7 Best-Selling Drums Books Millions Love

Alfred's Drum Method, Book 1, co-authored by Sandy Feldstein and Dave Black, draws on decades of music education expertise to equip beginners with a solid foundation in snare drum technique. Unlike many drum instruction books that jump straight into complex rhythms, this method carefully builds your skills through 80 pages of structured lessons, covering rudimental and roll studies, plus solos designed for both contests and recitals. You'll gain not only technical proficiency but also exposure to bass drum and cymbal techniques, making it a versatile starting point. If you're new to percussion and want a clear path to develop your drumming fundamentals, this book offers a reliable and well-paced approach that prepares you for diverse performance styles.

John Kinyon's experience as a music educator shines through in this method book tailored for drummers who often face limited instructional time. The Breeze-Easy Method for Drums, Bk 1 offers a structured yet accessible path to foundational musicianship, emphasizing practical skill-building in individual and group settings. You’ll find the book focuses on developing timing, rhythm reading, and coordination through concise lessons designed to maximize learning efficiency. While it’s ideal for beginners or teachers working with groups, more advanced players seeking technical complexity might find it less challenging.

This tailored book explores comprehensive techniques and practice methods essential for mastering the drums, carefully tailored to your background and goals. It covers foundational skills such as rhythm development and stick control, progressing to advanced techniques including polyrhythms and dynamic expression. The content matches your specific interests, ensuring a focused approach that deepens your understanding of timing, coordination, and groove creation. Through a personalized exploration of popular drumming knowledge and practice insights, it reveals ways to refine your skills and develop rhythmic mastery that resonates with your musical style. This book combines reader-validated concepts with your unique learning path to enhance your drumming journey.

Marvin Dahlgren, a seasoned drummer and educator known for his deep involvement with modern drumming techniques, co-authored this methodical guide to mastering complete independence on the drum set. You’ll navigate from fundamental rhythmic patterns through to complex polyrhythms, gaining hands and feet coordination that expands your technical range. The book also sharpens your listening skills, enabling you to understand and play across diverse drumming styles with confidence. Its clear notation and progressive exercises make it particularly suitable if you want structured development rather than quick tricks. This book suits drummers aiming to build a solid technical foundation and those serious about advancing their coordination skills.

What started as a focused collection for intermediate snare drummers, William J. Schinstine's Southern Special Drum Solos offers a thoughtfully arranged set of 28 solos, along with duets and a trio, all unaccompanied. This approach allows you to hone precision and musicality without distraction, ideal for contest preparation or refining technique. You'll find pieces that challenge both your technical skills and interpretive abilities, many of which have become staples in state and regional competitions worldwide. If your goal is to deepen your snare drum repertoire with solos that build progressively in difficulty, this book will serve you well, though it's best suited for those already comfortable with intermediate-level drumming.

Unlike most drum instruction books that focus narrowly on rudiments, Dave Black and Sandy Feldstein expand your learning in Alfred's Drum Method, Bk 2 by exploring diverse styles and techniques beyond snare basics. You'll gain exposure to traditional rudimental, corps, and orchestral styles, plus musical forms like theme and variations, and duets, enhancing both your technical skills and musicality. The authors' approach, rooted in preparing beginners comprehensively, includes accessory instruments and multiple-percussion techniques, making this book a versatile step forward after the first volume. If you're serious about advancing your percussion ability with a method recognized for its breadth, this book offers clear, structured progress without overwhelming you.

This tailored book explores focused exercises designed to improve your timing and limb independence on the drums. By combining widely validated techniques with your individual interests, it offers a personalized learning journey that matches your background and specific goals. The content covers essential rhythm patterns, coordination drills, and progressive challenges that would help refine your drumming precision and versatility. You will find guidance that addresses your unique skill level, making each practice session purposeful and engaging. This approach reveals how rhythmic control develops through targeted practice, emphasizing the connections between timing, limb independence, and musical expression.

Roy Burns' decades of experience as a professional drummer and educator led to the creation of this methodical guide, designed to introduce you to the foundational elements of drumming. In its 80 pages, you’ll explore essential music principles alongside practical lessons on bass drum and cymbal techniques, making it a solid starting point for beginners. The book focuses on building your understanding of rhythm and coordination through straightforward exercises rather than flashy tricks. If you're embarking on your drumming journey or teaching others, this method offers a clear and accessible pathway to foundational skills without overwhelming complexity.

John Lombardo and Charles Perry bring decades of musicianship to this focused collection of rhythmic exercises tailored for rock drummers. Instead of overwhelming you with theory, the book offers a carefully curated repertoire of 2- and 4-bar rock and jazz-rock beats that hone your coordination between hands and feet. You’ll find chapters that progressively develop your timing and groove, making it a practical tool whether you’re practicing alone or preparing for a band setting. This book fits drummers aiming to solidify foundational skills in contemporary rock styles rather than those seeking advanced technical solos or genre-spanning techniques.