Hey, Tenor Drummer!
Want to learn tenor drumming online? You came to the right place!
We have sections for:
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
and Fun!
It's always a good idea to get warmed up first, though.
TRAVIS BARKER'S WARM-UP ROUTINE
I have some warm-up exercises, but why don't we check out what Travis Barker warms up to.
EIGHTS WARM-UP DRUM ALONG 90-200BPM
Grab your pad and sticks, we're about to get our hands warmed up playing eights from 90-200bpm.
ACCENT TAP WARM-UP DRUM ALONG 100-150BPM
We continue our warm up with an accent tap exercise from 100-150bpm.
BEGINNER
If you are new to tenor drumming, start with my Intro to Tenor Drumming lesson series and Crosses Master Class.
While topics focus on the basics, even experienced players will benefit. We discuss not only proper technique and playing positions, but how to practice efficiently, and most importantly, play clean in a line! Feel free click around to whatever you're interested in.
When you are finished with the intro series, you'll be ready for my CROSSES MASTER CLASS. Break your bad habits and learn to play crosses the CORRECT way! No matter what your skill level is, your hands will thank you for this.
INTERMEDIATE
If you've been playing for a little while, I still recommend the above lessons, but below are some intermediate concepts for you.
FLASHY PARADIDDLEDIDDLE VOICINGS
What's better than some insane-looking paradiddlediddles on tenor drums? No, really, I'm asking.
METRONOME AT DOTTED QUARTER NOTE
What do you do when the metronome goes from set to the quarter note to set to the dotted quarter note? Let's take a look
Need some tips and examples of pitches tenor drum tuning? Check out this video.
SCV SWEEP PATTERN - QUICK QUAD TIP
This super smooth sweep pattern by SCV immediately caught my eye. Check it out in this Quick Quad Tip.
Fivelets are a must-know subdivision, let's get them locked in before we try a ridiculous Pulse lick.
HOW TO PLAY THE BEST DRUM ROLL
Time to beef up your diddle quality and get your rolls sounding great with these quick tips.
6 REASONS CHOPS AREN'T ENOUGH TO MAKE DCI
Want to audition for DCI? Give yourself the best chance by learning from my mistakes.
Who doesn't love a good stick flip? In this lesson, we cover the most common types.
Impress your fellow drummers with the mystical one-handed roll
Ninelets have become a must-know subdivision. Here, we break down the easiest way to play them.
Septuplets are a little more difficult than ninelets, but don't worry, you'll get them down.
4:3 is another weird subdivision that has become very popular recently. But like most things, it's not too bad once you get used to it.
ADVANCED
Now, for you fearless tenor drummers, we move on to some DCI licks. These were performed by some of the best tenor lines around, so proceed with caution!
2023 BOSTON CRUSADERS SWEEP PATTERN - QUICK QUAD TIP
The Boston Crusaders quad lines have been super impressive lately. Let's learn one of their sixtuplet sweep patterns.
2022 PULSE OPENER TENOR FEATURE - LEARN THIS LICK
Congrats to Pulse winning WGI! Now, let's learn their opener tenor feature. Better get warmed up!
2017 BLUE DEVILS TENOR SOLO - LEARN THIS LICK
One of the most requested licks! Here's another crazy Blue Devils quad lick that will keep you busy. Be sure to warm up!
2014 BLUECOATS TENOR FEATURE - LEARN THIS LICK
At 210bpm, this is a ridiculously fast lick, but even at slower tempos, it can be deceivingly tricky.
2018 BLUE DEVILS QUAD FEATURE - LEARN THIS KONNAKOL LICK
From splits to stick flips, the 2018 BD Quad Feature is a super fun lick. Based on an Indian Konnakol rhythm, you get bonus acculturation points too!
2000 CAVALIERS TENOR FEATURE - LEARN THIS LICK
One of my all-time favorite tenor lines and licks. They were soooo good.
2017 BLUE DEVILS CLOSER DRUM BREAK - LEARN THIS LICK
Another crazy lick from BD '17. This was such an amazing line. Watch out for those burning singles!
So, you have triplet flam fives down, what if EVERY note is a drag?!
FUN!
Maybe your hands are tired and you just want some light reading or watching. These posts are for you.
DRUMMERS MAKE THE BEST PIANO PLAYERS!
Sorry piano players, you know it's true.
Seriously, this one was tough, and we almost pulled it off.
THE WORST ATTACK IN DCI HISTORY
Sometimes in life, things just don't go as planned...
DCI QUAD LINE HIGHLIGHT VIDEOS
There's some incredible tenor drumming going on these days!
UNDERAPPRECIATED TENOR DRUMMERS
You have crazy quad chops but guess what? Nobody cares...
Let's push the boundaries of what tenor drums can sound like. We start with DIY triggers and end with Digiquads.
For some reason, buying a tenor pad is a lot harder than it should be. Save yourself some trouble and learn from my recent experience.
Get to know the 2002 Cavie tenor line and watch some rehearsal footage on the way to winning a DCI Championship.
We were a much more experienced line in 2003 and got to flaunt it with our on-field warmup Flowus!
Me: "Hey, Fred. I'll trade you my '18 SCV and '19 Blue Devils for your '10 Phantom."
Fred: "Uhhh, no"
HOW TO KEEP DRUMMING AFTER AGE-OUT
I wasn't ready to stop drumming just because I was 22. Were you?
WINNING A DCI CHAMPIONSHIP - MY PAINFUL RIDE
I was so lucky to be a part of the 2002 Cavaliers, but my journey there was everything but normal.
Sometimes, you just need one-on-one instruction
Not taking any additional students at this time, but feel free to keep an eye out for my virtual Private Lessons.
If you haven't already, SUBSCRIBE to my YouTube Channel!
About Your Instructor
John has over 25 years of experience playing and teaching rudimental percussion. His drumline highlights include marching tenor drums with the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps in 2002 and 2003, winning the DCI Championship in 2002. He also played tenor drums in the Illini Drumline at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign from 2000-2003 and snare drum in 2004. After graduation, he performed with the Vegas Vanguard Entertainment Drumline and Niner Noise Drumline at various events in Las Vegas, including the Latin Grammy's.
Don't take my word for it
"John was a genuine inspiration for me as a marching percussionist. It was an honor to learn from somebody with world class knowledge and experience. In addition to his knowledge and skill level, he always maintained such a patient and humble approach to teaching me. If you are eager to experience drumming at a high level, I highly recommend him! The knowledge and skills that you receive will speak for itself."
Michaelangelo Henegan - Arizona Academy, Vegas Vanguard
"John’s teaching style, imbued with a true tenor drummer’s humor and creativity, is one that sticks with his students forever! Having learned from him nearly ten years ago, I still find myself reflecting on his instruction and passing the pieces onto my students. If you can learn from him directly, don’t think twice."
Kyle Bissantz - Madison Scouts ’11
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