Peter Erskine Brush Lessons: #1 / Developing a Legato Sound

In this lesson series, Peter will cover basic brush skills on the drumset. Peter's musical approach will benefit players at every level - from beginner to advanced.
Don't miss the discussion of this series on Vic Firth's EXCHANGE!
www.vicfirth.com/exchange

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Peter Erskine, teddy bear, soft-spoken, kick ass drummer, articulate musician, calm and peaceful teacher.

[@albertoflamini]

What a simple way to play music! What a patience demonstrated by an artist a teacher!

[@melindahowell1801]

Wow, thank you for sharing your expertise so we can learn. It sounds like a rain stick.

[@markblair1052]

Man o' man Mr. P, that's a groove! Thanks!

[@onejazzdrummer]

Better than excellent. I really appreciated the satisfied smile at the end, with the comment, "It's almost a Zen thing..." With over 50 years of playing behind me, playing everything from jazz and rock, to country and pop, I think I know good technique. Peter Erskine is good technique. Thanks, Peter, from San Bernardino.

[@rhythmfield]

Thank you venerable master Peter Erskine!

[@leheme]

The legato sound is beautiful!

[@DrummerGrrrl]

It certainly is.

[@JesseP.Watson]

Peter Erskine is a damnably classy dude. I like his style. I like his teaching. C'est La Class.

[@westvocal]

"brush.... ES" @0:27 love that technique! awesome

[@jimcole6423]

Thank you Peter!

[@jZildjianZj]

Thanks Peter!!

[@edoardozampetti4601]

im fall in love of legato brushing..

[@Xxjoeynumber1xX]

Coming from a drum corp snare player... Brushes are alot harder to learn than i thought it'd be! Wow i suck at it haha

[@ItsBriiiiii]

It's very hard but also beneficial in other ways....finesse and feel with "regular" sticks goes through the roof if you ever get a handle on playing with brushes.

[@alexanderdeschutter8820]

anyone catch what hi hats hes playing here?

[@manolotejeda8209]

drummer Mr. Miyagi

[@w.tibbsclemens636]

Wax on wax off lol

[@vincentcollins5617]

Oh ok

[@janhundling4647]

3:44

[@janhundling4647]

4:30

[@loucontino4804]

I disagree entirely with talking about playing 'beats'. Brushes on a snare drum, as well as ride cymbal patterns, are 'Cushions of Sound'. Too many players know the technical mechanics of executing beats. We strive to be the cleanest, fastest and 'hottest' technical giant. It shouldn't be so. You become a musician when you have the depth of understanding coupled with feeling of 'the sound' you are seeking to emulate. You want your doubles to sound like a Huey Helicopters Rotors? Go listen to a Huey and strive for that sound. Same with playing brushes. Not beats, but 'cushions of sound'.

[@kelleesmi]

Cool it