages, check out the pic that goes with this post. A very simple and durable way to record your progress, correct mistakes, and scratch out inspired ideas (12 empty bars on every page).

So if you're wanting to log your practice times and track things better, GO HERE and use this code at checkout to get 25% off for the next couple of days: BUYMYBOOK305

30 Second Drum Lesson: Fill from The Killers Drummer Ronnie Vannucci

2011-11-29T07:14:00.000-08:00

Working on Ghost Notes

2011-11-28T16:00:00.000-08:00

Had a quick question come in on what ghost notes are and how to work on them...here's a couple of ideas...

Working on ghost notes can be really tricky! I know...it took me a long time when I first started drumming to be able to execute them properly. (For those that are unclear as to what a "ghosted" note is)...A ghost note is an unaccented note used to help emphasize a musical pattern. They actually help the listener "hear" the accented notes of the rhythm or melody better. In drum notation, they are notated in a couple of ways...one is by the use of parenthesis around a regular sized note head. Another is by simply adding an accent sign to all notes that are accented. The player then takes for granted that all other notes on that particular drum are to be "ghosted".

A ghost note is not the same as a grace note. Grace notes, in drumming, are typically notated smaller than other notes and used as "ornaments" to primary notes. So the note might look the same, just half the size. They are most typically seen when playing flams. The note that precedes the primary note is called a grace note. Hope that clears that up a bit.

Now, as far as how to work on them effectively...Everyone has their own method. The end result is that you want your accented notes to "pop" and your unaccented notes to sound softer in relation to the accented ones. One way that I have students work on this is to exaggerate the movements involved. Example: accented notes are on 2 and 4, and the unaccented notes are played on the "e" of 1 and the "e" of 3.

I would have the student play the accented notes from a height of 8" above the drum. Every unaccented note would be played from a height of 3" from the drum. This exaggeration in the movement will usually naturally lend itself to helping the accents pop and the ghost notes not. Once you get the concept down, you can work on adjusting your stick height to a comfortable playing level (although these playing levels aren't necessarily "uncomfortable" ones).

Another way is to play eighth notes on the hi-hat and snare simultaneously. While doing this, accent all of the downbeats in the left hand and make all of the upbeats unaccented. Then reverse that...make all of the upbeats accented and all of the downbeats unaccented.

These are just a couple of examples...there are alot of ways to effectively work on ghost notes. And yes, in the end, practice and repetition remain king...sorry!

My New Book on Warm-Up Exercises and HUGE Discounts!

2011-11-28T05:33:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to give you a quick update on what's been going on...I'll get straight to it...

I released a NEW BOOK this past weekend. It's called The Drummer's Bullpen: A Book of Warm-Ups (available in PDF/eBook or hard copy). I honestly wrote it for myself as much as for anyone else. It's a book that focuses on the all to often overlooked process of warming up...What to do when you first sit down at the drum kit. I haven't been able to find anything that spends time discussing this topic. Almost 80 pages of warm-ups to prepare you for a smokin' shed session! I wanted to go ahead and let everyone know about it...I'll be posting some free YouTube lessons on some of the topics in the near future and having the book will help you get through the lessons a bit easier. Also, in observance of Cyber Monday, I thought a discount would be in order for my e-mail shedders. Use the coupon code CYBERTUESDAY to get 30% off of your purchase. You can use it on one or both of the books until 11:59 pm PST on Tuesday November 29th, 2011. Check this review out:

"I have a copy of this book. It is a "must have" for drummers. I challenge you to find a better book for getting you in the zone for playing your best. In fact, you will be hard pressed to come across many books geared for the purpose this one is. This may well be the "Stick Control" of drum set warmup books. It is one of a kind. Don't wait! Buy it! You will be glad you did."

-Marcus Lewis

Wow, I don't know if it lives up to that, but I'm honored at the kind words.

Here's where you can snag it

Click for Hard Copy

Click for eBook/PDF Version

and of course, my other book Functioning In Time, which discusses the topics of permutations and combinations in depth, is still available.

I've been BEYOND busy lately. We had an open house at the Drum Shed that was fantastic. Loved having the guests hang with the regular subscribers! We dissected a topic out of my latest book (The Helicopter) and then looked at the Swiss Army Triplet on Friday (we ended the lessons by taking it through the rhythmic scale...a brain killer!). If you took part in it, thanks so much. I'm looking forward to seeing some of you guys around the LIVE STREAMING lessons in the future!

Ya'll are the only reason I want to be a better player...thanks so much for inspiring me!

-Stephen T.
www.StephensDrumShed.com

30 Second Drum Lesson: Linear Fill - 16th Notes

2011-11-27T11:22:00.000-08:00

Quick and to the point. Enjoy!

Order my new book "The Drummer's Bullpen: A Book of Warm-Ups"

HARD COPY

EBOOK/PDF VERSION