The Best Drummers – Learn from the Drum Masters

Studying the best drummers is one of the most effective ways to learn how to play drums.  I have assembled a list of some of my favourite drummers here so that you can see how they play and get some inspiration for improving your own drumming.

Buddy Rich – Exceptionally talented guy that could play with speed in a completely controlled manner.  Revered by drummers everywhere including the great Gene Krupa who commented that Buddy Rich was “the greatest drummer ever to have drawn breath”

Carter Beaufort – What can you say about the drummer that seems to have it all?  Speed power, ambidextrous and great musicality.  If you want to improve your hi-hat playing you should spend some time studying Carter, you will see that he never plays straight 8ths.

Dave Weckl – The absolute master of technical drumming.  He is equally at home playing jazz, fusion or rock.  Has a host of acclaimed tutorial DVD’s that will help all of us up and coming drummers.

Gene Krupa – The first drummer who really brought the drums to the spotlight and made them  a solo instrument and a central part of the band’s sound. Find out about the guy that influenced so many modern day drummers

Keith Moon – A colourful character that had a larger than life personality and extravagant lifestyle.  His drumming was a reflection of this; he was an early adopter of the double bass drum and his playing is accentuated by wild drum fills and cymbal crashes.  I’ve been lucky enough to play in a band that wanted to cover some tracks from The Who…great fun playing that stuff!

John Bonham – ‘Bonzo’ is one of the first names to come to mind when speaking of rock drummers.  Lived life to the full and will forever be remembered as the beating heart of superstar band Led Zeppelin.

Mike Portnoy – Best known as the long-time drummer, songwriter, and producer of the progressive rock/metal band Dream Theater, is the second-youngest person to have been accepted as a member of Modern Drummer magazine’s Hall of Fame.

Neil Peart – Softly spoken but a drummer you always want to listen to for his professional expertise.  A great example of a drummer that is able to combine the demands of being behind a kit with songwriting and arrangement.  Neil also regularly shares his knowledge of drumming with other musicians

Steve Gadd – Has spent a lifetime dedicated to music and drumming.  He has been rewarded with playing with many of the greatest musicians of our time including Eric Clapton, Chick Corea, Joe Cocker and George Benson.  Be sure to check out his drumming on “50 Ways to Leave your Lover” by Paul Simon.

Terry Bozzio – Famed for his monster-sized kit, when Bozzio plays, he is completely surrounded by drums and cymbals, tuned chromatically, and stacked upon each other. The wall of sound he produces is melodic and totally unique.

Travis Barker – Is a lifelong musician, who began drumming at age four. Learn about the man and his professional career behind the drums.

Do you agree with my list of the best drummers or think some should be added? Shoot me an email and let me know.