# Great Drummers? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 9, 2003, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501 "2003-09-09T12:48:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/1 "2003-09-09T12:48:11Z")
Alright, I`ll admit right now that I don`t really know what it takes to be a great drummer. I listen to all kinds of music but favor Rock/Metal. I`ve always wanted to learn to play the drums too. Couple of questions; Who is considered the best drummer of all time and why? What makes a drummer a great drummer? Can you tell from a recorded song if the drummer is great or not, or do you have to see them live?, or improvise? The following are the drummers that stand out in my mind, mostly due to what I percieve to be creative drum technique and the presence of the drum within the songs that I have heard. Danny Carey - Tool – Very creative, unique sound Peter Chris - Kiss – prominent in many songs, good stamina Lars Ulrich - Metallica – again, heavy drums - back in the day Ginger Baker - Cream – excellent, able to mix it up Keith Moon - Who – could do anything with the drums Matt Cameron - SoundGarden – as good as any of the others, creative, unique, etc. Feel free to comment on my choices and to add your own. ---
**Author:** ![Capt\_B.Phart](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/9fc29f/32.png) [@Capt\_B.Phart](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt_B.Phart)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/2 "2003-09-09T13:14:23Z")
Ginger Baker & Keith Moon - good call, Moonie is my personal favorite, I even like the way he held the sticks. I’d add Gene Krupa, and Animal from the Muppets ---
**Author:** ![Colophon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/f05b48/32.png) [@Colophon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colophon)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/3 "2003-09-09T13:20:30Z")
Stewart Copeland of The Police is probably the best hi-hat technician I’ve heard - fantastic stuff that I have given up hope of ever being able to emulate ☹ ---
**Author:** ![paulberserker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c4cdca/32.png) [@paulberserker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paulberserker)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/4 "2003-09-09T13:41:50Z")
hellfire, i’ve debated this enough times in the pub on a friday. I taught myself to play to my first 2 suggestions: Dave Grohl - Nirvanas in utero & QOTSAs songs for the deaf being prime examples. intense super hard hitting. i’d still prefer him to be drumming over being Foo fighters frontman John Bonham off Led Zeppelin, again, probably the father of tunefully beating the living shit out of a drumkit, inventive, as in his stuffs been sampled a million times, hell listen to the songs. black dog, kashmir, the crunge, 4 sticks being my faves for bonham. Dave Lombardo off Slayer & Fantomas. check out the title track of Seasons in the Abyss. these 3 are my personal faves. ive also got all the time in the world for Carey off Tool, Steven Perkins off Janes Addiction, Dave Lovering off the pixies, Tod Trainer off Shellac, Nicko McBrain, Brain off primus & ?uestlove off the roots, though there are more. (slight hijack) Lars Ullrich shouldnt be in anybodys greatest drummers list. his drummings the shits. why its so high in the mix and has no bass on st.anger is anybodys guess. did he pay for the studio? does he have something over hetfield and hamnett? god knows… ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/5 "2003-09-09T14:33:12Z")
Steve Gadd did some session work with Steeley Dan that is second to none. Buddy Rich is simply a superhuman drummer. ---
**Author:** ![Uncommon\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Uncommon\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uncommon_Sense)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/6 "2003-09-09T14:39:07Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by paulberserker \* > \*\*(slight hijack) > Lars Ullrich shouldnt be in anybodys greatest drummers list. his drummings the shits. why its so high in the mix and has no bass on st.anger is anybodys guess. did he pay for the studio? does he have something over hetfield and hamnett? god knows… \*\* You are correct. That is why I said “back in the day” after his name. He was much better and more creative when they first started - the old stuff was their best. ---
**Author:** ![World\_Eater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/f04885/32.png) [@World\_Eater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/World_Eater)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/7 "2003-09-09T14:42:52Z")
Steve Asheim of Deicide Everyone else is a pretender to the throne. [sub]Copeland _was_ the master of the highhat though[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![tomyoung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7bcc69/32.png) [@tomyoung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomyoung)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/8 "2003-09-09T15:04:24Z")
I wholeheartedly second Todd Trainer and Lombardo, **Paul** , and also nominate the Speedo-clad Dale Crover of the Melvins. ---
**Author:** ![DaddyTimesTwo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f07891/32.png) [@DaddyTimesTwo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaddyTimesTwo)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/9 "2003-09-09T15:14:12Z")
I haven’t plaued since my teens, but I still have opinions! Bonham was always my favorite. His style was mostly rather “simple”, but he would through in some incredible fills or pedal work that I could never ever even attempt much less master. Although the fact that **Rock and Roll** is now a Cadillac commercial makes it hard for me to listen to Zeppelin. I also really like Charlie Watts for a lot of same reasons. Simple, but powerful, and well, so _rhythmic_. And the guy that played on Letterman for years, his name escapes me, he was also very good. ---
**Author:** ![statheist](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a9adbd/32.png) [@statheist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/statheist)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/10 "2003-09-09T15:14:58Z")
Neil Peart, RUSH anyone? Carter Beauford, The Dave Matthews Band. ---
**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/11 "2003-09-09T15:20:34Z")
Hellhammer, and the guys from Dream Theater and Dillinger Escape Plan. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/12 "2003-09-09T16:36:04Z")
Lets not forget Bill Bruford! The guy who plays for Helmet is pretty good, but I don’t know his name. * * * How is Rap like Porn? Both are better with the sound turned off. ---
**Author:** ![Gundy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b782af/32.png) [@Gundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gundy)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/13 "2003-09-09T17:12:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by paulberserker \* > \*\*Dave Grohl - Nirvanas in utero & QOTSAs songs for the deaf being prime examples. intense super hard hitting. i’d still prefer him to be drumming over being Foo fighters frontman > \*\* This is my first thought when I think of great drummers. First time I heard QOTSA’s “No One Knows” on the radio I about shit myself. His drumming on that is intense, hard, and pristine. ---
**Author:** ![mascaroni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/dc4da7/32.png) [@mascaroni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mascaroni)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/14 "2003-09-09T17:27:45Z")
Keith Moon - The Who… need I say more? Clem Burke - Blondie… a one man Wall Of Sound. Moulty - The Barbarians… decided to become a drummer after losing a hand. Like you do. ---
**Author:** ![Duderdude2](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/cdc98d/32.png) [@Duderdude2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duderdude2)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/15 "2003-09-09T17:30:00Z")
**Neil Peart** is right up there with the best of them, and I know I’m not alone with this opinion. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/16 "2003-09-09T17:31:34Z")
Joe Morello, Dave Brubeck Quartet: most finesse and style of any drummer…ever. Got more out of a five-piece trap than any others ever attain with much more complicated setups. Buddy Rich: Arrogant prick corrupted by his own fame, but a maniac on the skins ---
**Author:** ![yawndave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/43a26b/32.png) [@yawndave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yawndave)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/17 "2003-09-09T17:42:37Z")
Another vote for Bill Bruford! Carl Palmer’s no slouch, either.Terry Bozio can smack them skins pretty well, too. Ringo’s son, Zak, does an admirable job filling Keith’s extra-large shoes. ---
**Author:** ![plnnr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@plnnr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/plnnr)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/18 "2003-09-09T17:48:01Z")
“And the guy that played on Letterman for years, his name escapes me, he was also very good” Anton Figg ---
**Author:** ![musicguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@musicguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/musicguy)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/19 "2003-09-09T18:20:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by plnnr \* > \*\*“And the guy that played on Letterman for years, his name escapes me, he was also very good” > > Anton Fig \*\* Depends on how far you go back. Before him was Steve Jordan, an incredibly well-rounded drummer. I think Steve was with the show for about 5 years. Also, Steve Gadd did a short stint with the band when it first came on. ---
**Author:** ![musicguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@musicguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/musicguy)\ **Post date:** [September 9, 2003, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501/20 "2003-09-09T18:46:27Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by whuckfistle \* > \*\* > Couple of questions; > > Who is considered the best drummer of all time and why? > \*\* I don’t think there can be, or needs to be, a “best” drummer of all time. There are so many incredibly talented players that to determine a best would be selling short a lot of great players. IMHO, musicians shouldn’t be in competition with each other. Having said that, some of my _favorite_ drummers are: Steve Gadd: The epitome of a studio drummer. Incredibly creative, with a groove that just won’t quit. Listen to “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” by Paul Simon to hear an example of his artistry. His discography is huge and you have probably heard him more times than you realize. Steely Dan’s “Aja” is another examply of his brilliance. Vinnie Calaiuta: Drummer for Frank Zappa and many many others. Vinnie is probably one of the most technically proficient drummers that has ever lived. A good example of his playing would be “Keep It Greasy” on Zappa’s “Joe’s Garage”. John Bonham: This man invented hard rock drumming as far as I’m concerned. Sure he was one of the hardest bashers, but he could also play with finesse and always had a rock solid groove. Steve Smith: Don’t let his work with the pop band “Journey” fool you. The man can play some jazz and has chops that are to die for. I recommend any of his work with his band “Vital Information” Carter Beuford (sp?): The groove behind “The Dave Matthew’s Band”. I think he is one of the most innovative drummers around. The fact that he is completely ambidexterous makes for some very interesting drumming. > [@](#): > > \*\* > What makes a drummer a great drummer? > \*\* So many things. A rock solid sense of time is a must. Being versitile. Ability to not overplay and rather, play for the music. > [@](#): > > \*\* > Can you tell from a recorded song if the drummer is great or not, or do you have to see them live?, or improvise?\*\* I don’t think that you have to see a drummer live to determine how well he plays, although some drummers excel more at live playing and others in the studio. I think an ability to improvise can really show the depth of a musician, not just drummers. It’s one thing to play something that you have had a lot of time to work out the details. It’s quite another to just be able to play with anyone in any style and be overflowing with ideas. To me, the best drummers display this ability. Good luck with your drumming quest. If you choose to study, find a good teacher and play in as many different situations as you can. Drums are awesome:) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-drummers/200501.md?page=2)