I’ve been reading the great drummer Zoro’s book “The Big Gig.” So far, it’s been an inspiring read. Very motivating.
Zoro tells a story about asking the legendary studio guitarist Paul Jackson Jr advice on how to become a better drummer.
The guitarist advised Zoro to practice simple grooves and play them without any variations until they were perfect.
He said: “Don’t change the groove–don’t alter it, don’t do one fill, don’t change anything— just play that same groove with a metronome for 10 minutes straight and just sit on that groove until it is smooth as silk, until it’s flawless.”
REALLY good advice.
Mark Feldman
Mark Feldman is a professional drummer based in NYC. He first gained attention as one of the winners of Modern Drummer magazine's very first drum solo contest, judged by Rush's Neil Peart. He's played with Alison Krauss, Curtis Stigers, Emily Remler, Joel Hoekstra, GE Smith, Andy York, Marshall Crenshaw, Tony Shanahan, The Drifters, The Marvelettes, Big Brother and The Holding Company, and many other artists. His band, LEVEL5, is releasing their debut, "The Sybil EP," on February 22nd, 2019. The EP features Oz Noy on guitar and Will Lee on bass.
Latest posts by Mark Feldman (see all)
- The Ghost Note Groove System 1, Part 1 - November 4, 2018
- Top 5 Books for Drumming Career Advice - October 26, 2018
- Understanding Sixteenth Notes - October 18, 2018
Leave a Reply