COMPREHENSION: 4/10

DIFFICULTY: 6/10

One of the most iconic jazz drum solos of all time. A timeless study in creativity, variation, and swing. With my own drum students, I introduce this solo pretty early on after learning the basics of theory and drum notation. It’s a perfect solo to push a beginner’s sight reading abilities & get familiar with the sound/feel of swing.

COMPREHENSION: 2/10

DIFFICULTY: 4/10

*Disclaimer* This is not a direct transcription of the drum solo(which I don’t recommend trying to learn), rather these are exercises to help you play like John Bonham and become a more technically efficient drummer.

COMPREHENSION: 6/10

DIFFICULTY: 7.5/10

Milestones was a album recorded by the Miles Davis ‘First Great Quintet’ comprised of Sonny Rollins on tenor saxophone, Red Garland on piano, Paul Chambers on bass, Philly Joe Jones on drums (and alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley for the album Milestones).

“Billy Boy” (5th song on the record) is an uptempo standard with a famous Philly Joe Jones solo.

COMPREHENSION: 3/10

DIFFICULTY: 6/10

Drum solo one of the greats: Roy Haynes off of “Our Delight” - Roy Haynes, Phineas Newborn, & Paul Chambers (starting at the 1:45 mark). This is a perfect solo for drummers getting into jazz, as it is easy to read and full of iconic be-bop language.

COMPREHENSION: 6/10

DIFFICULTY: 7.5/10

A viral drum solo that needed a transcription. Flawless timing, execution, and ideas.

video link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOXH8efj4Xm/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

COMPREHENSION: 10/10

DIFFICULTY: 10/10

If you are in “the know” of drum culture, you have heard of quintuplets, dilla swing, etc.

This is the solo to learn if you want to master quintuplet flow, grouping, and syncopation. Transcribed/performed as part of my Berklee drum audition, this piece transformed my playing & rhythmic understanding massively and quickly made me a believer that Marcus Gilmore is the best drummer alive.

video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8T-uJGMfHw

COMPREHENSION: 6/10

DIFFICULTY: 9.5/10

An up tempo be-bop solo over Pent-Up House by the talented Peter Primus Frosch. Truly a tremendous display of traditional jazz vocabulary, phrasing, stickings, and light swung feel. If you want to sound like the greats (Max Roach, Elvin Jones, Papa Jo Jones, etc) but also want a modern approach, I highly recommend learning this solo.

link to video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO9DACYj56d/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

COMPREHENSION: 6/10

DIFFICULTY: 9.5/10

A monster player and the new Chair and Director of Jazz Studies at UMKC, Carl Allen embodies excellence and musical urgency. If you don’t buy this solo, please still watch the iconic live performance with Benny Green and Ben Wolfe> https://youtu.be/FX91YszB4Rc?list=RDFX91YszB4Rc&t=688

COMPREHENSION: 5/10

DIFFICULTY: 6.5/10

Hiatus Kaiyote is one of the most influential bands shaping today’s neo-soul, jazz, and hip-hop landscape. Their sound is built from rhythmically adventurous grooves, rich harmonic language, and Nai Palm’s unmistakable vocal phrasing. Perrin Moss - the drummer, is the genius behind the majority of the rhythmic mystique of the band. This song goes from funk, to second-line, to jazz, to dilla, and it all somehow blends together perfectly.

COMPREHENSION: 4/10

DIFFICULTY: 6.5/10

Every drummer knows.. the greatest classic rock drummer of all time Neil Peart. Learning either of these Rush songs is huge accomplishment for the aspiring drummer. If you already know the songs, just use the EXERCISE sheets as they have great tips and tricks all centered around sounding like Neil Peart.

COMPREHENSION: 3/10

DIFFICULTY: 3.5/10

FIVE SONGS that I can guarantee as a drum teacher.. are fun to play & utilize the whole kit - great for a beginner drummer who’s just learning how to read music. These pdfs are ‘beat pages’ - one page per song, with each main section of the song transcribed (not full transcriptions of the songs, as that is not necessary for learning most songs efficiently on drum kit).

COMPREHENSION: 4/10

DIFFICULTY: 5.5/10

John Bonham - one of rock’s most powerful drummers. His grooves are primal and direct, which is what creates the core of many Led Zeppelin songs. Unsurprisingly, many of Bonham’s beats have complex rhythmic ideas beneath their massive sound. That blend of accessible groove and deeper musical detail is why I chose these songs. Some of the most technical Led Zeppelin songs, employing 4-limb coordination & a shuffle. (beat pages only - not full song transcriptions)