It's got to stop (a message for drummers)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ก.พ. 2025
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It's got to stop (a message for drummers)
I recorded this a while back but it still rings true...so I thought I would post it here.
Leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts
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Would love to know how you feel about this topic...
This has always been my thought, we must not compare ourselves to anyone, let's start from the assumption that we are all different, I think that we must learn and take something from many, but in the end how we play it on our instrument, it won't be the same as what we have heard. This is why I advise you all to register, I also make videos, but mainly to share my passion for drums!
I love this, Stephen! Though I'm a mere guitar player, I doubt myself everytime I pick up my instrument. It really is about expressing yourself and not how you compare to other musicians. Thanks, man!
It's a great topic and video to bring out as a reminder for everyone. This is a mental health and personal issue which can easily be the first drip in the depression cup, hell it can also be the last one to make the cup overflow and spill out. Taking the comparison notion out of the equation can be very freeing and lead to some happy sessions.
Thanks for the love Brother and Love right back to ya. Rock on.🤘🤘🧡🧡
Competition is healthy, comparison is not
i agree with what you said, but setting goals based on other players isn't bad in my opinion
dave grohl became famous as a drummer of nirvana....terrible drumming...but.....it was what served that music.
“Comparison is the thief of joy”
Kept this quote in front of me for years...until I started living like it was true. And that took a while
I almost posted this exact comment. Great video. I think we all have to keep reminding ourselves of this.
Fuck yeah. All comes under ego, the ego is a thing of comparison and the moment that we can learn to control it and look at things through the objective lens of our personal experience I believe that we can definitely extract more joy out of our hobbies and in this case become a better drummer.
Still important to understand that perhaps we aren’t as good as some other drummers- but not in a condescending way. More so in a way of enlightening, used to make us realise how much more there is to learn and how motivating that is.
I had a real struggle with imposter syndrome playing today and I realised that sometimes it’s a necessary evil to make us musicians realise that we aren’t sometimes as good as we might think and that it is important to continue to progress and learn!! Still crucial not to fully submit to these negative feelings though.
Sorry for the spontaneous essay,
Keep drumming!!
@@hoe2785great comment❤
I’m a huge fan of this quote. Not sure who said it I’m surfing I have it written down somewhere.
You can never be better than a second class someone else..... you can ALWAYS be the best YOU!!!! Thanks for posting Stephen!!!
I started playing when I was 48 (just turned 52). I knew going in that there were things I would never be able to do on the drums having picked them up so late in life. My goal is and has been from the start to continue learning and improving in my personal journey on the drums. As long as I continue to strive toward that goal, I've already succeeded.
Couldn't agree more
Awesome! Just keep playing and feeling it! ✊
love it. Inspiration. I'm 51 trying to fight through the frustration of Smells Like Teen Spirit. Damn Growl.
I started playing at 50. Practiced for about 6 months on an e kit. Then auditioned for 2 bands. One was original punk, the other classic rock.
Surprisingly to me, I got into both. Took about a dozen lessons from someone who became a mentor. Older guy, like myself, with lots of touring and recording experience. Invaluable. At one point he told me something that really helped me. That was that every drummer has something to express and each has strengths and weaknesses. Ten years later and I have done hundreds of shows and some recordings as well. Currently I play with my band and sub for others. Clubs, weddings and events. Never too old my friend.
Well said! It's all a journey and we are all at different points along that journey. 🙌🏻
I used to jam with a guy who said, "Be a first rate you instead of a second rate them."
He didn't care if I couldn't pull off something another drummer did that I was trying to copy, he wanted to hear what I could do instead.
I've never had more fun playing with anyone than that guy.
Sounds like someone id like to jam with. Fantastic advice 😁🤘
Just shared this with my bandmates and social media. About me: I'm a 54 year old drummer who has been playing since 5th grade. I can't play double kick, my shuffles are questionable at best, but I love to play and I've been lucky enough to play with tons of people in my life and enjoy every minute of it. I've always said that success is working at your craft so that you're better today than you were yesterday, and that you'll be even better tomorrow. Music ISN'T and shouldn't be a competition. Music is a group of people coming together to create something better than you could accomplish as an individual. Thanks for posting. Going to share this all over the place.
Finding ones self on an instrument is the key that unlocks everything - guitar player here - I try to treat it like a piece of wood with strings on it and I do my best to bend it to my will - when I was young I wanted to be like so many of the guys I looked up too - now I just focus on being me, my writing skills, getting out of the way and letting it just come out
It’s so hard to not compare yourself. It always seems like everyone else is so far ahead and I’ll never get ‘there’. I love playing drums .. so much so, it brings me to tears, but the thought of playing in front of others is worse, even though I know I can. It’s like everyone is judging me. I know I put that there, but how to break through it, man it’s hard. Great stuff again Stephen.
The mental side of drumming is the hard stuff
😃 Remember this Andrew, in my personal opinion, the most important things in any song, is the music, vocal melodies, and chorus in the lyrics, not how fast or technical you play!!
Remember, we are here to drum for the music, to make the music feel good and the musicians we play with feel comfortable. To be overly concerned with what other drummers might think is a distraction and should be tempered with the balance of good work habits in the practice room and good musical habits in serving the music and the players you accompany.
I'm not even a drummer and this still resonates with me. We see this all across music. Great work!
As someone with constant self-esteem issues regarding my playing, this is what I needed to hear today. Thank you, genuinely.
Thanks for this video. I had a teacher once tell me that nothing you see anyone play is impossible, it just takes a bit more time to figure out. A lot clicked for me after that.
The perspective that even the things that the masters of the instrument play are possible gave me so much motivation to tackle harder pieces and not dismiss parts that feel out of reach!
He said it in a way that
Pearls of wisdom there Steven. And it applies to more than drumming. Thanks for sharing.
Played in a garage band in my teens. Was good enough to play the basic stuff needed for the songs we played. Fast forward to March of this year and realized all this time I never lost the love of the drums and decided to go for it. The good thing is now at age 62 I'm wise enough to know what I get out of it is how much I decide to put into it. I see the drummers on the videos but not discouraged that I'm not that. I love watching them. I'll never be that good because that's not what I'm trying to be. My goal is to impress myself that i was able to kill my doubles around the kit, play freely and maybe get through some of the harder elements and grin and smile the whole time
Very well said Stephen. I often compare myself to younger or more experienced drummers and I become envious of their skills. I’ve been playing drums since the age of 4 but stopped playing regularly for almost 20years and today at 56 I decided I was going to play for myself . I’ll never be a John Bonham or a Carl Palmer but I can sure as heck study them, imitate them and draw whatever inspiration I can get to be a better drummer. I play by ear, can’t read music, don’t ask me to write down the structure of a song but give me a few takes and I’ll play the song the way I hear it. It’s not always exact and somewhat unorthodox, but I have grown and musicians ask me to play because of how I play and not who I sound like. 😊
That last sentence is key. My playing entered a whole other realm when I decided to be myself rather than someone else
I did exactly the same thing. I stopped playing at 28 and resumed in 2020 (at 66) as a way to keep my sanity during the height of the pandemic. I suck, but I suck a lot less than I did three years ago, and playing keeps me mentally and physically active. That is enough for me.
Good for you man. I've been on a bit of a hiatus myself.. After quite a few years of dedicated playing/practice, my band broke up, and I've had some failures trying to play w/ others because of my lack of talent. I look forward to the day that I, like you, am able to enjoy playing for myself. Right now myself hates to hear me play.
Thanks I needed to remind myself of that
I think it's great what you're doing mate but recommend you learn to read drum notation. It isn't hard and really helps your progress.
Ive been playing since i was 14 or so.
I played because all i could think was i wanted to be the best, i became the better of friends and such, but then when the internet came along alot heavier and people could do all this crazy stuff. I stopped for 5 years. I felt completely defeated cause i couldnt keep on with how they could play.
Today i played a gig for the first time in years, i felt like i lost track here and there, but as i said to the guitarist afterwards, im so happy to do it again. The push forward is now what i want to do. I want to do it because i enjoy it. I want to have a good time
All about that push forward!
I picked up sticks at age 38 and I’m playing in a fun cover band. When I get down on my abilities I remind myself that if I practice the songs, the audience will enjoy the music we play, and that’s a pretty good feeling. Play well friends.
One thing that I was told when I first started to play on stage and it holds true to everything really. When your foot hits that stage or you sit behind the kit or your instrument. There's no one better than you, you are untouchable, confidence.
We are always our own worst critic. Thank you for posting this. I have been playing drums for over 30 years and toured for many years. Even at the highest levels of my career, I still suffered from imposter syndrome because of negative thoughts and self doubt. Your point about sounding like yourself while borrowing from the masters is such an important concept. Love this channel!
I've been playing for many years now, and for the first bit of that I used to say all of those things. At one point, I decided to just get inspired - to step outside of my depth, and get inspired by other players. It changes everything when you can watch guys doing crazy stuff and you say to yourself "You can do THAT?!" You become inspired rather then defeated.
As much as Funk and Jazz inspire me, I accept that so long as I continue to push my capacity to play metal and hard rock - I'll never become crazy good at either. Though dabbling in them when inspired will change my voice, and I like that.
This haunts me as well.
It’s tough not to do these things though.
At times.
“All these things we do are but moments in time, don’t waste them on what does not matter”.
The mental side of drumming is so kuch harder than just actually drumming.
I played in my teens. Took back up a year ago at age 66 because I don’t play golf. 😂 Love watching your videos and different drum covers to learn different snippets to expand my ability, but no interest learning note for note. More interested in having fun playing to the songs of my youth my way. Thanks Stephen!!!
Thank you for sharing, this is unbelievably true. Also it was great talking to you this weekend on the road. Hope you have a good week at home with your family, I’ll reach out soon.
Starting drumming at 30 has its challenges (been playing 4 years now). Every now and then I compare myself to younger generations and how I'm basically late to the party but I need to remember that there isn't an age to play music. That it's not a race and pressure is the enemy of progress.
I feel that as long as someone has passion for their instrument and the will to practice on a regular basis you're sure to get results. And those results are just so much more rewarding and satisfying when you stop comparing yourself to other musicians
Great topic and important message! I try to say that to my son all the time. He's 14 and loves to play the drums, but sometimes he compares himself to others (mainly on youtube) bringing him self down.
So important to learn at an early age. I have the same discussions with my son
Such an emotive and very true video. Some will think I’m mad as I have just started out this year on my quest to become a ‘drummer’ and already I have been thinking like this - not anymore as the video and comments have cemented a greater foundation in how I perceive myself to others, thank you
Excellent points, often other skilled and experienced drummers will have a skill set I lack, but conversely I have a skill set they lack. When I was gigging out 20 years ago and had to perform after seeing a drummer who really impressed me, I would try to out perform them, even trying fills and grooves I had never really practiced before, which of course doesn’t turn out well. Now I just remember to do what brought me to the dance.
So true. Just gotta be yourself and play your way🔥🥁👍
We should be much more concerned with quality in our own playing, which is WAY different than the comparison thing
Hi Stephen, this is the best advice I have ever received in 50+ years on the skins. Never a truer word spoken and if any new players can take anything away from this it is the basic premise that all drummers are unique. THAT is what makes this craft evolve and flourish.
I was taught from an early age that the only job I had to worry about was keeping time as best I could. If I couldn't do that then really, the rest does not matter. Kudos to you for this topic. Keep in the pocket.
PS: I'm Australian and you are welcome to have my accent anytime. Regards.
Thank you bro! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This had to be said, but obviously no one had the balls to do it! You speak to me right out of the soul! Thank you! Love this channel 👍👍👍
I've recently started to get very serious about practicing drums again. I started playing when I was 14, I'm 30 now. For the better part of the past 10 years, I didn't really practice because I just didn't really see the point. I didn't feel like I was good enough, didn't feel like practicing would get me anywhere. I'm finally starting to slowly win that battle. It's not without its ups and downs; I still have days where I get discouraged really easily, but I'm definitely gaining the upper hand. So yeah, to anyone reading this who relates to my story or to what Stephen just talked about: there's hope:)
This is what makes you. No matter what you are doing.
DO IT FOR YOU and with all of you. Your hard work and happiness is never for the taking to the little voice or very few who test it… study, practice and PLAY; no reason to make it hard on yourself.
Im starting my drumming at the age of 51. I said right from the start that I just want to beat to some songs and enjoy myself. Rather i get "ok" "good" "great" or "mindblowing" I simply just want to have fun and make myself happy. Ill never be "great" and im ok with that. BUT I will be "ok" and im ok with that too lol...Good video and message.
Keep that mindset and you're gonna have to amazing drumming journey
Drums in the background are fire! Almost tribal native feel.
A elder handed the young man a leaf and asked his young student to enter the forest to find one that was identical. Not knowing any better the student started to enter the forest to find the leaf, but the elder soon stopped the student and explained no two leaf's are identical, we and all things are unique. Be inspired by others and embrace your uniqueness it is your gift.
Thank you! I recorded those in one take...just walked in and played what came out. I appreciate the kind words. Great story btw!
I needed to hear this today. Thank you so much for posting.
as a guitar player and drummer this is easily applicable in both cases. this can also be true for so many things, so many different hobbies. Very well said and I am very glad you discussed this point. I fall guilty to this as I am sure all of us do from time to time, glad to hear this from somebody with passion for improvement and success!
Nail on the head. If everyone truly thought this way; not only would every person progress more in life but they would realize we are all gifted with something different from God. We would also freely share those gifts with others without selfishness.
This applies to pretty much anything. Be better than you were yesterday. Pretty much how I've lived my life.
Hello Stephen, thank you for an inspiring video on comparison , this is somthing drum teachers don't talk about . You truly care about other people and drummers . we can look at many things in life and use your advise . thank you for being a REAL BROTHER DRUMMER !!
👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻
Superb vid. Thank u Stephen. Yesterday i was watching your gigging vids. The worst part and best part. I decided to become a golf pro when i was 27. I never thought to compare myself to other golfers who had been playing since they were knee grabbers. Which is most of them. Now nearing 60, drumming for 2.5 years. It took me 2.3 years to let go of t stupidity of comparing myself to other drummers. Who have been playing for decades. Im enjoying the journey way better. 🍻
Thank you... Need to remind myself of this. Need to be better than I was yesterday, not as good as "x"
Exactly
@@StephenTaylorDrums been going thru a really nasty dry spell... No inspiration and no drive to get behind the kit lately. Took them apart, cleaned and put real heads back on ( had practice quiet heads on ) so maybe that will bump me forward
Thank you, Mr. Taylor. This is a highly evolved thought that delivers an even higher life of consciousness. Somewhere, there is a gig for all of us at our current level. To aspire to more is divine. Love this vid.
Needed to hear this. Not a drummer but man does this apply to many things in my life. Guitar, singing, training, physique etc.
Thanks Stephen, i needed that. I'm not going to analyze everything you said, because every point resonated and hit home.
Glad to hear it my friend!
@@StephenTaylorDrums thanks
Amen. Only compare yourself to who u were yesterday.
I thank you very much about this, as an aspiring TH-cam drummer myself, I needed to hear everything you have said in this video. I plan to watch this multiple times. Again thanks
Funny, I needed to hear this back in 1985! I stopped playing "professionally" after watching Omar Hakim playing I Burn For You. It was so ingenious that I asked myself what the hell I was doing with my life. The interesting thing to me was once I stopped trying to make a living playing, I started enjoying playing a lot more. This is still s great message, Stephen! You should re-post it at least once a year.
You're so right on, Stephan. I hope this video goes ultra viral!! Having the mindset of "getting better at my drumming" vs "getting better at imitating other drummers" has really my playing. Also, less stress when play live gigs. I play in time, play for the music and have fun.
Thanks Stephen.. great insight.. I was at a gig this past weekend and was doing exactly that.. wondering why i couldn't play like the guy in the next band.. he was phenomenal.. I tried reasoning that that is the sound of his band, the sound of mine was how i play.. but i still left the gig for the hotel with the little green eyed monster of jealousy on my shoulder and a depressed feeling of why am i not good enough.. I needed to hear your wisdom on this this morning.. thank you
I love that u brought up such an important topic that no one speaks of. Keep up the great work brother!
This message will never get old. I'm as guilty as anyone, when it comes to comparing vs. imitating. So I need to hear this every now and then so I can get it to sink in!! Thanks Stephen.
Nailed it. Love the background drumming; I love being inspired by many drummers from famous to virtually unknown, but I don't strive to copy anyone. G'day from Australia, by the way!
And it's not just drumming or musicianship. It's LIFE itself. Thank you Sir. I posted your video on my blog with a plea for others to watch it. More people need to hear this message, and to stop comparing themselves and their lives to others, and to just be the best person they themselves can be.
Amen! That’s how all of art moves (forward?). Whenever I played drums at my church, I’d keep it simple (am steady, but it’s my third instrument, and the one I spent the least time working on), and always play with my own voice, which is informed by all the things I listen to, and borrow. People thought I was great, because I played to my strengths, and played as ME. While ME is a combination of many others, only I can can play it like I do. Every musician who gives it their all is crushing it! Thanks for the great/necessary/encouraging message!
I just finished teaching at a junior/high school jazz camp (I’m a guitarist, btw…) which accommodates players of all levels-some are high school improvisers who play at quite a high level, and some younger players who have never even heard of a blues scale! We encourage ALL of our campers to improvise, and some of the younger players are reticent to try because they don’t sound like the older players. Over the years I’ve developed a mantra with those students-“play your own game!!” And that advice HAS gotten through to lots of younger students who come back the following summer and eventually play at high levels themselves!!! I’m glad to hear somebody else say it (even if our phraseology is a little different)!!! The whole comparison thing has really become an honest-to-God cancer in the guitar playing community, and I just figured it was a guitar thing-I’m sorry to hear it has affected my drumming brothers and sisters as well…. BUT I’m glad to see there’s someone else out there standing up and saying “NO”! Well said, and I stand with ya, brother!!
Slaínte,
DVH
I believe that it's very important for all musicians to periodically take long breaks from consuming content from other musicians, especially in these days of social media where we are constantly and consistently bombarded with it. When we consume so much, we subconsciously try to emulate what we take in. Clear your head so that the only voice you hear is your own, that's where true growth begins.
Great message Stephen, I really struggle with confidence , I haven't jammed with a anyone in 20 years,lol. Waiting until I'm perfect at this groove,that shuffle ,this solo, Purdie shuffle, Moby Dick ,YYZ ,Tripping Billies, . Absolutely ridiculous, I know. Paralyzing stage fright unless I get 6 beers in me .yet I'll play along ,practice ,work on things I want to play for hours. Wife and kids compliment me "wow dad,I can tell what songs you're playing" with no backing music they can hear. At least 3 of my kids buddies have become drummers , joined bands and gig ,1 has even recorded with his band and put out an EP. Lol , so proud. Funny thing ,he tells me all the time I'M one of his inspirations and reasons he plays. I've subscribed to your channel almost from the start. The lessons you gave me ,I in turn gave them to others. I shouldn't get the credit,lol. At 57 I've maybe resigned myself to being a really good basement drummer. Letting any and all who want to give it a go without any judgement or ridicule , let it go man ,hit em, if I cant break,you sure as heck can't. I'm good with that,maybe that's my lot in life . Thanks for helping me help others . Peace
Such true words and complete sense BUT people always judge themselves against others in there chosen field. This should be an inspirational video for ALL people to watch as relevant to ALL fields of human endeavour......Thanks Steve
Great message something we’ve all struggled with, just become the best version of yourself.
GREAT video. I go through this everyday! I started out as a drummer for years and then at 50 I decided to play the bass guitar; I was always a "closet bassist". It's a real struggle and I have a tendency to constantly compare myself with others. PERSEVERANCE is the key along with practice as much as possible. This quote from a well known Seinfeld actor has really helped me through this and I hope it can help others as well: “You don’t yell at a bud because it isn’t a flower yet, it will be a flower, but it will open when it’s time to open. As you begin to find your way of working. Be gentle with yourself” (Jason Alexander)
For the million guitarist less than me, there is also a million better than me. We are all good at the level well play at, it is about how I play that matters, using my own style and sound.
well said Stephen I always felt that way when I was a kid so it brings tears to compare yourself to other persons drumming 🤧 so every drummer reading this pls continue to play drums stop comparing yourself to other people be who are and be you.
I’m 54 years old and have been playing drums since I was about 10 years old and what you talked about has plagued me most of my life. I always compare myself to other drummers and easily intimidated by them. A lot of it is my own fault for not practicing as I should have. Thank you for sharing this video with us all!!!
Thank you very much. You seem to know it, but it's so important to hear it. Especially from someone you respect.
Great advice for all drummers Steve, I always compliment my drummer friends, when seeing them play with their bands! Also I can honestly say I rarely compare myself to any other drummers. Imitating them yes!
While watching a Kenny Aranoff video of ahis pod casts I heard him say this and this is MY Golden Rule to drumming.....I'll never be as great as I want to be but I am willing to spend the rest of my life trying to be as great as I can be!!!!! Keep Rockin!!!!!
We all need this ! Thanks for the inspiration !
Wow! Wow! I just watched a video of a guy who plays drums with one hand at the speed of light while drinking coffee....I was ready to throw my drums in a teary tantrum...and boom! This is Taylor's video. I slowly closed the window and put everything back in place, wiping away the tears of hope.
I've never had to play drums blazing fast with one hand while drinking coffee and I've been playing for a living for 25 years haha...funny the things that hit us that way. I'm exactly the same. You got this!
That's because he does that exact thing all day long. Play along to some easy tunes, and slowly build up your repertoire and chops. You've got many years to do this. Your not going to play one handed rolls anytime soon. Although, working efficiently on some of those techniques can surely loosen up your fingers. Guys like that were in Jazz Band, Marching Band, Orchestra, Concert Band, Percussion Ensemble, played musicals, .... been doing it ALL of their life. The support network is HUGE if you tap into the right place.
Wow - good stuff - I'm actually past the comparing stage. I try to improve on what I do but the main thing is keeping the band on track even if I have to simplify what I'm playing to make sure they have all the cues they need to not get lost. I realized a long time ago no one cares what kind of fancy fill or whatever I drop in somewhere.
I'm 55, started drumming less than a year ago, don't have access to lessons, due to work can only practice 2 weeks in 6, don't consider myself any good at all. That doesn't matter to me. I learnt to read drum notation, do practice drills every time I can play then play along to some different songs I like to finish off. Slowly I'm able to play higher levels and I have fun. To me that's most important - I have fun. The only thing I compare is how I'm playing now to how I played 6 months ago. Regardless how good you think you are just have fun.
Absolutely! The goal of practice is to build up vocabulary that lets us more effectively express our musical ideas. I have no time for those "world's fastest drummer" competitions. Drums are not an Olympic sport, it's a musical instrument. Make music -- YOUR music. Be yourself and express yourself. Definitely continue to build up your skill set, but for the purpose of better expressing yourself -- not to "beat" someone else, whatever that means.
This is the most important message I’ve heard for any person not just musicians, we kill our own talents by judging ourselves against others, but where are the boundaries?, for me, they are in individual expression, so regardless of quality, if it has a purposeful meaning, it is valid to anyone that cares to take an interest. Thanks Stephen for raising this question ❤
Well said. With all the chop-masters (who you've never heard of) strutting their stuff on TH-cam, it is easy to start to question your abilities. That being said, as someone who considers themselves more of a "song drummer", no matter how amazing all these players are, I have my own feel and texture that can really shine on tracks, if I hit my spots. That's what it's all about. Chops are great, and often essential, but music is what matters most, and what comes first.
I started with 40. House, kids and 40h-work allow me 20 to 30 minutes at the drums per day. So my progress is very limited. But it is there.
Still so hard not to compare myself to someone way younger who started as a kid...
Thank You Stephen for this message! ✌️🥰👍
Over the years, I've matured onto the idea of being ultimately inspired and motivated when I see my favorite drummers share their lessons, philosophies on music, and advice. It's ok and natural at first to be anxious or self-conscious when you hear someone who is "better" in technique and smoothness, but as I've said, I've channeled such scary feelings into feelings of curiosity and wonder, knowing that with more and more practice and desire, anything can become possible behind the kit. Even then, there is no point in comparing yourself to others, because at the end of the day, music was never about competition. I will never be a perfect musician, as no one ever has been, or ever will be. However, I, and everyone who seeks to be, can and will always be a better musician than yesterday.
Yes!
Needed to hear this today! Thanks Stephen!
I got into playing music to write songs. There was such an urge and need to write songs it felt like I was going to explode if I didn’t get to it asap when I was 12. I wanted a guitar as the means. I had a lot of crappy guitars till I got my first nice guitar (I still have it even 96 Fender Mustang) anyway…I think people even accomplished enough players lose touch with or forget WHY they do get into whatever medium they choose. Writing songs expanded into playing drums. Bass etc. A lot of other fun things have come from it of course. I learned I need to keep learning no matter what. Expanding and honing each aspect and craft that goes into writing songs. Have a vision and work. Always be thinking how to make it better.
Great video! This has always been my thought, we must not compare ourselves to anyone, let's start from the assumption that we are all different, I think that we must learn and take something from many, but in the end how we play it on our instrument, it won't be the same as what we have heard. This is why I advise you all to register, I also make videos, but mainly to share my passion for drums!
An absolutely great idea expressed with articulation and topped off with a sublime Bartok quote. I love it. Thank You!
Thank you, Stephen. I have been playing for 50 years this year. When I see a great drummer play, I take inspiration from watching them & also draw from what they do & how they approach their music. What (colours & textures) were used. I now have other drummers approach me & talk about what I did & how I did something that got their attention. It's not who is better, but how we are all individuals on how we play and how we express ourselves through our own playing.
It also comes back to having belief in yourself. With that comes confidence, and with that comes the ability to learn by listening & watching others. These days, I have some younger players watching me & drawing from myself. I find that very gratifying, that indirectly, I am contributing the the drumming community at large.
Garry.
I really needed to hear this. Thank you so much 🙏🏻
Brilliant! Thank you Stephen!
Thank you for the video! I've been playing for almost 40 years now, and I've been guilty of comparison. At age 50, I'm pursuing the piano and pipe organ alah original jazz and classical compositions. Do I get a little intimidated listening to Oscar Peterson or some of the great works of Beethoven and Bach? Of course I do! No different than when I watch and listen to Buddy Rich, Billy Cobham, or Louie Belson. However, I'm with you on this message. It's about being better than you were a month ago, not better than someone else. If we spend our lives trying to be better than the other guy, we'll just end up emotionally wrecked. Learn from others, adjust their cool ideas to meet your still and technique, and practice being the best YOU.
I applaud ! All we need is CLEAR GOALS, and to understand that we can keep developing and mastering as much as we want. One brick at a time. As a pianist, I have never been discouraged when learning a new piece, whether it be classical, ragtime, jazz ; a new page is a new adventure, a new challenge, a new discovery, often an opportunity to make a new distinction in what to do and how to do it.
I like to think in terms of "applied knowledge" instead of skills.
Finally, as you say, there are so many musicians on TH-cam and other platforms who are seemingly virtuosos... but will do a hundred takes, or punch stuff in, or even mime. They lie to themselves, lie to others.
To put in my two-penny worth : Never lose sight of the Lighting House...
Dude I freaking needed that.. May 6th , I played what I thought - was one my best live performances so far in my life.. not that we had a big crowd, but my kit/my sound/my playing..all the stars aligned to make it a memorable gig, and I was lucky enough to get on video as well, so I could go back & critique/enjoy. Then the next band played, and I found myself self sabotaging again..
I keep having to tell myself all these things that you have outlined in this video. Im not gonna be a Benny Greb/Danny Carey/ Dave King/ Mark Guiliana.. Ive done a few things, that Im proud of in regards of albums/demos/EPs that Ive cut. Ive just never been good at the business side of things, and that has ultimately held me back ( along with humility, and down playing my acomplishments in the past). Im working on it though. Im not a super drummer, or a theory expert, or overly fast.. But I do have a voice with my instrument though. Thank you Stephen for your encouraging video!
I really enjoyed this video. Definitely subscribing. I was so inspired to play after watching, and I gotta say that was by far the best drumming session I have ever had.
Glad to have ya hanging!
So true and thank you for saying this!
Nate Smith talked about his left hand technique and about a "bad habbit", that he developed, which actually became a part of his signature stuff with a unique feel. Doing something different (often confused with wrong) may be the best part of our playing :)
💪😃👍 Original Creativity is what makes each one of us unique!! And is something that can only come from our minds!!
Beautiful, Stephen. Thank you for this
Man, did I need to hear that... My big downfall is seeing someone who has been playing a fraction of the time I have, but is light years ahead of me, and thinking I should've been putting in more time on the kit. Then the "what ifs" start. What if I never played sports, guitar, or bass, and just focused on drums? How much better would I be? A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but a dangerous place to dwell
That last sentence is killer...I may steal it haha!
@@StephenTaylorDrums I come up with a gem every now and then 😉
very inspiring!!! It really is what moves this drumming thing forward. We imitate what came before us for many reasons, one of which to me is to provide ourselves the tools to let our true selves dance in creativity and art. When we take what came before us and add it to ourselves, it just adds to our flame. Then, the music evolves, because we are creating something that hasn't existed yet! Let alone the personal benefits from letting go of comparisons- you can then truly enjoy a persons playing and seek honest inspiration...for me at least. Its truly liberating. Thanks for opening up our minds to these important concepts.
NAILED IT! I tell my students this all the time. For some of them, this kind of reminder is the only thing that pushes them forward.
So good ! You definitely created a mood on this one. Great intro , and good talk. Thanks for this.
I've learned to stop comparing myself to my best friend, who is legit one of the best drummers I've ever heard, and just be myself behind the kit.
Another reason why Stephen is a legend! We all need this!
Greetings from germany:thanx for this message.😊
Good vid! I'm clearly not a competitive drummer! I enjoy watching talented drummers! I don't feel inferior to them. I just love playing the drums. Just jam, no matter what!
Gotta do it for the love!
@@StephenTaylorDrums My eldest who's 8 has developed on the piano and he seems happy with that. I cannot get my 2 year old off the throne, nor can I always find my sticks!
This philosophy should be applied to just about every aspect in life. Thank you for the reminder!
I'm just happy to be here. ❤
Stephen you’re are a great speaker , teacher, I would love to have had a teacher like you when I was learning as a kid , btw I’m an Aussie and if distance wasn’t a thing I would be a student of yours now , even as an old bloke as I am 😂