The Playing Techniques series marks the culmination of legendary drummers Ralph Humphrey and Joe Porcaro’s deep contribution to drum set education. Covering the study of everything pertaining to the proper technical performance of music on the drum set, the materials are presented in a systematic manner similar to a college course, which the authors refined over decades of teaching at Musicians Institute and Los Angeles College of Music.

Book one covers the basic approach to hand technique; stick grip, fulcrum, rebound, and accents; foot technique; phrase development; doubles and diddles; and Category 1, hand-to-hand, and straight sticking concepts. Throughout the course, all the hand techniques, strokes, and rhythms are coupled with foot ostinatos to develop a strong set of playing skills that are applicable to all styles of music.