Buddy Rich's Modern Interpretation of Snare Drum Rudiments

When I first learned that this classic five-star book (a collaboration between Buddy and Henry Adler) was going to be revised and that the revised edition would also include a DVD explaining once and for all the correct way that the authors intended the book to be practiced, I was to say the least OVERJOYED. Having studied the Adler system myself, I had long discovered and was frustrated by the sad fact that many of the drum teachers who used the original book had used it wrong. So I eagerly awaited this book and DVD. However, I must say that ever since this DVD first appeared with the revised edition of this great book, I have been a little confused. In the DVD Mr. Mackenzie clearly states that he was a student of Henry Adler. Mr. Mackenzie also leads one to believe that he is now 'letting the secret out' as to exactly how Henry Adler intended people to practice this book. So because of those statements, one would assume that in the DVD Mr. Mackenzie is demonstrating the Henry Adler system of drumming. I know that I assumed this. Not so!!! However, I am writing this because I feel that someone should point out that in this DVD when Mr. Mackenzie demonstrates how to practice this book, there are many things that Mr. Mackenzie does in his demonstrations which DO NOT at all represent the Henry Adler system. I could spend a lot of time here pointing out each and every one, but instead I will just point out one: 'Grace Notes' as used for flams, drags, etc. Henry teaches a very different way of making a grace note than Mr. Mackenzie demonstrates. In fact, in this DVD Mr. Mackenzie actually makes his grace notes exactly how Henry himself said NOT TO MAKE GRACE NOTES!!! I hope that the reader can now appreciate my confusion (and disappointment) upon watching this DVD. Please do not take my word for any of this. Instead, find a copy of Henry Adler's own VHS tape where Mr. Adler himself explains and demonstrates his hand development system. In Mr. Adler's own video one can see that there are many things which Mr. Adler demonstrates which are the exact opposite of the way in which Mr. Mackenzie demonstrates the very same things. This is not to say that Mr. Mackenzie's way of doing things is wrong (there are NO wrongs), but I felt that someone needed to point out that Mr. Mackenzie's way is certainly NOT Henry Adler's way, as I believe that we were led to believe. If one truly wants to understand the Adler system, one needs to get a copy of Mr. Adler's own video and see Henry himself explaining and demonstrating his system.

Whoever wrote the first review has no idea what they are talking about because this book has everything to do with Buddy Rich. It was written by his teacher (Henry Adler) because Buddy could not read music. This book includes rudiments which you do first in singles then bouce them out. Trust me this that is how this book is taught and used correctly. I know that because my private instructor is the man who revised the book and also took lessons with Henry Adler. This book is useful to anyone that plays drums including highly talented and experienced players. This book if used regularly and correctly will get your hands into the best shape possible, for matched and traditional players. I would highly reccomend this book to any one looking to get their hands in shape and wanting a strong base for their drumming.

It is a well known fact that Buddy never learned to read music and played everything "by ear." This book is a wonderful tribute in a ironic sort of way, but if one takes anything away from this book, it should be that a successful career in drumming (namely, music) must include learning the mechanics/mathematics of musical notation, the language of drumming (rudiments) and the intrepretation thereof. And, admittedly, I don't know for certain, but my guess is that Buddy probably couldn't have told you the difference between a paradiddle and a ratamacue.

I have been playing and teaching drums for over 30 years. In that time I have both seen and heard Buddy Rich play. During those times I have always been in amazement of Buddy's playing ability. When I got this book I gleaned its contents carefully hoping to learn just some of his playing secrets. My searching was not in vain. Overall the book itself is simple in its teaching terms, that is, Buddy teaches you the rudiments step-by-step. However, I found to my joy, that there are some aspects of the book that are obviously only Buddy's interpretation of the rudiments. For example, one will not find "The Four Stroke Ruff Single Paradiddle" in any listing of the 26 essential rudiments or the 40 complete rudiments. And that is what makes this book stand out among other rudimental drumming books I have used. I have constantly employed many of the book's rudiments in my playing. The book even comes with some of Buddy's "Advanced Rhythmic Studies" for solo work (sticking included!). For the drummer who is just starting out, this book is an excellent introduction to the rudiments; for the drummer who really wants to study *how* Buddy Rich played the rudiments this book is a must; and for the drummer who is looking for a real challenge in not only playing additional rudiments, but who wants to improve their overall snare and drum set playing, fills, and solo work--this book is worth every penny.

This book is very godd for beginners who don't know their rudiments. I have been a drummer for a little over six years and this book really helped me. I am 15 years old and this is the first book that my drum teacher had me use. I teachs you how to roll, how to do ruffs, paradiddles, ratamacues and so on. I really recomend it for kids who are in fifth-seventh grade.