Reddit reviews 4-Way Coordination: A Method Book for the Development of Complete Independence on the Drum Set

If you can spare the money I most definitely recommend finding a teacher. You will want to start with rudiments (they can be boring, but you'll be glad you did them in the long haul) and while you can pick them up from books, having a teacher giving feedback helps a lot. You don't have to stay with a teacher on the long-term, if you make it clear that you just want a solid base most teachers know what you mean and want.

If you don't have that money, these are three books I highly recommend to anybody who wants to play any percussion instrument:

http://www.amazon.com/Stick-Control-For-Snare-Drummer/dp/1892764040/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_b

Description: This book is full of rudiments. Like ctrocks said: This book is evil. You will most likely both grow to hate and love it. Hate it for both how boring rudiments can get (to me, at least) and how hard they get. But love it for the results and seeing how all those rudiments advance your playing immensely. I suggest picking this up as soon as possible.



http://www.amazon.com/Accents-Rebounds-For-Snare-Drummer/dp/1892764067/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343162586&sr=8-1&keywords=Accents+and+Rebounds

Description: The 'sequel' to Stick Control. This book adds accents and even more difficult rhythms. I would suggest picking this up at an intermediate level.

http://www.amazon.com/Progressive-Steps-Syncopation-Modern-Drummer/dp/0882847953/ref=cm_lmf_tit_5

Description: Don't let this book fool you. It all starts out really simple. But this is one of those books that really lays down a foundation you will be very grateful for. And when you're getting to a more advanced level, you will see how you can translate a lot of these syncopated rhythms to the entire drumkit. I suggest picking this up as soon as possible.


http://www.amazon.com/4-Way-Coordination-Development-Complete-Independence/dp/0769233708/ref=pd_bxgy_b_img_c

Description: This book is very well named. You will want to grab this book after you got the basics down, imo. You want to work on the independence of your limbs as soon as possible, but not too soon. Yet again: rudiments. But now rudiments that require all limbs.


http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Techniques-For-Modern-Drummer/dp/0757995403

Description: We're starting to get into the bigger leagues with this book. I honestly don't quite know how to describe this book except for the word: challenging. Challenging in a very, very good way. I recommend picking this up once you're starting to get into a more advanced stage.


These books are for the basics, imo and in the opinion of many fellow drummers as far as I know. But don't forget: the books are merely tools. You don't want to be only playing rudiments, you'll go crazy. I tended to go for a trade: every half out of rudiments rewards me with a half our of putting on tracks and rocking out. Resulting in one-hour sessions a day. Hope this helps!

Edit: Feeling bored so added more books and descriptions.

I'd say limb independence. I spent some time working through this book and it's very challenging.

As they told u, start simple and slow. Also, check this book: https://www.amazon.com/4-Way-Coordination-Development-Complete-Independence/dp/0769233708 .
"4-Way Coordination: A Method Book for the Development of Complete Independence on the Drum Set". It sounds overwhelming but the exercises are very simple (think stick control from gls and add left and right feet). Most importantly do each one slow! don't go up on the metronome until you are comfortable with an exercise.

i'm a beginner too, self-teaching. do you have a metronome?

i bought this 4 way coordination book. its straight forward and you can do it on or off the kit. these are exercises to get your limbs on time and independent. they are extremely challenging, especially as you build speed.

http://www.vicfirth.com/education/ has some interesting stuff to check out, i am working off "Beginning Snare Video Lessons" to build my actual stick/bounce/finger technique. it's all about perfecting technique slowly if you want to get blinding fast.


i've had experience with music my whole life though (can already read music, understand time signatures, etc), and this is the path that i am sure i want to take to get where i want to be. you might find it very dull and want to just dive into playing along to songs?

I built it so I could practice from http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0769233708 using actual pedals and sticks instead of just hands and feet. I need a snare stand still for my practice pad but until then ill just keep beating up my thighs

Here are the books you may be looking for.

4-Way Coordination: A Method Book for the Development of Complete Independence on the Drum Set or Advanced Techniques For The Modern Drummer: Coordinating Independence As Applied To Jazz And Be-bop

Both focus on independence, though this is the one I just order today for myself, The New Breed

https://www.amazon.com/4-Way-Coordination-Development-Complete-Independence/dp/0769233708/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1521491430&sr=8-1&keywords=independence+drums&dpID=51jflAn474L&preST=_SY344_BO1,204,203,200_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

That is awesome. I just found this book on 4-way coordination while drumming that sounds like the kind of thing redditors have shown interest in in other threads. I threw it in my Amazon shopping list.

This is all great advice- the Riley book has been open on my music stand for years and I am still a long way from 'finishing' the exercises. I also recommend 4 Way Coordination,playing exercises in that book is very humbling and eye opening.

Check out this book: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0769233708/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

Even just working through the beginner exercises really opens you up on your kit. Some of them can be used as sick fills too and maybe even a beat (it would be kinda busy though)

I found the book 4-way coordination helped me with unisons - https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/Books/Way-Coordination-Method-Development-Complete-Independence-Drum/0769233708

1. Transcribing, as others have mentioned. And listening in general. You don't have to get the entire solo; picking out bits and pieces is fine, especially when parts are really complex.
   
   
2. Books. Of the following, I'd say definitely get the first two, then any one of the other three:
   
   4-Way Coordination, so you can do what you want when you want.
   
   All American Drummer, so you can swing that snare like Philly Joe. Also move around the set.
   
   Modern Reading Text in 4/4, because Louie Bellson knows his big band rhythms. Play them across the entire set and sing along. Use rests and busy rhythms to set up the big hits.
   
   Syncopation for All and Syncopated Big Band Figures. More of the big band rhythm stuffs.
   
   
3. Practice soloing. Start with 4s and 8s. Play time for 4, then solo for 4. If you're using the big band books, improvise a solo, then set up 4 bars. Rinse, repeat.
   
   Get really used to 4s and 8s before moving on to longer solos. Try starting with a simple idea and develop it; don't play a bunch of different, random crap for 4 bars: 2-3 beats of a rhythm, and keep working with it. You'll find you can express yourself much better after some practice.
   
   Also, metronome. Always, always the metronome.
   
   
   

This one right? That's awesome. I may have to invest in this book. Thanks!

For drum set books, I really like Mel Bay's Complete Modern Drum Set

It will give you at least a working idea of a wide variety of styles.

If you're looking to build strength and independence in your limbs, 4-way coordination

My old college professor actually studied under Marvin Dahlgren.

And finally, Gavin Harrison's books have been blowing my mind lately:
Rhythmic Illusions

Rhythmic Perspectives

https://www.amazon.com/4-Way-Coordination-Development-Complete-Independence/dp/0769233708

Another guitarist learning drums here! And yeah, drums are a bit on the physically exhausting side (admittedly I'm out of shape though), wow I knew I was uncoordinated, but I didn't really realize how uncoordinated I was until I started trying to play drums. I bought copies of 4 Way Coordination and The New Breed.

I'd call New Breed a 'difficult but worth it' workbook for actually getting your hands and feet working together. And 4 Way Coordination more of a 'learn to control them separately' (little tip: make sure that your hands are on different drums for the melodic exercises).

Start by learning some basic rudaments and slowly improve your speed doing them. http://www.vicfirth.com/education/rudiments.php is pretty good and had videos on each rudament. I also invested in This, and this which I found were really helpfull.

Edit: I invented a book instead of buying one

And 4-Way Coordination!

https://www.amazon.com/4-Way-Coordination-Development-Complete-Independence/dp/0769233708