This is part 2 of this 3 part series. We continue in our journey of active listening and learn how it's not just about listening to the drums. It's easy for us to get caught up with our own instrument and we forget that musicians play together. I straighten all that out and teach you why it's CRUCIAL that you avoid that mistake. This is a must see #DrumTipTuesday. Send me a message or leave a comment letting me know if you liked it.  

Have you ever wondered how to get started playing gospel style licks? In today's  #DrumTipTuesday Stixx teaches a basic gospel style fill that will get you on the road to playing more complex gospel style concepts. We plan on doing more gospel style fills but only if you guys are interested in them. Let us know how you like them by leaving a comment on the below. You can also email us @ info@damanirhodesplayalongs.com

Today is another Q & A session where I answer a question from Youtube username Justin Bishop. He's wondering how he can practice although he can't physically play right now. This question opens the door for me to go in depth about how playing music is more than just playing notes. You have to use your ears and emotions. You may have heard me mention the phrase "active listening" in some of my other videos. Today I began to break it down for you. Grab a pencil and paper and get ready to take notes. These are concepts you can use to get better without having to physically play your instrument. click "read more" to watch the video.

P.S. This is just part 1 : )

#DrumFillFriday is back with a blazing starter chop! What is a "starter chop?" It's pretty much self explanatory. It's a a series of notes that is used to start a fill. It doesnt fill an entire measure or phrase but it's a great "kick start" for the rest of the phrase. This chop is one that will make you sound better and faster than you may currently be right now. Many of your favorite flashy drummers use this and now it's yours to use! 

In todays #DrumTipTuesday I want to do something that I havent done before but will be doing a lot more. I received a question in the comment section of last weeks #DrumTipTuesday that I could’ve answered right there in the comment section but I decided how cool it would be If I dedicated a #DrumTipTuesday to the answer of this question.There are so many things to learn and master that it can be hard to stay focused on one thing and sometimes it can be overwhelming. So I'm wondering how you go about structuring your practice sessions? Do you just practice one thing a lot, master it and move on. Or do you practice a bit of a lot of different things?

Paradiddles are one of, what I call, the 4 basic rudiments. Because this rudiment is considered elementary, most drummers don't expand on the possible combinations that can be created. By varying the beat that you start it on and the dynamics of your accents your options become limitless. This weeks #DrumFillFriday gives another unique spin on a rudiment that you probably already know. Prepare yourself for the joy you'll experience when you realize that you can diversify your collection of chops by using what you already can do. if you don't know how to do paradiddles already there is a brief description of how it's done. Grab your drum sticks and your practice pads and lets get to work. 

Whats the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the phrase, “that drummer has chops!”? Most of us think of chops in either an extremely positive or an excessively negative way. You can look around the drum forums on the net and you’ll find threads dedicated to drummers with chops and you’ll find threads dedicated to bashing drummers who have chops. I never really understood why? This #DrumTipTuesday is a little different because today I’m not only going to tell what I think and have learned to be true but I want to know if you love or hate chops and why? But in the mean time, lets get into it!

Linear Patterns are some of the most entertaining drum fills to watch. They give a very distinct and complex sound too. If your not already familiar with linear patterns, or linear drum fills, they are simple to understand. A linear drum fill is a drum fill that separates the hands and feet. It helps build coordination, creativity, and can give the illusion that you're a faster drummer then you really are. This video is an introduction to linear patterns. Don't be discouraged by the fact that it's a beginner fill. Watch as Stixx speeds this up to show you how you can take a simple concept and make it sound PRO!

#DrumTipTuesday is all about the beginners today. That means those of us who are advanced in some areas of our playing but still beginners in others. Either way, This isn't a bad thing. It's all about growing. This video is mindset preparation for the beginner. You will learn the right outlook from the start to increase your chances of success.

This weeks #DrumFillFriday features an 8 note pattern that is suited for beginners and advanced a like. Don't believe me? Watch the video. After you watch it leave a comment and let me know how you intend to use it.