Platforms like Google Books, Amazon Kindle samples, and publisher websites (like Alfred Music) often offer legal, free preview pages. These previews let you try out the first few exercises before committing to a purchase.
Purchasing the book directly supports Jost Nickel, allowing him to continue producing top-tier educational materials for the drumming community.
Instead of playing steady eighth notes, accent only the "and" of every beat (1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & ).
Check local or university music libraries. Many libraries carry standard drum method books or can order them through an interlibrary loan system at no cost to you. jost nickel groove book pdf free
Nickel has filmed several extensive masterclasses and individual lesson videos for Drumeo's YouTube channel, covering groove construction and hand-foot independence.
: A signature chapter that introduces variations on three-note patterns to expand a drummer’s repertoire across different measures. Linear Groove Design
| Topic | Description | | :--- | :--- | | | The book begins with the fundamentals of building a compelling groove from its core components. It teaches you how to orchestrate simple patterns across the drum set to create new and interesting feels. | | Split & Switch Grooves | This is a unique concept where you learn to "split" a pattern between your hands and feet, or "switch" the leading hand, to dramatically alter the feel and complexity of a groove. | | Linear Grooves | You'll explore the world of linear drumming, where no two limbs play at the exact same time, creating a fluid and highly syncopated sound. | | Ghost Notes & Displacements | Master the art of subtlety with ghost notes (soft, quiet notes on the snare) and learn to displace snare or bass drum hits to create unexpected, modern rhythms that really lock into the pocket. | | Bass Drum Technique & Control | A key section is dedicated entirely to developing a solid, reliable, and expressive bass drum foot, which is essential for any serious drummer. | | Timing, Feel & the CD/MP3s | The book comes with audio tracks, allowing you to hear and play along with every example. This reinforces the lessons on timing and feel, which, as Jost says, are the true essence of what makes a groove great. | Platforms like Google Books, Amazon Kindle samples, and
Jost Nickel is a renowned German guitarist, composer, and music educator. With a career spanning over two decades, Jost has worked with some of the biggest names in jazz and fusion, including Miles Davis, George Duke, and Al Foster. As a guitarist, Jost is known for his impeccable timing, phrasing, and tone, which have earned him a reputation as one of the most respected guitarists in the world.
Nickel’s four-step ghost note concept helps drummers incorporate subtle snare notes seamlessly into any groove.
Check authorized retailers like Hudson Music or Alfred Music. They often sell official, interactive digital versions (e-books) that include embedded audio at a lower price point than the print version. Instead of playing steady eighth notes, accent only
Check official platforms like Amazon Kindle, Google Play Books, or the Alfred Music digital store. Digital editions are often cheaper than physical print copies while remaining completely safe and legal.
Before opening the book, it helps to know the author. Jost Nickel is a celebrated German drummer, composer, and educator. He’s a key part of what many call the "golden generation" of German drummers, which includes world-renowned artists like Benny Greb, Marco Minnemann, and his own former student, Anika Nilles. He has been the drummer for the successful German hip-hop artist Jan Delay since 2006 and has worked with jazz greats like Randy Brecker.