How To *Actually* Improve Your Rock Drumming (Simon Phillips Lesson)

Simon Phillips is one of the most diverse rock drummers of the last 50 years, laying down rhythms with Toto, Judas Priest, Jeff Beck and many others. He’s also a pro engineer, so he knows what a drummer should do in the studio to sound their best.

Don’t miss these three quick tips for rock drummers from the man himself:

1. Never Be Afraid To Play Simply
Drummers have a tendency to overplay, including adding fills when they aren’t necessary. In “The Pump” by Jeff Beck, Simon only plays two or three fills the entire track. Drums sound best when they support the song – not the other way around.

“A groove can actually sound bigger if you play less on the kick and let the snare speak.”

2. It's All About Consistency
As a rock drummer, it’s easy to fall into the mindset of “I need to be a heavy hitter” and just going through the action of playing. But to become a really great player, you can’t forget about groove, touch, and consistency.

Simon emphasizes the latter. Make every backbeat the same. Get that snare dead on every time. If you want the studio engineers to love you, give them consistency!

3. The Power Of Dynamics In Rock
Maybe you don’t notice them as much as you would in styles like jazz or latin, but there are dynamics in rock! A common misconception is that rock should be played at one level. But playing too hard and strong throughout the entire song can mean feel goes out the window.

When the singer is singing, reduce your volume. Be mindful on the hi-hats: tighter in the verse, a bit more open in the pre-chorus, and move to the ride in the chorus.

Simon isn’t the only one who advises rock drummers to keep volume and feel in mind. Todd Sucherman is also a big advocate for dynamics in rock drumming.

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Lesson Index:
0:00 – Introduction
0:27 - Tip #1 "Never Be Afraid To Play Simply"
0:40 - "The Pump" by Jeff Beck
2:44 - Tip #2 "It's All About Touch & Consistency"
4:48 - "Dissident Aggressor" by Judas Priest breakdown
7:48 - Tip #3 "Dynamics"

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