Drum Music Books

On this page I will recommend some drum music books. Some that I use personally and some that I use to teach with. I hope you enjoy them.

I have a couple of books out, ‘Paradiddle Creativity‘ and ‘How To Practise Drums‘ and I have also listed some books I currently practice/teach with below my own.

The first book I released is ‘Paradiddle Creativity’ and led me to being invited to write a blog post for Modern Drummer, the book was also reviewed in Rhythm Magazine (4/5 stars) as well as online including this one http://www.mikedolbear.com/story.asp?StoryID=3425. If you would like 5 free pages head over to http://kylecullen.com/paradiddles/

Paradiddle Creativity

http://amzn.to/1brXMy6 – Paradiddle Creativity – UK Link
http://amzn.to/14HDFKB – Paradiddle Creativity – US Link

My second drum music book ‘How To Practise Drums‘ is available on Kindle and paperback using the links below. The feedback I have been getting so far is great. Drummers are finding there practice time maximised as well as always know what they should be practicing and for how long.

How To Practise Drums– Kindle

How To Practise Drums – Paperback

http://amzn.to/13VS8mm – How To Practise Drums – US Kindle Link
http://amzn.to/14JxAzZ – How To Practise Drums – US Paperback Link
http://amzn.to/1d3mzub – How To Practise Drums – UK Kindle Link
http://amzn.to/14JxcSj – How To Practise Drums – UK Paperback Link

If you end up getting either of my books be sure to send me an email at Kyle@GlastonburyDrums.com to let me know how you get on with them. You can also sign up today for free video lessons using the form on the right.

Drum Sheet Music Books – By Other Authors

Books focusing on grooves

One of my go to books when practising as well as teaching is Tommy Igoes Groove Essentials. It’s a great book which starts with basic grooves that every drummer should know. Rock/pop grooves then moves on to Funk, Jazz and finally World Grooves.

Each type of groove has a basic version then two variations. It is worth picking up this drum music book just for the play along CD. As great as it is practicing to CD’s/mp3s, it’s great being able to try out ideas without the original drummers grooves getting in the way. I also like trying out grooves with in styles they weren’t intended for. One of the free video lessons I have takes the Mozambique groove from this book and applies it in a funk setting.

Future Sounds by David Garibaldi is a book that really opened up the possibility of the drum kit for me as well as tightened up my funk and groove playing. The book starts by talking about the different levels that each sound source should sit at. High hat and snare ghost notes being quiet and equally in volume to allow the louder snare accents and kicks to stand out.

He then goes through different permutations (starting a pattern in different places) before moving on to groove studies. This is a book that is recommended by so many drummers and educators out there it really is a must for all drummers especially those that want to really groove.

Snare Drum Books

Stick Control is a book that will teach you just that. Every drummer needs to have relaxed and balanced hands. This book starts with exercises that are really easy to understand but take a long, long time to master. Better pick up a copy today and get to work.

I wouldn’t be able to mention good technique with out mentioning Buddy Rich, Buddy Rich’s Modern Interpretation of Snare Drum Rudiments [With DVD] is his book and takes you through all the standard rudiments plus variations. I use the reading examples at the end of this book all the time as a way to get students familiar with basic reading. Don’t worry though it gets challenging if that’s what you’re after.

World Grooves Drum Books

I love learning grooves from round the world. Although most of my playing is pop, rock, and funk being able to play different styles of music has definitely served me well. The coordination alone has meant playing pop and rock with more authority and a deeper pocket a reality.

Afro-Caribbean Drum Grooves: 28 Lessons with CD Accompaniment is a book I keep coming back to. The grooves contained are so musical and really melodic. I also enjoy taking the grooves and trying to apply them to pop and funk beats.

There are many more drum music books that I enjoy learning out of but I’m sure these drum books will start you off nicely.

Let me know if you pick up any and your thoughts on them. If you have any suggested books that you think I’d like to check out drop me an email as I’m always keeping an eye out for the next thing to sink my teeth into.

Kyle@GlastonburyDrums.com

If you are interested in my drum music books then check the links below

http://amzn.to/1brXMy6 – Paradiddle Creativity – UK Link
http://amzn.to/14HDFKB – Paradiddle Creativity – US Link