FOREWORD

Because Buddy Rich said so—that’s why.

Why you’re reading this book, that is.

Let me back up a bit and explain . . .

When I first started playing drums in 1996, long before the internet was mainstream, I fuelled my obsession to learn and grow as a drummer by watching VHS tapes, DVDs, and listening to audio recordings about drumming. One of the tapes I came across in my endless quest for more was an interview with Buddy Rich. I truly admired this legendary virtuoso on the kit, so I hung on to every word he said.

In this recording, Buddy was talking about what it means to be a drummer. Although I never wrote down his ideas word for word, I remember how he insisted there’s no such a thing as a “rock drummer” or “jazz drummer”. He said we should all just be drummers: when you show up at the gig, be prepared to play any style and just be a “drummer”.

Like all wide-eyed kids listening to their heroes, I took his advice to heart. It really stuck with me—to the point that as I studied with almost a dozen private teachers during the next two years that I played drums, I relentlessly pestered each of them to show me different styles. That’s how I learned about jazz, funk, Latin, rock, and many others.

I never became a master at any of them, and I’m still not a master of any style to this day. But I got much more versatile as a drummer, and I definitely improved at playing rock, funk, and fusion—the genres I’ve always been best at. There’s no doubt about it: developing a basic working understanding of all the other genres has helped me become a better drummer. I’ll always be grateful to Buddy Rich for how his advice started me on a journey that’s been fun, rewarding, and most of all, effective.

I’m 37 years old as I write this. I’ve been playing drums for 20 years and teaching for 15. I have been part of so many incredible things in the drumming community and am always grateful for the job I get to do. One of the best parts of my job is the opportunity to help aspiring drummers develop their potential. I’m often asked for advice on the best ways to do this.

I always start by explaining that it’s really hard for drummers to differentiate their art in the current music business landscape. That’s why my number one recommendation to drummers who want to play professionally is to specialize. Every drummer is unique. Each of you has your own sound, feel, and style that gives you personality on the instrument—and that’s what will get you noticed. So focus on making your strengths stronger, I always tell drummers. The stronger you make your strengths, the more of yourself you will become on the drums.

Now, that may sound like it runs counter to Buddy’s advice. But I’m not saying you shouldn’t study other styles. You should! While there’s no way you can become a virtuoso in every style (unless you’re Vinnie, of course), you can become an amazing [insert the style you’re best at here] drummer. Believe it or not, the best pathway to get you there is developing a basic understanding of all the styles, and that’s where The Drummer’s Toolbox comes in.

Because I’m certain that versatility is such a core component of becoming a more successful drummer, I long ago dreamed up the idea to publish a pocket-sized book on diverse drumming styles so that a drummer could easily pull out this toolbox and get the right tool for the jobs that present themselves at the gig or in the practice room. And after the success of The Best Beginner Drum Book, which I co-wrote with our Drumeo wunderkind, Brandon Toews, I knew he was the best man for this job.

What Brandon has created here is a bit more than “pocket-sized” (although if you’re using the e-book version it just might be!), but it’s everything I dreamed of—and more. I started teaching Brandon drums in 2013, and he is absolutely the best student I have ever taught. He is what I call “confidently coachable”, which means he believes he can do anything, but he also understands how important it is to take advice from others.

That’s exactly the attitude a drummer needs to learn a variety of styles and become more versatile, so you can be confident you’re learning from the best here. This attitude is also the mindset you’ll want to take on as you navigate this mammoth tome. That, and a few energy drinks, maybe. Brandon left practically no stone unturned here in his obsession to help you learn and grow as a drummer.

The Drummer’s Toolbox isn’t meant to be a book you “finish”. It’s kind of the opposite: it will only further reinforce that when it comes to drumming, the more you know, the more you realize you don’t know. That’s not a bad thing—although it can feel frustrating at times. Just remember, you’re on an epic journey, and you get to learn this amazing instrument! Before long, you’ll be having too much fun to be frustrated: you’ll just be grateful you can enjoy the process.

But don’t thank me. Thank Buddy, and thank Brandon.

To your drumming success,