A Simple List of My Favorite Drummers

Below is a list of my favorite drummers. There is no ranking involved (though some are more favorite than others), nor were any “scientific” metrics applied in forming this list. These are simply the drummers that have been most formative in my own development as a drummer; they are continual sources of inspiration in my drumming life. I highly recommend checking these guys out, if you haven’t already!

Neil Peart (Rush)

Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater)

Ronald Bruner Jr. (Stanley Clarke, Cameron Graves, etc.)

Thomas Pridgen (The Mars Volta)

Buddy Rich (the most masterful to ever pick up a pair of sticks)

Vinnie Colaiuta (Session Drummer Extraordinaire)

Brian Blade (Various Acts, Brian Blade Fellowship Band)

Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree)

Danny Carey (Tool)

Bill Stewart (Various Acts)

Mark Guiliana (Various Acts, Avishai Cohen Trio)

Elvin Jones (John Coltrane, Various Acts)

Tony Royster Jr. (Various Acts)

Phil Collins (Genesis)

Dennis Chambers (Various Acts)