DRUM SET
METHOD
BY MARK WESSELS
WITH VIDEO LESSONS FROM
WAYNE SALZMANN II
INCLUDING FREE video lessons
Available at www.zildjian.com/education
INTRODUCTION
There are countless books, websites, apps, videos and social channels all devoted to teaching you
how to play drums. With a pretty broad range in quality and depth of lesson content, we want-
ed to take a slightly different approach. Our goal for this Drum Method project isn’t to replace
the thousands of other resources available. It’s to INSPIRE PEOPLE TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES
THROUGH MUSIC by providing trusted, guided lessons, and a motivating experience that helps
get your feet wet with music and percussion. As the global leaders in cymbals, drumsticks, and
mallets, we at the Avedis Zildjian Company are committed to helping create the next generation
of musicians, artists, and/or music lovers.
For every student who fully commits to buying a drum set and signing up for lessons, there are
countless other people who are interested in the drums, but either don’t know where to start or
aren’t sure if they’re ready to jump in head-first. That’s where the Zildjian Drum Set Method comes
in. Start with the first lesson - you don’t need drums or sticks to get started, and it’s totally free.
If your dream is to one day play in a band, or even to become a ‘good enough’ drummer to be
able to play along with your favorite tunes, then we HIGHLY RECOMMEND that you take lessons
from a qualified drum teacher.
For the drum teachers out there, we think you’re going to love having this resource available. In
the planning and production of this series, we wanted to give the student a rock-solid drumming
foundation and well-rounded knowledge, delivered in a fast-paced, user friendly environment. We
hope you’ll consider incorporating it into your current curriculum.
READY TO GET STARTED? We hope you enjoy using this book & video series, joining a grow-
ing community of music-makers with every step, and maybe even joining the Zildjian family in the
future!
ABOUT US
THE WORLD’S LEADING MAKER OF CYMBALS, DRUMSTICKS, AND MALLETS
The Zildjian Company has been synonymous with setting the standard for the development and manu-
facture of high performance musical instruments since 1623. As the world’s leading maker of cymbals,
drumsticks, and percussion mallets, Zildjian products are sold across the globe, under the Zildjian®, Vic
Firth®, and Balter brands, and are the standard to which all other cymbals, drumsticks and mallets are
TM
measured. From the beginner to the world’s greatest rock stars, jazz performers and concert percus-
sionists, amateurs and pros alike choose Zildjian, Vic Firth, and Balter products to allow them to experi-
ence and share the joy of music.
Headquartered in Norwell, Massachusetts with offices in Newport, ME, Los Angeles, CA, London, UK,
and Singapore, Zildjian products are sold globally through distributors and via a network of dealers. All
Zildjian instruments are made in the USA at our cymbal factory in Norwell, MA and drumstick/mallet
factory in Newport, ME.
WWW.ZILDJIAN.COM
MARK WESSELS
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION • ZILDJIAN | VIC FIRTH | BALTER MALLETS
® ® TM
Author of the “Zildjian Drum Set Method”
Mark Wessels is an internationally respected author and educator. As
a publisher, his “Fresh Approach” method books are among the most
successful in the world, with over 300,000 copies in print.
From 1983-2000, Mark taught percussion in some of the most successful
public school programs in Texas and launched one of the first internet
sites devoted to percussion education. As a result, he was hired as the
“Director of Internet Activities” in 2000 for the Vic Firth Company and built
one of the most popular online destinations for drummers today. Through
the years at Vic Firth, Mark created the vast library of educational resources, many of which were ground
breaking in its day. From Essential Rudiments, Groove Essentials and other popular posters to video
lessons, play-along tracks, “In the Lot” and “Learn the Music” videos, Mark has been at the forefront of
percussion education for over two decades.
During his tenure at Zildjian, Mark has also been responsible for producing thousands of drum set, march-
ing and concert performance videos from all over the world. Working with other dedicated members of
the Zildjian team, he also produced and directed the popular “Zildjian Underground,”“Zildjian Live” and
“vfJAMS” video series. Outside of his work at Zildjian, Mark continues to publish new projects through his
website at WWW.MWPUBLICATIONS.COM.
WAYNE SALZMANN II
Host of the “Zildjian Drum Set Method” Video Lesson Series
Wayne Salzmann II is a drummer, educator, author, and composer based in
Austin, Texas. He has been the Drum Set Instructor at the University of Texas
at Austin for over a decade and has given clinics and masterclasses world-
wide.
In addition to his extensive touring and recording with Grammy winning
guitar virtuoso Eric Johnson and iconic songwriter Bob Schneider, Salzmann
has also performed and/or recorded with Steve Miller, Kenny Rogers, Kris
Kristofferson, Christopher Cross, Joe Satriani, Mike Stern, Robben Ford, Chris
Potter, Dick Oatts, Bill Watrous, Diane Schuur, Bobby Shew, UT Jazz Faculty,
San Antonio Symphony, and many others. He has hundreds of recording credits, including a Billboard no. 1
Jazz record, a Billboard no. 1 Blues record, and feature film soundtracks.
Wayne’s book “Developing Melodic Language on the Drums” has received high acclaim from legend-
ary drummers Peter Erskine, Ed Soph, Carl Allen, John Riley, and from Modern Drummer Magazine. He
currently serves as a member of the Drum Set Committee for the Percussive Arts Society, and is an artist/
clinician for DW Drums, Pedals, & Hardware, Zildjian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, and Vic Firth Drumsticks.
Keep up with Wayne at WWW.WAYNESALZMANN.COM.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.................................. 2 – 7 LESSON THIRTEEN.......................... 32 – 33
The Ride Cymbal, Ride Cymbal
LESSON ONE........................................ 8 – 9 Position, French Grip, Ride Cymbal
Your First Drum Beat Grooves, Quarter Note Ride Patterns,
Adding the Hi-Hat ‘Chick’
LESSON TWO................................... 10 – 11
Learn About Drum Sticks LESSON FOURTEEN........................ 34 – 35
Music Reading Exercises,
LESSON THREE................................ 12 – 13 Independence Exercises, The Toms,
Moving Around the Toms
Gripping the Sticks, Adjusting the
Throne and Practice Pad Height
LESSON FIFTEEN............................. 36 – 37
LESSON FOUR.................................. 14 – 15 Grooves Utilizing the Toms,
Hearing Protection, 16th Notes,
The Rebound Stroke, Essential
16th Note Drum Fills
Rudiment: Single Stroke Roll
LESSON SIXTEEN............................. 38 – 39
LESSON FIVE.................................... 16 – 17
Open Hi-Hat Sizzle Sound, Open
Learn about the Snare Stand
Hi-Hat Exercises, Open Hi-Hat
and Snare Drum Anatomy
Combos, Half-open Hi-Hat, Open
Hi-Hat Sounds within Ride Patterns
LESSON SIX....................................... 18 – 19
Bass Drum Pedal, Bass Drum LESSON SEVENTEEN...................... 40 – 41
Anatomy, Pedal Technique
Stroke Styles: Down/Tap/Up,
Accent Patterns, 8th Rests, Fills
LESSON SEVEN................................ 20 – 21 Using the 8th Rest
Hi-Hat Stand, Sticks on the
Hi-Hat, Beginning Independence, LESSON EIGHTEEN......................... 42 – 43
“Rock Star” Play-along Track
Syncopated Left Hand 16ths,
Multiple Bounce Roll, Drag
LESSON EIGHT................................. 22 – 23
Playing the Hi-Hat Pedal, Double LESSON NINETEEN......................... 44 – 45
Stroke Roll, Single Paradiddle,
Syncopated Bass Drum 16ths,
Sticking Patterns
Stick Bag, Rim-shot, Syncopated
Bass Drum Combos
LESSON NINE................................... 24 – 25
Music Notation Basics, Music LESSON TWENTY............................. 46 – 47
Reading Exercises, 8th Notes
16th Note Ride Pattern, One-
Handed and Alternating, Verse/Chorus
LESSON TEN..................................... 26 – 27 Musical Song Form
8th Note Grooves, Accent,
Cross- Stick, 8th Note “Combos” GROOVE LIBRARY............................ 48 – 55
Quarter Note, 8th Note Ride Pattern (48)
LESSON ELEVEN.............................. 28 – 29 Syncopated 8th Note Grooves (49)
Zildjian Family Story, Anatomy of Quarter Note Ride with BD/SN 8ths (50)
a Cymbal, Cymbal Set-up, Crash Grooves Utilizing the Toms (50)
Cymbal Stroke, Musical Phrases Open Hi-Hat Sizzles/8th Note Ride (51)
Syncopated Left Hand 16ths (52)
LESSON TWELVE.............................. 30 – 31 Syncopated Bass Drum 16ths (53)
Drum Fills, The Flam, Playing 16th Note Ride - One Handed (54)
Fills Within a Musical Phrase 16th Note Ride - Alternating (55)
6 ZILDJIAN DRUM SET METHOD
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
Fundamentally, there is no “right” or “wrong” way to approach any book, but here are a few
suggestions that might help you get the most out of the Zildjian Drum Set Method.
If you’re a first-day beginner, you’ll obviously want to start at the beginning and progress
through each lesson in succession. This method introduces skills that build from one to the
next. If you’ve been playing a while, we recommend that you skim through the first part of the
book to make sure you understand the concepts and can play all of the material included in
each of the lessons.
In addition to learning the fundamentals of how to play the drums, this book also includes a
significant amount of information about the gear you’ll be using – necessary info which is often
omitted from other beginner drum methods. We believe that knowing how each piece of gear
functions and how to fine tune your setup is an important part of learning about the drums.
Unless you’re studying privately with a qualified drum instructor, the free VIDEO LESSONS
available on zildjian.com are a crucial part of this method. In the videos, Wayne Salzmann takes
you step-by-step through each lesson, introducing concepts and demonstrating the funda-
mentals of each new technique, groove and fill. We encourage you to pick up your sticks and
play along instead of simply watching the videos.
At the top of each lesson you can scan a QR CODE with a mobile
device that will take you directly to the content available on the
Zildjian website. Be sure to take advantage of the resources avail-
able. The content includes video lessons, play-along tracks and
extended educational material that we were not able to fit in the
pages of this book. If you wish to view the website on a desktop or
laptop computer, bookmark the address for the full lesson series:
www.zildjian.com/education/zildjian-drum-set-method.html
We’ll leave you with one final thought. The key to becoming successful is to ALWAYS HAVE
FUN! As with any worthwhile endeavor, there may be times when you become frustrated. We
encourage you to take a step away from the book during each practice session and play along
to some of your favorite tunes. Not only will you have fun, but by using your ears and listening
to music created with professional drummers, you’ll develop a sense of how to create parts
that serve the music – which is the true role of all great drummers.
Good luck on your journey!
ZILDJIAN DRUM SET METHOD 7
LESSON ONE Scan for video lesson
@ zildjian.com ––>
YOUR FIRST DRUM BEAT
In most popular forms of music, the drummer is the primary time-keeper, providing a steady pulse and
defining the “groove” of the song. The drummer lays down a foundation of rhythm that is the glue that
holds the band together and helps to create a unified musical style. The first and foremost skill that a
drummer must develop is a sense of time, or the ability to keep a steady tempo with his or her beat.
The first step in learning to play the drums is being able to find the “beat” or pulse of a song. In your
first drum beat, you’ll start out by playing your right hand along with the pulse of a variety of styles of
music. Your right hand will play the RIDE PATTERN (or “overriding pattern”) of steady beats. For now,
just play your right hand on your leg – we’ll get to the drum set later.
EXERCISE #1
1 2 3 4
X X X X
Almost all popular music has a steady beat in
FOUR, so play one of your favorite tunes and see if RH
you can find the pulse. Practice counting out loud
to four (over and over) while you tap your right
hand on your leg.
In music notation, X’s are used for cymbals. Eventually, your right
hand will play this “ride pattern” on the ride cymbal or hi-hat.
Almost any popular tune will work for these exercises, but if you’re
looking for music in a wide variety of styles, check out the play-along
tracks and song recommendations on Zildjian.com.
EXERCISE #2
œ œ
1 2 3 4 In this exercise, you’ll see dots (which we call “note
heads”) in the boxes on the PRIMARY BEATS –
RH
X X X X counts 1 & 3. Start by playing your right hand on
your leg in time with some music, then tap (or
stomp) your foot on 1 & 3.
RF Eventually, you’ll play the bass drum with your right
foot. As you practice this exercise, make sure that
both limbs are hitting exactly together and that
you’re keeping steady time with the music.
8 ZILDJIAN DRUM SET METHOD
œ œ
œ œ
EXERCISE #3
1 2 3 4
Now you’ll add the left hand (which plays the snare
drum) on the BACK BEATS – counts 2 & 4. Listen to LH
one of your favorite songs and begin counting “1,
2, 3, 4” out loud to the beat. Begin tapping your
RF
right foot on counts 1 & 3 and the left hand (on
your left leg) on counts 2 & 4. Try several styles of
music in a variety of TEMPOS.
EXERCISE #4
œ œ
1 2 3 4 Finally, add the right hand ride pattern to your
X X X X
œ œ
left hand and right foot to complete the first
RH drum beat (or “groove”). This may not be easy
at first since it requires 3 way “coordination” –
3 limbs playing different patterns at the same
LH time. If it’s difficult for you at first,
SLOW IT DOWN and BREAK IT DOWN!
RF
Master each of the exercises below, one at a
time, building up the full four count groove.
A: COUNTS 1 & 2 B: ADD COUNT 3 C: ADD COUNT 4
œ œ œ œ
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
X X X X X X X X X
œ œ œ œ œ
RH RH RH
LH LH LH
RF RF RF
YOUR ASSIGNMENT FOR THIS LESSON
Play the four count drum beat, with your hands on your legs and feet on the floor, along with several
different songs at several different tempos. You should be able to keep a steady beat with the music,
with the limbs hitting exactly together on each count.
You’ll know if you’ve mastered this first rock beat if you’re able to hold a conversation or read some-
thing out loud while you play. We call this MUSCLE MEMORY. This means that you’ve trained your
muscles to perform without having to think about what you’re doing (like walking and chewing gum).
ZILDJIAN DRUM SET METHOD 9
