V-Drums Lesson 65: Gregg Bissonette “Linear Funk Drumming”
A tribute to and inspired by legendary Tower of Power drummer David Garibaldi, Gregg explains and demonstrates linear drumming in the song "Let it Loose." A fun and challenging study, this episode focuses on the linear concept, where no two limbs play in unison, a style that every drummer should... Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 64: Gregg Bissonette “Funk to Bebop and Back Again”
The song "Want Me to Be" is a great and challenging study in combining two different styles in one song while maintaining a consistent tempo. Beginning with a sixteenth-note, hi-hat-based funk groove, Gregg switches gears to a double-time bebop feel and then returns to the original groove while... Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 63: Gregg Bissonette “Four on the Floor and Beat Displacement”
Playing the energetic song “St**bucks is my American Embassy,” Gregg demonstrates different variations of a "four on the floor" rock/dance groove, where the kick drum plays on straight quarter notes throughout most of the track. During the guitar solo section, Gregg turns the beat around by using... Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 62: Gregg Bissonette “Mixed Feel Grooves & Soloing Over a Vamp”
In this episode, Gregg demonstrates how to tastefully apply different grooves in slightly different styles in the song “After All.” By using grooves inspired by Stewart Copeland (The Police, Ringo Starr, and Coldplay), Gregg shows how changing styles supports the song's overall dynamics and style... Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 61: Gregg Bissonette “Groove and Solo Phrasing in ¾ Time”
Using the song “Warning Will Robinson” as an example, Gregg demonstrates a 3/4 pop/rock waltz groove, and discusses and demonstrates playing a drum solo using phrases over the same 3/4 time feel. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 60: Gregg Bissonette “Ska Drumming—Style and Analysis”
Like reggae, ska is a style that originated in Jamaica and was the precursor to reggae. Although similar in sound to reggae, ska puts the emphasis on "four on the floor,” steady quarter notes on the kick drum, while incorporating syncopation for a steady upbeat groove. Gregg demonstrates... Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 59: Gregg Bissonette “Reggae Drumming—Style and Analysis”
The famous Jamaican musical style of reggae is broken down and demonstrated by Gregg. He emphasizes the clear difference between a rock and reggae groove to create and execute a great-sounding and relaxed, yet energetic groove for this unique and influential musical style. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 58: Gregg Bissonette “The Purdie Shuffle”
Gregg breaks down and plays the "Purdie Shuffle," a groove made famous by legendary drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie which was also the inspiration for the late great Jeff Porcaro's performance on Toto’s hit song "Rosanna.” (The Purdie shuffle was also the inspiration for Led Zeppelin's "Fool in... Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 57 : Gregg Bissonette - "Gregg Zep-Lin"
This timeless lesson features three classic grooves made famous by Led Zeppelin's legendary drummer, John Bonham. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 56: Gregg Bissonette - Afro-Cuban
Gregg's informative study of Afro-Cuban rhythms and the importance of the clave. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 55: Steve Fisher - Independence (Part 1)
Steve Fisher shows a creative and challenging way to develop drum set independence. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 54: Gregg Bissonette - Double Bass Fills
Try out these high-energy double bass fills at your next polka gig! Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 53: Gregg Bissonette - Double Bass
Gregg salutes and demonstrates the styles of the double bass masters in this informative lesson. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 52: Gregg Bissonette - Motown
Join Gregg on a trip to the Motor City and explore the style and groove of Motown. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 51: Gregg Bissonette - Funk
Learn funky syncopation with these Gadd-influenced grooves. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 50: Gregg Bissonette - "Texas" Blues Shuffle
Master the Texas Shuffle with this "double-trouble" mix of groove and style. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 49: Mike Snyder - Quick Tip: Open 5-Stroke Roll
Apply this versatile rudiment to the entire drum set to create exciting fills. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 48: Johnny Rabb - Single Paradiddle: Auto Up/Down
Develop speed and endurance with this paradiddle chop-builder and the RMP-5. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 47: Mike Snyder - Quick Tip: Hi-Hat Push/Pull
Use this performance technique to color and propel a groove. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 46: Mike Snyder - Quick Tip: Hi-Hat Accents
Using quarter-note accents on the hi-hat to enliven a groove. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 45: Johnny Rabb - Paradiddles
Johnny teaches a hand-/foot-based paradiddle lesson using the RMP-5 "mini-kit." Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 44: Mike Snyder - Quick Tip: Try Different Sounds
Change a groove dramatically by experimenting with different sounds. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 43: Brad Dutz - Cajon Basics
Brad teaches the basic tones and techniques of the cajon as played on the HandSonic 10. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 42: Steve Fisher - Triplet & Double Stroke Variations
Steve demonstrates and explains triplet and double stroke fills using alternate stickings. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 41: Steve Fisher - Choosing Fills Wisely
Steve explains and demonstrates the concept of playing appropriate drum fills to fit a musical style. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 40: Johnny Rabb - 16th-Note Accents
Learn to accent single-stroke 16th-notes with Johnny Rabb and the RMP-5 Rhythm Coach. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 39: Steve Fisher - Triplet Fills
In this episode, Steve teaches playing triplet fills around the drum set and within a groove. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 38: Brad Dutz - Finger Patterns (Part 2)
Part two of Brad's introduction to basic finger exercises for hand percussion. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 37: Steve Fisher - Basic 16th-Note Fills
New to playing fills on the drums? Join Steve in this informative lesson on basic 16th-note fills. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 36: Brad Dutz - Finger Patterns (Part 1)
Using the HandSonic 15, Brad introduces basic finger exercises to help develop hand percussion technique. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 35: Johnny Rabb - Rhythmic Notes/Singles
Johnny teaches how to cycle through different rhythmic subdivisions using the RMP-5 Rhythm Coach. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 34: Mike Snyder - Quick Tip: Swing with Left-Hand Chatter
Learn to propel a jazz groove using left-hand independence. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 33: Mike Snyder - Swing Dependence 2
Part two of Mike's jazz independence study. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 32: Mike Snyder - Swing Dependence 1
Learn the concept of playing independent rhythms against a steady jazz groove. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 31: Brad Dutz - Pot (Udu) Drum Basics
Brad Dutz teaches the basic tones and techniques of the West African Pot Drum using the HandSonic 10. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 30: Brad Dutz - Talking Drum Basics
Learn Talking Drum tones and techniques with Brad Dutz and the Handsonic 10. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 29: Johnny Rabb - Sevens (Septuplets)
Learn groups of seven using different stickings with Johnny Rabb and the RMP-5. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 28: Johnny Rabb - Fives (Quintuplets)
Master groups of five (quintuplets) with Johnny Rabb and the RMP-5. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 27: Brad Dutz - Tabla Basics
Learn tabla tones, techniques, and patterns with Brad Dutz and the HandSonic 10. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 26: Brad Dutz - Djembe Basics
Explore common djembe tones, techniques, and patterns with Brad Dutz and the HandSonic 10. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 25: Brad Dutz - Conga Basics
Brad introduces basic Conga techniques and patterns using the HandSonic 10. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 24: Mike Snyder - Quick Tip: Ghost Notes
Mike takes the mystery out of ghost notes, and teaches how to use them within a simple groove. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 23: Mike Snyder - Quick Tip: Flowadiddle
Master the Flowadiddle, and learn how to apply this rudiment to the entire drum set. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 22: Johnny Rabb - Triplets
Master triplet fills between the hands and feet with this fun and easy-to-follow lesson. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 21: Johnny Rabb - Double Stroke
Using an RMP-5 "mini kit," Johnny teaches a great warm-up exercise using double-stroke patterns. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 20: Mike Snyder - Quick Tip: Metronome 16th-Note Study
Mike demonstrates a practical exercise with a focus on effectively using the metronome. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 19: Mike Snyder - Latin 101: The Samba
Master this popular Latin groove with Mike's easy-to-follow lesson. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 18: Johnny Rabb - Double Paradiddles
Learn how to apply this basic rudiment to the entire drum set to create some creative and musical grooves. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 17: Mike Snyder - Jazz/Swing with Metronome
Master basic Jazz/Swing grooves while using a metronome to maximize your practice sessions. Watch video.
V-Drums Lesson 16: Mike Snyder - Quick Tip: Hi-Hat Foot Splash
Mike demonstrates how to play a hi-hat foot (or heel) splash with this quick-yet-useful tip. Watch video.