A while back, I attended an intimate Steve Smith clinic in Manchester, UK. He was predictably incredible from start to finish. I was also fortunate enough to meet him afterwards, and he was a complete gentleman. Truly one of the greatest drummers, musicians and educators we have.
Best all around drummer on the planet if you ask me. I love you Steve Smith. You are such a joy to watch and listen too. If I could only be an eighth as good as you are.
thought I was just clicking on a quick video, but it's the whole clinic!?! .....from one of the most legendary drummers! ...best channel on YT thank you for uploading this
The way he takes some basic rudiments and makes them sound on the kit is just amazing. He is not only a phenomenal drummer but a fantastic teacher. Steve, we cant thank you enough. Blessings, Brian
The first, nearly 48 minute-long lesson, that was so enjoyable I actually looked in its entirety - And then again! You don't hear the terms "phrasing", "melodically", and "rhythmic pulse" that often anymore on instructional videos.
It is honestly humbling to see how far this master has progressed since i saw his clinic back in the early aughts. its a good lesson for all of us to keep learning! Thanks Mr. Smith!
Smooth, blended, interlacing and a deep pocket groove. Something about a jazz drummer thinking outside the box and 4/4 time becomes so busy yet cool. Steves a master
He said one of the most valuable things i have ever heard and wish i heard it back when i first started..."ask a question then answer the question musicianly"...I understand his playing so much more now and what hes thinking. that's golden
I firmly believe RUclips should do away with its dislike button. What does it mean to have 80 dislikes here? Does it add anything positive? No. Does it make anyone believe this video is not really excellent? Hope it does´t. Does it just show there´s 80 people who criticize someone who is giving his best, which, as in this case, is of a very high level? Yes. So it doesn´t have another purpose than giving these haters their space to hate. Pitiful. Steve is a true MASTER. Thanks for sharing all this knowledge!
Steve is truly a master at his craft. I love how he brings such a positive energy to his clinics. He enjoys what he is doing and you can't help but enjoy it too!
Love this guy, I still remember his clinic with Victor Wooten that was awesome, I dont know if its still on youtube! Very relaxed and awesome drummer, he can explain everything very good!
Beautiful kit. Steve's such a classy person, it's good to see him presenting on a kit that echoes, visually, his musical aesthetic which swings between the mystical and the practical.
Outstanding as always, I'm learning the double stroke is killing me to learn, I'm so slow, but I'll keep trying, love the musician they like doctors, so much experience and knowledge! Congrats it takes years to get there!
Grew up on Journey and never realized how good he is until I really got into the technical aspects of drumming... I’m watching this after viewing Tommy Lee. The difference couldn’t be any more stark.
Listen the last thing Steve Smith would ever do is say dis Another drummer you have no idea what tommy lees Abilities are it’s not brought out and what he does for a living
Well originally when Steve was with journey in the beginning he was a good drummer but certainly nowhere near the mastery level he's at now. His drums were set up completely different & his technique was not as refined either. (In his first instructional videos his drums were set up "that" way.) It was until Steve left journey, (and possibly splitting up with the wife, but not 100% sure on that) that he went on a crusade, overhauling everything about his playing/musicianship. I think he may have learned from Freddie Gruber which is what changed his technique, and from a change in technique required him to reconfigure the way the drums were set (to a "properly" set-up kit). B/c the old set up was not compatible with the newly technique. I.e. snare drum height/angle as well as how the toms were set up & the cymbals as well, literally the whole kit changed.
the first time i heard him it was in 1984 or 1985 on the first record of tony macalpine "EDGE OF INSANITY" (if you never heard it you'd better listen ) and he blows my mind , it's a perfect musician because he can play all the styles
im blown away by this guy he turns them drums into anything you can imagine,,so looking forward to seeing him next month in drum depot cardiff ,cant wait..
Steve is a true innovator of the instrument and an inspiration to so many of us. A brilliant drummer and awesome clinician. Thanks to Vic Firth and Steve Smith for furthering or craft.
Every time I see him play I have to remind myself: "This is the original drummer for Journey?!". It's almost like he just decided one day, "I wonder what it'd be like to drum for one of the biggest rock bands of the era.... Well that was fun; back to combining every form of rhythm, time, feel & musical styles/genres/cultures from around the world, making them my own, & then passing it all on to the next generation." Thank you Steve.
Great player the best seen him live with Journey Carl Palmer was also playing same show cool worlds 2 best drummers in one room totally amazing drum solos
That Sonor Trap Set is beautiful and as usual Steve is totally inspirational and innovative even adding some tabla type phrasing in there, Fantastic! :)
OMG! I bet he's never stopped practicing in long hours. He might be the most complete drummer, he has mastered almost everything from traditional jazz to rock with the finest technique. And did he played flams on the double pedal?
The end of "The Grudge" by TOOL... right there at 20:00 (Danny Carey's work is deeply influenced by jazz drumming, combining a mix of rudimental drumming and polirhythms)
![Steve Smith on sound and volume - drumtalk [single strokes 17]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nAMEKlGCTGE/mqdefault.jpg)
Steve is certainly at the top of a very short list of worlds best drummers.
It's like watching a Joe Morello clinic with the fluent chops and drums that sound crisp and alive ,wonderful player !
A while back, I attended an intimate Steve Smith clinic in Manchester, UK. He was predictably incredible from start to finish. I was also fortunate enough to meet him afterwards, and he was a complete gentleman. Truly one of the greatest drummers, musicians and educators we have.
Steve Smiths style is so rythmic and full of musicality! For me he belongs to the best drummers on the planet!
Me to his a go to in instruction he has great abilities to teach too. Steve is a legend.
Steve is a perfect example of how there are no short cuts. You don't get this good without putting in the "time"...Literally!
Thank you Steve " THE MACHINE GUN" Smith. You have special place in my heart( Chaptured), recorded in Detroit Michigan. ❤
This is what dedication and focus looks like.....Steve has incredible knowledge of rhythm and music as a whole.
Forget about drumming. Steve is one of the best MUSICIANS of all time. His clinics are always packed. Lots of wide eyes.
Well said
He has become literally one of the best drummers in the world with most feel!
Best all around drummer on the planet if you ask me. I love you Steve Smith. You are such a joy to watch and listen too. If I could only be an eighth as good as you are.
One of the greatest (traditional) left hands in modern drumming.
Agreed!!!
thought I was just clicking on a quick video, but it's the whole clinic!?! .....from one of the most legendary drummers! ...best channel on YT thank you for uploading this
Great person too.
Thank you Vic Firth and Steve Smith. Steve is in the top 10 drummers of all time in my book.
The way he takes some basic rudiments and makes them sound on the kit is just amazing. He is not only a phenomenal drummer but a fantastic teacher. Steve, we cant thank you enough.
Blessings,
Brian
The Masters make it look sooooo easy!!
The first, nearly 48 minute-long lesson, that was so enjoyable I actually looked in its entirety - And then again! You don't hear the terms "phrasing", "melodically", and "rhythmic pulse" that often anymore on instructional videos.
I have admired his skills for as long as I can remember. What an incredible drummer!
It is honestly humbling to see how far this master has progressed since i saw his clinic back in the early aughts. its a good lesson for all of us to keep learning! Thanks Mr. Smith!
Smooth, blended, interlacing and a deep pocket groove. Something about a jazz drummer thinking outside the box and 4/4 time becomes so busy yet cool. Steves a master
His signature sticks are unbelievable! Best grip and weight on a 5a stick I've ever used! Steve Smith is in my top 5 favorite drummers!
Respect. His passion can't be matched by very many other drummers.
Wow this man is a legend.
He said one of the most valuable things i have ever heard and wish i heard it back when i first started..."ask a question then answer the question musicianly"...I understand his playing so much more now and what hes thinking. that's golden
Steve is truly one of the best in the world of drumming. Awesome player!! 😮🎉
Truly a student of the craft! I love the drum tones and the creativity he has.
this is the kind of content which we need a second like button for
Fantastic sounding kit and a legendary player to play it, outstanding
my favourite drummer of all time I see him live once and as a student blew up the top of my head unbelieveble.
I firmly believe RUclips should do away with its dislike button. What does it mean to have 80 dislikes here? Does it add anything positive? No. Does it make anyone believe this video is not really excellent? Hope it does´t. Does it just show there´s 80 people who criticize someone who is giving his best, which, as in this case, is of a very high level? Yes. So it doesn´t have another purpose than giving these haters their space to hate. Pitiful. Steve is a true MASTER. Thanks for sharing all this knowledge!
This man is genius monster in the drum world ..period ...
Steve is truly a master at his craft. I love how he brings such a positive energy to his clinics. He enjoys what he is doing and you can't help but enjoy it too!
Yeah,I've got him and Barrymore Barlow as 2 of the best in the business,got to see both!
Thank you Steve ,you are fantastic Teacher and Performer
Wow. Tony Levin: The master of the bass guitar, Chapman Stick, and the drums!
Steve is very informative and direct in his approach. Lifetime full of information. People wonder why kids are so good now days. All in the teachers.
Love this guy, I still remember his clinic with Victor Wooten that was awesome, I dont know if its still on youtube! Very relaxed and awesome drummer, he can explain everything very good!
Incredible Steve!
The "Man" period! Thanks for uploading.
Steve is one of the best! So creative!
Got to thank Vic Firth for uploading this.
A level achieved by few. One of the Goat's.
many thanks Steve! and Vic of course!
Superb melody. Great swing. Just sweet.
Steve's got it all, stick tricks too! Utterly Fantastic! an absolute favorite
Beautiful kit. Steve's such a classy person, it's good to see him presenting on a kit that echoes, visually, his musical aesthetic which swings between the mystical and the practical.
Outstanding as always, I'm learning the double stroke is killing me to learn, I'm so slow, but I'll keep trying, love the musician they like doctors, so much experience and knowledge! Congrats it takes years to get there!
Man I love this dude. Still got it after so many years.
Erm, wow. Absolutely mastery. Just so good.
Steve Smith, you rock! Thank you. Thanks, Vic Firth.
I am speechless...a true master
Grew up on Journey and never realized how good he is until I really got into the technical aspects of drumming... I’m watching this after viewing Tommy Lee. The difference couldn’t be any more stark.
Listen the last thing Steve Smith would ever do is say dis Another drummer you have no idea what tommy lees Abilities are it’s not brought out and what he does for a living
Well originally when Steve was with journey in the beginning he was a good drummer but certainly nowhere near the mastery level he's at now. His drums were set up completely different & his technique was not as refined either. (In his first instructional videos his drums were set up "that" way.) It was until Steve left journey, (and possibly splitting up with the wife, but not 100% sure on that) that he went on a crusade, overhauling everything about his playing/musicianship. I think he may have learned from Freddie Gruber which is what changed his technique, and from a change in technique required him to reconfigure the way the drums were set (to a "properly" set-up kit). B/c the old set up was not compatible with the newly technique. I.e. snare drum height/angle as well as how the toms were set up & the cymbals as well, literally the whole kit changed.
the first time i heard him it was in 1984 or 1985 on the first record of tony macalpine "EDGE OF INSANITY" (if you never heard it you'd better listen ) and he blows my mind , it's a perfect musician because he can play all the styles
A few like him.... Incredible... Drums in his hands become live nature.
im blown away by this guy he turns them drums into anything you can imagine,,so looking forward to seeing him next month in drum depot cardiff ,cant wait..
Brilliant man .
Thanks for the upload of the full course.
Steve is a true innovator of the instrument and an inspiration to so many of us. A brilliant drummer and awesome clinician. Thanks to Vic Firth and Steve Smith for furthering or craft.
One of my favorites
Every time I see him play I have to remind myself: "This is the original drummer for Journey?!". It's almost like he just decided one day, "I wonder what it'd be like to drum for one of the biggest rock bands of the era.... Well that was fun; back to combining every form of rhythm, time, feel & musical styles/genres/cultures from around the world, making them my own, & then passing it all on to the next generation."
Thank you Steve.
Prairie Prince was the original. Ansley Dunbar played on the first 4 albums
Yeah, too bad he sucks now.
Incredible sticksmanship. Clearly a great. Encyclopedic knowledge, a guru of the kit.
Beautiful.
Undoubtedly one of the best!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this video 😊😊🙏🏻🙏🏻
So smooth and effortless.
A true master musician and legend
Great player the best seen him live with Journey Carl Palmer was also playing same show cool worlds 2 best drummers in one room totally amazing drum solos
That Sonor Trap Set is beautiful and as usual Steve is totally inspirational and innovative even adding some tabla type phrasing in there, Fantastic! :)
My favorite.
As an American Dad fan, it warms my heart to know that there's a percussionist out there that is a Steve Smith.
Gracias por esta tremenda clase !!!! Abrazo desde Neuquén Argentina
doesn't get much better than Steve Smith.
Unfortunately, I’m watching this six years after the fact and can no longer get the downloadable handout. What a great lesson!
What an excellent teacher!
Thx for the internet! Thx to Steve Smith! Respect!
Great drummer .fan of you Steve Smith sir
most usefull great fills are created by this guy
This joker is unreal. In my opinion the best all around pro drummer on the planet.
Steve is a great all around drummer. He's a great swing player as well as a great rock player. He obviously loves the flam.
World class drumming and gentleman
Steve Smith - Super guru of drumming. Awesome performance.
OMG! I bet he's never stopped practicing in long hours. He might be the most complete drummer, he has mastered almost everything from traditional jazz to rock with the finest technique. And did he played flams on the double pedal?
Great sounding drums...
No wonder Sonor are so highly regarded.
Gracias Amigos
Very generous
F A N T A S T I C! what a feel, rhythmic and technique etc. etc.
The end of "The Grudge" by TOOL... right there at 20:00
(Danny Carey's work is deeply influenced by jazz drumming, combining a mix of rudimental drumming and polirhythms)
Nice spot
Thanks for putting this up!!!!
So much material here to practice on, thank you Mr. Steve Smith :)
Steve is up there with the best.. Just is
excellent teacher
Arigato, Steve-san, most honorable drum master.
Great drummer with impeccable time.
Ending lick on aux snare win two cymbals at end is badass!
Very good drummer Steve
❤excellent material
wow loved this lesson incredible
Fantastic great lesson thankyou a legend
DAMN INCREDIBLE !!!
Love this man. He just seems like he’d be the best dude to work with. My drummers were always too busy smoking a joint and/or shitfaced.
walshy Definitely the wrong people to work with. Steve Smith is on a different league.
Savage socks aside, Smith is a friggin legend !!
Hes a machine .. Incredible control.
Hey Im back 5 yrs later. Yep. It's still incredible. Top clinician, world class .
God bless vic firth!