Rich Lackowski profile picture

Rich Lackowski

On The Beaten Path: The Drummer's Guide to Musical Styles and the Legends Who Defined Them

About Me


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Modern Drummer 2008 Readers Poll WINNER!
No. 1 Educational Book!
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DRUM! 2008 Readers Poll "Drummie" WINNER!
No. 1 Drum Book!
*********************************************I'm very excited to announce that my book, On The Beaten Path: The Drummer's Guide to Musical Styles and the Legends Who Defined Them , is available online and in stores everywhere!What made you interested in playing the drums? For most of us, the attraction was inspired by a killer drum lick or groove we heard on the radio, on a CD, or live in concert. Maybe it was the first time you heard John Bonham play the intro to Led Zeppelin’s "Rock ‘n’ Roll," or perhaps it was the monster fill that Neil Peart plays on Rush’s "Tom Sawyer." Maybe it was the funky groove that Chad Smith lays down on "Funky Monks" with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.Certain drummers have a way of drawing you into the magic of the instrument and making you say, “I want to learn how to do that!” This book is your guide to these legendary drummers. It will lead you on an exploration of the styles, licks, and grooves that made these artists famous. You’ll learn about their approaches to the instrument, the gear they used, the bands they played in, and the drummers who influenced them. You’ll even learn how to play some of the most well-known and inspiring drum parts ever written.

My Interests

I'd like to meet:

I'd like to meet anyone interested in drums and drumming. Send me a friend request or shoot me an email if you'd like to know more about On The Beaten Path: The Drummer's Guide to Musical Styles and the Legends Who Defined Them . If you already have a copy, feel free to drop me a line and let me know what you think.

Books:


On The Beaten Path: The Drummer's Guide to Musical Styles and the Legends Who Defined Them is now available!Order your copy now!
Available online at:
Also available in stores, including: UNITED STATES
-Guitar Center
-Barnes & Noble
-Music & Arts Centers
-Sam Ash
-Willis Music
-West Music
-George's Music
-Maggio Music
-Professional Drum Shop
-Birmingham Percussion Center
-Universal Percussion
-Catalano's Music
-Dale's Drum Shop
-Stantons Sheet Music
-Fork's Drum Closet
-Skins & Tins
-Steve Weiss Music
-Middle C Music
-Alta Loma Music
-Bert Murdock Music
-Columbus Pro Percussion
-Lone Star Percussion
-and many, many more.CANADA
-Long & McQuade
-Steve's Music Store
-Axe Music
-and many, many more.GERMANY
-Musik ProduktivHONG KONG
-Parsons Music Center
-Tom Lee Music
SINGAPORE
-Tempest Music PTETHAILAND
-Kinokuniya Book Store
If it's not available at your local drum shop, ask them to special order it from Alfred Publishing.
**************** "On The Beaten Path may be the most interesting book of the year. It's great entertainment, a great read, and great instruction." -Phil Hood: Publisher, DRUM! Magazine **************** "Four Stars! It reads like part drum lesson, part drum history lesson. Any drummer would be wise to pick up On The Beaten Path." -Modern Drummer Magazine **************** "It is an absolute honor for me to be included in the new drumming book, On the Beaten Path. Not only am I flattered that my parts are inspiring to others, but I also get to be included on the cover with many of my own heroes." -Jason Bittner: Drummer, Shadows Fall **************** "I received your book On the Beaten Path and took a first look now: I'M FLOORED!!! This is the best book I ever have seen!!! Wow! Love the Buddy Rich and Tony Williams, the John Bonham, the Police, Jon Fishman....just great everything. What a masterpiece!!! For me as drummer for 40 years: some mysteries solved...." -Berhnard Castiglioni: Founder, Drummerworld.com **************** "Regardless of your experience level or musical style, this book contains important information that no serious drummer should be without. Buy it, shed it, and you will add greatly to your existing bag of tricks." -Tiger Bill Meligari: Founder, TigerBill.com **************** "This is an excellent book with a nice CD with the transcription being played by the author. There are some lovely photos from Lissa Wales who was the top drumming photographer who died in 2005. The photos alone are worth the price of the book. This is a must for any serious drummer. Even if you can’t read the transcriptions, there is so much more in the book. Buy it now!" -Mike Dolbear: Founder, MikeDolbear.com **************** "Drummers who are just starting their journey will find On The Beaten Path a huge benefit. If you can't find an drum instructor to study with locally, you'll find this book extremely helpful. If you do have an instructor, this would make a fine book to use while learning the many styles of a wide variety of household name drummers! Even the pro/advanced drummer will get something from this book. Congratulations to Rich Lackowski for all the time, energy and hard work that he obviously put into this book." -Bart Elliott: Founder, DrummerCafe.com **************** "Four Stars - Must Have it! An excellent place for the student to start investigating unfamiliar styles." -Drummer Magazine (U.K.) **************** "The thing I liked most about this package is that it's obvious Rich Lackowski is passionate about the content which gives the book an exciting edge as you study the lives and music of these great drummers. Simply put, this is a well researched resource that contains some great facts and insights into the development of many musical genres and the drummers who play them." -Drum Scene Magazine (Australia) **************** "Every so often a new bench mark is set for an innovative approach to music education. In this issue of Drumscene, we're proud to announce that On The Beaten Path: The Drummer's Guide to Musical Styles and the Legends Who Defined Them, by Rich Lackowski, has achieved this new status in music education. This new 243 page publication will become the future groove and reference bible for a huge part of the modern drum set." -Drum Scene Magazine (Australia) **************** "On The Beaten Path has all the makings of a classic instructional book and should not go unnoticed. Your approach is intelligent, thorough and uncomplicated. The thing I like the most is the recipe you created between history, musical content and lessons. The idea of giving drummers "bite-size" information translating to instant success (gratification) is brilliant, just what the doctor ordered. Historically, the most succesfull method books...the standards, are simple and straight forward, which now includes On The Beaten Path. Well, what else can I say...every drummer should have On The Beaten Path in their library. Thanks for your contribution...keep up the great work!" -Bob Gatzen: Educator, Author, and Inventor for Evans Drumheads, Drum Workshop, Noble & Cooley, Zildjian, Regal Tip Drumsticks, and DrumFrame Ltd. **************** The must-have book for every drummer!
Learn to play the most legendary drum beats and solos ever recorded! Whether you're a seasoned pro, or an absolute beginner, this book is your essential guide to the biggest & best drummers to ever grace the instrument, the music they played, the gear they used, and the drummers that influenced them.Includes:

    Authentic transcriptions and easy-to-follow lessons for 85 of the most legendary beats and solos ever recorded
    Insight into the history and development of Funk, Alternative/Punk Rock, Metal, Progressive Rock, Classic Rock, Jam Band, Fusion, Jazz, and Reggae—plus a listing of essential recordings for each genre
    An audio CD containing all the beats and solos presented in the book
    Dozens of amazing photos
    250 pages!
Drummers include:
    Travis Barker
    Carlton Barrett
    Carter Beauford
    Jason Bittner
    John Bonham
    Danny Carey
    Billy Cobham
    Tré Cool
    Stewart Copeland
    Sly Dunbar
    Jon Fishman
    Mickey Hart
    Topper Headon
    Bill Kreutzmann
    Gene Krupa
    Joseph “Zigaboo” Modeliste
    Keith Moon
    Vinnie Paul
    Neil Peart
    Mike Portnoy
    Buddy Rich
    Max Roach
    Chad Smith
    John “Jabo” Starks
    Ringo Starr
    Clyde Stubblefield
    Lars Ulrich
    Dave Weckl
    Tony Williams
    …and more!
Audio Examples:

My Blog

On The Beaten Path Wins No.1 Book in BOTH Modern Drummer AND Drum! 2008 Readers Polls

I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for voting for On The Beaten Path: The Drummer's Guide to Musical Styles and the Legends Who Defined Them in the 2008 Reader's Poll's for both Modern Drummer...
Posted by Rich Lackowski on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:23:00 PST

Greatest Recorded Moments in Prog Rock Drumming

I think the greatest recorded moment in progressive rock drumming is Neil Peart's monster drum fill in Tom Sawyer.  It's what made me pick up the sticks and start playing.  What's your favor...
Posted by Rich Lackowski on Fri, 28 Dec 2007 12:03:00 PST

Who is your favorite drummer and why?

I can't pick just one, which is why I had to write an entire book on the subject! But I'd love to hear what drummers are blowing your mind at the moment. This is a place where you can d...
Posted by Rich Lackowski on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 09:59:00 PST