Search - Tommy Igoe Groove Essentials on DVD

One of the best learning aids

Victoria Tarrani | Betwixt FL and CA, USA | 11/30/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In this DVD Tommy Igoe presents 47 basic grooves that will expand your range and abilities as a drummer regardless of which genre you normally play.

The first ten grooves are rock, covering 8th note, 16th note and halftime. Most of these are relatively easy to master and will launch beginning drummers into polished players if they take the time to carefully follow Mr. Igoe's instructions.

The grooves become progressively more difficult to play in the subsequent lessons that cover funk, R&B, jazz and world styles. Most of the world grooves are based on Latin, but there are some wonderful surprises like the lesson on New Orleans second line drumming.

I particularly like the way each groove is introduced, then demonstrated without music, and finally demonstrated at both slow and fast tempo with music. I also like the fact that Mr. Igoe uses both traditional and match grip, depending on the piece being played, when presenting grooves. This illustrates the fact that both grips are 'legitimate'.

There are no fancy fills or solos in this DVD, just basic groove technique, which is exceptionally well presented. As a side note, Igoe is talking throughout the playing and does so without missing a beat. That is a skill in itself although it is not what is being taught.

Regardless of your skill level or musical genre, this DVD will teach the basics for beginners and break down more complex grooves for advanced and professional drummers, as well as serve as a catalog of grooves for all drummers.

The poster that comes with this DVD contains a transcription of each groove. If you don't read music you can get started by comparing the transcription to what is being played in each lesson, then seek out instruction on reading music. Or just play and do so with the absolute joy that makes drumming special."

Great instructional dvd for beginners to intermediates

JR | Hersey, MI United States | 01/03/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Terrific dvd that demonstrates Mr. Igoe's exceptional teaching abilities. Set your kit up in front of the tube, hit your remote, and find your technique improving with every play. This is by far the finest instructional drum video on the market. No frills, just straightforward drummming (from many angles allowing the viewer to learn from Mr. Igoe's technique).

I can't stand drum videos that cut to the bass player or keyboard player when the band is demonstrating a drummer's groove. I don't want an MTV video when I'm learning a new technique. This dvd 'cuts to the chase' for the drummer. Of all the videos/dvds that I have this will be the one that I will continue to watch.

Do you want to learn basic jazz grooves, r&b, not just rock and roll, grab this dvd. He answers all of your questions.

Oh, and Vic Firth throws in a poster sized drum tablature for all 47 grooves. Very cool."

An instructional DVD that expands your style

Glenn Chung | Rowland Heights, CA United States | 06/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Groove Essentials DVD contains 47 grooves instruction and demonstration in different styles. Styles include 8th-note, 16th-note and half-time Rock; Jazz waltz, shuffle and swing; R&B, Hip-Hop and Funk as well as World music styles. It comes with a poster with all the grooves in this DVD so you can practice without watch the DVD or some loose paper placed somewhere on the drumset; just tape it on the wall.

Beginners will find the Rock section helpful as they tend to be easier to pick up. The more advanced players can expand their playing styles to Jazz, World and the more advanced R&B. I have been playing for 3 years and I find this DVD very helpful. It helps me slowly progress to other styles besides rock and a little bit of hip hop. I find the World section especially helpful as Tommy demonstrated numerous World grooves including Bossa Nova, Soca, Samba, Mambo and many more.

For each groove, he provides general instruction and then demonstrates it with music, beginning by play it slow and then fast. You won't have question as to how he had played a certain groove--clear instruction and demonstration. The only thing that's left to do is to practice it.

Many instructional video out there tends to teach techniques which is very important. This DVD will stretch your learned techniques and develop your 4-limb coordination to create grooves of different style.If you master all these grooves, you will be in very good shape. Most non-professional drummers usually play in 1 or 2 styles of their choice. Learning these grooves will add variety to your playing and make you a more versatile drummer.

If you want to see a few examples, go to Vic Firth website. (Sorry, can't post URL according to guidelines)"

Great DVD! It taught my 4-years old son how to play drum!

DMB | CA, USA | 01/01/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"My son fell in love with drums after he watched the bluemen group show. I got him a drum set and also bought him this DVD. At first, I would learn the basic from this DVD myself and then teaches my son about the basics. once he got the basics down, he was able to watch the DVD himself and pick up different grooves. I'm very impressed with Tommy's sincere and easy going style. He really shows he has the passion for drum playing and it's very contagious. I can see my son is sharing his passion for drum now. I would defintely give this dvd 2 thumbs up!!!"