by Flea
First published 1994
Chad stands behind his drum kit, sticks ready, as the opening riff of "Give It Away" fills the studio. His popular instructional video has drawn countless drummers eager to master the Red Hot Chili Peppers' explosive rhythms. But now the challenge shifts. Nine tracks strip away the percussion entirely, leaving bare musical frameworks that demand a drummer's creative input. Chad's techniques must translate into personal expression as players tackle "Suck My Kiss," "Breaking the Girl," and other fan favorites. The real test comes with an extended ten-minute collaboration featuring Flea's bass mastery. Here, musical conversation replaces rigid instruction. The interplay between bass and drums creates something new each time, demanding both technical skill and intuitive response from whoever sits behind the kit.
Genres: non-fiction, music, how-to
Vibes: instructive, intimate, technical
Tropes: collaboration, master-student
60 pages · Paperback · Alfred Music