Want to supercharge your drumming skills and get inspired by the best in the game? Following top drummers is one of the smartest moves any aspiring drummer can make. Whether you’re into jazz, metal, funk, or pop, there’s a drummer out there who can light a fire under your practice routine.
- Learn real-world chops and techniques by watching the pros in action.
- Gain career insights and backstage strategies from seasoned performers.
- Stay motivated and connected to the global drumming community.
In this post, we’ll dive into a curated list of some of the top drummers to follow right now—each bringing something unique to the table. From blistering speed to groove mastery, you’re about to meet the players who deserve a spot in your feed and your practice mindset.
Table of Contents
| Anika Nilles | Benny Greb |
| Ash Soan | Mike Johnston |
| Sarah Thawer | Eric Moore |
| Dodging Drummer Fatigue | Comparison Table |
| Conclusion | FAQs |
Suggested Products to help you #win at drumming:
-
Evans RealFeel 2-Sided Practice Pad
– Great for quiet practice, this pad lets you work on technique anywhere with realistic rebound. -
Vic Firth American Classic 5A Drum Sticks
– A balanced pair of sticks perfect for beginners and pros across any genre. -
Roland TD-02KV V-Drums Electronic Kit
– An excellent compact e-kit for practicing top drummer grooves at home. -
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
– Perfect for recording your drumming sessions and following along with online lessons.
Anika Nilles
Known for her intricate grooves, masterful timing, and progressive compositions, Anika Nilles has carved out a unique space in modern drumming. Her background in both drumming and composition makes her one of the most expressive and well-rounded players to study.
Her YouTube channel is packed with original drum compositions and mind-bending grooves that challenge traditional timing concepts. She’s a great resource if you’re looking to expand your creativity and control. If you’d like to master key aspects of rhythm, check out Master Drum Timing Skills Fast: Pro Tips to Play in Perfect Time.
Recommended Practice Tip
Work on subdivisions within odd meters. Anika frequently plays in 7/8, 5/4, and 11/8, and hearing how she phrases ideas within these meters can give you a whole new rhythmic vocabulary.
Benny Greb
Benny Greb is often described as a “drummer’s drummer.” With surgical control and ridiculous groove, he teaches not just how to drum, but how to think about drumming. His educational resources have inspired thousands, from hobbyists to pros.
Benny’s performances and masterclasses emphasize phrasing, control, and groove over speed. He’s the drummer to follow if you want to build deeper musicality. You may also enjoy Ghost Notes Drumming Explained: Master Subtle Groove Skills to further refine your touch and dynamics.
Recommended Practice Tip
Integrate singing and clapping rhythms before playing them. Benny’s approach reinforces internal time and accuracy, especially when playing in groups or studio recordings.
Ash Soan
A session legend with credits ranging from Adele to James Morrison, Ash Soan is about pocket, tone, and musical taste. His home studio produces some of the best snare sounds on Instagram—acoustic textures that feel alive.
Ash is the go-to if you’re studying the art of subtle dynamics, tone control, and studio readiness.
Recommended Practice Tip
Record yourself playing simple grooves. Focus on snare placement and hi-hat texture. Ask: “Would this sound good on an album?”
Mike Johnston
Mike Johnston is one of the most generous educators in the drumming space. From beginner rudiments to advanced groove architecture, his Mike’s Lessons platform has helped drummers level up worldwide.
He’s deeply relatable and breaks down complex concepts clearly, making him perfect for those who want bite-sized guidance with big impact. If you’re a beginner, don’t miss How to Play Drums for Beginners: Learn Easy Drum Basics to get started fast.
Recommended Practice Tip
Develop groove variations using the same hi-hat pattern. Mike often emphasizes “musical repetition” as a creative tool for groove building.
Sarah Thawer
Sarah combines explosive improvisation with incredible versatility—moving between jazz, hip-hop, Indian rhythm, and funk fluidly. Watching her is like studying 10 genres at once.
She’s also a passionate educator and advocate for diversity in the drumming world, making her an essential modern voice to follow.
Recommended Practice Tip
Explore konnakol (Indian vocal rhythm) to improve rhythmic phrasing and coordination across your limbs.
Eric Moore
Eric Moore brings jaw-dropping speed, showmanship, and insane control. Known for his work with Suicidal Tendencies and his clinic performances, Eric is a force of nature on the drums.
If you’re into gospel chops, speed doubles, and high-energy soloing, he’s the drummer to watch. To develop similar precision, the guide Top Drumming Speed Drills to Boost Speed and Precision Fast can help elevate your chops.
Recommended Practice Tip
Work on hand-foot synchronization by breaking down licks slowly into sixteenth note groupings. Then speed it up using a metronome.
Dodging Drummer Fatigue
Staying inspired and avoiding burnout means balancing your learning with the right mindset and tools. Following drummers like Anika or Mike can keep you motivated—but don’t ignore practice tools that set you up for success.
Investing in a solid practice pad like the Evans RealFeel 2-Sided Practice Pad or consistently sticking with your Vic Firth American Classic 5A Drum Sticks can make a huge difference. If you’re practicing at home, the Roland TD-02KV V-Drums Electronic Kit takes noise out of the equation. Ready to record your ideas? Start with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface.
Drummer Comparison Table
| Drummer | Known For | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Anika Nilles | Complex groove compositions | Creative timing and odd meters |
| Benny Greb | Education and melodic phrasing | Groove, control, and feel |
| Ash Soan | Studio session tone | Dynamics and album-ready playing |
| Mike Johnston | Online drum education | Beginner to intermediate development |
| Sarah Thawer | Genre fusion and improvisation | Stylistic versatility |
| Eric Moore | Speed and power | Chops, solos, and showmanship |
Conclusion
Following the right drummers isn’t just about inspiration—it’s about elevating your playing with real-world insight. Whether you’re refining your groove, expanding into world rhythms, or recording from home, these top drummers offer guidance you can feel in your sticks.
Try a technique from one drummer this week. Set up your Evans Practice Pad, plug into your Focusrite Interface, or sit behind that Roland e-kit and go to work. And don’t forget—great gear and great influences are both part of the journey. Stay locked in, and keep improving.
FAQs
Who is the best drummer for beginners to follow?
Mike Johnston is ideal for beginners thanks to his clear, structured lessons and accessible grooves. His teaching style makes learning fun, even if you’re just starting out.
What practice tools help drummers improve faster?
A quality practice pad, consistent sticks, and a quiet environment are key. Many drummers also use electronic kits to build coordination without disturbing others.
Which drummers are best for learning groove and feel?
Benny Greb and Ash Soan are excellent for developing musical feel and pocket. Study their dynamics and note placement to understand groove on a deeper level.
How can I improve my timing?
Practice with a metronome daily and try vocalizing rhythms before playing them. This “internal clock” method is something Benny Greb often recommends.
What’s the best way to record my drumming at home?
Use a USB audio interface like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 to plug your mics or e-kit into your computer. It’s a surefire way to improve through feedback and tracking progress.
How should I choose which drummer to follow?
Pick someone who resonates with your musical taste and current skill level. Whether you’re into jazz, rock, or gospel chops, there’s a perfect teacher for you online today.
Why is Sarah Thawer important to modern drumming?
Sarah represents diversity and innovation in the drumming world. Her ability to blend styles and cultures makes her a strong role model for creative drummers.
Does watching drum videos really help?
Absolutely. Watching and slowing down videos of top drummers builds visual awareness, hand technique, and musical intuition. Just be sure to apply what you watch in your own practice.
