Contemporary Drumset Techniques, by Rick Latham, is an all-time classic drum book that features original, creative, and exciting exercises for the drum set in a very modern stylistic setting.

These exercises will hone the player’s musical as well as technical skills while still allowing sufficient latitude for one to develop his or her own personal styles. By the use of the additional CDs, the learning process is enhanced by hearing all of the exercises played using the proper feel and phrasing.

As drummers, meeting the demands which are placed upon us for “THE RIGHT FEEL” is something we all strive to achieve. In order to meet these demands, certain styles and grooves must be mastered instantly. It is for this reason that a player should always work on new techniques that enable him or her to adapt easily to any situation. The exercises and patterns that follow have been found very effective in bringing about this adaption process.

My entire approach to the drum set stems from exposure to the rudiments at an early age. I realized the importance of the rudiments and learned how basic hand patterns could be used around the drums. It is for this reason that I begin the book with what I call Contemporary Rudiments. These patterns are based on the 26 standard American rudiments but are more contemporary in sound (a modern Stick Control approach). Variations of these patterns will be used throughout the book. For players never exposed to the rudiments, these patterns will serve the purpose of basic hand exercises. To the players who have studied the rudiments, these exercises will initiate new and interesting ideas.

The concepts studied in this book are the things you should walk away with after working with them. Not just hundreds of new licks, the exercises and patterns are merely a few suggestions to show you how the concepts may be used. Most of the instructions will precede the exercises. Be sure to read all of the text carefully. This will give an overview of what should be accomplished from practicing the patterns. Some exercises will have multiple instructions. Read them all first, then choose and tackle one at a time. This way you will see how playing the exercises in one way will help another.

I am sure that you will see how these exercises will open new doors for the development of your own CONTEMPORARY DRUM SET TECHNIQUES.