Drumming Styles & Genres

(Scroll down to see the full list of lessons in different drums playing genres)

Why Is It Important to Learn Different Drumming Styles?

To answer the question, we would first have to define what drumming styles are. We can approach the given question from two different directions. What most people associate to when talking about drumming styles is different musical genres.

However, drumming styles also refer to a certain drummer’s personal style: the so-called „licks” that he likes to play, the characteristic accentuation he uses, the unmistakable groove he might have.

Should you really learn someone’s style?

No one wants to be a copycat. For that reason, it is not certainly recommended to imitate, for example, the way someone shakes their head while drumming. Also, unless you are playing in a tribute band, copying a signature Tré Cool fill note-by-note might also not be the best idea.

So I should not be inspired by my idols, you might be thinking. Quite the contrary: studying the work of the masters is essential in any drummer’s evolution. However, individual drumming styles should rather be studied instead of copied, with a constant trial of building your own style.

 Gaining skills in different genres

On the other hand, ignoring the different music genres available to basically anyone can almost be considered a sin. Our music is deeply intertwined; you would be surprised to notice the common elements in afro-cuban and, say, jazz drumming.

Just as gestures are a way of self-expression, music also is a way of showing the world how you feel – and just as gestures are the same all around the world, the different genres around are also representations of the same roots.

Speaking more technically, whatever you might be willing to play, a deep knowledge of a different genre will help you understand what you are playing more exactly, you will be able to play blends of different genres. For instance, a few jazz drumming lessons might give your rock drumming a subtle elegance, or studying Latin drumming might make your jazz drumming more alive, more tempered.

Where is contemporary music heading?

During history, contemporary music was always subject to be dubbed "experimental". The classicism of Mozart was just as experimental in the nineteenth century as The Beatles was in the sixties.

That is not by a rule, but if you are going to create something new, if you want to start a wave, then you should try to be open to experimenting around. New musical genres are born every day, and these genres are not whole new cultures expressing their national feelings: these are brave musicians mixing up aspects of different genres, thus creating something unique.

By playing comfortably a few genres, you are also ready to start pursuing this goal. Try to know as many “musical gestures” as you can, and be open about your feelings: that will lead you to a power that gives lets you lead your instrument instead of the instrument leading you.

Playing music can easily be compared to religions: Christians, Muslims and Buddhists are all seeking the same truth; they are just following different passages. Musical genres work very similarly: they are all expressing the same feelings, just have different tools for expressing them.

In the case of religion, knowing the Bhagavad Gita and The Bible at the same time can lead to a deeper understanding of how this world might be working. In music, and in particular, drumming, knowing as many genres as possible leads to a keener ability to express what you want to come through.

Types of Drums Playing Genres:

1. Metal Drumming Lessons | Metal Drum Beats
   
   Heavy, sometimes even evil sounding, metal is one of the most unique genres of today. There are dozens of sub-genres and off-shoots of every kind. Death metal, black metal, thrash, doom; and those are only a few of the genres.
2. Funk Drumming | Funk Drum Beats
   
   Groove; the main principle in funk drumming. Funk drumming is one of the most fluid, yet also one of the broadest styles in modern music. Knowing this, it may seem a bit difficult to find out how to even start studying funk drumming.
3. Latin Drumming | Latin Drum Beats
   
   In fact, if you are a rock drummer, or a jazz drummer, you may have some trouble learning Latin drumming. This is due solely to the fact that the instrumentation is completely different than that of rock and jazz.
4. Jazz Drumming Lessons | Jazz Drums Techniques
   
   If you are a drummer, getting an introduction to jazz drumming is ideal. But oftentimes, beginner drummers often go to forums and get confused from all the information they see about jazz drumming.
5. Blues Drumming Techniques | Blues Drums
   
   With these simple blues drumming techniques, you will be fast on your way to becoming a knowledgeable blues drummer.
6. R & B Drumming Lessons | Rhythm And Beat Drumming
   
   A good reason to learn R & B styled drumming is not only to learn to groove more fluidly, but also to teach yourself when, and more importantly where to showcase your hard earned speed.
7. Rock Drumming Lessons | Rock Drum Beats
   
   So you want to have an introduction to rock drumming? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will talk about some of the fundamental things you need to know about this genre of drumming.

Learn the Different Drumming Styles