Drum Chops With Steve Smith

Steve Smith, known mostly for his work with the band Journey, is a very talented drummer that has become well versed in many different styles of drumming.  One of the things that strikes me most about Steve is his emphasis on drum rudiments in his playing; the man has incredible chops and applies many of these rudiments to his drum set playing.  I found a few videos that highlight Steve Smith’s chops behind the kit and on a drum pad that I thought would be cool to share with you.  One of the videos features a live drum solo during a performance with Journey while the other two videos are more recent.  All in all, I think you’ll enjoy the performances and the information you will get from all three videos.  Check them out below and enjoy!

Steve Smith gained most of his notoriety from playing with the band Journey.  Steve was able to be a part of the songwriting process with some of the band’s biggest hits and find ways to challenge his drumming abilities even in a rock band.  Check out one of his live drum solos at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zbP0F59uCw&feature=related.

The next video features a few rudiment and chop building exercises that Steve uses to warmup with.  He’s just as good on a drum pad as he is behind a kit.  Check out these exercises at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z45rHn0G-IA.

The last video I want to share with you features one of Steve’s more recent drum solos.  Vic Firth shared a drum solo from Steve Smith that is sure to entertain.  Check it out at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCzalnZyvAU.

I hope you enjoyed these videos from the great Steve Smith.  He is a very talented drummer and has rudiment chops for days.  Stay tuned for more coming your way!

Thanks,

Chris

Leave A Reply (2 comments so far)


  1. John Haines

    Great chops. Love the application of rudiments.

    Thanks for the posting.


  2. Gerry

    Wonderful showcase of a very talented drummer. Chops, incredible chops. Thanks, Chris.