Mike Mangini's Rhythm Knowledge Books

[Cuauhtemoc]

Does anyone have these books and if so, what are they all about? The website tells you how great they are but there are no samples of what's inside. Other drum books aren't like that.

I'm sure Mangini has a lot to offer but I'm not spending $25 or possibly $50 on anything that I can't at least get a taste of so if any of you can give me a hand I would greatly appreciate that.

[scrowder]

Cuauhtemoc, they are worth every penny. No instructional method has had a bigger impact on my playing. Mangini's systems are brilliantly thought through--every last detail has been covered. Best of all, they work for everyone because they are based in the science of how your mind and body work. I am still reaping the benefits of these systems now, 4 years later. Vol. 1 deals with practice. He covers the brain and how it records information, muscles/committing things to muscle memory, goals, time management, technique, and a whole lot more. This stuff is gold...if you want to get better at getting better, look no further.

Volume 2 contains exercises for coordination, speed, odd time signatures & tuplets, and a comprehensive list of permutations, all of which can be applied to any style. Again, the systems are extremely well thought out and designed to produce the best results in the most efficient manner. If you're looking to go deeper than the old "Stick Control" and "Syncopation," then you would benefit from these books. In my opinion, these are the best drum books in existence. Period. The information is so valuable. As a bonus, Mangini is a funny guy--he makes it enjoyable to fly through what could otherwise potentially be dry material.

Buy one and see what you think. But know that the two are really meant to be used together (so if you have the cash, go for it). Vol. 2 is more effective if you've read Vol. 1. It depends which is more important to you right now: becoming a better practicer and speeding up your progress (Vol.1) or getting some specific things to work on (Vol. 2). Hope this helps. :)

[Cuauhtemoc]

Scrowder,

I think you have just made my month! Thank you for such a detailed response.

I had suspected that these books were great resources since Mangini is such a great drummer and seems to get his ideas across well in the interviews that I've read and seen. It was just that there was nothing to pre-view so I just wanted to get feedback from someone that already had them.

I guess I'll have to get both of them. I'm also looking to get Magadini's Polyrhythms for the Drumset and possibly Gary Chaffee's book as well on rhythm.

Thanks again for your insight.

[JPW]

Yes, Mikes books and Langs DVD's and you have something to practice for a lifetime, but remember to learn good technique too. Those books and DVD's explanations on various techniques are too vague. So to be able to practice all that stuff for a life you must have a good technique also. Basicly Benny Grebb's DVD is also about the same stuff it's just explained a little differently. I suggest to watch em all and start practicing the one you find the most logical for youself. I myself am a bit mathematical person so I liked Langs coordination matrix. Also I think Grebb's and Lang's systems are easier to start with than Mangini's.

[Cuauhtemoc]

Sounds great. I have Lang's DVD's and love them. I'll have to check out Grebb's, too.

[Ekim]

Mike Mangini keeps threatening to do a video but AFAIK he hasn't followed through.

Too bad. He seems like a great educator and he's a trip to talk to. I bet any video he did would be killer.

[JPW]

Mike Mangini keeps threatening to do a video but AFAIK he hasn't followed through.

Too bad. He seems like a great educator and he's a trip to talk to. I bet any video he did would be killer.

Yeah, I agree. Would be great.

[Cuauhtemoc]

I agree. From what little I've seen of him chatting online he's funny and easy going. Also, he teaches at Berklee so he must have some oration skills.

That would be great because the video would have good drumming and someone that can actually explain it without putting us to sleep.

[bdub]

Have you checked out www.mikemangini.com/mikelive.htm (http://www.mikemangini.com/mikelive.htm)?

[Cuauhtemoc]

I have. I prefer to work out of a book. I also check him out on You Tube