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: 5/10

DIFFICULTY: 5/10

A great example of Max Roach’s undeniable style. Strong time, unique comping patterns, polyrhythmic phrasing, & intentional ideas. Coming from the album Thelonious Monk and Sonny Rollins, this is a short and digestible drum solo from the track “Work” that I would highly recommend learning.

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: 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: 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: ?/10

DIFFICULTY: ?/10

Easily the most recognizable drum solo in history. Phil Collins lived in the era of TOMS.

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: 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: 5/10

DIFFICULTY: 7.5/10

Original video link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDxfhggPqXB/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== One of those iconic drum clips that gets passed around online.. Corey Fonville is a talented jazz/hip-hop/funk drummer from the band Butcher Brown. As drum’n’bass music has taken over the mainstream, drummers have learned to achieve that sound while adding their own complexities. In this solo Corey does just that. Keeping a steady/recognizable hi hat + snare groove, while tastefully adding syncopation, complexity, and chops.

COMPREHENSION: 9/10

DIFFICULTY: 9/10

Recognized as one of the most influential jazz drummers and educators in New York City, Ari Hoenig has redefined what is possible behind the drum set. Known for his advanced rhythmic concepts, altered feels, improvisational clarity, and melodic approach to the drums, he leads bands with a depth and authority that few can match. This solo presents his ideas in a decently accessible format(it’s crazy hard) — but perfect for drummers seeking to study his vocabulary, creativity, and technical mastery.

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: 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: 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.

Ringo Starr is a controversial drummer, as he was known to be self-taught and rhythmically ‘sloppy’ at times. However, those same things also make him undeniably original. “Come Together” is a perfect example of -creative composition -unique tom feel -less, not more.

BEAT PAGE contains: main ideas throughout a song, not full transcription (recommended for students)

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)

COMPREHENSION: 3/10

DIFFICULTY: 3.5/10

A must know for every beginner drummer. One of the most famous songs ever recorded and easily the most recognizable song intro.

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: 8/10

Full drum transcription, as well as sheet music for the full band from “Already There” by Taylor McFerrin, featuring Robert Glasper, Thundercat, and Marcus Gilmore. (full ensemble music perfect for a college level ensemble trying to delve into contemporary jazz & hip hop). On this track, Marcus shows mastery of groove & flow around the kit. Every bar seems familiar, yet completely original. I hear many drummers expressing that they want smooth/jazzy flow around the kit, and personally I felt like I could achieve that sound after learning this piece. “Already There” can be played righty or lefty, just needs a ride placed next to the hi-hat for easier back-and-forth movements. Good luck!

COMPREHENSION: 4/10

DIFFICULTY: 8/10

Just the drum transcription from “Already There” by Taylor McFerrin, featuring Robert Glasper, Thundercat, and Marcus Gilmore. On this track, Marcus shows mastery of groove & flow around the kit. Every bar seems familiar, yet completely original. I hear many drummers expressing that they want smooth/jazzy flow around the kit, and personally I felt like I could achieve that sound after learning this piece. “Already There” can be played righty or lefty, just needs a ride placed next to the hi-hat for easier back-and-forth movements. Good luck!

COMPREHENSION: 4/10

DIFFICULTY: 5.5/10

8 full pages of comping from of the greats, Tony Williams. From the album Empyrean Isles by Herbie Hancock, “One Finger Snap” is a classic example of straight ahead/up-tempo jazz. The transcription bounces from the intro - to Freddie Hubbard’s solo - to Herbie’s solo. Most of what’s notated is eighth notes, which makes the reading a lot less stressful/reinforces playing patiently and melodically in a jazz band.

COMPREHENSION: 4/10

DIFFICULTY: 7/10

WTS artist, professional drummer, & educator Steve Pruitt has toured with Jeff Lorber | Jimmy Haslip | Guthrie Govan | Snarky Puppy and more.. One of the first ever solos I (Chris Shemwell) transcribed was a Steve Pruitt Instagram clip (link here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BjbEGCMlqPc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==) check out the video first, and you’ll quickly hear why I wanted to dissect this goodness!

COMPREHENSION: 4/10

DIFFICULTY: 7/10

The drum-n-bass king himself Aphex Twin, aka Richard Davis James. Due to the power of social media, a whole new generation of music listeners now know many of Aphex Twin’s classic songs. Many modern drummers aspire to play in this style, so give “Flim” a try! The music is easy to read, just extremely hard to play at full tempo. Check out my cover video: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CLxKlMvB6Dn/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

COMPREHENSION: 8/10

DIFFICULTY 9.5/10

This solo ideally requires a full 5-piece kit + 4 distinct cowbells, jam block with foot pedal, & mounted tambourine. Please watch the video before buying or attempting to learn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yR-ts4PbaE‍ ‍

In this solo, Horacio demonstrates mastery of 4-limb coordination by playing a clave in the left foot as well messing with flams/feel in the hands. The entire solo slowly accelerandos until it turns into choppy goodness towards the end. I transcribed/performed this piece personally for a college jury exam. I had been too scared to touch it since then…

COMPREHENSION: 4/10

DIFFICULTY: 6/10

A chorus of drum solo from “Deep Night” off the Sonny Clark album Cool Struttin. A short and easy to read solo from one of the jazz greats, Philly Joe Jones. Sticking is not included, but can be inferred by listening to the recording. Single strokes are your friend, as well as paradiddle-diddles. Learning a solo like this is a great way to improve your jazz vocabulary/chops. Good luck!

COMPREHENSION: 4/10

DIFFICULTY: 8/10

If you’re a fan of Thundercat or Robert Glasper, chances are you’ve heard of Flying Lotus and/or his label Brainfeeder (highly recommend checking out all of the labels artists). This bundle includes essentially every live drum part from the album You’re Dead: “Cold Dead” “Dead Man’s Tetris” “Never Catch Me” “The Protest” “Turkey Dog Coma” & “Turtles” featuring drummers: Justin Brown, Ronald Bruner, & Deantoni Parks

COMPREHENSION: 5/10

DIFFICULTY: 6/10

video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6vv85m-S6g&list=RDJ6vv85m-S6g&start_radio=1

Most musicians are familiar with the concept of ‘trading’ where two or more musicians take turns playing solos. A great way to practice improvisation, listening, and reacting. It can be hard to find examples of trading, without scouring hours & hours of live recordings. Here’s a clean and concise example, where Ed Soph and his bandmates are trading 8 bar phrases (despite the name of the song).