I can’t stress enough how useful this lesson has been for me. The phrase “speed is a natural byproduct of a proper technique” has been in my mind ever since I saw this video a while ago. In other words: you don’t need to get fast. You need to get PRECISE. And then, once you’re precise at a slower speed, the fast speed will magically come to you. Saw this video a long time ago, and now TH-cam showed it to me as a recommendation. So I decided to leave a comment mentioning how useful this video has been for me.
The key to speed is practice, practice and much more practice. I hit a bump in the road years ago so went to a pro teacher and he saw a hole in my technique. I only intended to go for a few weeks to iron out my problem and ended up going for a few years as he got me into reading jazz sheet music and the push pull technique etc. My problem single stroke rolls great, double stroke rolls great but when I tried to play RRR LLL or RRRR LLLL it all fell apart. I was practicing as rudiments but he had me practice on the ride and snare and soon found out many jazz patterns are built around these rudiments. Bizarrely it was all to do with where I held the stick so for rock drumming etc this was never an issue but only came to light practicing rudiments. I changed the way I held the sticks in terms of balance and it was hey ho let's go. I will say it was not an easy fix as I had been playing a certain way for so long but eventually success. Hope this helps someone
Im workin on changin my grip n fulcrum after MANY years im struggling with open/close push/pull whatever ya wanna call it. I sherr know how to agrivate myself. 😏
Another takeaway from this is that youtube can only instruct you, it can't correct you... A teacher can instantly identify an issue that could be really holding you back.
We do the same strategy as public educators. I teach 3rd grade, math and reading. Fluency (speed) is never the first step. Comprehension and mastery needs to happen first. Thanks for another great lesson!
Total agreement! I teach guitar. You used the exact words I do all too often. Also I have personally never tried for speed consciously. I hope more people realize this.
In the desert You find some water are you okay video not work out for you if so don’t bring out your fucking anger on a person that this video worked for go have a self check and drink some water...
@1:30 ... I agree with you 100% ... speed is a natural bi-product of correct technique ... just like in sport. Downhill skiing for example ... speed there is also a bi-product of correct technique. ✌
Good explanation and exercise. Thank you. Pay attention when accenting that the spacing is not rushed compared to the unaccented strokes. All strokes should be played evenly. Keep the timing consistent.
French grip tends to be the most natural for me, so it was nice to see that you're able to produce such speed from any grip. Time to practice technique!
There have been so many videos watched by me. Very few ever really discussed what it feels like to play Moeller correctly. I have finally got that. This one helped me realize that Moeller will give me the control and speed. I have both hands going well on their own but together I loose the capability. Going slow but jeez (3 years and still going)
Download the sheet music for this lesson here: bit.ly/3ECaMEg No one likes my answer when they ask me about how to increase hand speed. In all of my years of teaching, I have NEVER diagnosed a speed problem that didn't boil down to a failure within the technique. Focus on perfecting and smoothing out the technique...the speed will come naturally. You don't have to force it. Here's an exercise that will help you with your Moeller stroke. Leave me a comment and let me know you stopped by!
Stephen Taylor - It has always been my experience that many people dislike hearing the truth. Great lesson, really like how you practice your musicianship without ego and with humility, and obvious hard work!
My problem isn't hunting for speed, rather than hunting to grasp the hand / finger technique to make use of the rebound. I still don't get how to grasp the stick in a way to get the rebound in a way to have it useable... I currently use Aquarian X-10 sticks, which are rather top heavy and I would need to grasp them much higher than the red PVC grips.. even above the golden name sticker. That's a rather uncomfortable position.
btw Stephen, I'll take another minute of your time - this trend - speed, speed, speed, faster hands, faster feet, how to light a fire with nothing but drumsticks, etc. I think it's people not knowing what to demand from the doctor in some sense; and I think I've just had a bit of a revelation - people aren't looking for faster hands per se, but a way to think faster, to better predict/remember/react in the moment; This whole year my main drums concern has been - 1. how do I learn this song faster 2.how do i remember this song better for longer 3. how do i expand my mind so I can think more than a measure or two in front of what I'm playing 3.5 how do I "zoom" in and out of whatever I'm playing so I can plan something or get ready for something 3.6.how do I make it so that I can cover my mistakes better or avoid them altogether I mean to me this is sort of one topic - "practical brain works", any content you can make on this, pure awesome. I'm sick of fast hands, I want a faster brain!
Strelock It's not a faster brain you need, its doing it enough times so that your processing speed is no longer relevant. Muscle memory will take you to wherever you want to go.
Try this. Take a new song and play it back stupid cartoon fast. Repeat si you can sing it hum etc /Remember the fast tempo high pitched music sounding song. Then listen to it normal speed. Faster learning of song.....look ahead in the song a know what's coming... I did this ages ago with analog portable cassette tape. So it's an old idea. It worked for me. And a church choir of 60 voices. Drums keys bass We did this when losing place in the song arrangement
I sold my kit 15 years ago to afford a move cross-country. Bought a kit again last week and I’ve been struggling to find my speed again. Turns out, my speed in the past came from being young and having bad technique, but this video got me back into the (correct) groove. You’re an excellent teacher.
Absolutely correct!! The speed comes naturally to you if your technique and basics are correct. When I started drumming at the age of 8, I couldn't even play at 110 BPM. 3 years later I naturally improved speed and could play at 160 because my teacher advised me to work on the technique (just like you). Right now I can play at 190 BPM and I don't think there are too many songs at higher speeds. What I've been working on for past few months is fluidity and keeping the time. Great lesson Sir!!
When I was younger, I used to practice Bokken. I would practice technique, and try do do the strokes through the air correctly. I did this for months. I remember distinctly the day when what seemed like out of no-where, suddenly the bokken made a whippy swoosh sound pretty much every time I struck out. After a short period of time, it made this sound every single time I struck. The muscles had built up gradually and the speed of the stroke came naturally. Now, that is a different type of speed, however, the principle is the same. Eventually it comes all by itself, when you are ready. AND best of all, is that when you are 'ready' for this, you also will not be tired out by your practise.
I have been training and teaching Karate since 1971. I teach my students that technique comes from practice, speed comes from technique, and that technique + speed = POWER! I am also a drummer of over 60 years, and I have applied that to my playing as well. You are correct in your Bokken analogy!
In my years since the beginning of starting at 13 in 86, I was told what has never changed. Rudiments and stick control. From there passion will do the rest depending on that passion. Period.
The pursuit of cooperation with physics over the pursuit of speed for speed's sake is a lesson I wish I would have learned 30 years ago. Thank you sir.
Awesome video. Thanks. It is nice to get into the weeds and break this control down. I never did that back in the day when I played. Now starting back up again my focus is playing right first.
Putting the smart phone on the practice pad...Now that takes confidence!! I have smashed 1 smart phone already with my sloppy strokes doing that! Learned my lesson VERY well that day ;)
You had asked in one of your newer videos "what rudiment gives you the most trouble " I replied, single strokes. You said it's a technical issue. You were correct. It turned out, I just need to be relaxed after a good warm up. I see so many cats just sit down, and fly on the kit, or pad. I just have to accept, I'm not one of em. If I just sit, and go 1/8th notes (single) @ 170, I'm toast in 30 secs. After a warm up, I'm good for several minutes. A lot to be said for warming up. I guess my technique falls in place once I relax.
I totally agree speed comes last. You need to have strength and quickness first. Rudiments will strengthen your muscles and give you the quickness you need. Then, you can take that strength and that quickness and apply them to any speed. Mean while we are learning rudiments, hand techniques and gesture, let's not forget that some skills will take time to develop. BE PATIENT. I mean, we all learned how to drive slow then all of the sudden everyone started speeding up. Some of us can actually do it very quickly. Well I have a question; When we are learning rudiments, are we teaching our hands to play fast or quick? Keep in mind "speed comes last"
This video is excellent pal. I’ve always thought speed was overrated because I’ve never seen Steve Gadd blow anyone away with speed....BUUUT, it’s nice to be able to reach back when you need it. This is very helpful.
Your lessons are truly amazing, Stephen. Been playing for over 30 years and never took any formal lessons. I think I'm a very mature player when it comes to playing for the song but, my technique sucks. (Why have I never heard of the mueller technique until recently!?) Out of the dozen videos i've seen on it recently, this is my favorite. I'm taking a step back and taking this video very seriously and practice practice practice. Thanks!
Wow! I was searching for this kind of lesson. Been playing drums for 10 years, mostly metal-oriented. As a self-taught drummer, I have a lot of issues to correct myself. I started with rudiments in quarantine (yes, for the first time!!), and now I wanted to know how drummers like Ian Paice or nowadays Aquiles Priester do the accents in their fills. This lesson showed me exactly what I needed. Time to practice now. Thank you Stephen! 🙏
Always happy to visit your lessons. Very articulate and clearly explained. This is stuff I understand and have luckily developed correctly up to this point. My speed is still not where I want it, but after practicing meticulously, slowly, smoothly, and with focus on relaxed technique, I have made leaps and bounds in my ease of playing faster patterns and making them GROOVE! Back to it.
Superb advise about resolving technique issues when progress seems to stall. I learned that lesson learning to play bass years ago. It will always come down to technique. Excellent lesson. Thank you.
Great exercise man. And great point about underlying technique with hands. It's like building a house on sand vs. building on a rock solid foundation. Speed without technique will not be as soild as Speed built with technique.
It wasn't until I slowed down to VERY low tempos and practiced that I was able to start playing at much higher tempos. I was able to realize how absolutely bad my technique was with my left hand. Then, and only then, I was able to really focus on the problem and make real progress. At the end of the day how fast you can play, and more importantly how clean you can play at those higher tempos. Will always come back to how much practice and time you put into it. More time? More improvement. Less time? Less improvement. Not a tough concept.
Thanks Stephen. As a triathlete and drummer I can identify entirely with technique - particularly in swimming. We are always told in the pool to hone technique and that speed will come. Time to get some (slow) practice in. Graham
I have a warm up for playing conga that helps with speed. Play a measure (singles or doubles) of 1/4 notes followed by a measure of 8th notes then a measure 16ths. Then back to 1/4 notes. Repeat. Start around 60bpm then move tempo up from there when the 16th note section can be played without tensing.
I agree with what you say and I would just add that "Playing in Front of a Live Audience" for an extended time say 6 Nights a week for 3 months tends to fill in all the Gaps that just can't be negotiated in the Practice Room. Get a free gig playing Musical Theater at your local college or Hometown theater group. They are always looking for musicians and college kids are too busy. I worked at a local Melodrama Theatre in Tucson 6 nights a week. It was low pay, but $120 a week was better than you could do in bars. The Actors were fun to hang out with, and my chops just went through the Roof. It's probably the Adrenaline, but I don't have a magic formula for generating that in the class room. I also played in a Country New Wave group for 9 months on the road. Same thing, even though the audience could care less what we were playing. Just having to do it in front of people night after night.
Amazing. Thank you. One day I will give you money. To have that for free, to share with my students is a total godsend. Much appreciated x hope your finger is healing ,
I remember watching this guitar learning DVD with Keith Wyatt and one particular thing he said, stuck with me forever, and that is that "Speed is a byproduct of accuracy"
man you are just amazing with advices and spreading the positive energy... thank you very much for that and keep rockin' ... best regards from Bosnia...
Thank you Stephen I needed this.. It doesn't matter that I have been playing since 1964.. I remain a beginner and will always be a beginner.. That is the best lesson I have learned.
There are various techniques and exercises to develop speed, but the most important common denominator is that the arms, hands, fingers, and even the entire body must be as relaxed as possible.
Try your Moeller technique with an accent on the last stroke of a 4 stroke with one hand. Or on the 3rd stroke of 4. r r r R l l l L . . . Didn't think so. Then try it on a pillow, loose floor tom, or splash cymbal. Every time I hear someone demoing Moeller it sounds like R r r r with each stroke softer than the one before.
I agree, but I think a lot of issues can be solved on the first full page of Buddy Rich snare technique. Don't buy that stupid DVD on it, it's wrong, I'm told. 40bpm. Bernard Purdie with Steely Dan STILL does this. Double up to.a bounce on the whole thing again at 120, 3/4 and 4/4. Accent on different beats. Play with anyone that asks you, and the worst problems will be your best lessons. Bad bass players, forcing you to politely shove them back into time *sort of like pushing a horse*. Can't hear. Sound guy is in Nebraska, for some odd reason. Singer's drunk (but we can ignore them, and yes, I can sing lead way better than I play drums, lol) Bass player doesn't know the song...Something breaks/falls during the song. Dropped sticks. Bernard has said, work it slow and it'll be fast at band practice, basically. If you forget where you are, hit it twice and grab the right one. No one will notice, lol. oh, do whatever you aren't expected to know. Different styles. Playing the "wrong" thing in the wrong place. Playing snare on the ands as in punk and some country. Playing and's on the hats, as in dance music and some disco/funk. Weird feeling patterns like "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." Beat it by Michael Jackson. The kick is odd because it's Jeff Porcaro. Speaking of, "Lowdown" by Boz Skaggs is also Jeff. Weird stuff that's very odd. Snare on 3, as Hotel California. Snare on just 2, as in I want you by Marvin Gaye, ie, the grainy "sofa" video with millions of views, not the clean but yucky finished disco version. There's a whole new dimension in there with an entirely new feel, missing the snare on 4 until the very end. Lots of space in the drum line to convery the sad feel. Learn how to FEEEL out a drum line if you don't know much, and follow the bass player. He's driving your bus, I got news for ya, lol. You're just wheels :) But try going anywhere without a good set of tires. Feel what locked in feels like, as there are EASILY 1,000 bands playing this second that still don't have that. Feels like 5 guys at Guitar Center at the same time, lol. be able to change it up if your guess was wrong, during the song. I personally got a lot better real fast just playing anything with anyone at any jam nite and song whether they could play or not. That, plus, Buddy Rich metronome stuff, a GREAT drum.coach (Steve Blank who's been playing 50 years. His hands and feel are some of the best I've ever seen of anyone). Oh, NEVER underestimate the hands. If you play opposite a great player on a pad, and mimic his hands closely, you might learn more in 5 minutes than 2 months on 2 kits. Example, that Everybody Wants to Rule the World, I have to move my one wrist 1/64th of an inch for it to groove, lol.
Great video, useful tip: Throw away rubber practice pads/ pads with fast rebound - playing upon them solely gives a false sense of speed. Way better to invest your time using a pillow or a Moongel pad like the Workout Practice pad with absolutely NO rebound. Practising with brushes also helps a great deal.. Unfortunately RTOM have discontinued their 14" pad, the 7" one is a bit of a small target but the 14" workout pads can be found second hand.. people give up with them and sell them on because it's too 'hard' (ironic).. ;).
Steve, thanks for this. I'm coming back from a 10 year total departure from holding a pair of sticks due to major back surgery. Found I had carpel tunnel in both wrists which explained why I was struggling with basic technique. Watching your grip, hand positioning, posture, and even some Jim Chapin moves..opened my eyes. Can you point me to one of your videos on "Handling" sticks..grips more importantly. I'm an "Edge" member and can be reached through forum if you're able to drop a line to "Geno"(JourneyDrumBum) profile. I'm really at a loss here since I can't get a comfortable "Unrestricted" grip. Index or Middle grab closes the gap after about 3 strokes and its forcing bad technique as I start fresh. Thanks again
Brilliant video …my drum teacher told me that if you want to play fast you might as well go and join the circus …cos although it’s important it’s not as important as being musical playing with feel and groove and having good timing …ooooh and being a good band mate to your colleagues..ooooh and having a decent kit with a good sound ..
You're right, Stephen, this is something every drummer should know. I was really pushing for speed last summer practising songs that were way too fast for me at the time (Maceo Parker's Chicken, Josef Zawinul's Birdland I believe they were) and now, a year later, I'm getting constant wrist pains. I'm quite sure it's exactly because I just wanted to be able to play fast on the hihat and disregarded perfecting my technique. It's funny (actually horrible) that I get pain in my wrist just by THINKING about playing a fast tempo, not to mention actually playing. I'm really not sure what I should do to fix my wrist. Maybe visit a physiotherapist? I've tried using these 5 wrist stretching exercises you had in one of your videos, but I'm not sure if they are helping...
Hans Johan Erikson You need to go get that checked out. I would suggest visiting an ART expert. Here’s a link that will help you find one in your area. You will want a technician with experience in upper extremeties. You have a repetitive use injury. It’s fixable. www.activerelease.com/find-a-provider.asp
2/2 As a drummer who has taken less than 10 proper lessons In my life I feel I’ve plateaued sort of and I came here thinking to myself boy you know, your technique could very well be terribly wrong .. however I was surprised to find I do shit just like this trying to get back on top of my game ... I gained a bit of confidence and more reason to keep hitting the practice hard.
I can’t stress enough how useful this lesson has been for me. The phrase “speed is a natural byproduct of a proper technique” has been in my mind ever since I saw this video a while ago.
In other words: you don’t need to get fast. You need to get PRECISE. And then, once you’re precise at a slower speed, the fast speed will magically come to you.
Saw this video a long time ago, and now TH-cam showed it to me as a recommendation. So I decided to leave a comment mentioning how useful this video has been for me.
so glad it helped!
Same sht))))))) this is awesome
The key to speed is practice, practice and much more practice. I hit a bump in the road years ago so went to a pro teacher and he saw a hole in my technique. I only intended to go for a few weeks to iron out my problem and ended up going for a few years as he got me into reading jazz sheet music and the push pull technique etc. My problem single stroke rolls great, double stroke rolls great but when I tried to play RRR LLL or RRRR LLLL it all fell apart. I was practicing as rudiments but he had me practice on the ride and snare and soon found out many jazz patterns are built around these rudiments. Bizarrely it was all to do with where I held the stick so for rock drumming etc this was never an issue but only came to light practicing rudiments. I changed the way I held the sticks in terms of balance and it was hey ho let's go. I will say it was not an easy fix as I had been playing a certain way for so long but eventually success. Hope this helps someone
Im workin on changin my grip n fulcrum after MANY years im struggling with open/close push/pull whatever ya wanna call it. I sherr know how to agrivate myself. 😏
Another takeaway from this is that youtube can only instruct you, it can't correct you... A teacher can instantly identify an issue that could be really holding you back.
That's cool
Yep, I see so many rock players hold the stick at the absolute back end. You lose all of the natural rebound doing that.
@@jemminger Ya, but you feel like a wizard. 🪄🙂🪄
We do the same strategy as public educators. I teach 3rd grade, math and reading. Fluency (speed) is never the first step. Comprehension and mastery needs to happen first. Thanks for another great lesson!
Technique is flowing, fluid, gently holding the stick. Perfectly said....”happens naturally, eventually as muscles develop” Excellent demonstration!!
Total agreement! I teach guitar. You used the exact words I do all too often. Also I have personally never tried for speed consciously. I hope more people realize this.
came for a lesson left with a physics degree
In the desert You find some water - you mad?
In the desert You find some water are you okay video not work out for you if so don’t bring out your fucking anger on a person that this video worked for go have a self check and drink some water...
Exactly what i feek like.. A great dummer but his lessons are one of the most boring i've seen. Thank god for Drumeo.
Lmao
Why are so many people pissed about a joke?
As my late drum teacher used to say, "Don't play fast. Play loose."
Yes!
th-cam.com/video/yaRl3IbMjgc/w-d-xo.html
@1:30 ... I agree with you 100% ... speed is a natural bi-product of correct technique ... just like in sport. Downhill skiing for example ... speed there is also a bi-product of correct technique. ✌
Holy crap been playing drums over 30 yrs but never had a proper lesson in my life this changed a ton for me wow instantly subscribed!!
Good explanation and exercise. Thank you. Pay attention when accenting that the spacing is not rushed compared to the unaccented strokes. All strokes should be played evenly. Keep the timing consistent.
I totally agree. Speed is a byproduct of relaxation and articulation = speed.
French grip tends to be the most natural for me, so it was nice to see that you're able to produce such speed from any grip. Time to practice technique!
This is so fundamental. Never a video has been so appropriately named.
It really is
paradiddles are pretty magic.
Pare of tiddies are pretty magic too.
So becoming a Magician is the secret? ugh!
There have been so many videos watched by me. Very few ever really discussed what it feels like to play Moeller correctly. I have finally got that.
This one helped me realize that Moeller will give me the control and speed.
I have both hands going well on their own but together I loose the capability. Going slow but jeez (3 years and still going)
Download the sheet music for this lesson here: bit.ly/3ECaMEg
No one likes my answer when they ask me about how to increase hand speed. In all of my years of teaching, I have NEVER diagnosed a speed problem that didn't boil down to a failure within the technique. Focus on perfecting and smoothing out the technique...the speed will come naturally. You don't have to force it.
Here's an exercise that will help you with your Moeller stroke.
Leave me a comment and let me know you stopped by!
Stephen Taylor - It has always been my experience that many people dislike hearing the truth. Great lesson, really like how you practice your musicianship without ego and with humility, and obvious hard work!
classixdrummer Thanks so much!
Stephen Taylor Thank you.?I like your answer! Slow down and isolate the problems in the technique. Great advice. I have a lot of practice to do.
BRAVO !! some people can't handle the Truth .............LOL
My problem isn't hunting for speed, rather than hunting to grasp the hand / finger technique to make use of the rebound.
I still don't get how to grasp the stick in a way to get the rebound in a way to have it useable...
I currently use Aquarian X-10 sticks, which are rather top heavy and I would need to grasp them much higher than the red PVC grips.. even above the golden name sticker.
That's a rather uncomfortable position.
btw Stephen, I'll take another minute of your time - this trend - speed, speed, speed, faster hands, faster feet, how to light a fire with nothing but drumsticks, etc. I think it's people not knowing what to demand from the doctor in some sense; and I think I've just had a bit of a revelation - people aren't looking for faster hands per se, but a way to think faster, to better predict/remember/react in the moment;
This whole year my main drums concern has been -
1. how do I learn this song faster
2.how do i remember this song better for longer
3. how do i expand my mind so I can think more than a measure or two in front of what I'm playing
3.5 how do I "zoom" in and out of whatever I'm playing so I can plan something or get ready for something
3.6.how do I make it so that I can cover my mistakes better or avoid them altogether
I mean to me this is sort of one topic - "practical brain works", any content you can make on this, pure awesome. I'm sick of fast hands, I want a faster brain!
Strelock
It's not a faster brain you need, its doing it enough times so that your processing speed is no longer relevant.
Muscle memory will take you to wherever you want to go.
yep, can't beat old fashioned work.. :))
Try this. Take a new song and play it back stupid cartoon fast. Repeat si you can sing it hum etc /Remember the fast tempo high pitched music sounding song. Then listen to it normal speed.
Faster learning of song.....look ahead in the song a know what's coming...
I did this ages ago with analog portable cassette tape. So it's an old idea. It worked for me. And a church choir of 60 voices. Drums keys bass
We did this when losing place in the song arrangement
I sold my kit 15 years ago to afford a move cross-country. Bought a kit again last week and I’ve been struggling to find my speed again. Turns out, my speed in the past came from being young and having bad technique, but this video got me back into the (correct) groove. You’re an excellent teacher.
Absolutely correct!! The speed comes naturally to you if your technique and basics are correct. When I started drumming at the age of 8, I couldn't even play at 110 BPM. 3 years later I naturally improved speed and could play at 160 because my teacher advised me to work on the technique (just like you). Right now I can play at 190 BPM and I don't think there are too many songs at higher speeds. What I've been working on for past few months is fluidity and keeping the time. Great lesson Sir!!
I focused on speed in the beginning. Then I realized most gigs dont require gravity blast beats at 290 bpm for five minutes straight..
“Technique is 👑” I fell out of my chair when he said that. Thank you Stephen for keeping it 💯.
#Truth #YouCantHandleTheTruth
Chad Yang You bet Chad! 🙏🏻
When I was younger, I used to practice Bokken. I would practice technique, and try do do the strokes through the air correctly. I did this for months. I remember distinctly the day when what seemed like out of no-where, suddenly the bokken made a whippy swoosh sound pretty much every time I struck out. After a short period of time, it made this sound every single time I struck. The muscles had built up gradually and the speed of the stroke came naturally. Now, that is a different type of speed, however, the principle is the same. Eventually it comes all by itself, when you are ready. AND best of all, is that when you are 'ready' for this, you also will not be tired out by your practise.
Great example and I couldn’t agree more. The speed comes when you are ready.
I have been training and teaching Karate since 1971. I teach my students that technique comes from practice, speed comes from technique, and that technique + speed = POWER! I am also a drummer of over 60 years, and I have applied that to my playing as well. You are correct in your Bokken analogy!
In my years since the beginning of starting at 13 in 86, I was told what has never changed. Rudiments and stick control. From there passion will do the rest depending on that passion. Period.
I have been struggling with this for a year and your video really helped thanks
You bet!
Im 6 years late, but i wanted to improve more, this is the best tutorial ive found, thank you so much
The pursuit of cooperation with physics over the pursuit of speed for speed's sake is a lesson I wish I would have learned 30 years ago. Thank you sir.
Awesome video. Thanks. It is nice to get into the weeds and break this control down. I never did that back in the day when I played. Now starting back up again my focus is playing right first.
Putting the smart phone on the practice pad...Now that takes confidence!! I have smashed 1 smart phone already with my sloppy strokes doing that! Learned my lesson VERY well that day ;)
You had asked in one of your newer videos "what rudiment gives you the most trouble " I replied, single strokes. You said it's a technical issue. You were correct. It turned out, I just need to be relaxed after a good warm up. I see so many cats just sit down, and fly on the kit, or pad. I just have to accept, I'm not one of em. If I just sit, and go 1/8th notes (single) @ 170, I'm toast in 30 secs. After a warm up, I'm good for several minutes. A lot to be said for warming up. I guess my technique falls in place once I relax.
Toast Tee 99.9% of players are like you my friend
I totally agree speed comes last. You need to have strength and quickness first. Rudiments will strengthen your muscles and give you the quickness you need. Then, you can take that strength and that quickness and apply them to any speed.
Mean while we are learning rudiments, hand techniques and gesture, let's not forget that some skills will take time to develop. BE PATIENT.
I mean, we all learned how to drive slow then all of the sudden everyone started speeding up. Some of us can actually do it very quickly.
Well I have a question; When we are learning rudiments, are we teaching our hands to play fast or quick? Keep in mind "speed comes last"
You're an honest teacher,that i like a lot ,plus you're good .Thanks.
This video is excellent pal. I’ve always thought speed was overrated because I’ve never seen Steve Gadd blow anyone away with speed....BUUUT, it’s nice to be able to reach back when you need it. This is very helpful.
So glad it helped Travis
Your lessons are truly amazing, Stephen. Been playing for over 30 years and never took any formal lessons. I think I'm a very mature player when it comes to playing for the song but, my technique sucks. (Why have I never heard of the mueller technique until recently!?) Out of the dozen videos i've seen on it recently, this is my favorite. I'm taking a step back and taking this video very seriously and practice practice practice. Thanks!
Thanks so much my friend. You need to check out Jim Chapins hour long video on you tube as well
Watching videos like this are……well lessons….and also the best…..
Thanks for the reminder that technique is the key to everything else! Regards!
Thanks for the Lesson 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 from South Africa 🇿🇦
Wow! I was searching for this kind of lesson. Been playing drums for 10 years, mostly metal-oriented. As a self-taught drummer, I have a lot of issues to correct myself. I started with rudiments in quarantine (yes, for the first time!!), and now I wanted to know how drummers like Ian Paice or nowadays Aquiles Priester do the accents in their fills. This lesson showed me exactly what I needed. Time to practice now. Thank you Stephen! 🙏
Always happy to visit your lessons. Very articulate and clearly explained. This is stuff I understand and have luckily developed correctly up to this point. My speed is still not where I want it, but after practicing meticulously, slowly, smoothly, and with focus on relaxed technique, I have made leaps and bounds in my ease of playing faster patterns and making them GROOVE! Back to it.
This is like a fuel for my current play. Thanks a lot!
Best lesson I have seen in a long time.
I'm always very educated when I leave this Chanel
Love from Kenya 🇰🇪
The potential to learn has never been so great. Thankyou!
You bet my friend!
Thanks so much for this technique. I have needed this for a long time. As you say I just get tense when trying to speed up.
awesome, cleared up a problem iv been having for a long time with moeller and gaining speed so thanks for this one Stephen!
Superb advise about resolving technique issues when progress seems to stall. I learned that lesson learning to play bass years ago. It will always come down to technique. Excellent lesson. Thank you.
Great exercise man. And great point about underlying technique with hands. It's like building a house on sand vs. building on a rock solid foundation. Speed without technique will not be as soild as Speed built with technique.
Couldn’t agree more
Love the Details in the Lessons. Thank you.
I liked this video. I'm learning how to play drums at my church. Thanks.
Better try satanism church, they have more experience in drums
You always have that one person with a stupid comment.
Ivan Mercado I hope I get the same chance that u got or even further
This really helped me a lot. Finally I got it!
Thanks.
You're pretty smart for a drummer.
I've had to overcome a lot (mainly being a drummer). Thanks for that ;^)
ah, there goes the 6 stringer, lol
Why the insult?
@@StephenTaylorDrums 😂
Not pretty extremely good
It wasn't until I slowed down to VERY low tempos and practiced that I was able to start playing at much higher tempos. I was able to realize how absolutely bad my technique was with my left hand. Then, and only then, I was able to really focus on the problem and make real progress.
At the end of the day how fast you can play, and more importantly how clean you can play at those higher tempos. Will always come back to how much practice and time you put into it. More time? More improvement. Less time? Less improvement. Not a tough concept.
Thanks Stephen. As a triathlete and drummer I can identify entirely with technique - particularly in swimming. We are always told in the pool to hone technique and that speed will come. Time to get some (slow) practice in.
Graham
I have a warm up for playing conga that helps with speed. Play a measure (singles or doubles) of 1/4 notes followed by a measure of 8th notes then a measure 16ths. Then back to 1/4 notes. Repeat. Start around 60bpm then move tempo up from there when the 16th note section can be played without tensing.
The Physics of Drumming. Great explanation Stephen!
Efrain Rodriguez-Arzaga thanks Efrain
This video with the tips was exactly what I needed. Time for me to practice the offsetting. Thank you!
The key is play to the music. Push your limits not a repeating exercise your body will adapt naturally to the technique it requires.
I agree with what you say and I would just add that "Playing in Front of a Live Audience" for an extended time say 6 Nights a week for 3 months tends to fill in all the Gaps that just can't be negotiated in the Practice Room. Get a free gig playing Musical Theater at your local college or Hometown theater group. They are always looking for musicians and college kids are too busy. I worked at a local Melodrama Theatre in Tucson 6 nights a week. It was low pay, but $120 a week was better than you could do in bars. The Actors were fun to hang out with, and my chops just went through the Roof. It's probably the Adrenaline, but I don't have a magic formula for generating that in the class room. I also played in a Country New Wave group for 9 months on the road. Same thing, even though the audience could care less what we were playing. Just having to do it in front of people night after night.
Great video.. I love stumbling on your videos that happen to have a piece of advice that helps me through a mental block. Thank you
Amazing. Thank you. One day I will give you money. To have that for free, to share with my students is a total godsend. Much appreciated x hope your finger is healing ,
tom davenport finger is on the mend! Just started to lightly bend it tonight after a week. So far so good! So glad the lesson helped my friend.
I remember watching this guitar learning DVD with Keith Wyatt and one particular thing he said, stuck with me forever, and that is that "Speed is a byproduct of accuracy"
Hi, I see that your index finger is hanging so you’re not using it to pinch the stick? Are you using your other fingers?
man you are just amazing with advices and spreading the positive energy... thank you very much for that and keep rockin' ... best regards from Bosnia...
Mox 007 Thanks so much!
True every word! From one drum teacher to another this is a great video! Great job! And you have really great technique.
Thanks so much...I really appreciate that coming from a peer
Thanks brother! Been trying to really get better.
This is a straight up lesson. Another solid vid. Thank you Steve
Matty Tee Thanks Matty...glad it hit you where you needed it to.
Thanks , much needed practice for technique.
Thank you Stephen I needed this.. It doesn't matter that I have been playing since 1964.. I remain a beginner and will always be a beginner.. That is the best lesson I have learned.
There are various techniques and exercises to develop speed, but the most important common denominator is that the arms, hands, fingers, and even the entire body must be as relaxed as possible.
Dude, you're the first person that explained this theory perfectly. Thank you.
You bet!
Top lesson. I've had many bruised legs switching like that but it is a winner!
Always comes back to moeller. Good job Stephen!!
It's def one of the building blocks...thanks so much Ron!
Stephen Taylor another key to this lesson is the u are so loose with your grip, the bounces just flow with little finger control. ,👍
This was a great lesson, and I totally get the coffee shop/focus and physics analogies. It all makes sense. Thank you.
You bet!
Thank you Stephen.
You're so right Stephen! I've been working on my technique over the last few weeks and I've noticed my speed is naturally increasing.
Improve that foundation and everything else will come along naturally. Glad you’re seeing that success!
This is dope! Will incorporate into my learning.
I wish I had sorted out my technique years ago. This video was really useful. Thanks.
Don't we all lol. Glad it helped Lois
This helped a lot, enjoy watching your videos man thanks!!
So glad it helped ivan
The video I've been searching for. Thank you
Omar Whyte you bet Omar
Try your Moeller technique with an accent on the last stroke of a 4 stroke with one hand. Or on the 3rd stroke of 4.
r r r R l l l L
. . . Didn't think so.
Then try it on a pillow, loose floor tom, or splash cymbal.
Every time I hear someone demoing Moeller it sounds like R r r r with each stroke softer than the one before.
Why is it accented? And why does every demo of this technique assume the first beat is accented?
Best teacher, thanks
I agree, but I think a lot of issues can be solved on the first full page of Buddy Rich snare technique. Don't buy that stupid DVD on it, it's wrong, I'm told.
40bpm. Bernard Purdie with Steely Dan STILL does this. Double up to.a bounce on the whole thing again at 120, 3/4 and 4/4. Accent on different beats.
Play with anyone that asks you, and the worst problems will be your best lessons. Bad bass players, forcing you to politely shove them back into time *sort of like pushing a horse*. Can't hear. Sound guy is in Nebraska, for some odd reason. Singer's drunk (but we can ignore them, and yes, I can sing lead way better than I play drums, lol) Bass player doesn't know the song...Something breaks/falls during the song. Dropped sticks.
Bernard has said, work it slow and it'll be fast at band practice, basically. If you forget where you are, hit it twice and grab the right one. No one will notice, lol.
oh, do whatever you aren't expected to know. Different styles. Playing the "wrong" thing in the wrong place. Playing snare on the ands as in punk and some country. Playing and's on the hats, as in dance music and some disco/funk. Weird feeling patterns like "Everybody Wants to Rule the World." Beat it by Michael Jackson. The kick is odd because it's Jeff Porcaro. Speaking of, "Lowdown" by Boz Skaggs is also Jeff.
Weird stuff that's very odd. Snare on 3, as Hotel California. Snare on just 2, as in I want you by Marvin Gaye, ie, the grainy "sofa" video with millions of views, not the clean but yucky finished disco version. There's a whole new dimension in there with an entirely new feel, missing the snare on 4 until the very end. Lots of space in the drum line to convery the sad feel.
Learn how to FEEEL out a drum line if you don't know much, and follow the bass player. He's driving your bus, I got news for ya, lol. You're just wheels :) But try going anywhere without a good set of tires. Feel what locked in feels like, as there are EASILY 1,000 bands playing this second that still don't have that. Feels like 5 guys at Guitar Center at the same time, lol.
be able to change it up if your guess was wrong, during the song.
I personally got a lot better real fast just playing anything with anyone at any jam nite and song whether they could play or not. That, plus, Buddy Rich metronome stuff, a GREAT drum.coach (Steve Blank who's been playing 50 years. His hands and feel are some of the best I've ever seen of anyone). Oh, NEVER underestimate the hands. If you play opposite a great player on a pad, and mimic his hands closely, you might learn more in 5 minutes than 2 months on 2 kits. Example, that Everybody Wants to Rule the World, I have to move my one wrist 1/64th of an inch for it to groove, lol.
Great video, useful tip: Throw away rubber practice pads/ pads with fast rebound - playing upon them solely gives a false sense of speed. Way better to invest your time using a pillow or a Moongel pad like the Workout Practice pad with absolutely NO rebound. Practising with brushes also helps a great deal.. Unfortunately RTOM have discontinued their 14" pad, the 7" one is a bit of a small target but the 14" workout pads can be found second hand.. people give up with them and sell them on because it's too 'hard' (ironic).. ;).
Steve, thanks for this. I'm coming back from a 10 year total departure from holding a pair of sticks due to major back surgery. Found I had carpel tunnel in both wrists which explained why I was struggling with basic technique. Watching your grip, hand positioning, posture, and even some Jim Chapin moves..opened my eyes. Can you point me to one of your videos on "Handling" sticks..grips more importantly. I'm an "Edge" member and can be reached through forum if you're able to drop a line to "Geno"(JourneyDrumBum) profile. I'm really at a loss here since I can't get a comfortable "Unrestricted" grip. Index or Middle grab closes the gap after about 3 strokes and its forcing bad technique as I start fresh.
Thanks again
Brilliant video …my drum teacher told me that if you want to play fast you might as well go and join the circus …cos although it’s important it’s not as important as being musical playing with feel and groove and having good timing …ooooh and being a good band mate to your colleagues..ooooh and having a decent kit with a good sound ..
Thank You for this video! Been learning the Moeller technique.
You bet!
You're right, Stephen, this is something every drummer should know.
I was really pushing for speed last summer practising songs that were way too fast for me at the time (Maceo Parker's Chicken, Josef Zawinul's Birdland I believe they were) and now, a year later, I'm getting constant wrist pains. I'm quite sure it's exactly because I just wanted to be able to play fast on the hihat and disregarded perfecting my technique. It's funny (actually horrible) that I get pain in my wrist just by THINKING about playing a fast tempo, not to mention actually playing.
I'm really not sure what I should do to fix my wrist. Maybe visit a physiotherapist? I've tried using these 5 wrist stretching exercises you had in one of your videos, but I'm not sure if they are helping...
Hans Johan Erikson You need to go get that checked out. I would suggest visiting an ART expert. Here’s a link that will help you find one in your area. You will want a technician with experience in upper extremeties. You have a repetitive use injury. It’s fixable. www.activerelease.com/find-a-provider.asp
Thank you Taylor ♡
2/2
As a drummer who has taken less than 10 proper lessons In my life I feel I’ve plateaued sort of and I came here thinking to myself boy you know, your technique could very well be terribly wrong .. however I was surprised to find I do shit just like this trying to get back on top of my game ... I gained a bit of confidence and more reason to keep hitting the practice hard.
I never wanted to get faster. I just want to be tighter.
Same dude
gross
@Gabriel Frost bahahahaha lmao
@Gabriel Frost
Lol
Relax Mac Ton. It's a Red with a Hebrew name. No one is taking that serious.
Totally agree with this lesson, great explanation brother!
Thank you for the tutorial and the advice 👍
Hey Steve thanks a lot that really helps me out and I am also a drum teacher so I will put that into practice when I teach my student thanks very much
wally allyn you bet Wally
GREAT LESSON .. THANK YOU STEPHEN!
Roger Caron You bet Roger
you are a good teacher sir!
Shayne Lurman Thanks so much Shayne...I appreciate that.
awesome lesson stephen.bravo.
Andreas Mouzakis Thanks Andreas
Such an awesome vid Stephen! Loved it!
Very good video, useful and to the point. Thanks a lot!!!!
I agree! that and mental connection to the "weak hand" actually I did a whole video on it
Great ideas! Technique is king!
Agree 100%
LOVE THE TEE SHIRT
Thank you Stephen...makes sense