How To Develop Silky Smooth Doubles On Drums - Keith Carlock

Fix your hand technique:

Once you know about his extensive drumline background and rudimental foundation, it makes complete sense why Keith Carlock’s double strokes are so good. “We used to practice just singles and doubles all day to get them clean and strong…it taught us to lock in and listen to other people.”

Now he applies these skills to the drum set. Here are two exercises Keith has used to strengthen his doubles. You want to get that snap so both the first and second stroke are at the same volume.

Click the link below for the sheet music:

Whether he’s in a hotel room or getting ready for a show, Keith is always practicing on a pad to stay in shape and keep his doubles strong. Now it’s your turn. Feel yourself working your muscles as you go through these exercises, and keep it up!

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[SteveNanda]

Besides being a monster on the drums he’s also such a wonderful guy. Met him once and he was the most down to earth guy you wouldn’t believe it.

[bobbysands]

A teacher taught me about accenting the 2nd stroke of a double way back in the late 70s. Been practicing them that way forever and it was a game changer. Funny thing...I tried to tell other drummers in music school about it and they thought I was crazy. In any case, I am grateful that a great player like yourself emphasizes the rudiments.

[matthewsherman]

Okay. This is crazy! Keith, dude, you might want to consider doing this for a living.

[johanneswarn]

Keith just oozes smoothness and stability. LOVED his playing with Toto.

[Kman]

Strong Fundamental Rudiments, all the great drummers have them. Great insight, thanks for sharing Keith !

[JohnGatesIII]

North Texas State leading the way. First saw Keith at PASIC 2006 and he was a BEAST then. My dad was always impressed by Keith and what he was doing.

[theGurthee]

Keith Carlock just blew my mind. Same drill in drum line for years and never used it on the kit. "That's also a shuffle..."

[paulbergner]

This is such a great lesson from a humble, beast of a player! Love this!

[ronjon]

What a great video. Getting a free class from one of the best drummers in the game . I had the pleasure of seeing Keith with Steely Dan and I was on the 3rd row. It was incredible and a highlight of my life.

[whyhatestrangers]

I wish I began my training with this guy. After playing for 25 years, I've gotten pretty damn decent - but only at what I could already do 20 years ago. There's an entire world I've yet to explore when it comes down to it, and that's where I wanna get to. Folks like Keith keep reminding me to get off my ass and do it before it's too late.

[LiquidFlairEnt]

7:05 *after slaying drums*... “so I hope that was helpful.”

...

It was, Keith. It really was

[gavinremedios]

Wow a I have watched Mr Carlock for years and he is awesome, just watch his left hand technique, it hardly changes when going from slow to fast, how loose is he, thanks so much.

[mifflinfinity]

His style is so unique. I love this guy

[keefriff]

I saw Keith drum for Steely Dan back in 2017…he was incredible!

[stixpooper]

Amazing drummer and a very inspiring video. The rudiments are the foundation of good drumming.

[jdogg]

It is so great to hear that another player plays like this. I often think there’s something wrong in my playing because I’ve put so much time into learning double strokes etc as opposed to singles. As a result, I hardly ever use single strokes. Good to know I’m not alone!

[noelteter]

The man explains his playing as well as he executes it, and that's saying something

[IAMDRUMMER]

Everything he does is smooth, I love it.

[Renodrums-vqnv]

He has the strongest double stroke I have ever seen. Super strong and clean.

[LesterBrunt]

When I learned to play percussion in Indonesia they told me that a sort of rite of passage was being able to do single strokes for 1 hour. If you can do that, you have the hand/arm strength to really play. And it really works, after 20 mins you feel your body adapting to the most efficient and relaxed way to play. And after that, it really becomes a mater of endurance, both physically and mentally.
With drums it is easier because it isn't as physically demanding as hand drumming, but still you get into such an amazing space after doing double strokes for an hour, you feel in total control of the sticks and the bouncing.