So here's why the snare sounded that way. In '08 when I was at the Grand Finals the theater was really boomy and you couldn't really hear all the ghost notes that I was playing. This year I said I'm going to dry up the snare and hopefully people will hear the ghost notes. Also we DID NOT get a sound check so we didn't really didn't know how dry the room was. So as soon as I started playing I was like oh boy this room is dry and this snare is too choked, but once you start you can't stop lol.
Thx for explaining. Makes sense it was a technical issue bc a musician with your high level of skill and ear wouldn't want to use that high and thin of snare pitch with this kit. 👌
I have a feeling it will be a long time until anyone can top this Drum-Off. Just phenomenal. phenomenal. phenomenal. No words. Juan Carlos Mendoza, you killed it my friend.
DJ GINGER there's a possibility try comparing all the rudiments and see which one blended them in the best to make it a groovy solo juan always had me grooving and I enjoyed hearing it. jp on the other hand was extremely talented (way better than I will be maybe) but I honestly was bored. he'll yeah he's good but it didn't keep my attention. a good drumsolo should keep your attention. if someone isn't interested in Juans solo either they are 1 - not a drummer and don't understand how much awesome crap he's shredding or 2 - they're a beginner and they don't even know what a paradidle is
The fact that he was keeping beat with an irregular ostinato ON HIS LEFT FOOT while also playing completely different irregular patterns at different tempos with his crazy fills up top is just absolutely insane. Only drummers can appreciate how fucking hard that is
This is easily the greatest drum offs to date. I have yet to see another drummer hold that (1 2, 1 2 3) ostinato starting at roughly 2:57, through so many variations, modulations, triplet and straight grove/fills and other over the bar patterns. That is NOT something you can just "chop out" on stage. That is not just some soulless wankery. There was serious preparation done here and having participated in the drum off, I can securely say this dude earned the title. There is always an overlying theme imbued in his solo, but there are also many different accompanying variations to groove and energy that bring out all of the different colors of sound in this EXTREMELY SHORT 5 minutes. A masterful blend of musicality, technicality, and above ALL else, originality. Carlos Mendoza I salute you!!!
I'm sorry Max, but there is nothing creative about turning the snare upside down and destroying the bottom head and the snare wires. The resonant head on any drum is there for sound, not to be played on. Pure genius-NOT, IDIOTIC-YES. If I were one of the judges, he would not have won. I've been playing drums for 33 yrs. and I have never played my snare upside down nor will I ever.
Larry Casteel It IS creative. I wouldn't play the resonant head of ANY of the drums, whether it be the snare or the toms.... but that's because I gig. Damaging those wouldn't be wise. THIS is a ONE TIME competition... it's not something he's going to abuse. He's not playing in a clinic. He's not at a concert with a band.... he's in a situation where he can be creative with the kit around him. I once saw a drummer freestyling and he started to play with the friggin CYMBAL STANDS... everyone went wild (in a good way).. you'd never do that... IN A CONCERT... but it wasn't a concert.. just someone enjoying themselves.
Still my favorite Drum-Off champ performance. Solid all the way around and the only really constructive and enjoyable use of the octopad that I've seen.
This is a great example of how to solo with an Octopad as a part of your kit. Too many drummers these days turn their solos into Octopad solos feat. drum set. Why to go, Mr. Mendoza. Fantastic technique, clean drumming, and great musicality. Well deserved!
Juan Carlos Mendoza Bro, if, you speak spanish you're Fabuloso, increíble, te comparo hasta con Eric Singer, obvio estilos distintos, pero para mi es uno de los más grandes !.
Hey Luke!!!!!! The snare is super dry because I thought the venue was going sound "wet." However, on the drum there are 2 moongels (over kill for me lol), and the snare has a DW 3 position butt plate in which I had it set to the tightest setting. Hope that helps. The drum was made by a drum maker here in NJ. Don Mass/Dee Max drums. Have a great one!
Juan Carlos Mendoza I applaud you most for wearing the Sandy Hook shirt and pointing to it at the end of the performance. You just played the most badass drum solo the drum-off has ever seen, and the first thing you do is honor those who died in tragedy. Class act.
Juan's snare may sound like junk to others but listening to the styles he played and the way he articulated the whole solo, the snare was just PERFECT for it. Muted, sharp and crisp.
Yeah, it is awful-sounding. I'd blame it on a bad trigger sound, but there doesn't seem to be one on the drum. It's not a matching band snare, right? Then why tune it as such? I see that all the time anywhere near Guitar Center and it makes me wonder why they weren't taught to tune how the drum is happy (from day one). This sounds totally strangled.
Winds of March Journey/Perry tribute band pretty sure it sounds so dampened and choked because the bottom head is probably thicker than traditional so he could do that cool splash thing
This remains my favorite solo drum performance of all time, bar none. The amount of character and diversity he packs into every movement, the level of both raw independence and tightly layered polyrhythms, and the absurdly creative use of every single possible aspect of each piece of the kit keeps me coming back, year after year. Watching the master at work truly is a blessing.
See the difference between this solo of Juan using the Octapad vs everybody else was that the Octapad was a nice compliment to the solo instead of what he revolved around. This was really a dope solo, i nearly fainted at the part where he flips the snare upside down with the little cymbal. sheesh that had to be like dopest part.
Oh, so everybody used the octopad? If so, I’m not surprised everybody overused it, like you say. I could imagine everybody thinking that would be the key to them winning and trying to fill the sound with that, almost trying to make it sound like a song, rather than a drum ‘solo’
@@nickavenoso7851 It's a competition lmao, his eccentric and creativity approach to what is possible on the set is amazing. Yeah generally if you're using the set on a daily for gigs then it's not the best. But if you're doing this for a one time competition to amaze the crowd, there is virtually no rules against using the drum set as your playground
@@nickavenoso7851 Yeah, and driving a car causes wear on the engine and tires.....so what? you don't have to do the "wEll AcKcHuALLy" bit all the time...
+pnsmexico Yeah...it's not really musical to me. Sounds like just a lot of chops thrown together. This? This is MUSIC. No wasted strokes. He limits the showy double pass junk, and just focuses on groove and feel. He can also play all 4 limbs independently. It's insane. It's one thing to do what he does. It's another to do what he does and make it sound the way it does. In my opinion, he's the best thing ever to come out of this competition. God bless!
+pnsmexico I dont know man I think this guy is incredible but this years winner is going to be one of the greats Tony Taylor is young kid with growth needed yeah but his technique and solid pocket and chops as well as understanding of timing and the drum kit is way beyond his year Taylor is one of my favorite winners because I've seen him grow and wait until he was ready to take the crown I definitely can't agree with you in saying crappy at all as far as strait chops he blows most drummers of today out the water and I think if him in his prime at the same age as this guy were to go against each other he would probably be the better of the two.
More than just a drummer, but a true artist; an amazing blend of the dual aspect around music, which is science(numbers/time), and art(feeling/emotion). I wish you great success, you truly deserve it, sir
without a doubt the best drummer to ever win it all. wasn't even close last year. everyone else was fighting for second and they knew it right when he finished his solo.
Man what the heck... I just listened this like 30 times, always discovering new stuff. That sort of rumba clave beat you start at 2:51 and then how you play a classic rock beat on top of it without losing the tempo... That's some serious stuff. Congratulations Mr. Mendoza. Respect.
I love to hate on Octapads but the way it is used here...brilliant. As has been said, if it's there in a competition and you don't use it you're taking a big chance, so your hand is certainly forced.
I found about this guy during the pandemic when I was searching for some tutorials. Man, this is just one of the sickest solos I've ever heard. He's truly amazing. Go check out his lessons here on TH-cam. They'll rip you a new one, for sure.
Just discovered this incredible musician and teacher this year (2021). Excellent percussionist and teacher with a humble and likeable personality. Need more folks like this in the world.
I was one of the lucky ones to be at this drum off...Juan was hands down the best guy in stage that night and trust me he had some stiff competition every guy that made to the finals killed it!!
As a drummer myself with over 35 years experience, I have to say this is one of the best performances I've ever seen on Guitar Center's Drum Off competition! This guy really knows how to incorporate chops and music and doesn't just run wild like most amateurs do. Great job Juan Carlos!
Wow! A very well thought out solo played with incredible finesse & musicality. You inspire me, man, with your discipline, imagination, and technical abilities that made you a champion. Cheers!
Watched this video a thousand times, i'm ready for another thousand more. Every time i just learn more about drums, these are that kind of videos that worth it
I've been watching this video for about a month now almost every single day and it continues to entertain me. this is by far my favorite video on TH-cam. He's so creative and enjoyable to listen to. I genuinely believe he is the best drummer alive today. You are a badass Juan Mendoza
That is epic. For you all who do not know, he was playing the intro to Dream Theater's Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper. He implemented the Latin beat into it. Fantastic! He went off! Amazing!
Damn haha, nice Cachao quote! One of tastiest bass lines ever played. Also the way you transitioned between rumba clave and 6/8 clave was flawless! 2:57 had my jaw on the floor.
***** LOL, a drum solo made you throw up? I guess it was so sick you couldn't hold down the contents of your stomach? I hear 'hate' makes people very sick, stomach ulcers and such, etc. . Maybe you should try not hating so much and you will not throw up at something like that? Keep Drumming and GOD Bless You Child Jonathan Riddick
***** My bad i actually didn't see your reply to me. I'm not hating, i'm just stating my opinion. D-mile is an amazing drummer, but i just wasn't feeling him.
Actually I disagree. I think he uses it more as an essential part of this solo. However he uses it better than most others When he plays the octopad with the kit the experience is like a fully rounded song rather than just a drum solo. The difference is that he is excellent at incorporating all into one flowing piece rather than disjointed parts. In other words id say his solo is more musical than most of the others
Disagree too- it was used heaps and not fair to others who dont use it. Now its gonna seem like the standard to win and thats not a drum off. Should be able to tell a story through the solo without it. Pretty mich like having a keyboardist play behind him. Nope.
+Juan Carlito Mendoza (Carlito) Thanks! ...Any chance you could make a tutorial on it...? xD I'm looking at that, trying to play it and I'm like..."This doesn't sound right..." Hah. Thanks either way, Ik you're a busy guy. God bless. :)
+Juan Carlito Mendoza (Carlito) After watching a bunch of other Drum-Off competitors use stick tricks and over the top speed and double bass to the point of it not even sounding good, you did a fantastic job. The use of the Octopad and scratching of the snare was brilliant. I'm sure you've heard it a lot, but you did a very good job.
Juan Carlito Mendoza do your limbs even like communicate!? Holy independence! Honestly this has to be my favorite solo. Very tasteful which is hard to find nowadays.
Many years that i watch drumoff's finalists videos and this one is one of the best performance for me. Musically and technically, it feel like an history ! Great job Juan Carlos Mendoza
I wouldn't necessarily categorize him as a drummer per se. That's so much more than plain drumming. Artistic Percussionist is maybe a bit more accurate. 2:22 brilliant.
I've lost count how many times I've watched this. So crisp and clean, and the Octapad used to enhance the piece instead of overpowering it through over use. A masterpiece...
I saw him at drumeo and he's the real deal! I learned alot from him and later realized that he won this competition. You sir, is one hell of a drum killer! ❤
Dude you are fantastic! Incredible musicality! Please look out for your health as drums can be very challenging for the cardio and a few extra pounds won't help
Hey man thank you so much for that response. I'm actually changing my lifestyle now and am losing weight as we speak. I've been very concerned with my health as well. I just let myself go unfortunately and life got a little in the way (EXCUSES I know), but I'm definitely trying to get back on track. I will keep you posted on my weight loss journey and again thank you for your concern. Really means the world to me! :)
Juan Carlos Mendoza That's great news! I know it's tough but you'll see the benefits right away. You're an amazing artist and you should be able to concentrate only on your art. Greetings from Athens, Greece!
Juan Carlos Mendoza i literaly watch this at least every 2 days.... i just cant stop. this really is (and im not asslicking in any way right now) one of the greatest drum solos that i've ever seen. and ive seen many. what are your influences for drumming juan? and do you think its possible for as a metal drummer (like me; 4years playing) to ever reach this level of complexity while playing?
I think drummers everywhere over the past couple of decades have forgotten the art of groove. Everyone wants to show off their blistering chops, and they all overplay. Give me the grooves of the 70's any day. Music is a contribution, not a competition.
Actually working on a Trio Album this year with some monster musicians! Will keep you posted! Or you can go to my facebook page at facebook(dot)com/juancarlitomendoza for all the news updates! Thanks again for the love!
Thanks so much!!!!! I really appreciate it!! Hope all is well. If you get a chance check out www.carlitomendoza.com/lessons you might dig some stuff there :)
I wish we could go back to the good ol' days when the drum off didn't always have a lot of the octapad. Now don't get me wrong I love the octapad, but I just think it's used too much in these competitions....MORE COWBELL!!
So here's why the snare sounded that way. In '08 when I was at the Grand Finals the theater was really boomy and you couldn't really hear all the ghost notes that I was playing. This year I said I'm going to dry up the snare and hopefully people will hear the ghost notes. Also we DID NOT get a sound check so we didn't really didn't know how dry the room was. So as soon as I started playing I was like oh boy this room is dry and this snare is too choked, but once you start you can't stop lol.
Thx for explaining. Makes sense it was a technical issue bc a musician with your high level of skill and ear wouldn't want to use that high and thin of snare pitch with this kit. 👌
I personally like the snare sound a lot.
You are fantastic!
Shit sounded great bro
didn't bother me or take away from what you were doing at all. Sick af brah
I have a feeling it will be a long time until anyone can top this Drum-Off. Just phenomenal. phenomenal. phenomenal. No words. Juan Carlos Mendoza, you killed it my friend.
I agree 100%
MintahDrums JP Bouvet
DJ GINGER No, it wasn't nearly as musical is this one
DJ GINGER there's a possibility
try comparing all the rudiments and see which one blended them in the best to make it a groovy solo
juan always had me grooving and I enjoyed hearing it.
jp on the other hand was extremely talented (way better than I will be maybe) but I honestly was bored. he'll yeah he's good but it didn't keep my attention.
a good drumsolo should keep your attention.
if someone isn't interested in Juans solo either they are
1 - not a drummer and don't understand how much awesome crap he's shredding
or
2 - they're a beginner and they don't even know what a paradidle is
I liked Juans solo a lot, but I know JP's solo showed more technical ability, and I think JP's ability and talent is more than Juans
The fact that he was keeping beat with an irregular ostinato ON HIS LEFT FOOT while also playing completely different irregular patterns at different tempos with his crazy fills up top is just absolutely insane. Only drummers can appreciate how fucking hard that is
for real
feels like every part of his body has its own brain. amazing
Who's still here watching this in 2020? Still up their as one of the best drum solos I've ever heard!
if I do it
@@andreapadron466 Me too & it's 2021.
Have the best drum off year everyone.
Me 2021
Here
Absolutely!
This is easily the greatest drum offs to date. I have yet to see another drummer hold that (1 2, 1 2 3) ostinato starting at roughly 2:57, through so many variations, modulations, triplet and straight grove/fills and other over the bar patterns. That is NOT something you can just "chop out" on stage. That is not just some soulless wankery. There was serious preparation done here and having participated in the drum off, I can securely say this dude earned the title. There is always an overlying theme imbued in his solo, but there are also many different accompanying variations to groove and energy that bring out all of the different colors of sound in this EXTREMELY SHORT 5 minutes. A masterful blend of musicality, technicality, and above ALL else, originality. Carlos Mendoza I salute you!!!
It's called the "clave" pattern by the way. The main two are "son clave" and "rhumba clave"
You're exactly right. That's what I meant.
agreed dude. this guy is a wonderful drummer.
Seriously. And djent IS so a genre. Even Tosin Abasi agreed.
Liam Manley ^^^^^^ finally.
1:58 I've never seen such a creative use of the snare.
Pure genius.
I'm sorry Max, but there is nothing creative about turning the snare upside down and destroying the bottom head and the snare wires. The resonant head on any drum is there for sound, not to be played on. Pure genius-NOT, IDIOTIC-YES. If I were one of the judges, he would not have won. I've been playing drums for 33 yrs. and I have never played my snare upside down nor will I ever.
Larry Casteel It IS creative.
I wouldn't play the resonant head of ANY of the drums, whether it be the snare or the toms.... but that's because I gig. Damaging those wouldn't be wise.
THIS is a ONE TIME competition... it's not something he's going to abuse. He's not playing in a clinic. He's not at a concert with a band.... he's in a situation where he can be creative with the kit around him.
I once saw a drummer freestyling and he started to play with the friggin CYMBAL STANDS... everyone went wild (in a good way).. you'd never do that... IN A CONCERT... but it wasn't a concert.. just someone enjoying themselves.
Is there like a video on that drummer playing with the cymbal stands? I wanna check him out lol
I don't mean to be that guy, but...
1.) *won
2.) There shouldn't be a period after years
+Larry Casteel what fucking dweeb you are smh
I think every five years they should have a contest including the last five drum off winners, I would love to see that
They can only do that for the Quarter Quell
tommy 6oy that would be cool
Just like the World Cup but in drumming I dig!!!!
Drum off Championship competition (D.O.C.C.)
realyyyyyyy cooollll
When you're so good at drumming that you don't need anyone else to form a band.
Brian C that fictous t shirt tho. 🤦♂️
Pippy Domar ??
Greatest of all time will be my fellow Lars Ulric🇩🇰🇩🇰🙏🏻☺️
believe me, drumming in band and drumming is very different
@@ManivOleg no i dont think so because if you are this good you must have the music and rythem in your blood..😎
this guy's got more independence than the declaration. ya feel me?
ba dum tiss
jdion79 three fucking months and i still laughing
LOL
You are good with the drume
@ENDEAVOR RADIO CONTROL I agree 100% here !!!!
That left foot on the cowbell oh my gosh . So much independence
+Jake Cooley I 100% agree man!
OOOOOOOOH!!!! Thats what it was!!
Still my favorite Drum-Off champ performance. Solid all the way around and the only really constructive and enjoyable use of the octopad that I've seen.
+Hunter Parker omg, I just watched this year's winner...holy crap he sucks. juan carlito raised the bar for everybody in 2012...
in your face
,
wait that was you?! cool!
Same
Probably the most musically balanced drum solo of GC drumoff history. Still dope in 2019!!!
This is a great example of how to solo with an Octopad as a part of your kit. Too many drummers these days turn their solos into Octopad solos feat. drum set. Why to go, Mr. Mendoza. Fantastic technique, clean drumming, and great musicality. Well deserved!
Thanks boss!
Juan Carlos Mendoza Bro, if, you speak spanish you're Fabuloso, increíble, te comparo hasta con Eric Singer, obvio estilos distintos, pero para mi es uno de los más grandes !.
Hey Luke!!!!!! The snare is super dry because I thought the venue was going sound "wet." However, on the drum there are 2 moongels (over kill for me lol), and the snare has a DW 3 position butt plate in which I had it set to the tightest setting. Hope that helps. The drum was made by a drum maker here in NJ. Don Mass/Dee Max drums. Have a great one!
***** thanks brother! Really appreciate it! IF you're interested check out carlitomendoza.com/lessons/ have an awesome day!
Juan Carlos Mendoza I applaud you most for wearing the Sandy Hook shirt and pointing to it at the end of the performance. You just played the most badass drum solo the drum-off has ever seen, and the first thing you do is honor those who died in tragedy.
Class act.
Juan's snare may sound like junk to others but listening to the styles he played and the way he articulated the whole solo, the snare was just PERFECT for it. Muted, sharp and crisp.
Yeah, it is awful-sounding. I'd blame it on a bad trigger sound, but there doesn't seem to be one on the drum. It's not a matching band snare, right? Then why tune it as such?
I see that all the time anywhere near Guitar Center and it makes me wonder why they weren't taught to tune how the drum is happy (from day one). This sounds totally strangled.
Honestly I think it sounds great..
Winds of March Journey/Perry tribute band pretty sure it sounds so dampened and choked because the bottom head is probably thicker than traditional so he could do that cool splash thing
I think it sounds great. Personally hate snares with a ring. Gotta get that good "Kat"!!
It's a matter of tastes cuz I loved it
He's my professor !!!! I take lessons with him !!! I was squealing it was such an honor to meet him !!!! He is so cool !!!! 😝✊🏾💯
You must be a lucky man to have lessons with Mr.Juan.He's a Champion in Drums. Good Luck.
@@schatzitalhashaker2297 I'm pretty sure she's a girl/woman, not a man.
Metropolis part 1 in the beginning. Solid!
Definitely! Recognized that right away too. Love Dream Theater
Knew I had heard it somewhere.
+Weston Euler YES (another reference there :v)! Finally someone realised that!
The first time I heard this I thought he was playing Metropolis sped up haha
Took me 5 years to figure out what that was...
In a world with lots of drummers just hitting as hard as they can, the musicality and armony of this guy is really appreciated
Twas thinking the exact same thing Steve.............
Finesse is the word
This remains my favorite solo drum performance of all time, bar none. The amount of character and diversity he packs into every movement, the level of both raw independence and tightly layered polyrhythms, and the absurdly creative use of every single possible aspect of each piece of the kit keeps me coming back, year after year. Watching the master at work truly is a blessing.
See the difference between this solo of Juan using the Octapad vs everybody else was that the Octapad was a nice compliment to the solo instead of what he revolved around.
This was really a dope solo, i nearly fainted at the part where he flips the snare upside down with the little cymbal. sheesh that had to be like dopest part.
Oh, so everybody used the octopad? If so, I’m not surprised everybody overused it, like you say. I could imagine everybody thinking that would be the key to them winning and trying to fill the sound with that, almost trying to make it sound like a song, rather than a drum ‘solo’
I've been watching this over and over again...still blows my mind. 👍
Did he just do DJ scratches on the bottom of a snare drum fr?
I thought this comment was false.
It was not.
Even though you really shouldn’t play on the bottom head of a snare drum with the snares on
@@nickavenoso7851 It's a competition lmao, his eccentric and creativity approach to what is possible on the set is amazing. Yeah generally if you're using the set on a daily for gigs then it's not the best. But if you're doing this for a one time competition to amaze the crowd, there is virtually no rules against using the drum set as your playground
@@BlueDoesRoblox Still, even though it’s a competition it can still hurt the drum, just saying.
@@nickavenoso7851 Yeah, and driving a car causes wear on the engine and tires.....so what? you don't have to do the "wEll AcKcHuALLy" bit all the time...
Best part: 0:00 - 4:57
+All For Christ Videos amen! this see this year's crappy winner? omg!!!
+pnsmexico Yeah...it's not really musical to me. Sounds like just a lot of chops thrown together. This? This is MUSIC. No wasted strokes. He limits the showy double pass junk, and just focuses on groove and feel. He can also play all 4 limbs independently. It's insane. It's one thing to do what he does. It's another to do what he does and make it sound the way it does. In my opinion, he's the best thing ever to come out of this competition. God bless!
All For Christ Videos 1000% agree, and I'm impressed u feel that way, bro!
+pnsmexico I dont know man I think this guy is incredible but this years winner is going to be one of the greats Tony Taylor is young kid with growth needed yeah but his technique and solid pocket and chops as well as understanding of timing and the drum kit is way beyond his year Taylor is one of my favorite winners because I've seen him grow and wait until he was ready to take the crown I definitely can't agree with you in saying crappy at all as far as strait chops he blows most drummers of today out the water and I think if him in his prime at the same age as this guy were to go against each other he would probably be the better of the two.
+pnsmexico Tony Taylor Jr. was insane in my opinion.
More than just a drummer, but a true artist; an amazing blend of the dual aspect around music, which is science(numbers/time), and art(feeling/emotion).
I wish you great success, you truly deserve it, sir
couldn't have said it better... extremely "tight" and what I was taught by my dad.."heart". impressive! WOW!
3:33
-hey lets play mariokart
-what level we playin?
-coconut mall
yes
without a doubt the best drummer to ever win it all.
wasn't even close last year. everyone else was fighting for second and they knew it right when he finished his solo.
Man what the heck... I just listened this like 30 times, always discovering new stuff.
That sort of rumba clave beat you start at 2:51 and then how you play a classic rock beat on top of it without losing the tempo... That's some serious stuff.
Congratulations Mr. Mendoza. Respect.
Man ! This video never gets old !
I love to hate on Octapads but the way it is used here...brilliant. As has been said, if it's there in a competition and you don't use it you're taking a big chance, so your hand is certainly forced.
I’ll say my jaw was on the floor the whole time watching this. Phenomenal incredible playing, well deserved to be the winner. Wow
Dude 1:25.
This is why drumming is the most bad ass thing you can do with your life.
This won't be topped in forever
agreed
Patrick O'Donnell wrong
Rescue 24 so wrong lol
@@UR_Right24 wrong af lmao
@@UR_Right24 It's good but not as near as Juan Carlitos
I found about this guy during the pandemic when I was searching for some tutorials. Man, this is just one of the sickest solos I've ever heard. He's truly amazing. Go check out his lessons here on TH-cam. They'll rip you a new one, for sure.
Just discovered this incredible musician and teacher this year (2021). Excellent percussionist and teacher with a humble and likeable personality. Need more folks like this in the world.
I've watched every drum off video I could find on here. This, hands down, blew my mind. Well done, sir.
aric improta should have won this drum off. this is fucking incredible though
I was one of the lucky ones to be at this drum off...Juan was hands down the best guy in stage that night and trust me he had some stiff competition every guy that made to the finals killed it!!
As a drummer myself with over 35 years experience, I have to say this is one of the best performances I've ever seen on Guitar Center's Drum Off competition! This guy really knows how to incorporate chops and music and doesn't just run wild like most amateurs do. Great job Juan Carlos!
Agree 100%
This guy is a GENIUS....amazing, never seen anything like this... Freaking love it ❤️
Still the best drum off performance. 1/11/23.
watching this in 2021 and still getting impressed
That cowbell is so independent.. Holy shit, it's like it's not even his left foot
Michael C. [Zykrath] and he knows it. Just look at his face lol
I thought it was the Octo pad at first
Oh fuck, yeah me too, I didn’t know they had those!
this one was definitely more coherent and pleasing to the ear than all that other obnoxious drum beating from others years winners
Ok he just became my favorite modern drummer. He didn't just play a drum solo quickly, he was different. Beyond creative. I love it
The amount of talent is over 9000
Talent is maybe a 30% compared to 70% Work
raitoxote
it's nevermind. good show:)
raitoxote The sense is under 0.
Tanner?
Tanner Evans :
Will the real Tanner, please stand up (I stand up - way to sit at your computer,ya square ;) haha
one of the best drummer to win the drumoff. and THE best drummer to win the drumoff using the octopad. hands down.
I have watched this like more than 100 times each time I watch it is still new and inspiring. One of the best drum off definitely.
It's cool to think he began with a dream theater song
Wow! A very well thought out solo played with incredible finesse & musicality. You inspire me, man, with your discipline, imagination, and technical abilities that made you a champion. Cheers!
Thank you so much! Really appreciate the kind words. It was a lot of fun to play and perform this solo. Have an awesome day! www.carlitomendoza.com
Watched this video a thousand times, i'm ready for another thousand more.
Every time i just learn more about drums, these are that kind of videos that worth it
It's 2019, and this is still the best
Agreed
great style and awesome groove...sweet work on the spds pad as well. what a beast.
Still coming back to this vid, this man is so precise and dynamic it's nuts
He plays that kit like a musical instrument rather than just percussion. Really great solo.
a percussion is a musical instrument.
I’m just here in my room crying cuz I just realized how good this guy is
You're a STAR!! Play and never stop! We are watching and we will go to see you!
This was incredible. The best drum solo I have ever heard. Buddy Rich would be very proud. Than you
The only winner to actually tell a story using the pad and drums together!
I've been watching this video for about a month now almost every single day and it continues to entertain me. this is by far my favorite video on TH-cam. He's so creative and enjoyable to listen to. I genuinely believe he is the best drummer alive today. You are a badass Juan Mendoza
Woah this genius, i think thats one of the greatest i've heard for a long time, and the reference to METROPOLIS PT1
Yeah, pure awesomeness!
That is epic. For you all who do not know, he was playing the intro to Dream Theater's Metropolis Pt. 1: The Miracle and the Sleeper. He implemented the Latin beat into it. Fantastic! He went off! Amazing!
I always enjoy watching masters of their craft. This man looks so relaxed as he goes through his routine. Amazing!
Damn haha, nice Cachao quote! One of tastiest bass lines ever played. Also the way you transitioned between rumba clave and 6/8 clave was flawless! 2:57 had my jaw on the floor.
Juan Carlos Mencia is by far the best Guitar center drum off champion theres been so far! The 2013 champ is terrible! Anyways nice drumming Carlito!
2013 champ is terrible haha omg haha do you even play drums?
John Gee yes i do actually. Yes he is terrible. His techniques are good, but his solo made me want to throw up.
*****
LOL, a drum solo made you throw up? I guess it was so sick you couldn't hold down the contents of your stomach?
I hear 'hate' makes people very sick, stomach ulcers and such, etc. . Maybe you should try not hating so much and you will not throw up at something like that?
Keep Drumming and GOD Bless You Child
Jonathan Riddick
to me I think the 2011 drum off champ was the best, but that's just my personal opinion
***** My bad i actually didn't see your reply to me. I'm not hating, i'm just stating my opinion. D-mile is an amazing drummer, but i just wasn't feeling him.
Had to come back and remind myself how insane JCM is! One of the very best to do it
That snare scratch at 2:00 slays me.
THIS is how the octapad should be used in the competition; as a tasteful accent, not an essential tool.
Actually I disagree. I think he uses it more as an essential part of this solo.
However he uses it better than most others
When he plays the octopad with the kit the experience is like a fully rounded song rather than just a drum solo.
The difference is that he is excellent at incorporating all into one flowing piece rather than disjointed parts.
In other words id say his solo is more musical than most of the others
The octopad sucks
Disagree too- it was used heaps and not fair to others who dont use it. Now its gonna seem like the standard to win and thats not a drum off. Should be able to tell a story through the solo without it. Pretty mich like having a keyboardist play behind him. Nope.
It is very refreshing to see such creativity in the new generation of drummers. Very inspiring.
This is the most amazing solo I've ever seen. Huge respect
I'd love to know how to play that groove between 0:40 & 0:56
+Juan Carlito Mendoza (Carlito) Thanks! ...Any chance you could make a tutorial on it...? xD I'm looking at that, trying to play it and I'm like..."This doesn't sound right..." Hah. Thanks either way, Ik you're a busy guy. God bless. :)
All For Christ Videos Not sure if I have the time to do a video of it, but it's all there in the sheet music. :)
+Juan Carlito Mendoza (Carlito) After watching a bunch of other Drum-Off competitors use stick tricks and over the top speed and double bass to the point of it not even sounding good, you did a fantastic job. The use of the Octopad and scratching of the snare was brilliant. I'm sure you've heard it a lot, but you did a very good job.
good job you work hard
Juan Carlito Mendoza do your limbs even like communicate!? Holy independence! Honestly this has to be my favorite solo. Very tasteful which is hard to find nowadays.
Many years that i watch drumoff's finalists videos and this one is one of the best performance for me. Musically and technically, it feel like an history ! Great job Juan Carlos Mendoza
Who’s still watching this in 2023? :) So good
2024 brother uoooou very good
the intro with keyboard is Metropolis part 1 the miracle and the sleeper of dream theater ._.
Unbelievable....the champion of champions...particularly loved the scratching and the dual lower dynamic fills at 2:32
*This dude's Rhythm Separation is something else😵*
OMG that’s mr.Medoza he works in my school
It’s 2022 and I’m just now watching this and I’m floored by this performance.
I wouldn't necessarily categorize him as a drummer per se. That's so much more than plain drumming. Artistic Percussionist is maybe a bit more accurate. 2:22 brilliant.
That was beyond sick !
I've lost count how many times I've watched this. So crisp and clean, and the Octapad used to enhance the piece instead of overpowering it through over use. A masterpiece...
Does that spring scratching thing he does at 2:00 have a name because i wanna hear more lol
KevWebsz im searching for the same thing on the comments :'(
Dude , you find it under your snare drum
KevWebsz its literally under the snare drum lol. all he did was flip his snare over and scratch the stick across it.
I know where the spring is on a snare drum.
KevWebsz they are called snare wires
Cara muito bom👏
I saw him at drumeo and he's the real deal! I learned alot from him and later realized that he won this competition. You sir, is one hell of a drum killer! ❤
Holy crap Batman this dude is 4kin crazy talented!
That intro part was probably lifted off from the intro to Metropolis Part 1 by Dream Theater.
AlexPlaysDrumsGodly Absolutely right!
Wahey! :D
One of the best of the last 10 years for sure.
Metropolis pt.1 at 0:13 ?
Yup :)
Stunning Job Juan Carlos! You deserve the award! Congratulations (from a modest drummer)!!!
Dude you are fantastic! Incredible musicality! Please look out for your health as drums can be very challenging for the cardio and a few extra pounds won't help
Hey man thank you so much for that response. I'm actually changing my lifestyle now and am losing weight as we speak. I've been very concerned with my health as well. I just let myself go unfortunately and life got a little in the way (EXCUSES I know), but I'm definitely trying to get back on track. I will keep you posted on my weight loss journey and again thank you for your concern. Really means the world to me! :)
Juan Carlos Mendoza That's great news! I know it's tough but you'll see the benefits right away. You're an amazing artist and you should be able to concentrate only on your art. Greetings from Athens, Greece!
Juan Carlos Mendoza outstanding, how long have you been drumming?
About 25 years or so now... geez I feel old now hahahah
Juan Carlos Mendoza i literaly watch this at least every 2 days.... i just cant stop. this really is (and im not asslicking in any way right now) one of the greatest drum solos that i've ever seen. and ive seen many.
what are your influences for drumming juan? and do you think its possible for as a metal drummer (like me; 4years playing) to ever reach this level of complexity while playing?
This is the best of the very best drum off winner in my opinion.. His independence is out of this world.. daaaaaaamn 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
2024 fire 🔥🔥
at 3:00 do you know how fucken hard that is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Do you know how fucken hard it is do do anything from that solo!!!!! lol
The best among the drum-offs I've seen until now on TH-cam.
LeBron was made for basketball, this guy was made to work that kit. God lord...
I think drummers everywhere over the past couple of decades have forgotten the art of groove. Everyone wants to show off their blistering chops, and they all overplay.
Give me the grooves of the 70's any day.
Music is a contribution, not a competition.
pthompson108 this is a competition..lol
Sorry I have watched all the greats thousands of times. This dude may be the best ever. GOAT wow. This is truly humbling.
Is he in a band? I really want to listen to that band...
Actually working on a Trio Album this year with some monster musicians! Will keep you posted! Or you can go to my facebook page at facebook(dot)com/juancarlitomendoza for all the news updates! Thanks again for the love!
Juan Carlos Mendoza Thank you, Juan! Look forward to it!
Thanks so much!!!!! I really appreciate it!! Hope all is well. If you get a chance check out www.carlitomendoza.com/lessons you might dig some stuff there :)
Juan Carlos Mendoza what drum set were you using? Great job by the way
From what I remember I think that drumset was a Tama Bubinga. I think that was it!
GOD DAMN
Deserving winner for someone who has brought something new to drumming.
2:44 a ghost hand appears in the bottom right lol
2:00 and I was hooked into him
7 years later and this is still the best performance at a drum off.
I wish we could go back to the good ol' days when the drum off didn't always have a lot of the octapad. Now don't get me wrong I love the octapad, but I just think it's used too much in these competitions....MORE COWBELL!!
Look up the handmade, handheld ones from.Africa. Those have a REALLY gorgeous tone.