Breaking Down 5 Impossible Buddy Rich Licks

Greyson Nekrutman is here to prove one thing, and that’s how possible these impossible licks really are. In this quick tip video, Greyson breaks down the illusion and shows how even the coolest licks are relatively simple when you slow them down.

0:00 - Intro
0:29 - Lick 1: Impossible Drum Solo (1982)
You may not nail this lick today, but with enough practice you’ll be flying eventually. It’s not a ‘special’ lick per se – it’s just a single stroke roll! Alternate between your right and left hands, and voila. The tricky part is how fast and smooth Buddy played it.

To get your single strokes up to speed, you’ll need to focus on your drum technique. You’ll get the motion from your wrists when playing slowly, but you’ll need to use some sort of finger technique as you speed up. Working on techniques like Moeller and push-pull will help you get there.

The key is nailing that smooth transition from wrists to fingers as you increase the tempo. Start slow and make sure you’re relaxed. Don’t overthink it!

4:00 - Lick 2: Live In Tokyo (1964)
Buddy Rich was playing with the Harry James Orchestra in this clip, and this section is based on paradiddles, paradiddle-diddles, doubles and singles. While it might sound relatively simple on paper, Buddy didn’t just play patterns – he made them melodic and gave them his own signature touch that no one else can quite replicate.

5:35 - Lick 3: Live In The Hague (1978) – Kick & Ride Lick
This lick focuses heavily on the ride cymbal and sounds quick and effortless, especially when the bass drum pairs so cleanly with the cymbal at the end. Another lick based on single strokes, it’s all about where in the roll Buddy put the accents and where he moved them around the kit.

7:00 - Lick 4: Live In The Hague (1978) – ‘One Handed Roll‘
Buddy played a one-handed roll here. Or did he? This ‘one-handed roll‘ is actually a group of three strokes on the left hand followed by a bass drum or floor tom hit. As you build up speed, the broken pattern starts looking and sounding like a one-handed roll. Your hands will play in unison on beat one, followed by two more left hand hits and finally a stroke on the bass drum. This is a timeless lick that sounds great in solos, comping, or keeping time.

9:31 - Lick 5: Live In Copenhagen (1968)
This lick comes from the classic break in Buddy Rich’s “Love For Sale” and consists of a single stroke roll with accents. Buddy was great at taking traditional patterns and giving them his own twist.

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[rockinvida]

This cat is carrying a very important torch from another era of drumming that very few drummers have the skills to do. An incredible drummer and an outstanding drum educator. The sky is the limit for this guy.

[tobyvattilano]

This kid is more than just a great player. Precise communicator as well.

[drakausdromgatti]

As just another metal head drummer...it's really cool to see someone keeping these classic styles alive at such a high level brother.

[ringo]

I enjoyed all of it. 🥁
I’m nearly 62 now & have been a drummer since the late 60’s. I am so thrilled so see such talented musicians/drummers coming up the ranks. From my perspective, drummers have really raised the bar. Students are learning at such an accelerated pace now from when I started. And everyone is sharing their knowledge through YouTube.
I truly enjoy watching all of you as you share with others what you’ve learned. Please continue the great progress all of you are making by learning, sharing & growing into the greatest generation of musicians/drummers & percussionists I’ve ever heard!
May God richly bless each & everyone of you who pick up a pair of sticks & sit down behind a trap set to play & create some of the most incredible entertaining music I’ve ever heard! I know it’s called a “ drum kit” now a days but when I began my journey as a drummer, they were called a trap set of drums. 🥁 I love watching all of the drummers on YouTube. What a thrill!❤️🥁

[jsoric]

Greyson is a class act. Love the breakdown and can’t wait to try. Basics, basics, basics. Respect the single stroke.

[leokimvideo]

Aspects of Buddy Rich's playing almost feel like elements of thrash metal drumming

[Tonyr]

Great lessons!!! This is a testament to how truly great Buddy was....these videos of Buddy are over 50 years old...and we're still talking about them and breaking them down.

[lvbuckeye]

It blows my mind how these "kids" can break down the legends, and not only play it, but make it so accessible. Mad props!

[ronnolan]

Greyson, I am 61 and played drums in my earlier years. Watched Buddy for years and his solos still amaze me to this day. This was my first video where I saw Buddy’s licks explained and demoed very thoroughly. Bravo sir! Very nicely done and I look forward to more of your videos! 🙂

[mmoly-cjbd]

In 1978 I was twenty one and went to see Buddy Rich and his band at the Turn of The Century here in Denver. My girlfriend and I and another couple were all good looking and perhps therefore placed at a table directly in front of Buddy's drum kit. We were maybe 5 feet max away from his bass drum. I used to play the drums through high school, mainly in stage band class, so I couldn't wait to see him. Well, he absolutely blew everyone away with his and his band's performance. I was mesmerized at the speed of his hands and accuracy. He never made a mistake. He was truly gifted and honestly there was nothing he couldn't do. The band was simply powerful and untouchable. Really glad you did this. Very motivational for anyone who wants to learn about playing the drums. Anyone seriously interested in learning drumming should be turned into your channel. Also very glad to see you using traditional grip instead of match grip. Buddy always thought your could do more with traditional.

[ludwigkit]

Just an FYI, Buddy was actually having a heart attack during that solo in 1982 at the concert of the Americas. If you watch that solo closely, from the beginning of the complete solo, he does a pattern that he did frequently. It was singles between the snare and floor tom tom. After he went through that, at blazing speed, you can see that his expression changed and he knew something was wrong. He got through the solo and even played the trademark slow to fast singles, as seen here, played the tune out, thanked the audience, then walked off. He collapsed as he just made it to the curtain, and the paramedics were called to care for him. It was only 2 months later that he suffered a massive heart attack in January of 83' while playing in Ann Arbor Michigan. He had a quadruple bypass operation and went back to work in 6 weeks after the operation. He first appearance was in London, and I got to see him 8 weeks after the operation, at a place called The Bottom Line in NYC. Before, this major heart attack in January and up until he had the heart attack in Michigan, he was playing a custom built set of DW drums, that I own til this day. I spoke to Buddy many times about that drum set and he always remembered that I had it every time I had the opportunity to talk with him at a show. He was a true Master of the craft and legend.

[archangel]

I remember Greyson playing in talent shows in HS, and he was incredible then, let alone now. Almost shocking to see his face on my recommended, incredible guy, incredible drummer

[bencausey]

I don’t think it’s so much about “can it be played”, but rather, can it be played at the level of nuance and control that he played it.

[jessetarr]

What an amazing way to honor Buddy! Greyson is humble in knowing that all drummers play their own material best from being so used to it.
Greyson is one of the best jazz players and probably one of the best drummers I've ever seen. So hard to tell, it's even hard to fully conclude that Buddy was the best of all time ...it's more theoretical from how amazing so many players are..
Greyson is definitely one of the greats! Awesome job! 👌

[seanjoynt]

I'm a guitar player. I love to hear a good drummer. Buddy rich was absolutely fantastic. I thought everything you did was in his honor and legacy and you pulled it off very well. 🤘👍

[gordonangus]

Wow, yea man! I’m 64 years old and I am amazed and inspired by you. Thank you!

[dibber]

Great to see Buddy Rich continuing to be studied and admired.

Greyson is certainly one that understands the ultimate drummer that Buddy Rich was.

[joem]

As a Berklee drummer from 1976, while Buddy’s skill is undeniable, as a Jazz musician, I thought of speed like kids cranking-up the volume on the guitar amps. Joe Morello and his finesse with brushes made him my favorite. Nice tutorial!

[mellowtron]

This slow motion thing is amazing. Somehow, I’ve never seen people use a high speed camera to capture drumming with such clarity with education in mind.

[dkelban]

I love everything and anything by Buddy...my favorite drummer. Thanks for bringing back for present generations -great music of the past masters.