*GRAB YOUR 'NO FUN NO GAIN' T-shirt and other dope Ts from the official online shop! Link to order is in description. Summer festival season is rollin' up...and you wanna look cool on them big screens!* Shout out to all my Patrons for supporting the channel and helping me acquire my gradual upgrades. Picked up some new lenses for the camera. Thumbs up if you dig the new look!* 😉
Yo Rob not only are you a great instructor the way you can breakdown ideas and concepts to their simplest form, but you can really play bro. You really remind a lot of one of my favorite drummers Nate Morton. The way you play and your intelligence, the whole package. You got it man. I have learned a lot from you and I appreciate your time and effort in making these videos.
LOL! I'm going on 70 now and I wished Beatdown had been able to do this back in the 60's and 70's. I had no access to anyone with any idea of how to make things happen...
I watched one of the other online teachers (No Names, SC!) whining about how it was hard to ride his crash because it was swinging too much! His arm was traveling a good 8 -12 inches with every strike! So, I commented about it, and how I managed to get max volume out of my crashes with very little cymbal swing just by using the wrists and fingers with minimal arm movement. Thanks for the validation!!! I've been playing for over 50 yrs and have only broken about 4 or 5 cymbals! RIP: 18" Zildjian China, 17" Zildjian Rock crash or 2, and a random Zilco splash. Those were all during a 5 year stint as house drummer for an 80's dance club! It's all in the touch!!
I’m a beginner and the only thing I know is to smash my Cymbals as hard as possible because that’s how Lars Ulrich and Tommy Lee play whom I always loved watching in my younger years. Today, I learned so much about various techniques (and I loved those swells and the ballad stuff, oh man!). I’m happy to be a Patreon bc these lessons are so valuable, thank you. (Also, LOVE my KZ-ZST’s that you recommended, oh my gosh, they’re amazing and no more huge headset! Thank you for such “sound” advice, you are an awesome Drummer Rob!).
Another great video with invaluable advice and tips.......I always admired Stewart Copeland's cymbal work, he always seemed to play his ride as a separate instrument in it's own right.
Such a needed video 🙌🙌 so many people just use cymbals as an accent. Cymbals are perhaps the most versatile and unique part of a drumset and if you can get creative with them it can take your drum game to the next level
Thank you for this video. I am EXACTLY the same as you when it come to cymbal play and care. Dynamics is super important as you noted in your video as well.
When the video started, I was like, "wow.....everything is looking extra pristine." Awesome video.....I actually raised my cymbals to avoid them bleeding into the tom mics. It did a lot but now I'm not sure if I like the position of them because I have to angle them more. Being a short drummer (5'4" on a good day), it's tough to get the drums and cymbals at the right position and height.
Thanks for this. Have been playing for 7 years and have never even thought about how I hit my cymbals. Am also a keen tennis player so looking forward to the 'forehand' and 'backhand' approach 😀
When I just started out, I used to smash cymbals regularly. After a while, and with no money left, you’re forced to check your technique :) Great tips! As always.
Oh yeah, I love cymbals too. A cheap kit can sound great if tuned right, but no substitute for good cymbals. Just dropped $800 on used Zildjian A hats, two crashes, and a K crash/ride. Just a huge upgrade over my bottom of the barrel stuff I had before. Oh also huge fan of the site. Just fantastic info here. Plus you have a great personality which makes watching the vids fun. Thanks man.
This should be required viewing for all drummers. Beautifully explained and played. I might add that self mixing is important not only for studio but live, whether you are mic'd or not. From the FOH perspective, cymbal bleed is a pain in the ass.
G'day Beatdown, I really appreciate advice like yours, especially this vid. I'm going to download this vid as I really liked the intro and enjoy your little ditties that you use for examples. Much respect from South East Queensland, Australia. Peace. S
Rob man, I'm new to your channel, greets from an American living in Germany. I can't thank you enough for the WAY you pass information on to us out here in cyberspace. I just got my dream kit, on a rack (always wanted one of them too) with a top heavy load out on cymbals. At the age of 49. So don't ever stop thinking that you can't achieve what you want, and give up on YOURSELF. That's the worst thing that can happen. And as a lifelong drummer, I'm taking the time now to go learn all the things I was "too naive" to learn previously. You really help me stay focused on the task, the lesson...and not run off on the tangent that experience hexes you with..."OK, got it." But it turns out, that when you get a little older, you begin to realize Man, I should've concentrated a little more on those boring ass rudiments, or here in this case... get the most out of those cymbals. Fundamentals- they are going to come to YOU... one day or another. So embrace it, at the beginning, Because even if you develop without them, the day will come, where they instinctively come to you and say: "hey dude, too bad you don't have me down already." So for those of us out there willing to eat a piece of humble pie, and enjoy the challenge of pushing that brain of ours to accept the new hardwiring... I would highly recommend Rob. Thanks so much for all that you do.
I just bought my dream kit at the age of 55. I am self taught and am now going back to the basics. Already making me a better drummer. Wish I hadn't have been so hard headed as a teenager. Basically learning all over again.
Well, it's right for some types of music, but very odd and even wrong for others. Sometimes you want to have your cymbals angled down a bit and hit more on top and not on the side. This also brings out great tone from the cymbal, but it is a much better way to approach softer drumming and often matches what you do on the drums better than the approach seen here. But when doing the standard backbeat rock thing, what you are doing here is the way to go. I just don't want young players to be confused and thinking that they have to hit this way while playing country, jazz, samba, pop, folk or other genres where another approach might be more musical :) But great tutorial!
Great content and important topic for sure! I am a hard hitter and am learning to save energy, improve technique and stop cracking cymbals! Thanks Rob!
"LOOK AT IT!!"...haha..priceless!...seriously though, if I didn't know any better, I'd say the intro tune is channeling Dan Gottlieb and some early 80's Pat Metheny Group ("San Lorenzo"-Convocation Hall, U. of T. circa 1981))....maybe...maybe not....either way, it is SWEET my friend...and totally agree regarding cymbal dynamics....Paiste...my one "true" love...till the end!......great lesson as always....love your channel Rob!...regards, from the Great White North...Sudbury!👍
I'm pretty sure I heard this from JoJo Mayer; he said in a clinic that hitting cymbals beyond a certain amount actually makes them sound thinner than if you hit it just enough i.e. your 70%. Love the vid!
WOW last comment was 4 years ago. This is very good information. First of all, Rob, you absolutely know what you're talking about. Second, I like your advice about exaggerated arm movement, and mechanics of that nature, because that's most of us. Third, I would like to know what you think about teaching techniques to younger drummers. We are only here for a moment. Thanks, Sabian
Thanks Rob, nice tip on the felts didn't realize how much they would affect the sound. If anyone else is interested in sleeveless t's let Rob know I really want one. Love your style Rob thanks
Right On! , Finally someone addressing this new generation of smash mouth cymbal hitters I hate that shit. Its NOT Musical and its dumb to pound on them.
To the Doctor! Your cymbals sound great! My wife bought me a Ziljian pack of cymbals. Didn’t want to hurt her feelings as she didn’t know what she was buying for me. I believe that picking out cymbals is a matter of preference and matching them to the way you want them to sound is very personal. I have yet to get these things to sound the way the should and keep searching for that perfect match that sound the way I want them to sound. My question is, how did you trial out the cymbals you have? They sound great, full, bright and beautiful? Thanks
Just played a million cymbals over the years until my ears said...”Yup. These.” 😌 The 17” Paiste Signature Dark Energy is THEE single greatest sounding crash cymbal on the planet. That line is really special for a lot of reasons.
Great vid as always Rob! As far as hats and ride playing go, I’m always telling my students to think of the cymbal hand like a feather and the other like a stick.
Rob thanks so much for this lesson..I have only cheap cymbals and third of a drum set, but can see that I can improve the sound they make by this timely advice...(as I am prone to blame the cymbals quality !)
I bought a new set of zildjian A's. My first time having new cymbals. They are all medium thin i love em but man im a bit too heavy sometimes. I think just being conscious of it is good and learning proper technique.
awesome! incredibly tasteful intro! they should sell cymbals w instructions to watch this vid. i remember a drummer and fellow student in high school playing hard rock and his cymbals barely moved! evidently he cranked the volume for his cymbal mics.
Those cymbals sound killer dude. Had to skimp on mine but will be buying some nice ones soon. I've worked really hard on my cymbal technique lately. I'm learning.
Cymbals are beautiful all right. Do you have any thoughts on foam washers like the Cympads that are supposed to choke out cymbals less than traditional felts?
When I was young I went to a metal concert and the band drummer was hitting his cymbals so hard that my dental fillings in my mouth were hurting from the distortion sound. I could literally feel the pain of the cymbals. 😅
GREAT stuff, After all cymbals are musical instruments and I always try to play em' as such! just curious what size is your main crash? Also, you can only take ONE cymbal to a gig (plus hats) WHICH one would you use?
How do you deal with radial crack development at the bells? I don't hit my Paiste thin 16" and 18" crashes very hard at all, but have had them for a long time and they are starting to crack. I support them well and have machined Delrin sleeves for the spindles in the past....no metal-to-metal contact. Recently, I picked up a pair of Trick quick releases (which work nicely) because they have a Delrin sleeve (I had to drill and re-tap one for a different thread)...but they seem to work nicely. Before that, I put rubber grommets that fit into the bell holes nicely...but that takes some search'in. What do you do, Rob?
Mr. Brown, Thank you as always Sir! Is there any way to review types of cymbals such as the HHX series Sabian, Paiste etc..clarity. There seems to be a lot of voice about studio crash, prototypes and of course the ride cymbal? i know it may be much put the spacial confusion is insane. Your comments are always of value to so many. I am deferring to you for clarity.
My crash cymbals lost it sound after I clean it. It sound like dry and it doesn't resonate the sounds longer. Is this normal after cleaning the crash cymbals?
Hey Rob, ive got a question. At 7:00 you say to hit the cymbal on the edge and with the shoulder of the stick. However, the zildjian video and many more say not to do it because you'll wind up cracking the cymbal. Any idea what the deal is? Im just trying to protect my glorious paistes my man
*GRAB YOUR 'NO FUN NO GAIN' T-shirt and other dope Ts from the official online shop! Link to order is in description. Summer festival season is rollin' up...and you wanna look cool on them big screens!* Shout out to all my Patrons for supporting the channel and helping me acquire my gradual upgrades. Picked up some new lenses for the camera. Thumbs up if you dig the new look!* 😉
You should pin your comment dude.
@@wongsanggar Thought I did. Good lookin out ✌🏽
Mr Beatdown. .. the collection has already started with Sticking Together... 💙👊😎
Yo Rob not only are you a great instructor the way you can breakdown ideas and concepts to their simplest form, but you can really play bro. You really remind a lot of one of my favorite drummers Nate Morton. The way you play and your intelligence, the whole package. You got it man. I have learned a lot from you and I appreciate your time and effort in making these videos.
LOL! I'm going on 70 now and I wished Beatdown had been able to do this back in the 60's and 70's. I had no access to anyone with any idea of how to make things happen...
I literally could watch you groove for hours, man. Pocket. Soul. Style. Finesse. A master at work! 😎🔥🤘🏼
thanks for this one, I totally agree on what you say at 02:39. Especially our beatiful Paistes need to be treated right 😎
I watched one of the other online teachers (No Names, SC!) whining about how it was hard to ride his crash because it was swinging too much! His arm was traveling a good 8 -12 inches with every strike! So, I commented about it, and how I managed to get max volume out of my crashes with very little cymbal swing just by using the wrists and fingers with minimal arm movement. Thanks for the validation!!! I've been playing for over 50 yrs and have only broken about 4 or 5 cymbals! RIP: 18" Zildjian China, 17" Zildjian Rock crash or 2, and a random Zilco splash. Those were all during a 5 year stint as house drummer for an 80's dance club! It's all in the touch!!
I’m a beginner and the only thing I know is to smash my Cymbals as hard as possible because that’s how Lars Ulrich and Tommy Lee play whom I always loved watching in my younger years.
Today, I learned so much about various techniques (and I loved those swells and the ballad stuff, oh man!).
I’m happy to be a Patreon bc these lessons are so valuable, thank you.
(Also, LOVE my KZ-ZST’s that you recommended, oh my gosh, they’re amazing and no more huge headset! Thank you for such “sound” advice, you are an awesome Drummer Rob!).
Thanks a bunch for supporting, man 🙂👊🏽
Thanks Rob, as always a lesson that is right on the money. Man, I really enjoyed listening to your cymbal playing,!!! Man lovely!
Clay Rizzuto Thanks a lot, man 🙂🙏🏽
Very concise, detail, but in simple plain English that's easy to understand. Love it, Rob!
Another great video with invaluable advice and tips.......I always admired Stewart Copeland's cymbal work, he always seemed to play his ride as a separate instrument in it's own right.
Absolutely love the dynamic range in the opening groove. Expressive! 2:36 - okay, I'm lookin'. 'splain away man.
Such a needed video 🙌🙌 so many people just use cymbals as an accent. Cymbals are perhaps the most versatile and unique part of a drumset and if you can get creative with them it can take your drum game to the next level
Thank you for this video. I am EXACTLY the same as you when it come to cymbal play and care. Dynamics is super important as you noted in your video as well.
When the video started, I was like, "wow.....everything is looking extra pristine." Awesome video.....I actually raised my cymbals to avoid them bleeding into the tom mics. It did a lot but now I'm not sure if I like the position of them because I have to angle them more. Being a short drummer (5'4" on a good day), it's tough to get the drums and cymbals at the right position and height.
Get a kids kit.
Thanks for this. Have been playing for 7 years and have never even thought about how I hit my cymbals. Am also a keen tennis player so looking forward to the 'forehand' and 'backhand' approach 😀
"LOOK AT IT!!!" made me lol 😆
Love the channel man, great tips for a beginner drummer like me!
the intro song is lit
When I just started out, I used to smash cymbals regularly.
After a while, and with no money left, you’re forced to check your technique :)
Great tips! As always.
Oh yeah, I love cymbals too. A cheap kit can sound great if tuned right, but no substitute for good cymbals. Just dropped $800 on used Zildjian A hats, two crashes, and a K crash/ride. Just a huge upgrade over my bottom of the barrel stuff I had before. Oh also huge fan of the site. Just fantastic info here. Plus you have a great personality which makes watching the vids fun. Thanks man.
"Look at it!"
Hahaha
This should be required viewing for all drummers. Beautifully explained and played. I might add that self mixing is important not only for studio but live, whether you are mic'd or not. From the FOH perspective, cymbal bleed is a pain in the ass.
G'day Beatdown, I really appreciate advice like yours, especially this vid. I'm going to download this vid as I really liked the intro and enjoy your little ditties that you use for examples. Much respect from South East Queensland, Australia. Peace. S
Rob man, I'm new to your channel, greets from an American living in Germany. I can't thank you enough for the WAY you pass information on to us out here in cyberspace.
I just got my dream kit, on a rack (always wanted one of them too) with a top heavy load out on cymbals. At the age of 49. So don't ever stop thinking that you can't achieve what you want, and give up on YOURSELF. That's the worst thing that can happen. And as a lifelong drummer, I'm taking the time now to go learn all the things I was "too naive" to learn previously. You really help me stay focused on the task, the lesson...and not run off on the tangent that experience hexes you with..."OK, got it."
But it turns out, that when you get a little older, you begin to realize Man, I should've concentrated a little more on those boring ass rudiments, or here in this case... get the most out of those cymbals. Fundamentals- they are going to come to YOU... one day or another. So embrace it, at the beginning, Because even if you develop without them, the day will come, where they instinctively come to you and say: "hey dude, too bad you don't have me down already."
So for those of us out there willing to eat a piece of humble pie, and enjoy the challenge of pushing that brain of ours to accept the new hardwiring... I would highly recommend Rob. Thanks so much for all that you do.
I just bought my dream kit at the age of 55. I am self taught and am now going back to the basics. Already making me a better drummer.
Wish I hadn't have been so hard headed as a teenager.
Basically learning all over again.
Well, it's right for some types of music, but very odd and even wrong for others. Sometimes you want to have your cymbals angled down a bit and hit more on top and not on the side. This also brings out great tone from the cymbal, but it is a much better way to approach softer drumming and often matches what you do on the drums better than the approach seen here. But when doing the standard backbeat rock thing, what you are doing here is the way to go. I just don't want young players to be confused and thinking that they have to hit this way while playing country, jazz, samba, pop, folk or other genres where another approach might be more musical :) But great tutorial!
Nice lesson again. Very nice channel. Keep going!
Hey Rob that opening jam was tasty *AF* I _love_ playing gently and making the cymbals sing just as much as playing Metallica :-)
Great content and important topic for sure! I am a hard hitter and am learning to save energy, improve technique and stop cracking cymbals! Thanks Rob!
Rob you just one best teacher for drums..men, thanks a lot.
Dig the new look Rob, love your Channel, love your playing too man!!!
"LOOK AT IT!!"...haha..priceless!...seriously though, if I didn't know any better, I'd say the intro tune is channeling Dan Gottlieb and some early 80's Pat Metheny Group ("San Lorenzo"-Convocation Hall, U. of T. circa 1981))....maybe...maybe not....either way, it is SWEET my friend...and totally agree regarding cymbal dynamics....Paiste...my one "true" love...till the end!......great lesson as always....love your channel Rob!...regards, from the Great White North...Sudbury!👍
I'm pretty sure I heard this from JoJo Mayer; he said in a clinic that hitting cymbals beyond a certain amount actually makes them sound thinner than if you hit it just enough i.e. your 70%. Love the vid!
WOW last comment was 4 years ago.
This is very good information.
First of all, Rob, you absolutely know what you're talking about.
Second, I like your advice about exaggerated arm movement, and mechanics of that nature, because that's most of us.
Third, I would like to know what you think about teaching techniques to younger drummers. We are only here for a moment.
Thanks,
Sabian
I learn how to play cymbals the right way after watching this video. Thank you Rob Brown
Thanks Rob, nice tip on the felts didn't realize how much they would affect the sound. If anyone else is interested in sleeveless t's let Rob know I really want one. Love your style Rob thanks
Smooth as silk. Great timing.
Great tips and technique it's all the wrists
The song in beginning is so silky smooth. Very nice!
Great tips I was doing a lot wrong, but Now, I’m conscious of it and will definitely improve on my cymbal work👍🏻🤘🏻🥁
Really helpful! Thanks Rob.
Awesome tips/advice! Something I need to be more mindful of.
Hay hay hay... you know I dig it...💙👊😎
Look at this thing... LOOK AT IT! Hahaha I spat my coffee. Awesome :)
Happy to be part of the first 100k! Your tips are always good reminders or new ways to improve. Keep on with the beat downs!
Great thanks Rob
That fantastic brother Brown 🥁👍🏿
Love the new look! Great to see the progress of your channel! Keep up the great work man! It's needed!!!
Thanks, man 🙂🤘🏽
Right On! , Finally someone addressing this new generation of smash mouth cymbal hitters I hate that shit. Its NOT Musical and its dumb to pound on them.
To the Doctor! Your cymbals sound great! My wife bought me a Ziljian pack of cymbals. Didn’t want to hurt her feelings as she didn’t know what she was buying for me. I believe that picking out cymbals is a matter of preference and matching them to the way you want them to sound is very personal. I have yet to get these things to sound the way the should and keep searching for that perfect match that sound the way I want them to sound. My question is, how did you trial out the cymbals you have? They sound great, full, bright and beautiful? Thanks
Just played a million cymbals over the years until my ears said...”Yup. These.” 😌 The 17” Paiste Signature Dark Energy is THEE single greatest sounding crash cymbal on the planet. That line is really special for a lot of reasons.
Great! Real good stuff as always!
My favourite drum teacher in the youtubes
Thanks, man 🙂
Great vid as always Rob! As far as hats and ride playing go, I’m always telling my students to think of the cymbal hand like a feather and the other like a stick.
Amazing drummer and Intro , i really hope God will still uses you with your talent
Awesome video and playing Rob, thanks! As a side bar, I love looking at my cymbals as well! 😊
As always, great lesson. Great job Rob
Cool tips!
Super helpful vid. Thx!
Rob thanks so much for this lesson..I have only cheap cymbals and third of a drum set, but can see that I can improve the sound they make by this timely advice...(as I am prone to blame the cymbals quality !)
I bought a new set of zildjian A's. My first time having new cymbals. They are all medium thin i love em but man im a bit too heavy sometimes. I think just being conscious of it is good and learning proper technique.
awesome! incredibly tasteful intro! they should sell cymbals w instructions to watch this vid. i remember a drummer and fellow student in high school playing hard rock and his cymbals barely moved! evidently he cranked the volume for his cymbal mics.
Great info.
Nice job, great content and drum intro 👍🏿
Muito bom Rob Brown. Admiro sua criatividade e talento. Sou do Brasil.
Very Good Rob Brown.
I admire your talent and creativity, I´m from Brazil.
Like
Diggin that T shirt, Rob! Love the video, it looks like it matches the content, top notch! Keep it up!
Great video! Thank you.
THANK YOU!! 🙏 🥁
Fantastic video
Great video, as always. Thank you!
Love this video. 😍
By the way, what IEMs do you use in your ears?
Those cymbals sound killer dude. Had to skimp on mine but will be buying some nice ones soon.
I've worked really hard on my cymbal technique lately.
I'm learning.
Cymbals are beautiful all right. Do you have any thoughts on foam washers like the Cympads that are supposed to choke out cymbals less than traditional felts?
THis is just beautiful!
Fantastic as always player keep it up
thank you, you're great. You should do a meet Rob Brown contest with a lesson or two!
Dam Rob, another great video! You should look at the mirror and smile man, awesome playing and full of joy! Congrats!!
Where is that beautiful SWISH cymbal?? Love that one.
Rob, thank you...have you created a session on HH work, ie: openings on and off the beat? Thanks for all you do!
Great job I learned a lot thanks
Thanks Rob! Great vid! As always. Gonna try it all on my new Giant Beats 18”. Any tips on how to maximise the wash on these?
amazing advice so so true
Hey Rob great lesson as always.... I know you use pro mark sticks but what size? Signature?
When I was young I went to a metal concert and the band drummer was hitting his cymbals so hard that my dental fillings in my mouth were hurting from the distortion sound. I could literally feel the pain of the cymbals. 😅
GREAT stuff, After all cymbals are musical instruments and I always try to play em' as such! just curious what size is your main crash? Also, you can only take ONE cymbal to a gig (plus hats) WHICH one would you use?
How do you deal with radial crack development at the bells? I don't hit my Paiste thin 16" and 18" crashes very hard at all, but have had them for a long time and they are starting to crack. I support them well and have machined Delrin sleeves for the spindles in the past....no metal-to-metal contact. Recently, I picked up a pair of Trick quick releases (which work nicely) because they have a Delrin sleeve (I had to drill and re-tap one for a different thread)...but they seem to work nicely. Before that, I put rubber grommets that fit into the bell holes nicely...but that takes some search'in. What do you do, Rob?
Mr. Brown, Thank you as always Sir! Is there any way to review types of cymbals such as the HHX series Sabian, Paiste etc..clarity. There seems to be a lot of voice about studio crash, prototypes and of course the ride cymbal? i know it may be much put the spacial confusion is insane. Your comments are always of value to so many. I am deferring to you for clarity.
Thanks for the lesson. Question, where can I get that shirt man? Be nice to have some reminders of that in view on bad days haha
Link to the merch store is in the description box. Use code ‘SALE2020’ to get 15% off
“LOOK AT IT!!”
Thanks.
Thought you were abt to transform that sick intro into the vice city theme song
You're game has always been Rob.
You play beautifully
Thanks a bunch 🙂🙏🏽
Sweet side sticking aside from all the excellent cymbal work.
Nice
how much does this apply to metal drummers seeing as we naturally playing harder by default.
Some great advice on how to hit a "cymbal "...
My crash cymbals lost it sound after I clean it. It sound like dry and it doesn't resonate the sounds longer. Is this normal after cleaning the crash cymbals?
Hey Rob, ive got a question. At 7:00 you say to hit the cymbal on the edge and with the shoulder of the stick. However, the zildjian video and many more say not to do it because you'll wind up cracking the cymbal. Any idea what the deal is? Im just trying to protect my glorious paistes my man
Approach #2 aka Ringo Star
I wish you were my neighbor ...New subscriber
🔥
I think there are quite a few people who need a clock symphony besides the alarm symphony.
Big difference hitting your cymbals and playing them, I'm guilty of this but never have taken chunks out of them...
Yet