The Art of Time in Drumming with JR Robinson

Time is everything for drummers. Without it, there would be no groove, no pulse, no music to connect us. Drummers are communicators, and we use time to shape rhythm, create melodies, and support the entire band.

Listening as Love

Abe Laboriel Sr. once shared a powerful idea: the highest form of love is listening. As musicians, we are professional listeners. When someone plays their personal sense of time, we instinctively respond, strengthen it, and make the music better. This is what great time is about—deep listening and connection.

Playing with Kick, Snare, and Hi-Hat

For me as a North American drummer, my sense of time begins with the bass drum. I play it exactly on the beat, never ahead, never behind. But the snare is different. I like to pull it back just a little on beats 2 and 4. Then, by tying in the hi-hat to connect both, the groove becomes more human, more musical, and less robotic. This balance creates the feel that defines great time in drumming.

A Simple Groove Exercise

One of the best ways to improve time is to record yourself. Take a groove, play it for three minutes without fills or crashes, and listen back. You’ll quickly hear whether you’re rushing or dragging.

Try the same exercise with a recorder placed outside the room and the door closed. The muffled sound highlights the low end, making timing mistakes even more obvious. Then, ask yourself honestly: Why am I rushing? Why am I dragging?

Confidence Through Time

Time in drumming is not just about rhythm, it’s about confidence. When you control time, you relax. And when you relax, you unlock freedom, creativity, and the ability to truly serve the music.