I learned linear playing out of Gary Chaffee books back in the 80’s and have occasionally used it throughout the years, it’s fun to do during some solos. I don’t think it’s necessarily bad but if it’s all your doing it does get old. I’ve found it fun to play at slower tempos and funk style things.
Blake Kole you took the words are of my hands...i actually hate this type of drumming, but i do respect the guys who are masters at doing it. because after all it is a skill
You nailed it this video. I fell into the "linear trap" when I was younger as well. My first time playing Sunday service at church is a great example of this. I can remember having 16th note fill ins and was playing more than less. At the time I thought it was cool, but down the line I definitely started to really listen to the music, and not focus so much on my drumming and came up with a term I call "Musically correct" (I know it sounds silly on paper). I still like busting out chops and play technical, But listening to the music and starting with the back beat and building off of that helped my drumming and my musicianship over the years.
Excellent points that you made. I like the fact that you didn’t shut down “G-Chops”, but made it relevant and gave understanding to how to utilize the style within the concept of MUSIC👍🏾
Sidebar: I had a friend who didn't agree that you should relax and even stop playing at all sometimes, let the other players take over. You'd jam a 5 minute song - him on guitar - and he'd be noodling the ENTIRE FUCKING TIME
I gotta say though, the few drummers that can incorporate linear drumming ARTISTICALLY into their playing create a whole new level of musicality. But I still agree with you Rob (like always)!
I agree... it’s like anything in drumming. If it’s done well and in the right moment it’s incredible and CATHARTIC. That’s the point. Look at Eric Harland, Mike Mitchell, Justin Tyson, Thomas Pridgen, Justin Brown. What they’re doing is innovative and musical as hell
I’ve just spent the last six months getting some g-chops, I now have a bunch of fills I’ll never use - or worse still, that I will use. Great advice Rob. It has been useful for independence and grouping though
@@mathias841 Just that, I went through the combinations finding phases that I liked and flowed. Different groupings, starting at different points in the bar. Keep it simple, flow, dynamics
I am still a young drummer myself(23) and mostly into metal music (one of my fav drummers is Brann Dailor from the band Mastodon). But I always recognized the importance of the „classical“ drumming like Jazz etc. I find it alot harder to play because of the complex structure and thats why I want to learn it, like you explained to extend my drum vocabulary and to get in more variety in my playing. It helps so much for almost every aspect and expands the creativity to play. I find you on youtube due to searching how to get the best sound of a basedrum. Eversince I sticked to your channel cause its so helpful and you seem to be such a genuine and honest person who can give you the tips and tricks to become a better classical and overall good drummer. Thank you and keep the great and instructive videos on. Sry for my grammar mistakes, greetings from Switzerland.
Your grammar is impressive for English not being your native language. Like Rob said, most Americans can't spell , punctuate or form understandable sentences that continue to run on to another without any pauses. They get offended when I try to do them a favor by helping them understand the errors in their grammar that is just sad bc it just reflects at how far behind we (Americans) are in the education system compared to the rest of the world. Idk who is at fault really. The education system or the lack of respect for learning proper grammar and spelling in general. Sorry for the rant. I'm not a teacher or even perfect at it myself but when I see blatant elementary errors it can be irritating that ppl don't care to correct it.
Gary Chaffee's linear concept is very easy to understand - always lead with the right hand, play an even number of notes with the hands, and then play one or two notes on the bass drum before starting with the right hand again. So for example, you could play 8 notes as 4+BD+2+BD, and it's grouped as 5+3. Combinations of longer phrases that avoid downbeats (or beats in general), and how you orchestrate and accent the notes around the drumset, is what makes it cool and difficult. David Garibaldi's concept is mostly linear, but he also plays two notes at the same time. As he described, the Soul Vaccination groove was based on the Swiss triplet sticking. You'll find that flam/double stop "note overlap" all over his playing - for example, two 16th notes on the snare and two on the hi-hat, with the 2nd snare note and the 1st hi-hat note played at the same time, in the aforementioned Soul Vaccination. One person who doesn't seem to get mentioned much is Terry Bozzio (even though I think most of us are familiar with U.S. Drag). His concept really is anything in any order, not structured like Chaffee's. His was based on Dahlgren & Fine's 4-Way Coordination. He sounds amazing, but you have to really know what you're doing - musically, not technically - to make it work, as there aren't really any limitations to keep you from going off the rails. These guys are musical as hell with linear drumming. G chops is a travesty. I don't even think it's that big a deal. If you want to show off technique, something like improvising over left foot clave is much more impressive than a super-fast linear chops-fest IMHO.
About time about time. Big Shoutout Mr. Rob Brown thank you thank you. I've waited a very longtime for someone to step up and represent about this Linear Trap style. And I agree witn you 100%. There's so much to drumming vs linear Trap Gchops. I've played over 30 years. Soca,Calypso,R&B,Soul,HipHop mostly. The linear style I used for practicing not showcasing it on stage. I like to keep the crowd moving.
Hello Rob. I'm a self taught drummer and I think there are many traps to fall as a self taught drummer! Would like to see a video that has some must know and must avoid things for us self taught drummers. Thanks brother!
NOW we're talking. Question: Why are Ringo and Charlie Watts so great? . . . . A really great musician leaves some space that the listener (YOU!) can fill. They trust your fantasy. They let you come into the music.
I been playing guitar for almost 20 years and have decided to take up the drums to record my own pieces. The advice here is taken so much appreciated, bud. Thank you
Rob, I completely agree with you. Its as if its become a spectator sport rather than anything musical. Even the great Buddy Rich himself who always played like he had something to prove was keenly aware that there is a time and place for that kind of stuff. Its called a solo. Love the channel! Thanks Man!
Rob... making this video is so brave and so smart of you! Thank you!! I hope as a drumming community we can continue to embrace the power of linear drumming, while still remembering all of the incredible things that have been done without it. I love seeing super balanced drummers that know how to do all of the "new" and all of the "old"! Those are the best ones!! 😉
Beginner drummer here, (got my kit less then a week ago.) I've just started listening to the Japanese band called "Toe" and the drummer Kashikura Takashi, in my opinion makes the drums sound super beautiful and poetic. After reading some comments I heard it was called "Linear drumming" and that's how I got here. This video was great and will help me keep on track thanks.
I love your playing and teaching Rob. I’m an Elementary School Music Teacher and composer and can say that you have a beautiful talent in presenting applicable concepts and drumming technique.
Really appreciate this video Rob. I am a younger drummer and I’m guilty of falling into this linear “rut” so to speak. Really helpful. I think everyone should expand their musical vocabulary, and not stick to just one style.
I'm not quite an old guy yet, but I'm certainly not young anymore either. I want to learn this stuff, but I don't ever want to stop being a musical/groove type player. I appreciate your opinion on this, and I'm glad to hear so many others feel the same way.
Hey Rob One of your most important video's to date. A voice of reason in a cacophany of ultra fast 32's. There's a place for it in drumming, but increasingly that place looks more and more to be at the Olympics rather than anything musical. Kudo's to those that can do it through a 5 minute solo. Technically tough for me. But I'd much rather drop in a beat or two of 32's to embelish a phrase in a solo, rather than chop 32's all the way through. But what do l know? Thanks Rob.
Hi Rob, Great video. I studied with Gary Chaffee in West Roxbury Boston, Ma. at his house, downstairs in 1997-98? and it was nice to see you mention him. You are spot on. His books on linear time functioning patterns kicked my ass. He is the master at this and the drumming patterns I've learned to this day are still with me. He kicked my ass for 6-8months back then as I was and still am a huge Dave Weckl fan but couldn't figure out his styles and it was worth every penny. Great instructor. This style in Moderation with Dynamics is great.
I was 17 years old (59) today... I was studying with Jim Blackley in Toronto... He told me, be careful you don't fall into that trap As long as you use it in a musical way, and try to think about it as a musical phrase, not muscle memory phrase... Rob! I am so glad you brought this up...
There are so many rabbit holes and very deep wells in drumming , take any variation to it's limits . And it gets deep quick !! Great message as always Rob !!
Over focusing on “G chops” makes using high quality samples with midi files much more attractive to producers and other musicians. BUT, right ON with the Gary Chafee style. So musical! Bottom line, you need more than technical chops to avoid getting replaced by software. Great video!
New to this channel. Just wanna shout out and say this has been one of the most informative and influential channels on RUclips for drumming. I know I'm late so I have a lot to catch up on. currently just turned 29 and basically relearning everything I overlooked through my journey. My pop Michael McGloiry and uncle David Daniel highly recommend watching you and I've been getting immensely better since turning in. This videos confirmed a lot of my theories on this subject so I'm glad that somebody has put it out there for the world to know. - bless
Amen. Four way independence and feel are 100x more difficult to master in imho. Agreed with the Chaffee comment. His books are intense. Years of work are required to really absorb the material. Don't get me wrong. I love g chops and many of the up and coming drummers that play in the linear style. But I agree it is limiting. Love your channel. You are one the most on point,lucid and poignant presenters on ytube. Great stuff!!
While Linear Drumming is an extremely efficient chops, endurance and metronomic time exercise, to many it has become an 'end-all be-all' thing. It's a string of rudiments are drumming katas to a musical metronome. The drum performance trends to dull homogenization that isn't readily apparent to a lot of people.
Many years ago I had a couple jam sessions where everyone was playing like this (drummer, other guitarist, cello player). I found it rather frustrating, as it just creates a bunch of noise in the end, rather than a coherent musical piece. Used sparingly, a little can add some spice, but if that's all you do, no one's going to want to listen. Kind of like blast beats in metal.
I wish I had another set of hands....so I could give this video 4 thumbs up!! The fact that you touched on the "pros and cons" of this type of linear drumming made it digestible. Again thank you man!
As has been said, if one incorporates some linear playing into their own personal style, cool. If one's style is predominantly "linear", then it might get to be like bad wallpaper.
You and Ash Soan have quickly become my favorite drummers on social media. Ash is an excellent example of less is more with an insane pocket. You guys are amazing musicians and something a drummer should aspire to achieve on a musical level. Thank you for all of the free information.
A really useful topic choice. I have sometimes felt too many drummers rely upon blazing speed and fast blast beats with blistering double bass playing and I don't hear musicality, so it is great the approach that you took in this video. I completely agree that linear drumming has a place and is useful but not at the expense of the music.
I actually agree with you, because as a drummer who utilizes the linear style primarily, as I matured I’ve always admired those who’ve mastered, or has a wide vocabulary of non linear beats. So, I built those muscles up to play non linear as well. It’s what separates the boys from the men. Drummers that don’t stay trapped in one specific style. “Liked”
Spot on Rob!!! I’ve had this conversation with a very well known drummer that actually stopped doing clinics for a while because he felt his playing was being misinterpreted as the very thing you speak of. The sad truth is it’s very rare to hear anything new with a lot of the younger players. Not that they aren’t great technicians but most of them sound alike. It’s like the difference between someone constantly yelling and a decent conversation.
Totally dig this. I started drumming on funk grooves. They're not hard... but absolutely non-linear. When jamming with my band, i tease the guitar player with fills he calls bubble bursts. Thanks for this video
Interesting post. I'm old school, old guy, back beat drummer. I can see the value in this style, if nothing else, being able to pull it off in the right situations. Plus as you point out, in warming up. Vinny C is one of the best. Love his playing with Bernie Hancock. By the way man, love your videos. I've learned so much from you. Thank you.
Just seen this video for the First time today, its been out for 4 years & This video was RIGHT ON!✅️ Now today more than Ever. EVERY Video is a Linear phrase to practice. It's fun but does get old.
Hm I'm kind of confused about what linear drumming is. I always thought of it as just not hitting two drums simultaneously, and it’s something that I think of as an "old school" style - like a Cissy Strut kind of groove. I'm thinking of David Garibaldi, Steve Gadd, etc. Anyway love your videos Rob!
Brave video, 55 year old hobby drummer , who grew up pre linear playing and whilst appreciating the incredibly high skills level now, just finding some of the vamp/ soloing a sort of white noise experience . Thought it was just me given the huge popularity of the videos . Great channel :-)
Nice video Rob. As always, very insightful and informative. Now for all the "G chop" haters out there, I have a few points I'd like to bring up: 1) much of the linear vocabulary is dirived from some of the most "musical" drummers in the history of our instrument. Big Sid Catlett, Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Jack Dejohnette, and Steve Gadd are just a few of the masters who pioneered this part of the venacular. 2) Some people say things like "it's all about the groove" or " I'm a pocket drummer" as if drumming is only about a singular conception or there is only one valid approach. Even some of the most groove oriented players in any style, people like James Gadson, Clyde Stubblefield, Bernard Purdie, Jim Keltner, ?uestlove, Ringo Star, Art Taylor or Jimmy Cobb play music and not just groove or time. They acknowledge the tune, form, significant accents, phrasing around the melody and lyric, etc. Linear vocab is another tool in the box to help us better do this! 3) yes, many of the G choppers play loud as hell. But perhaps the music they are playing calls for that. This particular movement has brought a unique attention to the drummer for the first time, and allowed drummers to play in a purely drumistic way as a solo instrument in popular music with programmed or heavily synthetic sounds. Not since the big band era have so many virtuoso drummers been so heavily featured in popular music, at least in the live context. Ok, I'm off my soap box. I don't really play that way, by the way, but do appreciate it.
Yes totally 100 percent spot on Rob; been saying this for a long while and finally someone putting this out! A lot of drumming today sounds the same with with all this chops stuff and very little or no musicality
First of all, I want to thank you for your videos. You tell it like it is and I respect that. Regarding the whole Linear / Gospel Chops thing, I've been waiting for someone to comment on this. I can't find any popular music that has that kind of drumming in it. While it sounds impressive to other drummers, it sounds really bad when you need to play a song that requires simple playing. I hope some of the drummers watching this will take what you said to heart.
As I was watching this, man I was hoping you would possibly get to THE MAN of linear timekeeping. And yes, you did ! Thanks for mentioning Gary Chaffee... I was exposed to this stuff 20 years ago and loved it. Gary Chaffee is the Guru of linear playing as you stated.. so from there, we have Mike Clark and David Garibaldi - these 3 cats are my inspiration for this... good video Rob... I think many young cats over play these days whether it’s in a linear mode or stacked fashion.. it’s become a math class and a competition.... and as we all know, the magic is the music - not how many, not how fast we can stuff a bunch of notes in a measure of time... Grroove on brother
Loved this. The point about that style of drumming lacking musicality is the biggest issue I have with it. So much of what makes cool ideas / grooves is the space in between notes. That space doesn't really exist within G chops. As you say, Rob, learn it, utilise it by all means, but don't become *dependent* on it.
Outstanding video Rob. I was thinking of Gary Chafee all along and then you came up with a shoutout at about the 11 minute mark. I’ve been using some of his texts to develop this concept and it’s like you said, it goes deep. I think David Garibaldi is another guy who uses linear concepts musically and tastefully in his groove patterns. I’ve been practicing the linear concept for quite some time to expand my fill vocabulary and grooves. I like how you described G-chops drumming as “fireworks“
@jarroncobb.... Nope, pretty sure it still sounds like a defective washing machine/dish washer. I'm sure you can play it, just like all the rest of us here....
Mad respect for your take. Once in awhile I enjoy watching and learning to play fast. There is a place for every type and style of percussion. That said ,groove is king. Got a better kit recently, doing better with the things that you taught me. Many thanks , both your skills and your teaching is pure inspiration.
As a fusion guitarist, I appaud this video. This goes for every instrument. It’s about sonic real estate and songs need balance. There is a time and place for everything, including fast chops. But it’s about balance and the song.
Some of my all time favorite licks from the Fusion in the 70’s were linear but always done SUPER musically. It’s some of the coolest stuff but a person can also pick up a guitar and get tab and shred with no regard for music, it just makes them sound competent and cool.
Thanks for the fluid output.i found many years ago that playing various percussion instruments ,even just a tasteful cowbell ,was a remedy to getting stuck in the machine like habit.Also taught me to sit back and listen in a much sort of wider manner,so I could put in things with more taste.Then coming back on the kit with that frame of approach .In the long run its just one more fluid expression ,like the difference from studying dance and dancing when you feel it.thanks for your time.
It's a great focus for progressive music that is based on linearity, intended to push and swell towards a climactic section in a song/track. But most of the time a basic groove is all that is needed (and wanted) from the drummer. Taking a step back is usually more musical than going bombastic behind the kit. Great video!
I’ve been using this as an exercise to be fluid on the drum set. If you add the quarter note, off beat or eight note in the hi hat (with foot) it turns in to a life long coordination exercise. When you’ve worked up a little capacity with this, instead of just blowing note, try to create musical phrases with accents and repetitive combinations so you give the listener something to latch on to.
Hey Rob, really enjoy your Channel. Thanks for all the hard work you put into it, means a lot to me. Just wanted to say thank you for touching on this subject. I've been playing the better part of 52 years now. And while there's no doubt at all that guys like Tony Royster jr. & Chris Coleman are just human phenomenon, I can't seem to listen to it for very long. But I could listen to Shannon Larkin playing Voodoo all day long. That's just something that really fascinates me. I love the linear style of drumming. In no way have I come close to mastering it. I look at myself as always being a beginner drummer. I try not to lose that attitude either. I love watching other drummers and try to glean as much as possible from them. Thanks again brother
As a drummer, I think every person should know there place in their band. Each person has their job and need to fulfill their roll with the right context .
I have been playing drums for 30 years and heard about linear fills at least 15 years ago and even learned a few fills but the concept was so primitive that it was just limited. Now it incorporates grooves and rudiments to add more color to the style. I agree with not getting trapped in the linear zone bc there still needs to be things to be learned like hand and feet independence and interdependence as well as layering one groove on top of another groove with your hands and feet at the same time. The linear style is just a memory exercise in how many notes you can play consecutively and just freestyling it.
I'm 68 and just discovered these fills. A lot of fun to play and practice. Gives a good feeling of accomplishment when you finally get it. But for gawd sake keep the groove and don't overdo them!
Well said. It definitely has its place, but as you said, it should not be the ultimate, one and only goal. I have actually learned how to do it . . . but yeah, I couldn't do that all the time. It gets old . . . and it's exhausting to do . . . and to listen to after a while. And you're absolutely right, it's great for warming up. Thanks for the video. Great advice. Keep up the great work!
Wow this is just what I thought. Now you make me understand why I am not that impressed with the current drum scene. I can't agree more on what you said. Great job Rob.
This is exactly what i tell my students. The whole Linear thing is a tool in your bag of tricks. It's not about -Not having it..it's about using it in moderation and with musicality. Great lesson Rob.
Hey Rob! Love the video man, I've been a drum teacher for close to 3 years now and I do teach linear chops; BUT I teach them only when it's musically appropriate to the song that we're learning. But I also teach rudimental chops and tying the two together and it really helps my students; as well as they have a lot of fun. I also have a discussion of where something like this is appropriate in a band situation.
Hi Rob, great vid as always. I wasn't hip to this as being a particular "style" of playing drums., but when I first saw you doing it, the first drummer that came to mind was Steve Smith. On Jean-Luc Ponty's "Enigmatic Ocean," Smith puts that type of drumming (at least in my eyes) into play and does it in a very musical way. A good portion of the album is at a fast tempo. I think he even uses this technique on the slower tempo tunes. Give it a listen and let me know what you think. (Enigmatic Ocean, part 2 is a fast cut)
My first exposure to a basic linear beat came from The Minutemen. They can be a cool way to create a rhythmically complex groove while playing minimal notes. Noise rock bands like Shellac, The Jesus Lizard, Il Teatro degli Orrori and Mclusky use a lot of hybrid strait/linear grooves. That technique can give the push and pull that makes drums part of the overall composition, instead of just an accompaniment. It’s like the drums playing a riff complimentary to the guitar or bass. This g-chops thing seems to me like shredding on the drums. It’s nice if you can do it, but it’s more athletic than artistic. Anyway. I dig your vids and I’m stoked that you can put stuff out there that is relatable and informative across styles and genres. Thanks, homes.
Rob you are my favorite drum instructor on drumeo and your channel. A lot of your videos have made me a much better drummer. Hats off to you sir. Thank you! Earl Evans aka Misfits on the kit.
great video - Its my first time hearing about this type of drumming. Im an old drummer and I always say "I get gigs because of how I can't play". Any fill where the band turns a looks back is a no-go... thanks a lot for the video.
I've always said G-Chops are like The Globetrotters. Cool to watch, but nobody really wants to watch an 82 game season of it. People want to groove and dance. I'd rather catch somebody in a head nod groove than their jaw on the floor standing still due to chops. Let's not forget what drums are for.
This is how I look at people like Bucket Head yeah he can play faster than anyone, but it doesn't really do much for me and it gets annoying to me after a few minutes.
@@JM-ll6hd must be because everyone who tries to impress me with him it's always videos of him playing so fast it's sounds like a blender and anything else I've heard doesn't do much for me ...if you like it more power to ya
Back in the day there was a guy with tons of chops in my town , but I always got the call with half the chops because I made the music feel good first and foremost.
100% agreed! Jim Blackley warned me about thinking that way way too much...Kids, work on syncopation not just the Gary Chaffee books! Again....What Rob is saying (and I agree) Don't make this concept 50% or 100% of your vocabulary. ....make it 10% of what you work on and pick up and study 9 other concepts....Like Garibaldi two sound level concept. ..With permutations. ...The 25 ways of using syncopation as in Alan Dawsons book....another one of Steve Smiths and Vininies teachers... Good video once again Rob! Your sounding great! !
*HEY Y'ALL! CHECK THIS VIDEO OUT THEN CHIME IN WITH YOUR THOUGHTS* 🤔
Great video! Thanks👍
Completely agree Rob, great to have the linear chops when needed but having a solid groove and feel pays the bills
I learned linear playing out of Gary Chaffee books back in the 80’s and have occasionally used it throughout the years, it’s fun to do during some solos. I don’t think it’s necessarily bad but if it’s all your doing it does get old. I’ve found it fun to play at slower tempos and funk style things.
Man, u are a master teacher. Great drummer also. Ive learned a lot from your videos. Peace, on the 1
Rob Brown appreciate this video my guy 💯👍🏽
"Skills give chills, but groove pays the bills" - Steve Gadd
I'm not even old, and I felt what you were saying.
Love it
In Gadd we trust!
Its about damn time someone said this.
Blake Kole you took the words are of my hands...i actually hate this type of drumming, but i do respect the guys who are masters at doing it. because after all it is a skill
Lol so why hes always speaking so much...
Amen
Fricken right! :-)
ABOUT. DAMN.TIME.
"G-chops" is the pentatonic sweep of drums.
gokblok hahaha 😂
Yeah.
Van Allen most professionals auditioning drummers don’t want a wall of crap. They want space and professional playing with thought and groove
Lol, nice one!!
Honestly drum channels make drums seem like a martial art more than music expression.
Lol so true
They are my man.
Wow I agree with you!
.....you still called it art though. Haha.
Well said 👍
"12 year olds wildin' out on the kit" had me dying 😂😂
You nailed it this video.
I fell into the "linear trap" when I was younger as well.
My first time playing Sunday service at church is a great example of this.
I can remember having 16th note fill ins and was playing more than less.
At the time I thought it was cool, but down the line I definitely started to really listen to the music, and not focus so much on my drumming and came up with a term I call "Musically correct" (I know it sounds silly on paper).
I still like busting out chops and play technical,
But listening to the music and starting with the back beat and building off of that helped my drumming and my musicianship over the years.
Excellent points that you made. I like the fact that you didn’t shut down “G-Chops”, but made it relevant and gave understanding to how to utilize the style within the concept of MUSIC👍🏾
Stuart, Jr Barrett true dat. Good balance
In other words, don’t throw a solo over the whole damn song.
Here’s the question we should always ask ourselves... “Does what we’re playing support the music?”
It's all about the groove!
Sidebar: I had a friend who didn't agree that you should relax and even stop playing at all sometimes, let the other players take over. You'd jam a 5 minute song - him on guitar - and he'd be noodling the ENTIRE FUCKING TIME
What music?
Gospel chops drummer
Well said.
@@thebrad2136 yea screw that guy I hate guitar players and especially drum players that just play whatever comes to mind
I gotta say though, the few drummers that can incorporate linear drumming ARTISTICALLY into their playing create a whole new level of musicality. But I still agree with you Rob (like always)!
Martin who are they? Haha.
DavidBcg Bro. Robert Sput Searight. Larnell Lewis. Mike Mitchell. So many more. Look em up!!
I agree... it’s like anything in drumming. If it’s done well and in the right moment it’s incredible and CATHARTIC. That’s the point. Look at Eric Harland, Mike Mitchell, Justin Tyson, Thomas Pridgen, Justin Brown. What they’re doing is innovative and musical as hell
DavidBcg Also matt garstka
It’s still way too much and Unnecessary
You are by far the most balanced cat on RUclips
Thanks, man 🙂
I’ve just spent the last six months getting some g-chops, I now have a bunch of fills I’ll never use - or worse still, that I will use.
Great advice Rob.
It has been useful for independence and grouping though
how did you learn it ? I'm considering buying Gary Chaffee's book but maybe I just need to work RKRK LKLK RLKK and combining them
@@mathias841 Just that, I went through the combinations finding phases that I liked and flowed. Different groupings, starting at different points in the bar. Keep it simple, flow, dynamics
This guy just gave FOR FREE an invaluable lesson for EVERY young and up and coming drummer. This message is spot on and should NOT be taken lightly.
when we are young we cant afford anything so makes sense
I am still a young drummer myself(23) and mostly into metal music (one of my fav drummers is Brann Dailor from the band Mastodon). But I always recognized the importance of the „classical“ drumming like Jazz etc. I find it alot harder to play because of the complex structure and thats why I want to learn it, like you explained to extend my drum vocabulary and to get in more variety in my playing. It helps so much for almost every aspect and expands the creativity to play.
I find you on youtube due to searching how to get the best sound of a basedrum. Eversince I sticked to your channel cause its so helpful and you seem to be such a genuine and honest person who can give you the tips and tricks to become a better classical and overall good drummer.
Thank you and keep the great and instructive videos on.
Sry for my grammar mistakes, greetings from Switzerland.
Respect ... young friend.
(& your grammar was fine)
Trust me. Your grammar is a good 8 times better than a lot of North Americans out here these days ✅Shout out to Switzerland 🇨🇭
@@RobBeatdownBrownyeah what you said.
Your grammar is impressive for English not being your native language.
Like Rob said, most Americans can't spell , punctuate or form understandable sentences that continue to run on to another without any pauses. They get offended when I try to do them a favor by helping them understand the errors in their grammar that is just sad bc it just reflects at how far behind we (Americans) are in the education system compared to the rest of the world. Idk who is at fault really. The education system or the lack of respect for learning proper grammar and spelling in general.
Sorry for the rant. I'm not a teacher or even perfect at it myself but when I see blatant elementary errors it can be irritating that ppl don't care to correct it.
Gary Chaffee's linear concept is very easy to understand - always lead with the right hand, play an even number of notes with the hands, and then play one or two notes on the bass drum before starting with the right hand again. So for example, you could play 8 notes as 4+BD+2+BD, and it's grouped as 5+3. Combinations of longer phrases that avoid downbeats (or beats in general), and how you orchestrate and accent the notes around the drumset, is what makes it cool and difficult.
David Garibaldi's concept is mostly linear, but he also plays two notes at the same time. As he described, the Soul Vaccination groove was based on the Swiss triplet sticking. You'll find that flam/double stop "note overlap" all over his playing - for example, two 16th notes on the snare and two on the hi-hat, with the 2nd snare note and the 1st hi-hat note played at the same time, in the aforementioned Soul Vaccination.
One person who doesn't seem to get mentioned much is Terry Bozzio (even though I think most of us are familiar with U.S. Drag). His concept really is anything in any order, not structured like Chaffee's. His was based on Dahlgren & Fine's 4-Way Coordination. He sounds amazing, but you have to really know what you're doing - musically, not technically - to make it work, as there aren't really any limitations to keep you from going off the rails.
These guys are musical as hell with linear drumming. G chops is a travesty. I don't even think it's that big a deal. If you want to show off technique, something like improvising over left foot clave is much more impressive than a super-fast linear chops-fest IMHO.
About time about time. Big Shoutout Mr. Rob Brown thank you thank you. I've waited a very longtime for someone to step up and represent about this Linear Trap style. And I agree witn you 100%. There's so much to drumming vs linear Trap Gchops. I've played over 30 years. Soca,Calypso,R&B,Soul,HipHop mostly. The linear style I used for practicing not showcasing it on stage. I like to keep the crowd moving.
Yup. Nothin' will clear a dance floor faster than a string of 32nd notes
Hello Rob. I'm a self taught drummer and I think there are many traps to fall as a self taught drummer! Would like to see a video that has some must know and must avoid things for us self taught drummers. Thanks brother!
Try drumeo or somewhere else.
Jaakko T Stephen Taylor just put out a great video about this
This!!!!!
Very good suggestion
Jaakko T look up Peter Erskine instructional videos, especially swing. Erskine is one of the most musical drummers ever and a great teacher.
Linear Trap is equivalent to a lead guitar player that never stops playing leads during a song and loses the groove. The groove is what matters :)
5:35 "It's not so you can get up on stage and pull your pants down." Hahaha. That's a great way to put it. So true though.
Phil Collins said something to the effect of "It's the notes you don't play.".
That goes with any instrument, conversation or interaction in life, too. Also: what are you saying when you aren't saying anything? Powerful concept.
NOW we're talking.
Question: Why are Ringo and Charlie Watts so great?
. . . .
A really great musician leaves some space that the listener (YOU!) can fill.
They trust your fantasy.
They let you come into the music.
@@Frank1979Zappa while giving nothing to think about. Why is your screen name Frank Zappa with that opinion?
@@JM-ll6hd I don't understand your question.
Because Zappa (my all-time favorite) doesn’t have many empty spaces.
I been playing guitar for almost 20 years and have decided to take up the drums to record my own pieces. The advice here is taken so much appreciated, bud. Thank you
Rob, I completely agree with you. Its as if its become a spectator sport rather than anything musical. Even the great Buddy Rich himself who always played like he had something to prove was keenly aware that there is a time and place for that kind of stuff. Its called a solo. Love the channel! Thanks Man!
Rob... making this video is so brave and so smart of you! Thank you!! I hope as a drumming community we can continue to embrace the power of linear drumming, while still remembering all of the incredible things that have been done without it. I love seeing super balanced drummers that know how to do all of the "new" and all of the "old"! Those are the best ones!! 😉
Beginner drummer here, (got my kit less then a week ago.) I've just started listening to the Japanese band called "Toe" and the drummer Kashikura Takashi, in my opinion makes the drums sound super beautiful and poetic. After reading some comments I heard it was called "Linear drumming" and that's how I got here. This video was great and will help me keep on track thanks.
I love your playing and teaching Rob. I’m an Elementary School Music Teacher and composer and can say that you have a beautiful talent in presenting applicable concepts and drumming technique.
Really appreciate this video Rob. I am a younger drummer and I’m guilty of falling into this linear “rut” so to speak. Really helpful. I think everyone should expand their musical vocabulary, and not stick to just one style.
I'm not quite an old guy yet, but I'm certainly not young anymore either. I want to learn this stuff, but I don't ever want to stop being a musical/groove type player. I appreciate your opinion on this, and I'm glad to hear so many others feel the same way.
Hey Rob
One of your most important video's to date. A voice of reason in a cacophany of ultra fast 32's. There's a place for it in drumming, but increasingly that place looks more and more to be at the Olympics rather than anything musical. Kudo's to those that can do it through a 5 minute solo. Technically tough for me. But I'd much rather drop in a beat or two of 32's to embelish a phrase in a solo, rather than chop 32's all the way through. But what do l know? Thanks Rob.
Hi Rob, Great video. I studied with Gary Chaffee in West Roxbury Boston, Ma. at his house, downstairs in 1997-98? and it was nice to see you mention him. You are spot on. His books on linear time functioning patterns kicked my ass. He is the master at this and the drumming patterns I've learned to this day are still with me. He kicked my ass for 6-8months back then as I was and still am a huge Dave Weckl fan but couldn't figure out his styles and it was worth every penny. Great instructor. This style in Moderation with Dynamics is great.
I was 17 years old (59) today...
I was studying with Jim Blackley in Toronto...
He told me, be careful you don't fall into that trap
As long as you use it in a musical way, and try to think about it as a musical phrase, not muscle memory phrase...
Rob!
I am so glad you brought this up...
Bless you Rob, I dig the way you present this whole topic! Been getting tired of hearing that same style all over the place.
100% agree with the Gary Chaffee recommendation. His books (especially Linear Time Playing and Time Functioning Patterns) opened up my playing a lot.
There are so many rabbit holes and very deep wells in drumming , take any variation to it's limits . And it gets deep quick !! Great message as always Rob !!
Over focusing on “G chops” makes using high quality samples with midi files much more attractive to producers and other musicians. BUT, right ON with the Gary Chafee style. So musical! Bottom line, you need more than technical chops to avoid getting replaced by software. Great video!
New to this channel. Just wanna shout out and say this has been one of the most informative and influential channels on RUclips for drumming. I know I'm late so I have a lot to catch up on.
currently just turned 29 and basically relearning everything I overlooked through my journey. My pop Michael McGloiry and uncle David Daniel highly recommend watching you and I've been getting immensely better since turning in.
This videos confirmed a lot of my theories on this subject so I'm glad that somebody has put it out there for the world to know.
- bless
Amen. Four way independence and feel are 100x more difficult to master in imho. Agreed with the Chaffee comment. His books are intense. Years of work are required to really absorb the material. Don't get me wrong. I love g chops and many of the up and coming drummers that play in the linear style. But I agree it is limiting. Love your channel. You are one the most on point,lucid and poignant presenters on ytube. Great stuff!!
While Linear Drumming is an extremely efficient chops, endurance and metronomic time exercise, to many it has become an 'end-all be-all' thing. It's a string of rudiments are drumming katas to a musical metronome. The drum performance trends to dull homogenization that isn't readily apparent to a lot of people.
my man! bonzoleum. love your vids
"Dull homogenization". Exactly.
Metal breakdowns are similar.
Cliche'.
Many years ago I had a couple jam sessions where everyone was playing like this (drummer, other guitarist, cello player). I found it rather frustrating, as it just creates a bunch of noise in the end, rather than a coherent musical piece. Used sparingly, a little can add some spice, but if that's all you do, no one's going to want to listen. Kind of like blast beats in metal.
I wish I had another set of hands....so I could give this video 4 thumbs up!! The fact that you touched on the "pros and cons" of this type of linear drumming made it digestible. Again thank you man!
As has been said, if one incorporates some linear playing into their own personal style, cool. If one's style is predominantly "linear", then it might get to be like bad wallpaper.
You and Ash Soan have quickly become my favorite drummers on social media. Ash is an excellent example of less is more with an insane pocket. You guys are amazing musicians and something a drummer should aspire to achieve on a musical level. Thank you for all of the free information.
A really useful topic choice. I have sometimes felt too many drummers rely upon blazing speed and fast blast beats with blistering double bass playing and I don't hear musicality, so it is great the approach that you took in this video. I completely agree that linear drumming has a place and is useful but not at the expense of the music.
Rob's videos help out a lot and that's an understatement. I'd highly recommend for anyone new here to take a look at every video he's done.
I actually agree with you, because as a drummer who utilizes the linear style primarily, as I matured I’ve always admired those who’ve mastered, or has a wide vocabulary of non linear beats.
So, I built those muscles up to play non linear as well. It’s what separates the boys from the men.
Drummers that don’t stay trapped in one specific style. “Liked”
Spot on Rob!!! I’ve had this conversation with a very well known drummer that actually stopped doing clinics for a while because he felt his playing was being misinterpreted as the very thing you speak of. The sad truth is it’s very rare to hear anything new with a lot of the younger players. Not that they aren’t great technicians but most of them sound alike. It’s like the difference between someone constantly yelling and a decent conversation.
Totally dig this. I started drumming on funk grooves. They're not hard... but absolutely non-linear. When jamming with my band, i tease the guitar player with fills he calls bubble bursts. Thanks for this video
Awesome Rob. I thought I was the only one feeling this way. Thanks for expressing it so artfully.
Interesting post. I'm old school, old guy, back beat drummer. I can see the value in this style, if nothing else, being able to pull it off in the right situations. Plus as you point out, in warming up. Vinny C is one of the best. Love his playing with Bernie Hancock.
By the way man, love your videos. I've learned so much from you. Thank you.
Just seen this video for the First time today, its been out for 4 years & This video was RIGHT ON!✅️ Now today more than Ever. EVERY Video is a Linear phrase to practice. It's fun but does get old.
Hm I'm kind of confused about what linear drumming is. I always thought of it as just not hitting two drums simultaneously, and it’s something that I think of as an "old school" style - like a Cissy Strut kind of groove. I'm thinking of David Garibaldi, Steve Gadd, etc. Anyway love your videos Rob!
Brave video, 55 year old hobby drummer , who grew up pre linear playing and whilst appreciating the incredibly high skills level now, just finding some of the vamp/ soloing a sort of white noise experience . Thought it was just me given the huge popularity of the videos . Great channel :-)
Great advice man. Not gonna lie I have been doing this. Gonna keep an eye on it.
Linear combined with layered. texture, tone, colors, space and all the rest to play MUSIC.. Great video. well said!!!
Nice video Rob. As always, very insightful and informative. Now for all the "G chop" haters out there, I have a few points I'd like to bring up:
1) much of the linear vocabulary is dirived from some of the most "musical" drummers in the history of our instrument. Big Sid Catlett, Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Jack Dejohnette, and Steve Gadd are just a few of the masters who pioneered this part of the venacular.
2) Some people say things like "it's all about the groove" or " I'm a pocket drummer" as if drumming is only about a singular conception or there is only one valid approach. Even some of the most groove oriented players in any style, people like James Gadson, Clyde Stubblefield, Bernard Purdie, Jim Keltner, ?uestlove, Ringo Star, Art Taylor or Jimmy Cobb play music and not just groove or time. They acknowledge the tune, form, significant accents, phrasing around the melody and lyric, etc. Linear vocab is another tool in the box to help us better do this!
3) yes, many of the G choppers play loud as hell. But perhaps the music they are playing calls for that. This particular movement has brought a unique attention to the drummer for the first time, and allowed drummers to play in a purely drumistic way as a solo instrument in popular music with programmed or heavily synthetic sounds. Not since the big band era have so many virtuoso drummers been so heavily featured in popular music, at least in the live context.
Ok, I'm off my soap box. I don't really play that way, by the way, but do appreciate it.
It annoys me that I cant give you more than one "like" per video.
Yes totally 100 percent spot on Rob; been saying this for a long while and finally someone putting this out! A lot of drumming today sounds the same with with all this chops stuff and very little or no musicality
dude i LOVE what you played at 8:40, that goes to show how musical can you be when practicing linear drumming the right way! ahah
First of all, I want to thank you for your videos. You tell it like it is and I respect that. Regarding the whole Linear / Gospel Chops thing, I've been waiting for someone to comment on this. I can't find any popular music that has that kind of drumming in it. While it sounds impressive to other drummers, it sounds really bad when you need to play a song that requires simple playing. I hope some of the drummers watching this will take what you said to heart.
100% agree! I’ve never really thought about it but you’re spot on!
As I was watching this, man I was hoping you would possibly get to THE MAN of linear timekeeping. And yes, you did ! Thanks for mentioning Gary Chaffee... I was exposed to this stuff 20 years ago and loved it. Gary Chaffee is the Guru of linear playing as you stated.. so from there, we have Mike Clark and David Garibaldi - these 3 cats are my inspiration for this... good video Rob... I think many young cats over play these days whether it’s in a linear mode or stacked fashion.. it’s become a math class and a competition.... and as we all know, the magic is the music - not how many, not how fast we can stuff a bunch of notes in a measure of time... Grroove on brother
Loved this. The point about that style of drumming lacking musicality is the biggest issue I have with it. So much of what makes cool ideas / grooves is the space in between notes. That space doesn't really exist within G chops. As you say, Rob, learn it, utilise it by all means, but don't become *dependent* on it.
Balanced and fair. So, each drummer has to make his choices for his personal way of drumming. Cool.
Outstanding video Rob. I was thinking of Gary Chafee all along and then you came up with a shoutout at about the 11 minute mark. I’ve been using some of his texts to develop this concept and it’s like you said, it goes deep. I think David Garibaldi is another guy who uses linear concepts musically and tastefully in his groove patterns.
I’ve been practicing the linear concept for quite some time to expand my fill vocabulary and grooves. I like how you described G-chops drumming as “fireworks“
G chops sound like a washing machine that has issues.
lol well said.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
jpritch 2 lol to people who can’t do it
@jarroncobb.... Nope, pretty sure it still sounds like a defective washing machine/dish washer. I'm sure you can play it, just like all the rest of us here....
J Argero to each it’s own!
WELCOME BACK DR. BROWN BEEN AWHILE WHERE YIOU BEEN? U DA MAN I THANK YOU.
Excellent explanation, Rob. I’m a former Chaffee student and teach his (& Gary Chester’s systems). Well done, man!
Thanks, man. I’m sure it was cool studying with Gary.
Mad respect for your take. Once in awhile I enjoy watching and learning to play fast. There is a place for every type and style of percussion. That said ,groove is king. Got a better kit recently, doing better with the things that you taught me. Many thanks , both your skills and your teaching is pure inspiration.
As a fusion guitarist, I appaud this video. This goes for every instrument. It’s about sonic real estate and songs need balance. There is a time and place for everything, including fast chops. But it’s about balance and the song.
Some of my all time favorite licks from the Fusion in the 70’s were linear but always done SUPER musically.
It’s some of the coolest stuff but a person can also pick up a guitar and get tab and shred with no regard for music, it just makes them sound competent and cool.
Thanks for the fluid output.i found many years ago that playing various percussion instruments ,even just a tasteful cowbell ,was a remedy to getting stuck in the machine like habit.Also taught me to sit back and listen in a much sort of wider manner,so I could put in things with more taste.Then coming back on the kit with that frame of approach .In the long run its just one more fluid expression ,like the difference from studying dance and dancing when you feel it.thanks for your time.
Well stated Rob, and thanks for spreading the word on Gary Chafee, his ideas are so creative and fun to mess around with.
I like how you think, and also how you teach.. thanks for this video.. young drummers must see this...
cheers from Manila
-Teacher BLue
If you want to hear musical linear playing, you need to check out Mike Clark.
good luck not listening to this 1000 times......
dethronedb Mike is actually a jazz guy.
"Linear" is just ONE style of his.
Which proves the whole point of this discussion.
It's a great focus for progressive music that is based on linearity, intended to push and swell towards a climactic section in a song/track. But most of the time a basic groove is all that is needed (and wanted) from the drummer. Taking a step back is usually more musical than going bombastic behind the kit. Great video!
Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU!!!...for making this video. I've been having the same exact thoughts for years!
I’ve been using this as an exercise to be fluid on the drum set. If you add the quarter note, off beat or eight note in the hi hat (with foot) it turns in to a life long coordination exercise. When you’ve worked up a little capacity with this, instead of just blowing note, try to create musical phrases with accents and repetitive combinations so you give the listener something to latch on to.
Hey Rob, really enjoy your Channel. Thanks for all the hard work you put into it, means a lot to me. Just wanted to say thank you for touching on this subject. I've been playing the better part of 52 years now. And while there's no doubt at all that guys like Tony Royster jr. & Chris Coleman are just human phenomenon, I can't seem to listen to it for very long. But I could listen to Shannon Larkin playing Voodoo all day long. That's just something that really fascinates me. I love the linear style of drumming. In no way have I come close to mastering it. I look at myself as always being a beginner drummer. I try not to lose that attitude either. I love watching other drummers and try to glean as much as possible from them. Thanks again brother
5 minutes of Ash Soan layin' it down could cure anybody
As a drummer, I think every person should know there place in their band. Each person has their job and need to fulfill their roll with the right context .
I have been playing drums for 30 years and heard about linear fills at least 15 years ago and even learned a few fills but the concept was so primitive that it was just limited. Now it incorporates grooves and rudiments to add more color to the style.
I agree with not getting trapped in the linear zone bc there still needs to be things to be learned like hand and feet independence and interdependence as well as layering one groove on top of another groove with your hands and feet at the same time.
The linear style is just a memory exercise in how many notes you can play consecutively and just freestyling it.
Bruce Becker uses to say "it's not what you do, but how you do what you do". Great video Rob!!
I don’t care for it myself but I salute those who can do it
I'm 68 and just discovered these fills.
A lot of fun to play and practice.
Gives a good feeling of accomplishment when you finally get it.
But for gawd sake keep the groove and don't overdo them!
Thanks for video. It was a great advice. Keep on drumming!!
Well said. It definitely has its place, but as you said, it should not be the ultimate, one and only goal. I have actually learned how to do it . . . but yeah, I couldn't do that all the time. It gets old . . . and it's exhausting to do . . . and to listen to after a while. And you're absolutely right, it's great for warming up. Thanks for the video. Great advice. Keep up the great work!
Wow this is just what I thought. Now you make me understand why I am not that impressed with the current drum scene. I can't agree more on what you said. Great job Rob.
This is exactly what i tell my students.
The whole Linear thing is a tool in your bag of tricks. It's not about -Not having it..it's about using it in moderation and with musicality.
Great lesson Rob.
Hey Rob! Love the video man, I've been a drum teacher for close to 3 years now and I do teach linear chops; BUT I teach them only when it's musically appropriate to the song that we're learning. But I also teach rudimental chops and tying the two together and it really helps my students; as well as they have a lot of fun. I also have a discussion of where something like this is appropriate in a band situation.
Hi Rob, great vid as always. I wasn't hip to this as being a particular "style" of playing drums., but when I first saw you doing it, the first drummer that came to mind was Steve Smith. On Jean-Luc Ponty's "Enigmatic Ocean," Smith puts that type of drumming (at least in my eyes) into play and does it in a very musical way. A good portion of the album is at a fast tempo. I think he even uses this technique on the slower tempo tunes. Give it a listen and let me know what you think.
(Enigmatic Ocean, part 2 is a fast cut)
My first exposure to a basic linear beat came from The Minutemen.
They can be a cool way to create a rhythmically complex groove while playing minimal notes.
Noise rock bands like Shellac, The Jesus Lizard, Il Teatro degli Orrori and Mclusky use a lot of hybrid strait/linear grooves. That technique can give the push and pull that makes drums part of the overall composition, instead of just an accompaniment. It’s like the drums playing a riff complimentary to the guitar or bass.
This g-chops thing seems to me like shredding on the drums. It’s nice if you can do it, but it’s more athletic than artistic.
Anyway. I dig your vids and I’m stoked that you can put stuff out there that is relatable and informative across styles and genres.
Thanks, homes.
Rob you are my favorite drum instructor on drumeo and your channel. A lot of your videos have made me a much better drummer. Hats off to you sir. Thank you! Earl Evans aka Misfits on the kit.
great video - Its my first time hearing about this type of drumming. Im an old drummer and I always say "I get gigs because of how I can't play". Any fill where the band turns a looks back is a no-go... thanks a lot for the video.
Mike Johnston is a good linear drum guy, who balances the fun and fireworks with the groove and musicality.
Linear drumming is fun but not too exiting to play. Doing a smooth shuffle well, I am working on that still. Love your vids and great instruction!
I've always said G-Chops are like The Globetrotters. Cool to watch, but nobody really wants to watch an 82 game season of it. People want to groove and dance. I'd rather catch somebody in a head nod groove than their jaw on the floor standing still due to chops. Let's not forget what drums are for.
This is how I look at people like Bucket Head yeah he can play faster than anyone, but it doesn't really do much for me and it gets annoying to me after a few minutes.
Great comparison
Speak for yourself.
@@EHiggins he usually doesnt play super fast and has loads of melody and long passages. You cant be actually familiar with his music.
@@JM-ll6hd must be because everyone who tries to impress me with him it's always videos of him playing so fast it's sounds like a blender and anything else I've heard doesn't do much for me ...if you like it more power to ya
Back in the day there was a guy with tons of chops in my town , but I always got the call with half the chops because I made the music feel good first and foremost.
Hey Rob, Just getting back into playing after many years off, your videos are making it very easy. Love the way you teach. Thanks
Love the massive voice of that snare, A&F?
It’s got lovely presence.. thanks for breaking it down!!
100% agreed! Jim Blackley warned me about thinking that way way too much...Kids, work on syncopation not just the Gary Chaffee books!
Again....What Rob is saying (and I agree) Don't make this concept 50% or 100% of your vocabulary. ....make it 10% of what you work on and pick up and study 9 other concepts....Like Garibaldi two sound level concept. ..With permutations. ...The 25 ways of using syncopation as in Alan Dawsons book....another one of Steve Smiths and Vininies teachers...
Good video once again Rob!
Your sounding great! !
Dude don't stop making vids. So much learning. My brain has been exploding.