So nice to see someone actually show what they can’t do today or what they are working on. Great examples of how to isolate those issues and how to work them out.
I might add a dose of practised great humility too which can be many drummers' undoing as they think they are better than everyone just becos they roll faster than buddy rich...only not realising they cant keep time.😂😅
Can’t be too kind to someone so honest. The fact that you show flaws and show your own growth within your videos is the purest thing. Never change, Mike.
There are soooooo many great drummers/teachers on RUclips, some unbelievably talented. You might be as good as all of them, but it's you're specific taste in what you chose to play/improvise that makes you my favorite! So groovy, always tastefully locked in the pocket, but then some random crazy shit happens out of nowhere and then just as quickly it's back to normal, I love it
Dude, I love your videos. I'm a drummer of 20+ years and a high school music teacher. You have, in my opinion, the best educational and entertaining drumming content on RUclips. Awesome sauce, man!!
Any man that says "biscuits and buttercups" is a man that just holds a special place in my heart. Awesome video btw the only thing about watching someone as advanced as you is I'm going a long thinking I'm kicking ass and then I watch you play and then I'm like oh yeah , no I suck ass still lol practice practice practice
Enjoy all if your videos Mike. I’m paying a little more attention now that I’ve purchased your snare via Sweetwater…lots of choices but your videos sold me…thanks!
You say that like its a good thing. I let him borrow an old rogers and he brought it back just dripping with warm drum butter. Didn't even try to whipe it down. I blame the parents.
Playing those single strokes between the kick and hands is something I'm still trying to refine all the time. So easy in concept, but hard to execute at faster tempos. Doubles are easy to me, but those singles are wicked.
Are you freaking kidding me. You just gave me some great things/ideas to work out AND made it all make perfect sense with the intention of SOUNDING better. Thank you.
Been playing the drums all my life. Years of private lessons and studied at MI in Hollywood back in the day. I am also a teacher. To that, I want to commend you on your teaching strategy/ style. Very nice and understandable step by step processes for articulation and precision. I have already picked up a few tips from you! Always learning! Thank you. Have to add, I literally just broke out laughing mid way thru your video where you are voicing a pattern over an ostinato! LMFAO! Memories. One of our instructors (I believe it was Steve Houghton) at MI use to drill into us "Can't Sing, Can't Play" for Big Band Ensemble days. We would have to voice our phrasing reading the charts for short and longer notes. I HATED THAT CLASS! Was good for me though!
Also, Mike, I'm quite happy you've met Edu Ribeiro at Meinl's event. I consider him one of the greatest drummers in Brazil. In his workshop in my town last year, I was lucky enough to help him set his kit up while chatting. You both are key instructors in my journey.
Whoa! I thought I had it together as a drummer until I tried soloing over that songo bass drum thing. Also the "quarter note challenge" was a lot more of a challenge than I thought it was going to be! Both of those put me right outside my box, which is good because I need to step outside my box if I'm ever going to learn anything. Both of those patterns are now officially part of my practice routine.
Sometimes I find videos like this really encouraging and really defeating, the dichotomy is complex. I'm a begginer, trying to become self taught as that is my only option (unfortunately), and I appreciate that I can try to deveop a skill and see that it is possible. My problem may be that I'm not patient enough with myself or too preoccupied "copying" talented people, instead of finding my groove, so it was nice to see a part if you that I relate to. So, thank you? I hope I get there. ✌️
Biscuits and Buttercups! LOL! I don't like rating people , but Mike checks all the boxes with respect to making this difficult instrument fun to continuously keep learning and getting better.
This is actually a really good exercise concept. by exercise, I mean you can practice three things at the same time in one exercise, feel speed, poly rhythms, and independence
thanks Mike... I was very, very hooked on the video/mini master class... I understood everything (or almost, heh) and I imagined him playing it, tomorrow I have an appointment with that masterclass...
Love this. I do that songo pattern thing (and attempt to solo over it) quite frequently. Cool to see you suggest this. Running paradiddles around the kit, against that pattern, leads to some interesting things. Openhanded between the hihat and the snare is a fun one.
I'm a late convert to 16ths on the hats, and I love the way they can really drive a groove forward. It also makes it (for me) easier to place subdivisions in the groove. Great video!
Hi Mike. Sehr gut 😃. Ive Seen hundrefs of Drum Videos. Never have seen so many useful and inspiring stuff in such a short Video. Thanks and keep on drumming. ❤ Best regards from Germany, Marco
hey Mike, as I told you yesterday, today I was able to do it... I started with all the exercises step by step, and although I don't have them perfect, I did have the groove and the sound... of everything... But something more important ( for me at least) is that it opened my head and I had an orchestration all the time... and one more advance in my rhythmic independence... as well as some good fills based on your lesson. I love you Mike... you're very good at transmitting emotions on the drums. Hug and Greetings. Chelo.
This was very helpful. Like other comments I do appreciate you showing things are working on and are trying to perfect. Could you do a video on how to take advantage of your strengths perhaps? Just a thought I’ve never seen one on that topic.
Still going strong, sure has come a far way from back in the day. Even back then you were great. If I recall correctly do you remember the "Baby got back" cover lol MIKE U DA MAN!
Thanks for putting this together and sharing with the drummist community. PS - please tell us about that watch you're wearing. The primary function of a watch is to accurately keep time, with bonus points awarded for style. That applies to those that play the drum set as well. Would you mind identifying it? Thanks.
With the mic setting (mike setting 😂 got it? 😬😄) at 1:39 someone could think the floor tom has a higher tuning than the rack tom 😂 Thanks for this video! Really inspiring.
Always taking us "behind the curtain" to show us we aren't the only ones frustrated at times with this instrument we love so much. Thanks for always reminding us that those hours do equal powers and for making us strive to be a little better every day. Thankful for you and your time Mike! 🙏🥁🍵
You gotta patent or copyright that "BISCUITS and BUTTERCUPS!!!!!" line. You need that on a T-shirt yesterday. Lol. Also, this was incredibly tasty drumming and guidance. I dig it!
@@mikeslessons I can only speak for myself and what I am currently working on to improve, but I really enjoy linear fills and beats. I remember doing some lessons when I was a member on your wonderful site (sorry I had to pause it for a bit). The gospel chops guys really killed it and I always loved how they moved around the kit. Some content like that would be much appreciated. Thank you again! I hope I can get my membership back soon when things get better in the old cash flow department. The site was really awesome, and I'm sure it's even better now!
So nice to see someone actually show what they can’t do today or what they are working on. Great examples of how to isolate those issues and how to work them out.
I might add a dose of practised great humility too which can be many drummers' undoing as they think they are better than everyone just becos they roll faster than buddy rich...only not realising they cant keep time.😂😅
I'm just gonna say this real quick. Y'all are freaking AMAZING and way too kind. I appreciate all the comments.
Can’t be too kind to someone so honest. The fact that you show flaws and show your own growth within your videos is the purest thing. Never change, Mike.
Well deserved! ❤🤘🤟👍✌️
No kidding. I'd be blushing so hard if this many people were draping flowers over my head. You must be alright or something :)
That bass drum groove with the hi hat chick over it without any hands yet is sick! Mike, we are mortals.
Man U are so good😮
There are soooooo many great drummers/teachers on RUclips, some unbelievably talented. You might be as good as all of them, but it's you're specific taste in what you chose to play/improvise that makes you my favorite!
So groovy, always tastefully locked in the pocket, but then some random crazy shit happens out of nowhere and then just as quickly it's back to normal, I love it
Awesome..thanks
Dude, I love your videos. I'm a drummer of 20+ years and a high school music teacher. You have, in my opinion, the best educational and entertaining drumming content on RUclips. Awesome sauce, man!!
‘Chipping away’ - a great method. A helpful video.
Any man that says "biscuits and buttercups" is a man that just holds a special place in my heart. Awesome video btw the only thing about watching someone as advanced as you is I'm going a long thinking I'm kicking ass and then I watch you play and then I'm like oh yeah , no I suck ass still lol practice practice practice
mike is so real down to earth and doesn't try to overexplain sht. love it.
I love this and started air drumming. I.want to get back on my drum set. Thanks so very much for such practical information, Mike Johnson!🥰🥰🥰🥰....
8:32 I am trying to tell that everybody who is unsatisfied with their capabilities.
Thanks for this enriching content!
Groove on and be blessed.
Mike, you’re one of my favorites. Never stop, please👏🏻👏🏻
Biscuits and buttercups! what a great lesson Mike. Great ideas, I love it.
ooooweeee! biscuits and buttercups! Dude you are so talented and by far the best drum instructor I've seen. Keep up the great work man!
Loved this! Really needed it after my frustrating practice session today.
Thank you for sharing..good job👍
5:15 Look at this!!! Mennn you rock!
thanks for making such engaging, inspiring content. it's a crystal clear reminder that it's always time to go practice.
Your still the man! Appreciate you- still learning everyday from your content!
Mike you’re already phenomenal and it’s refreshing to see that there’s always room for growth. You’re also humble as bumble berry pie. ❤
Great show.. I've been playing drums for 50 years. And I just purchased the Meinl Mike Johnston box set. Wow. An amazing sounding set. Love them
You are showing what you can’t do yet as you are still working on. Another good reason to appreciate you as a person and of course to love even more
Much appreciated Al. We are all struggling with something and pretending like we aren't just makes no sense.
That groove idea at 5:40 is great!
It’s pretty amazing when I’m in a funk with my playing and I watch one of your videos and it completely rejuvenates me.
Thank you Mike!
Thanks Mike, you are always inspiring, and I love your energy.
Enjoy all if your videos Mike. I’m paying a little more attention now that I’ve purchased your snare via Sweetwater…lots of choices but your videos sold me…thanks!
You spend so much time making everything look so good lighting, transitions etc, really makes this fun to watch, like warm drum butter
🧈🔥
You say that like its a good thing. I let him borrow an old rogers and he brought it back just dripping with warm drum butter. Didn't even try to whipe it down. I blame the parents.
Fantastic. Thank you.
Playing those single strokes between the kick and hands is something I'm still trying to refine all the time. So easy in concept, but hard to execute at faster tempos. Doubles are easy to me, but those singles are wicked.
Are you freaking kidding me. You just gave me some great things/ideas to work out AND made it all make perfect sense with the intention of SOUNDING better. Thank you.
Love your drumming and your approach to teaching. Keep them coming Mike!
Been playing the drums all my life. Years of private lessons and studied at MI in Hollywood back in the day. I am also a teacher. To that, I want to commend you on your teaching strategy/ style.
Very nice and understandable step by step processes for articulation and precision. I have already picked up a few tips from you! Always learning! Thank you.
Have to add, I literally just broke out laughing mid way thru your video where you are voicing a pattern over an ostinato! LMFAO! Memories. One of our instructors (I believe it was Steve Houghton) at MI use to drill into us "Can't Sing, Can't Play" for Big Band Ensemble days. We would have to voice our phrasing reading the charts for short and longer notes. I HATED THAT CLASS! Was good for me though!
Great video as always Mike!
Biscuits, buttercups, and blueberry pie! That little tangent you went on was SPICY!
Lol, nice to see how you love what you're doing! I wish you all the best!
Always loved your transparency ❤
In my view Mike one of your best videos. Thanks very much. Bill.
Wow, that kind of video is just amazing. Thank you for those words of wisdom.
Also, Mike, I'm quite happy you've met Edu Ribeiro at Meinl's event. I consider him one of the greatest drummers in Brazil. In his workshop in my town last year, I was lucky enough to help him set his kit up while chatting. You both are key instructors in my journey.
This is awesome. As I hear a great teacher say one time..."embrace the (stuff you) suck (at)".
Awesomeness! An exact example of how video teaching should be done, but rarely is. The value of this lesson will go FAR, thanks for this
Whoa! I thought I had it together as a drummer until I tried soloing over that songo bass drum thing. Also the "quarter note challenge" was a lot more of a challenge than I thought it was going to be! Both of those put me right outside my box, which is good because I need to step outside my box if I'm ever going to learn anything. Both of those patterns are now officially part of my practice routine.
Sometimes I find videos like this really encouraging and really defeating, the dichotomy is complex. I'm a begginer, trying to become self taught as that is my only option (unfortunately), and I appreciate that I can try to deveop a skill and see that it is possible. My problem may be that I'm not patient
enough with myself or too preoccupied "copying" talented people, instead of finding my groove, so it was nice to see a part if you that I relate to.
So, thank you? I hope I get there. ✌️
Biscuits and Buttercups! LOL! I don't like rating people , but Mike checks all the boxes with respect to making this difficult instrument fun to continuously keep learning and getting better.
This is actually a really good exercise concept. by exercise, I mean you can practice three things at the same time in one exercise, feel speed, poly rhythms, and independence
You inspire me to explore beyond my comfort zone.
Hours = Powers
Learning much from your videos brother.. Love from India. Jesus bless you
thanks Mike... I was very, very hooked on the video/mini master class... I understood everything (or almost, heh) and I imagined him playing it, tomorrow I have an appointment with that masterclass...
I'm not sure who had more fun. You having fun teaching this, or me learning some new ways to practice
Love this. I do that songo pattern thing (and attempt to solo over it) quite frequently. Cool to see you suggest this. Running paradiddles around the kit, against that pattern, leads to some interesting things. Openhanded between the hihat and the snare is a fun one.
I'm a late convert to 16ths on the hats, and I love the way they can really drive a groove forward. It also makes it (for me) easier to place subdivisions in the groove. Great video!
great ideas! finally youtube drummer shows things he is still working and developing
"Buiscuts and Buttercups.." lol Mike's personality is awesome like his drumming is!
Nice UK drum show is in my home city..see ya there !
Thank you Michael...it never ends
Hi Mike. Sehr gut 😃. Ive Seen hundrefs of Drum Videos. Never have seen so many useful and inspiring stuff in such a short Video. Thanks and keep on drumming. ❤ Best regards from Germany, Marco
cool video - how is your kick drum tuned (it has a great sound)
hey Mike, as I told you yesterday, today I was able to do it... I started with all the exercises step by step, and although I don't have them perfect, I did have the groove and the sound... of everything... But something more important ( for me at least) is that it opened my head and I had an orchestration all the time... and one more advance in my rhythmic independence... as well as some good fills based on your lesson. I love you Mike... you're very good at transmitting emotions on the drums. Hug and Greetings. Chelo.
Biscuits and Buttercup! Love it. :)
This was very helpful. Like other comments I do appreciate you showing things are working on and are trying to perfect. Could you do a video on how to take advantage of your strengths perhaps? Just a thought I’ve never seen one on that topic.
So true, thanks. It is rare to see on RUclips what it actually takes to become a pro. Hours of practice and keep on trying.
Thank you for this!! Really great!!!
Outstanding! Fresh approach to teaching by example. Thank you from a 'well seasoned' drummer
Much, much appreciated Rupert 🙏🍵🙏🍵
premium lesson, thank you Mike!
Thank you for sharing Mike! Happy Drumming!!!
Bro when you go live with what you're working on 👌 genuine Af
Great video, Thanks Mike !
Still going strong, sure has come a far way from back in the day. Even back then you were great. If I recall correctly do you remember the "Baby got back" cover lol MIKE U DA MAN!
Fantastic, as always................
Thanks for putting this together and sharing with the drummist community. PS - please tell us about that watch you're wearing. The primary function of a watch is to accurately keep time, with bonus points awarded for style. That applies to those that play the drum set as well. Would you mind identifying it? Thanks.
This might be the first time I've seen one of your videos in nearly 15 years. That's wild.
Nice..... I love you explain and show all the stuff around the excercises.... thanks.
Can you do a tutorial of that foot ostinato 🙏 5:20
As well as that gadd groove at number 2
In addition to the useful lessons - Mike just comes across as a bloody good bloke
It’s all an act :) lol. Seriously though, thanks for the kind words :)
Verrryyyy nice Mr. Mike!! I have a question: How are the drums not bleeding into your lavalier when you talk? while you play?
That's a great question Joel. I actually have an on/off pedal right next to my hi-hat stand. Hope that helps :)
@mikeslessons o dang..
So hit hat, and mic pedal action 😆
You’re so cool, brother; always a joy to watch impressive like crazy without ever losing humility. Right on. 👊🏻
Great video. Real practice motivation
Love this Mike!! Thanks for sharing 🙌🏼👏🏼
With the mic setting (mike setting 😂 got it? 😬😄) at 1:39 someone could think the floor tom has a higher tuning than the rack tom 😂
Thanks for this video! Really inspiring.
Those overhead shots really make your rack tom look like it's tucked away in there. I would have so much trouble moving around that.
Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm going to subscribe. You are terrific
It has been my fantasy for the LONGEST to be able to play what I hear in my head… Like you said Mike,”PRACTICE!”
Mike has the cleanest sounding drums on RUclips, right up there with Carter McLean
You da best Mikey. God bless ya 😎
Always taking us "behind the curtain" to show us we aren't the only ones frustrated at times with this instrument we love so much. Thanks for always reminding us that those hours do equal powers and for making us strive to be a little better every day. Thankful for you and your time Mike! 🙏🥁🍵
Hey Mike, thanks for a great video! Really looking forward to seeing you at the Meinl drum fest! :)
Damn good to see you posting Mike!
It's good to be seen. I hope you enjoy the lesson. There will be MANY more posts here as soon as my drum camp season is done!
You gotta patent or copyright that "BISCUITS and BUTTERCUPS!!!!!" line. You need that on a T-shirt yesterday. Lol.
Also, this was incredibly tasty drumming and guidance. I dig it!
See you at the Meinl Drum Festival!
This was really helpful, thanks!
Super cool, super nice, super smooth Mike. Awesome skillage.
Much appreciated my friend 🙏🍵🙏🍵
I have my own take on the quarter note challenge but instead on the snare, I either do it on the left foot (hat) or right foot (kick)
Bro! When did you start incorporating mics for the toms?? 😲😲😲
Love your energy and lessons! Thank you for always inspiring and teaching us cool new chops and concepts!
So glad you enjoyed it Nick! Any requests for the future?
@@mikeslessons I can only speak for myself and what I am currently working on to improve, but I really enjoy linear fills and beats. I remember doing some lessons when I was a member on your wonderful site (sorry I had to pause it for a bit). The gospel chops guys really killed it and I always loved how they moved around the kit. Some content like that would be much appreciated. Thank you again! I hope I can get my membership back soon when things get better in the old cash flow department. The site was really awesome, and I'm sure it's even better now!
As always super nice video with super useful content thanks a lot 😁
Great video just subscribed
Mike, love it mate! ❤
Dude! Really cool. Shows how a drummer should work.
So 1-warm-up on the layout and feel of the kit, 2-play a groove and try to break out of it musically and 3-solo against an ostinato
Such an awesome video! Always learning from your videos Mike!