Does working out increase capabilities on the drums?
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- Опубліковано 2 чер 2021
- Does working out help your drumming? If so, what kind of workout style/routine do you have? BJJ, Crossfit, bro split, upper/lower, push/pull, boxing, bike, running etc
Gavin Harrison said it best - "The things I play today I could have played 25 years ago, I just couldn't think of them 25 years ago." - in other words you can be in the best physical shape in the world with the fastest hands/feet but if you have zero creativity and zero ideas it's worthless. The biggest muscle you need to work on is your brain.
I agree with you and Gavin sir, it’s the brain doing the bulk. Physical shape/health must be tended to in some manner though so we can sustain this physical instrument for many years🤘
This is what I’ve always said exactly about Gavins playing. It’s one thing to be able to play something that is “hard” to play, *ITS SOMETHING ELSE ENTIRELY TO BE ABLE TO THINK UP INTERESTING, ENGAGING, AND ARTISTIC MUSICAL IDEAS FOR ANY INSTRUMENT.*
Ironically, playing the thing is easier than deciding what to play and what is worth playing.
I personally just try and play literally everything and find what my body and mind naturally gravitate towards and then try and expand on that. But I think this also requires a general love of all kinds of music, especially stuff that isn’t the kind of music you play.
I think the stamina you'll get from working out will be a great help but I agree with you the brain will still be responsible for your musicality and this is where the muscle memory and the years of experience kicks in.
Exercise and good eating are the 2 proven ways to maintain brain health (IQ) with age
Garstka, Donati, Lang, Casagrande. All elite and untouhable drummers.
Love the fact that physical education is playing in the background
Matt: “Being healthy makes you a better drummer.”
Obese Gospel drummers: Hold my KFC bucket
CHILL LOL
LMFAOOOOOOOO
*Laughs in Gospel*
your joke doesn't make any sense. what he's saying is that even these gospel drummers, however good they might be, could be even better when in a healthy state. it's just logic really.
@@hazardeur geez there had to be one 🤦🏿♂️ lol no one's disputing that. it's literally A JOKE meaning NOT serious
Matt "get good at the drums" Garstka
GIT GUD
I hope in the future whenever Matt redesigns his website, he registers it to the URL “getgood atthedrums.com”
*git gud
The depression part speaks to me man. Thanks for opening up with that, its not easy to talk about.
Mark whalberg speaking truth.
Had no idea he played drums.
Ha
No he’s obese asf rn 🤣
🤣
Matt's just becoming more and more tanked as time goes on
Berklee matt was tiny, dude has gotten jacked since 💪
@@drummerkrisp what ahahaha
@@Calamitous obese bro
Lmao the song choice for the video is so appropriate
This is a nice subject to talk about “Physical Education” right?
Finally, the question that everyone’s been asking to Matt 😆
Sounds like a question for Metal Matt.
It helped me play harder but It can also make me play worse if I'm sore
I loved that Physical Education was playing in the beginning of the video
Not necessarily "working out" but I feel like the idea of watching your health and taking care of yourself in regards to playing music for a living is rarely talked about by musicians on a public platform, so I appreciate you posting a video about this topic! When I was a kid I didn't even think about taking steps to be healthy in regards to my drumming. All I did was drum and play video games pretty much 24/7. Next thing I know I'm getting tired, my metabolism is slowing down, I'm gaining weight, my back is aching, and I even end up developing carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of overusing my hand/wrist muscles without taking any steps to strengthen them.
It's by no means too late for me, but spreading the message about taking steps to be healthy and take care of your body I feel is super important, ESPECIALLLY when you consider how many young musicians are out there who really want to play music at a professional level. I'm in physical therapy now, eating healthier, and exercising more regularly, so I'm hopefully on the right track to fix things, but I can promise you that nothing feels worse than practicing your craft for years and dedicating yourself to be a working musician, only to be setback by something that is ultimately avoidable like health issues.
Thanks for sharing brother, yes definitely best to stay proactive but sometimes we get behind the ball and need to play catch up. When it has happened to me in the past, yoga, healthy eating, healthy sleep, and PMA(positive Mental Attitude) brought me back✊stay strong
@@drummusician 100%, gotta have perspective and take a step outside the drumming world every now and then lol. and thanks, appreciate the support!
i've been going through the exact same thing, been dealing autoimmune symptoms, heavy metal toxicity and carpal tunnel for years. I was an aspiring musician and still am. I've had no choice but to take a break from music to recover. It's honestly been one of the hardest thing to do.
I want to see a 350lb jazz drummer smashing rimshots consistently using traditional grip. I'm willing to wait.
Kinda like thomas lang?
Space Conan Garstka isn't real, he cant hurt you.
Space Conan Garstka:⬆️
Candid insight. Thanks!
I love these talks Matt!! Thank you they mean so much
Great insight Matt! Love these style of videos
Love these recent chat videos, man. 🤘 Hope to see more! 🍻
dude I'm loving the new format of videos, hope you never stop making these
Great advice dude, you are my inspiration
Super cool to hear this kind of honesty from one of the best
I like this kind of videos, where you talk about one specific issue. I'm waiting for more!
This was a really good video. Thank you!! 😃
About this topic, elestepario siberiano said that he always does weightlifting only after his practice session, precisely at the end of the day. I am not a professional drummer but since I started doing this I can truly say that this is the one of the best solution if your routine allows it.
Thank you Matt for the time you take to educate us more about drumming as well as being so open about your life man. It makes you all that more relatable as a drummer and a human.
Looking good Matt, appreciate you dog!
Great insight. Well articulated as well as covering angles of question that could arise in drummers of all skill levels... You're a fucking G Matt!
Very informative and helpful
Thanks for the wonderful lesson Sir Matt!!! 😊🥁🇵🇭
Man this video is so inspirational.
Thanks so much for being so open and honest about this, it's an important topic especially for myself and strangely not often discussed. Thanks for your insight.
What a beautiful man you are. Thank you master Garstka
Really nice piece of mind Matt. Your rhythm is totally inspirational. Loved your workshop at Absolute Music in Bournemouth last year.
As someone whom fractured their spine wrestling at 12 for middle school, almost severed my cord by a 75% slip between vertebrae that came centimeters from making me paralyzed from the waist down, 5 years in a wheelchair, 6 major surgeries, over a third of my spine fused with lamectomies throughout (no disk whatsoever between vertebrae fused into 1 immobile mass of bone L3-S1 and again at T11, a spinal cord stimulator implant put in just walk again, and let alone play drums); I couldn't even sit for 15 minutes at the kit in 2016, and now I can play 6 hrs a day, teach, and gig professionally. I still can't run, I have a terrible gate/limp, and my legs don't fire normally with all the neurological damage. So, while I highly support everything you're saying, I came from the opposite end of the spectrum, and had to learn *technique* to save my body and play with longevity, since I can't work out besides on the kit. Having strength is great, but utilizing motion and using wrist and fingers rather than large muscle groups; made ALL the difference for me. I can't do anything but walk and ride a pedal assist bike; but you better believe I can "tap dance", while orchestrating, improv.'ing, conserve my energy, and using good technique to play the drums, rather than muscling everything out and not using technique to my advantage, and getting tired or overly sloppy! 😉 I envy those that can and have strong health/strength/good physique! It definitely plays a major role, as it's a physical instrument! Great video! Happy drumming, everyone!
Edit:
"It's all just up-down motion, it's in how you maximize that motion to get the most amount of sound for the least amount of effort, and in the way you use and orchestrate it around the kit"
-Russell Bizzett (my mentor)
Thanks MG - I relate drumming and lifting to basketball and lifting . Thanks , also really enjoy your website.
Lookin good Matt! Lots of good info packed in one video (wish I could keep track of it all haha) you are one of my favorite drummers
Does working out help with drums?
Matt: Do I look skinny to you?
Loving these new videos Matt! Totally agree with the mental health aspect of it all in addition to physical health. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been doing yoga which has really helped my focus. And that’s been super helpful for keepin dat beat!
Mad props for touching base with your mental health and own personal life experiences. Something so huge yet not spoken about enough in the industry
Love this content!!
Thanks for an honest and non bias response. offering examples of how it can help/hinder was refreshing as you encourage people to come their own answer rather than yes/no. The key points at the end were spot on
Very reassuring stuff man \m/
Working out really helps with my confidence on the kit, I also like the fluidity that comes with a little meat on my bones.
Perfect song choice my friend
I love Matt's dedication to keeping it real but also staying PC lol.
Thanks Matt,for being honest!
Also being open about mental health!
I've been working out for 25 years, and playing drums for two. This video was very helpful. Thanks
When I watched the Anaheim concert the first thing I saw was that you have been hitting the weights!! Good work dude!!
This is a great video and good insight. I've definitely found that lifting has altered the way I play the drums, but for me it's helped because it kind of enforces the idea of efficiency and being as comfortable as possible. So technique comes in handy!
I really enjoy and respect how honest and open Matt is .
I a really appreciate this video!
I went through a depression also and didn't feel like drumming at all, which was super hard considering it's like a form of meditation for me... thanks for sharing, it's comforting to know others have been through the same, thankfully today I'm back to drumming and happier than ever
Yes, you hit all the points. Eat well, sleep well and practice, practice, practice. Great video.
Without a doubt. I started working out with that purpose in mind and the effect was even greater than I thought it would be
Thanks Matt..💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Thanks for sharing your experience ... my outlet for dealing with depression is playing ice hockey and it definitely takes time away from the drums (especially if I’m injured). It’s all about balance and priorities in life.
Thank you so much
Love you Matt
Respect on adopting a healthier lifestyle, Matty. I am happy to hear physical exercise assisted with your depressive symptoms as well and hope that continues to improve your state of mind. I began lifting at 13, I’ll be 27 a little later this year, and have done that longer than I have played drums. I also have a bachelors degree in the field of Kinesiology, exercise science focused. The relationship between physical exercise and the impact it has on the brain and creativity has always interested me. The question as to whether or not being in good physical shape makes you a better musician has interested me as well. I’ve spoken with singers who run 5k’s, marathons, etc. on a regular basis as to whether they feel enhanced cardiovascular condition improves their breathing and range while performing and have gotten mixed answers. Physically exercise clearly can ignite or even fuel creativity, but as it pertains to whether it enhances your physical drumming capabilities is anecdotal in my experience. I think strength and conditioning in drumming is the same in sports, it has to be position specific. Also, it’s important to point out that drills and practice will make you a better player, or musician. Strength and conditioning just helps you to sharpen those tools to perform better. I do think exercises and programs that focus on endurance of your shoulders, forearms, quadriceps, hamstrings, calves as well as your anterior tibia are going to be most beneficial for what you do in Animals as well as other drummers in the metal genre.
Nothing profound here, I just wanted to contribute to the subject as both music and strength and conditioning are two passions of mine. Be well, everyone!
I have a lot of time where I can't play on a kit and it gets me down, but I've found that working out during that time keeps me happy and actually makes my drumming better as far as endurance and speed.
There's something very mesmerizing about the way Matt speaks.
Thank you!
This video dropped at exactly the right time for me! This has been on my mind for months. As a drummer who also likes to lift my ass off, i feel like my focus has shifted away from my instrument and more towards my physique/numbers, much like the phase you describe.
Only difference is, I'm about 5% the drummer you are, so I can't really afford to slack. Lifting is just making me happy rn (happier than drums like you describe) but hopefully I can find a balance in the future.
PS, also a fellow depression sufferer (Bipolar to be exact) so thank you for your honesty in that regard.
Glad you are out of your slump and in a better place dude x
Thanks for the video Matt. I’m a full time working musician in China and I just started in the gym 2 months ago. Most gym programs don’t take into account the fact that you gotta go drum for 2 hours at night and for 3-4 hours the next day to practice. Really need to find a good balance to make both coexist. Overall it helps a lot on focus and I’ve noticed I have more endurance, but as you said, soreness is really hard to deal with when you wanna practice, mostly 2 days later.
Lol. Love this man. Great CGI !!!!!
We all know that every touring metal drummer is gonna work out at least his upper body, you gotta look good in that tank top
Balance is also a physical aspect of drums that once you start using all four limbs becomes glaring.
Oh great Matt, our Prometheus, what knowledge of fire do you bring to us mortals today
For me in my senior years, playing my drums are both a mental and physical workout. I've had 21 surgeries, 6 spinal, and most recent being open heart triple bypass two years ago. I gigged twice within a few days six weeks after the surgery. I enjoyed myself, but I also recognized that this surgery took a lot out of me, and still evidently so two years after. I'm now 65 pounds lighter with much greater flexibility but my strength has diminished. Because of the never ending yard work, my current exercise is intermittent using light kettlebells, biking, walking, and my most favorite is drumming. Eating healthy is paramount. Good to see you looking good and playing good MWG!
I’m in my 60s and have been lifting Olympic style for almost 6 years. Lifting has definitely become my ‘happy place’ but I absolutely cannot function as a drummer right after lifting... found that out the hard way (on a gig). I just totally bonked after 2 sets... this was playing a low-volume jazz gig. Can’t imagine what a rock gig would have done to me!! I also run and bike... those are much more compatible with drumming, though no less tiring. Physical activity of any kind has been a great asset to my life & mindset... and it has helped me be a better drummer from that standpoint.
nice idea putting PE and CC in the background :)
I did some crazy jump rope routines once upon a time and it was insanely beneficial to my leg and dbl kick fitness, speed, endurance.
Absolutely. I think it helps my mental game more than anything. I find that having the mental fortitude to push through a workout translates very well to push through tough monotonous practice sessions. I'm with you Matt I like to train hard. I mix conditioning with lifting and kettlebells. I also climb. Recovery is everything! Stretch, foam roll, massage gun, sauna, ice bath, deep blue, whatever it takes.
Didn’t think I’d watch the full video but was completely drawn in. Really interesting discussion. I agree insofar as what I got from this video is, to an extent, it’s completely relative and subjective. For me, working out is essential for a positive mindset that can then translate into a solid, effective practise session behind the kit. The same goes for all aspects of my life really; I need exercise for overall positivity and productivity. But that obviously won’t be the same for everyone. I think a “you do you” lesson is appropriate here. If something makes you happy and HELPS, go for it.
Hi Matt!
I'm not someone who works out a lot, but I recently started jogging (2 weeks aprox). I can tell I noticed an improvement in my playing. I've been practing for a while patterns what have many kicks within the rhythm itself, and my leg wouldn't last too long playing this group of kicks of the pattern at faster tempos. But, when I started jogging (40 minutes a day), I noticed I was able to play more comfortable at faster tempos. Since then, I jog everyday after a practice session.
I'm an older guy but, I'm a little blown away that MOST guys lift weights 💪 nowadays. When I was a kid, jocks and juice heads lifted but it was sort of a fringe thing. Musicians weren't generally hanging out at the weight room...lol! I understand that it's a different time though. (I feel like Gen-X were all about perfecting laziness)
Hey man, thanks for this video. Recently I've been getting a lot of pain in my lower back and left leg when I play drums. I'm skinny and tall, and have been practicing everyday for about 5 hours for the past 8 months. My doctor told me that sitting behind the kit so much finally took a toll on my body and that I need to work out and get a stronger body and back. So I'm not currently playing drums and just recovering, which sucks.
Ive noticed that calf raises have really made it much easier for me on the kick vs before I was really heavy into going to the gym.
I have overall just noticed a much more elevated energy level and dont gas out nearly as fast playing physically demanding riffs.
I think its benefitted me for sure.
As far as grip strength and speed I can 100% say it helps.
People don’t believe me but when I started lifting weights I not only felt like I got faster but I felt like I had more dynamic control. My ghost notes definitely got better
@@thesneakygamer4343 100% true. Much better stick control.
I often feel that long practice sessions must amount to some kind of cardio. If you have a fitbit or something around, it's cool to test. Results depend on the genre that you play of course, but personally I played a lot of punk, rock and stuff in between, and my fitbit was telling me every time that I had yet again done a good cardio workout. As a bonus, you also do mobility training during drumming while moving around the kit so it is not just a limited set of muscles that are triggered. I never got to combining intense training session with weight lifting, but my guess is that - depending on the genre - drumming *is* cardio and can be used as a complement to your weight lifting. But indeed, only if you still have the energy left to do so. Striking a balance, as always, is crucial. I also appreciate the mention of mental health. Glad to see that the taboo of talking about it is fading away. It is so important. If any of you reading this feel depressed or just not the mental self that you want to be, find help (friends, family, or professional), it is worth it. In fact, it might just make the difference between being miserable or happy (or at least neutral) for the rest of your life.
Jiu Jitsu is the best sport to do as a drummer. The kind of cardio you need for grappling is the same for drumming, plus they're both about coordination and building muscle memory.
I’ve been drumming for 9 years and I’m going to my first jiu jitsu class today
@@tjgadner8896 Going is the hardest bit. Good luck !
As a full time bassist and Jiu Jitsu practitioner (with the inevitable list of inconvenient injuries that comes with it) I can say with absolute confidence that Jiu Jitsu is definitely not the best sport for any musician. There is a lot to learn from the humbling mental and physical process of practicing and studying any kind of Martial Art that directly apply to music....but lugging gear around and playing 5 gigs a week with fucked up fingers/shoulders/elbows/neck isnt the one!
Plus rolling around on the ground with other men gives you a lot of creative inspiration which translates well to instruments!
i have to agree thatt is really insteresting, i did for some years, you have to be really agile and good endurance. In brasil is a popular sport.
30 minute bike rides and push ups 4x a week doubled my stamina, attack and grip noticeably.
Absolutely!
Weight lifting and running are beneficial this is been going on since there’s been rumors. Great point of you though! Thank you.
1000% it helps...especially cardio
Thx4this
I got some very good input from Blake Richardson on this topic quite a few years ago where he talked about basically feeling slower moving muscle around. Based on that I mostly take as much time as I can endure on the bikes if I'm in the gym and a bit of weight focusing on core and back for the stabilization while playing plus some aikido inspired stretching.
Matt you're the fucking man. Quite easily the most versatile drummer of our era. Id love to hear you on some different style tracks. If you have any features you can recommend id love to hear them
Victoria, Casimir Liberski(Cosmic Liberty), GEM(on UA-cam), JIA(guested on Amass, The offering, Drift), Chon(guested on But and Book), Louis Demieulle(many albums)
Wise words sensei
Matt answering the philosophical questions
After I went to gym, I feel more endurance and more feel of my body. Especially my feet can now play more accurate and long term. So for me it's working very well.
Funny thing is i got into lifting after a bad break-up and like you said drumming definitely wasnt as therapeutic as it once was at that period of time. My skills began to slack because i was more focused on maintaining my workout regimen. After about 2 yrs of playing drums alot less ive come back to the sticks and realize for me working out has actually helped out alot on the creative side of things. I feel quicker and sharper when coming up with parts and life has been much better since ive incorporated a balance. I still have a good routine but i definitely dont lift as heavy, andi play disc golf for cardio lol. Mainly trying to maintain aesthetics at this point and not become too skinny or too bulky. A cool possibly random idea for another video is what you think about different drum thrones and if you think they can affect a drummer more negatively or positively from a physical standpoint based on the qaulity of the throne.
i'm specialist on this, I'm drummer and phisical educator, I aunderstand this and let me tell you that stheght and stability i'ts very important. I wourld working out on what you call it "core trainning".
You’re the best Matt! How long are you going to grow your hair? Also, have you made a video of how you tune your snare drum?
So sad to have witnessed you withdrawing from the world of music, Matt. I wish you all the best for your life and hope your soul is gonna carry you back on what nurtures it most! 🙂
6:20 as a smaller guy that was kind of forced to develop technique to really hit hard (at least while playing well) this really hit home. There is an incredible amount of power there if you use the physics to your advantage. On the other hand if you fight it you'll almost always be burning tons of energy for a mediocre result.
Nice to know even a pro drummer like yourself wrestles with the same questions! Getting buff DEFINITELY hurts your finesse on the drums in the short term. And if you're constantly at the gym, your short term becomes long term... I've had the EXACT same problem... Love the gym, but would also love being a beast at the drums. Luckily I don't have sufficient time for either atm 😂(😭).