Looking to supercharge your drumming inspiration? One of the best ways to fast-track your growth is by following world-class drummers who are shaping modern music. These players don’t just entertain—they educate, innovate, and challenge what’s possible on a drum kit.
- Discover drummers who match your style—from gospel chops to arena rock to jazz fusion
- 10 Powerful Drum Warm Ups to Boost Speed and Control direct from the pros
- Stay motivated by watching real-time progress and performance insights
Whether you’re still working on your first paradiddle or you’re gigging every weekend, having the right drummers in your feed (and in your ears) can transform the way you play. Here’s a hand-picked list of top drummers every aspiring player should follow.
Table of Contents
| Anika Nilles | Eric Moore |
| Ash Soan | Elise Trouw |
| Nate Smith | Matt Garstka |
| Larnell Lewis | Comparison Table |
| Conclusion | FAQs |
Suggested Products to help you #win at drumming:
-
Drumeo P4 Practice Pad
– A versatile design for practicing dynamics and hand coordination across multiple surfaces. -
Evans RealFeel 2-Sided Practice Pad
– Great for warm-ups and technique drills with realistic rebound. -
ProMark Rebound 5A Drumsticks
– Balanced feel for a variety of drumming styles, ideal for everyday practice and performance. -
Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit
– A complete electronic drum kit solution perfect for low-volume practice and learning.
Anika Nilles
Anika Nilles is a rhythmic innovator known for her advanced linear grooves and math-rock prowess. With a background in both drumming and composition, she brings a melodic and musical approach to the kit.
Her YouTube videos and workshops provide incredible insight into phrasing, groove layering, and creative practice routines. She’s also a professor at Germany’s Popakademie, so you can be sure she knows how to teach as well as play.
Eric Moore
Few drummers turn heads like Eric Moore. Known for his explosive gospel chops, showmanship, and tour history with Sly & the Family Stone and Suicidal Tendencies, Moore is a master of percussive control and power.
From flashy stick tricks to deep musicality, Eric combines speed, groove, and personality like no one else. Follow him for inspiration—but be ready to practice if you want to play anything in his vocabulary.
Ash Soan
Ash Soan is the go-to session drummer for top producers across the UK and worldwide. His pocket is legendary, and his drum tones—particularly from his converted windmill studio—are instantly recognizable.
His Instagram feed is a masterclass in groove simplicity, gear experimentation, and feel-first playing. If you want to learn how to make every note count, Ash is your guy.
Elise Trouw
Elise Trouw is a multi-instrumentalist who brings a musical and creative edge to drumming. Her unique “looped” performances showcase not just killer groove, but an undeniable sense of melody and songwriting.
Following Elise is a must if you’re interested in performance innovation, blending drumming with looping, and crafting your personal artistry around the kit.
Nate Smith
Nate Smith is pure groove personified. Blending elements of soul, jazz, funk, and hip-hop, his drumming speaks with emotional depth—and his touch is second to none.
You’ll see Nate play with musical legends like Vulfpeck and Brittany Howard, but his solo videos are some of the best resources online for learning phrasing, musicality, and control. His groove-based approach is also featured in great drumming podcasts—check out our guide to the Top 10 Drumming Podcasts Every Drummer Should Follow Now.
Matt Garstka
Matt Garstka rose to fame as the drummer for progressive metal band Animals As Leaders, but his foundation in jazz, fusion, and classical percussion makes him one of the most versatile drummers of his generation.
He breaks down odd meters, polyrhythms, and limb independence like a professor—because he practically is one. Use tools like the Drumeo P4 Practice Pad or Evans RealFeel to punch through his complex practice routines—or follow a Best Drum Practice Routine for Faster Skills & Timing Mastery to keep pace.
Larnell Lewis
Grammy Award-winning drummer Larnell Lewis is a key member of Snarky Puppy and a jaw-dropping solo performer. His ability to internalize and reproduce whole compositions on the first listen is legendary (seriously, go look up that “Enter Sandman” video).
Larnell combines incredible finesse with purpose-driven technique. Tools like balanced ProMark Rebound 5A Drumsticks are great for working on the nuanced feel he demonstrates so effortlessly.
Drummer Style Table
Here’s a comparison of the drummers profiled and the areas where they shine:
| Drummer | Main Style | Why Follow |
|---|---|---|
| Anika Nilles | Progressive / Fusion | Creative phrasing and practice ideas |
| Eric Moore | Gospel / Funk Rock | Explosive chops and energy |
| Ash Soan | Pop / Rock / Session | Groove, simplicity, and tone |
| Elise Trouw | Alternative / Indie Pop | Innovative performance looping |
| Nate Smith | Jazz / Soul / R&B | Musical phrasing and pocket |
| Matt Garstka | Prog Metal / Fusion | Advanced technique and theory |
| Larnell Lewis | Jazz Fusion / Funk | Technical control and musicality |
Conclusion
If you’re serious about growing as a drummer, surrounding yourself with great influences is crucial. These top drummers offer not only massive inspiration but valuable insights into technique, groove, and creativity.
Apply what you see: try breaking down a groove by Nate Smith or practicing linear patterns like Anika Nilles. Use tools like the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit to get those reps in without disturbing the neighbors or replicate feel control on a Drumeo P4 Practice Pad. You can also explore Master Drum Dynamics: Pro Techniques to Boost Your Playing for further improvement.
Stay hungry, stay humble, and keep exploring. Don’t forget to follow these players on social and YouTube—and subscribe to more drumming resources that help you level up one beat at a time.
FAQs
What drummers are best for learning groove and feel?
Nate Smith and Ash Soan are top-tier when it comes to groove and feel. Their playing focuses on subtle timing, dynamics, and emotional delivery that every drummer should study.
Who are the best female drummers to follow online?
Anika Nilles and Elise Trouw represent two of the most innovative female drummers today. They bring technical mastery and creative performance approaches to every video.
How can I improve my drumming practice at home?
Practicing on a Drumeo P4 Practice Pad or Evans RealFeel pad helps build technique silently. Use structured routines and follow online breakdowns from the drummers listed here.
What gear do top drummers use for practice?
Most high-level drummers use two-sided pads, balanced sticks like the ProMark Rebound 5A, and full kits like the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit for dynamic home practice.
Is it important to follow drummers from different genres?
Absolutely. Exploring multiple styles—from gospel to fusion—broadens your musical language, improves adaptability, and keeps your drumming fresh.
Can beginner drummers learn from professionals like Matt Garstka?
Yes, but take it slow. Study foundational techniques before jumping into complex patterns. Use simplified transcriptions and practice tools to make pro-level content approachable.
