--- title: "Best Drum Books Compared: Method Books Teachers Assign" description: "The drum method books teachers assign most, compared by purpose and reading level: Stick Control, Syncopation, Groove Essentials and more, with US prices." author: "Raul Rodrigues" publishedAt: 2026-10-08 checkedOn: 2026-10-07 canonical: https://upbeat.studio/compare/drum-books/ --- # Drum books compared: the method books teachers assign, by what you want to learn Most drummers end up owning the same handful of books, because each one does a single job well. Stick Control and Accents and Rebounds build your hands on a pad. Syncopation and Modern Reading Text teach you to read. 4-Way Coordination, The New Breed and Jim Chapin's Advanced Techniques separate your limbs. Groove Essentials, Future Sounds and Realistic Rock teach styles. The table compares 15 books on what they teach, how well you must read before you open them, how the audio comes, and what they cost in the US today. Checked on 2026-10-07. 15 tools. Prices are US dollars as listed on the named store on the date given with each row; they change, so check the store before buying. ## What you need, and what decides the pick - **First book.** I'm a beginner and want one book to start with. What decides it: how gently it starts, whether it teaches reading as it goes, and whether it covers the kit or only the snare. - **Hands.** I want stronger, cleaner hands. What decides it: sticking exercises you can repeat for years, and whether it needs a kit. - **Reading.** I want to learn to read rhythms and charts. What decides it: pages of graded reading, and how much you must know first. - **Coordination.** My limbs don't do what I want independently. What decides it: systematic independence exercises and the reading level they assume. - **Grooves and styles.** I want grooves across rock, funk and Latin. What decides it: how many styles, play-along audio, and whether it explains feel. - **Jazz.** I want to play jazz. What decides it: ride patterns, comping and independence, with audio. ## The table | Tool | Maker | Kind | Reading level | Price (US) | Written for the full drum set (false if snare or pad only) | How audio comes, as the publisher states: online access code, CD, none | Page count as the publisher or retailer states it | Year first published | Level as the publisher states it | Covers rudiments | Includes play-along tracks | Retail rating | Best for | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | Stick Control for the Snare Drummer | Stone Percussion Books, distributed by Alfred Music | hands | reads basic rhythms, reads well | from $11.65 (one-time) | no | none | 48 | 1935 | not stated as a level; Alfred describes hundreds of basic to advanced rhythms | yes | no | 5.0 (10) Musician's Friend | Hands | | Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer | Ted Reed Publications, published by Alfred Music | reading | reads basic rhythms, reads well | $9.99 (one-time) | yes | none | 64 | 1958 | beginning: Alfred calls it a standard tool for teaching beginning drummers | no | no | none | Reading | | Alfred's Drum Method, Book 1 | Alfred Music | method | no reading yet, reads basic rhythms | from $11.70 (one-time) | no | none in the book-only edition; a Book and Online Video edition adds rudiment demonstrations | 80 | 1987 | beginning: Alfred calls it a beginning snare drum method | yes | no | 5.0 (2) Musician's Friend | First book, Hands, Reading | | Hal Leonard Drumset Method, Book 1 | Hal Leonard | method | no reading yet, reads basic rhythms | $19.99 (one-time) | yes | online access code: demonstration and play-along audio with Playback+ tools, plus video lessons | 64 | 2017 | beginner: a comprehensive beginner's guide | unknown | yes | none | First book, Reading, Grooves and styles | | Modern Reading Text in 4/4 | Alfred Music | reading | reads basic rhythms, reads well | from $10.99 (one-time) | no | none | 96 | 1963 | not stated by Alfred | no | no | 5.0 (2) Musician's Friend | Reading | | Groove Essentials 1.0: The Play-Along | Hudson Music, distributed by Hal Leonard | styles | no reading yet, reads basic rhythms, reads well | $29.99 (one-time) | yes | online access code: play-along tracks for download or streaming | 140 | 2005 | all levels: Hal Leonard lists material for beginning, intermediate and advanced drummers | no | yes | none | Grooves and styles | | Future Sounds | Alfred Music | styles | reads basic rhythms, reads well | from $9.99 (one-time) | yes | online audio in the Book and Online Audio edition (Musician's Friend still lists that ISBN as Book & CD); the book-only edition has none | 64 | 1990 | not stated by Alfred | unknown | unknown | none | Grooves and styles, Coordination | | The New Breed | Modern Drummer Publications, distributed by Hal Leonard | coordination | reads well | $19.99 (one-time) | yes | online access code: a recorded interview with Gary Chester, no play-along tracks | 48 | 1985 or 1986 (catalog records differ) | not stated by Hal Leonard or Modern Drummer | unknown | no | 4.0 (2) Modern Drummer store | Coordination | | Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer, Volume 1 | Alfred Music, Wizdom Enterprises imprint | coordination | reads basic rhythms, reads well | $24.99 (one-time) | yes | Online audio; some retailers still list the older 2 CD edition | 64 pages | 1948 | Not graded; Alfred says it suits a beginner or an accomplished drummer | unknown | unknown | 4.8 (6) Thomann | Coordination, Jazz | | Accents and Rebounds, Revised and Updated Edition | Stone Percussion Books, distributed by Alfred Music | hands | reads basic rhythms, reads well | $10.99 (one-time) | no | None | 47 pages | 1961 | Not graded; Alfred calls it the next step after Stick Control | unknown | no | 4.9 (14) Thomann | Hands | | The Art of Bop Drumming | Alfred Music, Manhattan Music Publications series | styles | reads well | $25.99 (one-time) | yes | Online audio | 80 pages | 1994 | Not graded by Alfred | unknown | yes | 4.8 (13) Thomann | Jazz | | 4-Way Coordination | Alfred Music | coordination | reads basic rhythms, reads well | $14.99 (one-time) | yes | None | 56 pages | 1963 | Not graded; Alfred says it runs from simple patterns to advanced polyrhythms | unknown | no | 5.0 (3) Thomann | Coordination | | Realistic Rock | Hudson Music, distributed by Hal Leonard | method | reads basic rhythms, reads well | $26.99 (one-time) | yes | Online audio, streaming or download | 104 pages | 1972 | Not graded by Hal Leonard or Hudson Music | yes | yes | none | Grooves and styles | | Master Studies | Modern Drummer Publications, distributed by Hal Leonard | hands | reads well | $18.99 (one-time) | no | None | 96 pages | 1983 | Not graded by Hal Leonard | yes | no | 4.7 (7) Thomann | Hands | | The Drummer's Bible, 2nd Edition | See Sharp Press | styles | reads basic rhythms, reads well | Not published (one-time) | yes | 2 CDs in earlier printings; newest printing links to online MP3 files instead | 211 pages | 2003 | Not graded by See Sharp Press | unknown | unknown | none | Grooves and styles | Legend: yes = the store listing or the maker says so; no = not there; unknown = neither says. ## One by one ### Stick Control for the Snare Drummer Stone Percussion Books, distributed by Alfred Music. hands, reads basic rhythms, reads well, one-time. Free tier: A softcover snare drum book of sticking exercises with no audio of any kind. Page after page of written stickings on one drum, from single beats and triplets to flams and short rolls, built to even out the weak hand and give a drummer control, speed and endurance. It is pure hand technique with no grooves, no kit parts and no audio, so you supply the metronome and the application to the drum set yourself. - Best for: Hands - Not for: Not for a drummer who wants beats, fills or kit coordination; it is hand technique on a single surface. - Someone does it better: Alfred's Drum Method, Book 1 explains reading from the start and builds its rudiments into recital and contest solos, while Stick Control is drills only. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Book: $12.99 at Alfred Music (https://www.alfred.com/products/stick-control-00-32749) - Book: $11.65 at Musician's Friend (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-stick-control-for-the-snare-drummer-book/908022000000000) - Note: Musician's Friend lists it as backordered. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Retail ratings: 5.0 (10) Musician's Friend - Maker: https://www.alfred.com/products/stick-control-00-32749 - Sources: - Alfred sells it as a snare drum book: "Stick Control: Snare Drum Book" (https://www.alfred.com/products/stick-control-00-32749) - What the exercises cover, including flams and short rolls: "single-beat combinations, triplets, short roll combinations, flam beats, flam triplets and dotted notes, and short roll progressions" (https://www.alfred.com/products/stick-control-00-32749) - Weak hand focus: "with extra attention given to the development of the weak hand" (https://www.alfred.com/products/stick-control-00-32749) - Range of difficulty: "hundreds of basic to advanced rhythms" (https://www.alfred.com/products/stick-control-00-32749) - Page count: "Page Count: 48" (https://www.alfred.com/products/stick-control-00-32749) - Publisher of record: "Publisher: Stone Percussion Books, LLC." (https://www.alfred.com/products/stick-control-00-32749) - Wikipedia's George Lawrence Stone article dates Stick Control to 1935: "He wrote the books Stick Control for the Snare Drummer (1935)" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lawrence_Stone) - Musician's Friend customer rating: "5.0 out of 5 stars" (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-stick-control-for-the-snare-drummer-book/908022000000000) ### Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer Ted Reed Publications, published by Alfred Music. reading, reads basic rhythms, reads well, one-time. Free tier: A softcover drumset reading book with no audio. A graded reading text that runs from quarter notes through eighths, sixteenths and triplets into pages of syncopated rhythms and accent studies, a standard tool teachers use to build a drummer's reading. The exercises are written rhythms, the first lessons for snare and bass drum, so turning them into grooves, comping or fills around the kit is up to you or your teacher. - Best for: Reading - Not for: Not for a drummer who wants ready-made grooves or songs; it is a rhythm reading workbook with no audio. - Someone does it better: Groove Essentials 1.0 puts reading to work on real grooves with charts and play-along band tracks, which this book does not include. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Book: $9.99 at Alfred Music (https://www.alfred.com/products/progressive-steps-to-syncopation-for-the-modern-drummer-00-17308) - Note: Musician's Friend search returned no listing for this title. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.alfred.com/products/progressive-steps-to-syncopation-for-the-modern-drummer-00-17308 - Sources: - Alfred files it as a drumset book: "Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer: Drumset Book" (https://www.alfred.com/products/progressive-steps-to-syncopation-for-the-modern-drummer-00-17308) - Purpose and level: "it has earned its place as a standard tool for teaching beginning drummers syncopation and strengthening reading skills" (https://www.alfred.com/products/progressive-steps-to-syncopation-for-the-modern-drummer-00-17308) - Single focus on syncopation: "Created exclusively to address syncopation" (https://www.alfred.com/products/progressive-steps-to-syncopation-for-the-modern-drummer-00-17308) - Rhythmic content: "This book includes many accented eighths, dotted eighths and sixteenths, eighth-note triplets and sixteenth notes for extended solos." (https://www.alfred.com/products/progressive-steps-to-syncopation-for-the-modern-drummer-00-17308) - Page count: "Page Count: 64" (https://www.alfred.com/products/progressive-steps-to-syncopation-for-the-modern-drummer-00-17308) - Goodreads, a crowd-edited catalog, lists a paperback printing published in 1958: "Published January 1st 1958" (https://www.goodreads.com/work/editions/175643-progressive-steps-to-syncopation-for-the-modern-drummer-ted-reed?page=2) - Goodreads lists a 1986 printing marked as a reprint from 1958: "Reprint from 1958, Paperback, 60 pages" (https://www.goodreads.com/work/editions/175643-progressive-steps-to-syncopation-for-the-modern-drummer-ted-reed) ### Alfred's Drum Method, Book 1 Alfred Music. method, no reading yet, reads basic rhythms, one-time. Free tier: A softcover snare drum method book; the standard edition has no audio, and Alfred sells separate editions with online video, a DVD, or a practice pad and sticks. A sequential snare drum method by Sandy Feldstein and Dave Black that teaches reading from quarter notes up, the rolls and flam rudiments, and bass drum and cymbal technique, with recital and contest solos along the way. It prepares a snare drum and concert percussion player, not a kit player: there are no drum set beats, and the standard book has no audio. - Best for: First book, Hands, Reading - Not for: Not for someone who wants to play beats on a drum kit; it is a snare drum and concert percussion method. - Someone does it better: Hal Leonard Drumset Method, Book 1 is written for the full drum set and comes with online audio and video lessons, which the standard Alfred book lacks. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Book: $12.99 at Alfred Music (https://www.alfred.com/products/alfred-s-drum-method-book-1-00-138) - Book and Online Video: $20.99 at Alfred Music (https://www.alfred.com/products/alfred-s-drum-method-book-1-00-23196) - Book: $11.70 at Musician's Friend (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-alfreds-drum-method-book-1/961382000000000) - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Retail ratings: 5.0 (2) Musician's Friend - Maker: https://www.alfred.com/products/alfred-s-drum-method-book-1-00-138 - Sources: - Alfred sells it as a snare drum book: "Alfred's Drum Method, Book 1: Snare Drum Book" (https://www.alfred.com/products/alfred-s-drum-method-book-1-00-138) - Level, per the subtitle: "The Most Comprehensive Beginning Snare Drum Method Ever!" (https://www.alfred.com/products/alfred-s-drum-method-book-1-00-138) - Pages and contents, including rudiments: "80 pages of excellent sequential instruction covering rudimental studies, roll studies, contest solos, and bass drum and cymbal technique" (https://www.alfred.com/products/alfred-s-drum-method-book-1-00-138) - Solos included: "23 solos suitable for recitals and contests" (https://www.alfred.com/products/alfred-s-drum-method-book-1-00-138) - Who it prepares: "the ideal teaching tool to help prepare beginning players for all styles of snare drum and percussion performance" (https://www.alfred.com/products/alfred-s-drum-method-book-1-00-138) - The online video edition shows demonstrations, not play-alongs: "The video includes demonstrations of all the rudiments and accessory instruments, plus solo performances by the authors." (https://www.alfred.com/products/alfred-s-drum-method-book-1-00-23196) - AbeBooks record for ISBN 9780882847931, the ISBN Alfred lists, gives 1987: "Publication date 1987" (https://www.abebooks.com/9780882847931/Alfreds-Drum-Method-Comprehensive-Beginning-0882847937/plp) - Musician's Friend listing: "Alfred Alfred's Drum Method, Book 1" (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-alfreds-drum-method-book-1/961382000000000) ### Hal Leonard Drumset Method, Book 1 Hal Leonard. method, no reading yet, reads basic rhythms, one-time. Free tier: A softcover drumset method with a code for online audio tracks and video lessons by Gregg Bissonette. A first drum set method by Kennan Wylie with video lessons from Gregg Bissonette that starts at setup, grips and basic reading and moves through coordination, eighths, sixteenths, triplets, fills and beats in several styles, with demonstration and play-along audio. It is Book 1 of a series, so it covers the basics only and you will want Book 2 or other material once the first beats are solid. - Best for: First book, Reading, Grooves and styles - Not for: Not for a drummer past the beginner stage; it starts at drum setup and basic music reading. - Someone does it better: Alfred's Drum Method, Book 1 goes much deeper into snare rolls and flam rudiments and includes recital and contest solos. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Softcover with online audio and video: $19.99 at Hal Leonard (https://www.halleonard.com/product/209864/hal-leonard-drumset-method-book-1) - Note: Musician's Friend lists this book as unavailable. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.halleonard.com/product/209864/hal-leonard-drumset-method-book-1 - Sources: - Beginner guide for the drum set: "Learn to play the drumset with this comprehensive beginner's guide from Hal Leonard" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/209864/hal-leonard-drumset-method-book-1) - What it covers: "drum setup and fundamentals; tuning and maintenance; basic music reading; coordination and basic techniques" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/209864/hal-leonard-drumset-method-book-1) - Styles: "Make learning simple and fun with basic beats for many different styles of music." (https://www.halleonard.com/product/209864/hal-leonard-drumset-method-book-1) - Audio access code: "This edition includes a unique access code to companion recorded accompaniments online for download or streaming." (https://www.halleonard.com/product/209864/hal-leonard-drumset-method-book-1) - Play-along audio and video lessons: "There are hours of audio tracks for demonstration and play-along, plus video lessons by drum master Gregg Bissonette!" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/209864/hal-leonard-drumset-method-book-1) - Page count: "Page Count: 64 Pages" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/209864/hal-leonard-drumset-method-book-1) - AbeBooks record for ISBN 9781495083327, the ISBN Hal Leonard lists, gives 2017: "Publication date 2017" (https://www.abebooks.com/products/isbn/9781495083327) ### Modern Reading Text in 4/4 Alfred Music. reading, reads basic rhythms, reads well, one-time. Free tier: A softcover book of single-line rhythm reading exercises, written for all instruments, with no audio. Louie Bellson and Gil Breines's rhythm text drills syncopation in 4/4 through ties, dotted notes, sixteenths, every kind of triplet and double time, the classic way to get fast and accurate at sight-reading. It is written for all instruments on a single line, so there is nothing about the drum set, technique or grooves in it. - Best for: Reading - Not for: Not for a beginner who wants technique or beats; it is pure rhythm reading with no drum set parts. - Someone does it better: Progressive Steps to Syncopation is written for drummers, with its first lessons for snare and bass drum, while Modern Reading Text is written for all instruments. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Book: $12.99 at Alfred Music (https://www.alfred.com/products/modern-reading-text-in-4-4-00-hab00003) - Book: $10.99 at Musician's Friend (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-modern-reading-text-in-4-4/900713000000000) - Note: Musician's Friend lists it as backordered. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Retail ratings: 5.0 (2) Musician's Friend - Maker: https://www.alfred.com/products/modern-reading-text-in-4-4-00-hab00003 - Sources: - Alfred files it as a snare drum book: "Modern Reading Text in 4/4: Snare Drum Book" (https://www.alfred.com/products/modern-reading-text-in-4-4-00-hab00003) - Written for all instruments: "For All Instruments" (https://www.alfred.com/products/modern-reading-text-in-4-4-00-hab00003) - Purpose: "Designed to teach syncopation within 4/4 time, the exercises also develop speed and accuracy in sight-reading with uncommon rhythmic figures." (https://www.alfred.com/products/modern-reading-text-in-4-4-00-hab00003) - Page count: "Page Count: 96" (https://www.alfred.com/products/modern-reading-text-in-4-4-00-hab00003) - REBIUN library catalog record (HathiTrust copy): New York, Henry Adler, 1963: "Henry Adler 1963" (https://rebiun.baratz.es/OpacDiscovery/public/catalog/detail/b2FpOmNlbGVicmF0aW9uOmVzLmJhcmF0ei5yZW4vMzc2Mjc1MTY) - Library description of the content: "Syncopation studies designed to develop accuracy and speed in sight reading" (https://rebiun.baratz.es/OpacDiscovery/public/catalog/detail/b2FpOmNlbGVicmF0aW9uOmVzLmJhcmF0ei5yZW4vMzc2Mjc1MTY) - Musician's Friend listing: "Alfred Modern Reading Text in 4/4" (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-modern-reading-text-in-4-4/900713000000000) ### Groove Essentials 1.0: The Play-Along Hudson Music, distributed by Hal Leonard. styles, no reading yet, reads basic rhythms, reads well, one-time. Free tier: A softcover book of groove charts with an access code for the online play-along audio. Tommy Igoe's groove encyclopedia: 47 grooves from rock, funk, R&B, jazz and world styles, most at two tempos, each with a chart to play against recorded band tracks, so a drummer learns feel and chart reading at the same time. It is a play-along companion to the Groove Essentials video rather than a step-by-step method, so technique and reading basics come from elsewhere. - Best for: Grooves and styles - Not for: Not for someone who wants a step-by-step technique method; it is a groove reference built around play-along charts. - Someone does it better: Hal Leonard Drumset Method, Book 1 teaches a true beginner step by step, from setup and grips to reading, which Groove Essentials does not try to do. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Book with online audio: $29.99 at Hal Leonard (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620095/groove-essentials-10-the-play-along) - Book with online audio: $29.99 at Hudson Music (https://hudsonmusic.com/product/groove-essentials-1-0-book/) - Note: Musician's Friend sells only a combo pack that adds the Groove Essentials DVD, a different product, so it is not priced here. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620095/groove-essentials-10-the-play-along - Sources: - Online audio access: "re-released with access to online audio for download or streaming" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620095/groove-essentials-10-the-play-along) - Scope of the grooves: "It features over 6 hours of music, including 47 grooves and feels from all over the world" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620095/groove-essentials-10-the-play-along) - Track count and charts: "88 tracks in all, truly professional sketch charts and incisive text by Tommy" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620095/groove-essentials-10-the-play-along) - Levels covered: "For beginning drummers: simple rock beats with a real band feel; for intermediate drummers: syncopated, 16th-note grooves as well as jazz/swing feels" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620095/groove-essentials-10-the-play-along) - Page count: "Page Count: 140 Pages" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620095/groove-essentials-10-the-play-along) - Publisher: "Publisher: Hudson Music" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620095/groove-essentials-10-the-play-along) - Play-along files for every groove: "this book contains charts and play-along mp3 files for every groove Tommy Igoe plays on the Groove Essentials 1 Video!" (https://hudsonmusic.com/product/groove-essentials-1-0-book/) - Styles covered: "Styles include 8th-note, 16th-note and half-time Rock; Jazz waltz, shuffle and swing; R&B, Hip-Hop and Funk" (https://hudsonmusic.com/groove-essentials/) - AbeBooks record for ISBN 9781423406785, the ISBN Hal Leonard lists, gives 2005: "Publication date 2005" (https://www.abebooks.com/products/isbn/9781423406785) ### Future Sounds Alfred Music. styles, reads basic rhythms, reads well, one-time. Free tier: A softcover drumset book; the Book and Online Audio edition adds recorded examples, and a cheaper book-only edition has no audio. Tower of Power drummer David Garibaldi's book on linear funk: his two sound level concept, four-bar patterns, groove playing, then 17 permutation studies and 15 groove studies on hi-hat, snare and bass drum. It is a concept book rather than a step-by-step method, and Alfred lists the audio edition as temporarily out of stock, so check which edition you are buying. - Best for: Grooves and styles, Coordination - Not for: Not for a drummer looking for a first method; it is a set of linear funk concepts and studies rather than a step-by-step course. - Someone does it better: Groove Essentials 1.0 covers far more styles and comes with 88 play-along band tracks, while Future Sounds stays on linear funk. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Book and Online Audio: $18.99 at Alfred Music (https://www.alfred.com/products/future-sounds-00-16921) - Book only, no audio: $9.99 at Alfred Music (https://www.alfred.com/products/future-sounds-00-8967) - Book and audio, listed as Book & CD: $18.99 at Musician's Friend (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-future-sounds-drum-set-book-cd/h69620000000000) - Note: Alfred lists the Book and Online Audio edition as temporarily out of stock; Musician's Friend lists the same ISBN under its older Book & CD title and shows it as backordered. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.alfred.com/products/future-sounds-00-16921 - Sources: - Audio edition: "Future Sounds: Drumset Book & Online Audio" (https://www.alfred.com/products/future-sounds-00-16921) - Audio edition availability: "Temporarily out of stock" (https://www.alfred.com/products/future-sounds-00-16921) - Style focus: "groundbreaking funk/jazz fusion drumming techniques" (https://www.alfred.com/products/future-sounds-00-16921) - Page count: "Page Count: 64" (https://www.alfred.com/products/future-sounds-00-16921) - Book-only edition contents: "a series of challenging exercises which include 15 Groove Studies and 17 Permutation Studies" (https://www.alfred.com/products/future-sounds-00-8967) - Concepts covered: "Four-Bar Patterns, Groove Playing and Funk Drumming" (https://www.alfred.com/products/future-sounds-00-8967) - Musician's Friend's Book & CD listing carries ISBN 0739019120, the ISBN of Alfred's Book and Online Audio edition: "ISBN: 0739019120" (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-future-sounds-drum-set-book-cd/h69620000000000) - AbeBooks record for ISBN 9780739019122 gives 1990: "Publication date 1990" (https://www.abebooks.com/products/isbn/9780739019122) ### The New Breed Modern Drummer Publications, distributed by Hal Leonard. coordination, reads well, one-time. Free tier: A softcover drumset book with an access code for an online recorded interview with Gary Chester. Studio drummer Gary Chester's systems: a repeating pattern in three limbs while the fourth reads a written melody, played with either hand leading, sung aloud and locked to a click, to build four-limb independence and reading under pressure. The systems are meant as tools to build ideas from rather than exercises to finish, and the online audio is an interview, not tracks to play along with. - Best for: Coordination - Not for: Not for beginners or weak readers; every system asks you to sight-read a line in one limb while the other three keep a pattern. - Someone does it better: Groove Essentials 1.0 puts coordination to work against real band tracks, while The New Breed's only audio is an interview. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Book with online audio: $19.99 at Hal Leonard (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620100/the-new-breed) - Print: $19.99 at Modern Drummer (https://shop.moderndrummer.com/products/new-breed-drum-book) - Note: Musician's Friend search returned no listing for this title. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Retail ratings: 4.0 (2) Modern Drummer store - Maker: https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620100/the-new-breed - Sources: - Online audio is an interview: "This revised edition contains access to an online recording of an interview with Chester." (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620100/the-new-breed) - What it develops: "you'll improve your reading, concentration, coordination, right and left-hand lead, and awareness of the click" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620100/the-new-breed) - Publisher: "Publisher: Modern Drummer Publications" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620100/the-new-breed) - Page count: "Page Count: 48 Pages" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6620100/the-new-breed) - Publisher's own store listing: "The New Breed - Systems for the Development of Your Own Creativity" (https://shop.moderndrummer.com/products/new-breed-drum-book) - Modern Drummer store reviews: "Based on 2 reviews" (https://shop.moderndrummer.com/products/new-breed-drum-book) - Earliest edition date in Open Library: "November 1, 1986" (https://openlibrary.org/works/OL8364135W/editions.json?limit=20) ### Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer, Volume 1 Alfred Music, Wizdom Enterprises imprint. coordination, reads basic rhythms, reads well, one-time. Free tier: A print book of 64 pages with access to online audio of the exercises. It is the classic jazz independence book, coordinated independence applied to jazz and bebop: its exercises build independence, coordination, sticking and endurance on the drum set against jazz time. It stays in jazz and bebop throughout. - Best for: Coordination, Jazz - Not for: Drummers who want rock or funk grooves, since the whole system is built on the jazz ride pattern. - Someone does it better: 4-Way Coordination (Dahlgren and Fine) trains independence of both hands and both feet without tying it to jazz time, and its publisher pitches it at drumming in all styles. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Book with online audio: $24.99 at Alfred Music (https://www.alfred.com/products/advanced-techniques-for-the-modern-drummer-00-0681b) - Book with online audio: $24.99 at Musician's Friend (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-advanced-techniques-for-the-modern-drummer-book-and-2-cd-set/906750000000000) - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Retail ratings: 4.8 (6) Thomann; 5.0 (1) Musician's Friend - Maker: https://www.alfred.com/products/advanced-techniques-for-the-modern-drummer-00-0681b - Sources: - Current Alfred edition comes with online audio: "The classic jazz independence book is now new and improved and with online audio!" (https://www.alfred.com/products/advanced-techniques-for-the-modern-drummer-00-0681b) - Page count: "Page Count: 64" (https://www.alfred.com/products/advanced-techniques-for-the-modern-drummer-00-0681b) - Publisher pitches it at beginners and accomplished drummers, for drum set independence: "Whether for a beginner or an accomplished drummer, this system will greatly improve independence and coordination" (https://www.alfred.com/products/advanced-techniques-for-the-modern-drummer-00-0681b) - Thomann's listing describes the older 2 CD edition (same ISBN 9780757995408) with demos and play-along versions; Alfred's current online audio edition does not say whether the play-along versions carried over: "Includes 2 CDs with demos and play-along versions" (https://www.thomannmusic.com/alfred_music_publishing_advanced_techniques_f.modern.htm) - Thomann's category checkbox for snare and rudiments books is unticked (a category flag, not a statement about the contents): "Snare Drum / Rudiments etc. No" (https://www.thomannmusic.com/alfred_music_publishing_advanced_techniques_f.modern.htm) - Wikipedia's Jim Chapin article dates the book to 1948: "His Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer textbook was published in 1948." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Chapin) - Musician's Friend sells the same Alfred item: "ITEM: 00-0681B" (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-advanced-techniques-for-the-modern-drummer-book-and-2-cd-set/906750000000000) ### Accents and Rebounds, Revised and Updated Edition Stone Percussion Books, distributed by Alfred Music. hands, reads basic rhythms, reads well, one-time. Free tier: A print snare drum book; no audio comes with it. It takes Stick Control's single hand patterns further into accents, triplets, dotted rhythms and rebound control on the snare or a pad, which is where finesse and control get built. It is the sequel, so start with Stick Control unless you already know it well. - Best for: Hands - Not for: Drummers who want drum set grooves or recordings, since it is a snare drum book with no audio. - Someone does it better: Stick Control (also by Stone) is the gentler first step; Alfred sells this book as its follow-up. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Book (revised and updated edition): $10.99 at Alfred Music (https://www.alfred.com/products/accents-and-rebounds-revised-updated-00-32750x) - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Retail ratings: 4.9 (14) Thomann - Maker: https://www.alfred.com/products/accents-and-rebounds-revised-updated-00-32750x - Sources: - Sold as a snare drum book: "Accents and Rebounds (Revised & Updated): Snare Drum Book" (https://www.alfred.com/products/accents-and-rebounds-revised-updated-00-32750x) - Follow-up to Stick Control with accents and rebounds: "the follow-up to the classic Stick Control, builds on the basics with accent routines and more advanced rhythms to improve the player's finesse and control" (https://www.alfred.com/products/accents-and-rebounds-revised-updated-00-32750x) - Contents: "This book includes sections on accented eighths, dotted notes, and triplets, as well as rebound control and more." (https://www.alfred.com/products/accents-and-rebounds-revised-updated-00-32750x) - Updated edition adds Morello's arrow notation: "This updated edition adds Joe Morello's legendary arrow notation" (https://www.alfred.com/products/accents-and-rebounds-revised-updated-00-32750x) - Page count: "47 pages" (https://www.thomannmusic.com/alfred_music_publishing_accents_and_rebounds.htm) - No bonus audio or video: "with Bonus Audio/Video No" (https://www.thomannmusic.com/alfred_music_publishing_accents_and_rebounds.htm) - Wikipedia's George Lawrence Stone article dates it to 1961: "Accents and Rebounds for the Snare Drummer (1961)" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Lawrence_Stone) ### The Art of Bop Drumming Alfred Music, Manhattan Music Publications series. styles, reads well, one-time. Free tier: An 80 page print book with online audio, including play-along tracks. John Riley covers what a bebop drummer actually does on the gig: time playing, comping, soloing, brushes and reading charts, with tunes to play along to. Because it works through charts and written comping, it suits a drummer who already reads well, as a second or third jazz book rather than a first one. - Best for: Jazz - Not for: Beginners who do not read yet, or drummers after rock and funk grooves. - Someone does it better: Jim Chapin's Advanced Techniques drills jazz limb independence more systematically, exercise by exercise. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Book with online audio: $25.99 at Alfred Music (https://www.alfred.com/products/the-art-of-bop-drumming-00-mmbk0056cd) - Book with online audio: $25.99 at Musician's Friend (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-the-art-of-bop-drumming-book-cd/473233000000000) - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Retail ratings: 4.8 (13) Thomann; 5.0 (1) Musician's Friend - Maker: https://www.alfred.com/products/the-art-of-bop-drumming-00-mmbk0056cd - Sources: - Book and online audio, covering time, comping, soloing, brushes and charts: "This comprehensive book and audio presentation covers time playing, comping, soloing, brushes, more jazz essentials, and charts" (https://www.alfred.com/products/the-art-of-bop-drumming-00-mmbk0056cd) - Sold as a drum set book with online audio: "The Art of Bop Drumming: Drumset Book & Online Audio" (https://www.alfred.com/products/the-art-of-bop-drumming-00-mmbk0056cd) - Page count: "Page Count: 80" (https://www.alfred.com/products/the-art-of-bop-drumming-00-mmbk0056cd) - Play-along tracks by download: "Incl. download to play-along tracks" (https://www.thomannmusic.com/alfred_music_publishing_the_art_of_bop_drumming.htm) - Thomann's category checkbox for snare and rudiments books is unticked (a category flag, not a statement about the contents): "Snare Drum / Rudiments etc. No" (https://www.thomannmusic.com/alfred_music_publishing_the_art_of_bop_drumming.htm) - Open Library's record of the same ISBN (089898890X) gives July 11, 1994: ""publish_date": "July 11, 1994"" (https://openlibrary.org/books/OL8273894M.json) - Musician's Friend lists the online audio edition: "The Art Of Bop Drumming is a comprehensive book and online audio presentation" (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-the-art-of-bop-drumming-book-cd/473233000000000) ### 4-Way Coordination Alfred Music. coordination, reads basic rhythms, reads well, one-time. Free tier: A 56 page print book of written exercises; no audio comes with it. It builds independence between both hands and both feet with written patterns that start simple and end in polyrhythms, useful in any style. There is no audio, so you check yourself against the page and a metronome. - Best for: Coordination - Not for: Drummers who want recordings or style grooves to play along with; the book has no audio. - Someone does it better: Jim Chapin's Advanced Techniques comes with audio and applies independence directly to jazz time. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Book: $14.99 at Alfred Music (https://www.alfred.com/products/4-way-coordination-00-hab00019) - Book: $14.99 at Musician's Friend (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-4-way-coordination-book/902115000000000) - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Retail ratings: 5.0 (3) Thomann - Maker: https://www.alfred.com/products/4-way-coordination-00-hab00019 - Sources: - Easy-to-read notation, simple patterns to advanced polyrhythms: "With various rhythmic exercises in easy-to-read notation, 4-Way Coordination is designed to guide the drummer from simple patterns to advanced polyrhythms." (https://www.alfred.com/products/4-way-coordination-00-hab00019) - Goal is independence of hands and feet: "it has become increasingly necessary to gain complete independence of both the hands and feet" (https://www.alfred.com/products/4-way-coordination-00-hab00019) - Page count: "Page Count: 56" (https://www.alfred.com/products/4-way-coordination-00-hab00019) - Drum set focus and page count at a retailer: "The drum exercises focus on hi-hat, bass and snare control. 56 pages." (https://www.musiciansfriend.com/books-sheet-music-media/alfred-4-way-coordination-book/902115000000000) - No bonus audio or video: "with Bonus Audio/Video No" (https://www.thomannmusic.com/warner_bros._4_way_coordination.htm) - Thomann's category checkbox for snare and rudiments books is unticked (a category flag, not a statement about the contents): "Snare Drum / Rudiments etc. No" (https://www.thomannmusic.com/warner_bros._4_way_coordination.htm) - NAMM's oral history page for Elliot Fine says it was first published in 1963: "4-Way Coordination, which was first published in 1963" (https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/elliot-fine) ### Realistic Rock Hudson Music, distributed by Hal Leonard. method, reads basic rhythms, reads well, one-time. Free tier: A 104 page print book with streaming or downloadable audio, including 3 play-along tracks. Carmine Appice's rock method runs from basic rock beats through linear patterns, fills, hi hat and double bass work, shuffles and odd meters, with audio examples and three play-along tracks. The current edition is Hudson Music's restored classic; the separate Ultimate Realistic Rock is an expanded book, so check which one you are buying. - Best for: Grooves and styles - Not for: Jazz drummers, or anyone who needs the book to teach them to read from zero. - Someone does it better: The Drummer's Bible covers far more styles than rock, from Afro-Cuban to Zydeco. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Classic edition, book with online audio: $26.99 at Hal Leonard (https://www.halleonard.com/product/2005505/classic-realistic-rock-drum-method) - Note: Hal Leonard lists the print book on back order; Hudson Music also sells the print book on its own product page. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://hudsonmusic.com/product/realistic-rock/ - Sources: - Book with online audio: "Format: Softcover Audio Online" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/2005505/classic-realistic-rock-drum-method) - Publisher is Hudson Music: "Publisher: Hudson Music" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/2005505/classic-realistic-rock-drum-method) - Contents include a Linear Rudiments section: "Linear Rudiments" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/2005505/classic-realistic-rock-drum-method) - Play-along tracks: "3 Play-Along Tracks" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/2005505/classic-realistic-rock-drum-method) - Page count: "Page Count: 104 Pages" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/2005505/classic-realistic-rock-drum-method) - Kenny Aronoff, quoted on Hal Leonard's page, says it came out in 1972: "It was relevant when it came out in 1972 and is still relevant today" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/2005505/classic-realistic-rock-drum-method) - Audio is streaming or download: "Streaming/downloadable audio files and additional bonus material" (https://hudsonmusic.com/product/realistic-rock/) - Page count and audio on the publisher's page: "104 pages | Includes Audio" (https://hudsonmusic.com/product/realistic-rock/) - Ultimate Realistic Rock is a separate, expanded edition: "Carmine has included over 20 new pages and a second CD of fresh material" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/364359/ultimate-realistic-rock-drum-method) ### Master Studies Modern Drummer Publications, distributed by Hal Leonard. hands, reads well, one-time. Free tier: A print workbook for the hands on snare or pad; no audio comes with it. Joe Morello's workbook drills accents, buzz rolls, single and double strokes, flams and endurance for hand control on the snare or a pad. It is dense written material with no audio, best after Stick Control. - Best for: Hands - Not for: Beginners or anyone looking for drum set beats, since it is a hand technique workbook. - Someone does it better: Stick Control (George Lawrence Stone) starts simpler and makes the gentler first hand book. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): - Book: $18.99 at Hal Leonard (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6631474/master-studies) - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Retail ratings: 4.7 (7) Thomann - Maker: https://www.halleonard.com/product/6631474/master-studies - Sources: - Print softcover, no audio format: "Format: Softcover" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6631474/master-studies) - Page count from Hal Leonard, the publisher's distributor; Thomann lists 48 pages for the same ISBN: "Page Count: 96 Pages" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6631474/master-studies) - A workbook for developing the hands: "a workbook of material to use in developing the hands for accenting and controlling the different pressures used in single strokes" (https://www.halleonard.com/product/6631474/master-studies) - Covers rolls, strokes and flams: "accent studies, buzz-roll exercises, single and double-stroke patterns, control studies, flam patterns" (https://hudsonmusic.com/product/master-studies/) - Snare drum focus: "For improved playing control and technique on the snare drum" (https://www.thomannmusic.com/hal_leonard_joe_morello_master_studies.htm) - No bonus audio or video: "with Bonus Audio/Video No" (https://www.thomannmusic.com/hal_leonard_joe_morello_master_studies.htm) - Wikipedia's Joe Morello bibliography dates it to 1983: "Master Studies: Exercises for the Development of Control and Technique Modern Drummer Publications, Inc. 1983" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_Morello) ### The Drummer's Bible, 2nd Edition See Sharp Press. styles, reads basic rhythms, reads well, one-time. Free tier: A 211 page print book of grooves by style; earlier copies include 2 CDs and the newest printing links to the audio online. It is a reference of nearly 500 written grooves across dozens of styles, each with a short history and with recordings of nearly 200 of them, with and without a click. It shows you what each style sounds like rather than teaching technique step by step, and the publisher no longer sells it direct, so you buy it through ordinary book outlets. - Best for: Grooves and styles - Not for: A beginner who wants a step by step method, since it is a groove reference organized by style. - Someone does it better: Realistic Rock goes deeper on rock alone and includes three play-along tracks. - Price (US, checked 2026-10-07): Not published - Note: No US store we checked lists it today, and the publisher no longer sells it directly. - App Store: not on this store - Google Play: not on this store - Maker: https://www.seesharppress.com/books1.html - Sources: - Nearly 500 grooves in standard notation with style histories: "This newly revised and expanded book/2-CD set contains nearly 500 grooves written out in standard notation, histories of the styles covered" (https://www.seesharppress.com/books1.html) - Recordings of nearly 200 grooves: "The two CDs feature performances of nearly 200 of the grooves" (https://www.seesharppress.com/books1.html) - Styles covered: "Styles covered include blues, rock, jazz, reggae, country, klezmer, ska, samba, punk, surf, metal, latin rock, funk" (https://www.seesharppress.com/books1.html) - Second edition page count: "ISBN 1-937276-19-5 / 211 pp." (https://www.seesharppress.com/books1.html) - The publisher's reviews page notes, under the first edition's listing (ISBN 1-884365-32-9, 181 pp.), that it now includes links to the musical examples rather than the CDs: "(now includes links to all musical examples rather than the CDs)" (https://www.seesharppress.com/reviews.html) - Newest printing prints the audio link and a QR code: "In the newest printing we've included, on the inside front cover, both the URL for the files as well as a QR code" (https://www.seesharppress.com/) - Publisher no longer sells physical books direct; in-print books stay in normal outlets: "We've discontinued mail order sales of physical books. However, all of our in-print books are still available via the normal commercial outlets." (https://www.seesharppress.com/) - Open Library's record of the first edition (ISBN 1884365329) gives August 28, 2003: ""publish_date": "August 28, 2003"" (https://openlibrary.org/books/OL8701116M.json) - Modern Drummer's May 2004 review of the first edition, quoted by the publisher, describes notated drum grooves by genre: "delivers some four hundred notated drum grooves along with a historical perspective on each genre" (https://www.seesharppress.com/reviews.html) - Written for performing drummers across styles: "virtually every style a performing drummer will ever need to play" (https://www.seesharppress.com/books1.html) - Modern Drummer rates the second edition for all levels: "LEVEL: ALL" (https://www.moderndrummer.com/2013/11/drummers-bible-mick-berry-jason-gianni/) ## What we found ### How well you read decides more than the topic Only three books here start from zero reading: Alfred's Drum Method, the Hal Leonard Drumset Method and Groove Essentials. The New Breed, The Art of Bop Drumming and Master Studies assume you already read well. Pick the job first, then check the reading level in the table before you buy, because a book you cannot read yet stays on the shelf. ### The classics are old, cheap and silent Stick Control was first published in 1935 and Syncopation in 1958, and both are still in print and among the least expensive books in the table. Seven of the fifteen come with no audio in the edition most stores sell, so you bring the click yourself; [a free online metronome](/tools/metronome/) is enough. ### Audio now comes as a code, not a disc The newer books give their recordings through an online access code printed inside: the Hal Leonard method, Groove Essentials, Realistic Rock, Future Sounds and The Art of Bop Drumming. CDs survive only in older printings and in some retailer listings, so check the edition before you buy a used copy. ## How we checked **Where the facts come from.** Every spec, feature tick and claim comes from the maker's own page, a store listing, a manual or a retailer's spec sheet, read on 2026-10-07, and the exact words relied on are kept with each row (open "Sources" on any card). Store ratings and review counts are the stores' own on that date, pulled through Sonar, an app-store analytics service. A feature is marked yes only when one of those sources says it; when none does, it is shown as unknown rather than as no. **How it was checked.** Every row was researched once and then handed to a second, independent pass whose only job was to break it: open the same pages, check every spec, every tick, every rating and every quote. Rows it could not confirm were corrected, marked unknown, or dropped before publishing. **What this page does not measure yet.** We have not put a drum recording through every app at half speed and compared how the hits survive. Time-stretching smears sharp attacks, and drums are all sharp attacks, so it matters; when we test it, the method will be here. **Prices.** Every price is in US dollars, read on 2026-10-07 on the store or page named next to it, with a link: Sweetwater, Musician's Friend or the maker's own store for gear and books, the US App Store's in-app purchase list or the maker's pricing page for apps. When a maker sells for less on its own website than in the app, both are shown. Prices change, so the date is part of the fact: check the store before you buy. Nothing on this page is an affiliate link. ## FAQ ### What is the best drum book for beginners? A method book that teaches reading as it goes: Alfred's Drum Method Book 1 for snare and rudiments, or the Hal Leonard Drumset Method Book 1 for the full kit, with play-along audio. Groove Essentials also welcomes beginners, but it is a groove library more than a method. ### Is Stick Control good for beginners? Stick Control is a book of sticking patterns on a single line. It assumes you can read basic rhythms, so a first method book usually comes before it or alongside it. ### Which drum book teaches you to read? Syncopation and Modern Reading Text in 4/4 are the two reading books here, and both assume basic rhythms. If you cannot read at all yet, start with a method book that teaches reading as it goes. ### Do drum books come with audio? The newer ones do, through an online access code printed in the book, for example Groove Essentials, Realistic Rock and the Hal Leonard Drumset Method. The older classics such as Stick Control, Syncopation and 4-Way Coordination have none. ### Where do the prices come from? From the publishers' own stores (Alfred, Hal Leonard, Hudson Music) and Musician's Friend, read on the date shown with each book. Nothing on this page is an affiliate link. ## Related - [Free online metronome for working through a book](https://upbeat.studio/tools/metronome) - [How to read drum notation](https://upbeat.studio/learn/drum-notation) - [Practice pads compared](https://upbeat.studio/compare/practice-pads)