On the Beaten Path: The Drummers Guide to Musical Styles and the Legends Who Defined Them (Book & Online Audio)

Voted No. 1 Educational Book in the 2008 Modern Drummer Reader's Poll!
Voted No. 1 Book in the 2008 DRUM! Reader's Poll!
This must-have guide for drummers provides insight into the history and development of a wide selection of genres, including funk, alternative/punk rock, metal, progressive rock, classic rock, jam band, fusion, jazz, and reggae, and explores the legendary drummers that affected each style. This book will lead you through the styles, licks, and grooves that made each artist famous, with insight into their approaches, the gear they used, the bands they played in, and the drummers who influenced them. The easy-to-follow lessons delve into authentic transcriptions of 85 infamous beats and solos from songs by Led Zeppelin, The Who, Rush, Metallica, The Police, Dream Theater, and others. Dozens of amazing photos are featured as well as a listing of essential recordings. All the beats and solos that are presented in the book are performed on the accompanying CD.

Book includes:
* Insight into the history and development of Funk, Alternative/Punk Rock, Metal, Progressive Rock, Classic Rock, Jam Band, Fusion, Jazz, and Reggae---plus a listing of essential recordings for each genre
* An audio recording containing all the beats and solos presented in the book
* Dozens of amazing photos
* 250 pages!

*****Drummers include:
* Travis Barker
* Carlton Barrett
* Carter Beauford
* Jason Bittner
* John Bonham
* Danny Carey
* Billy Cobham
* Tré Cool
* Stewart Copeland
* Lowell Sly" Dunbar
* Jon Fishman
* Mickey Hart
* Topper Headon
* Bill Kreutzmann
* Gene Krupa
* Joseph "Zigaboo" Modeliste
* Keith Moon
* Vinnie Paul
* Neil Peart
* Mike Portnoy
* Buddy Rich
* Max Roach
* Chad Smith
* John "Jabo" Starks
* Ringo Starr
* Clyde Stubblefield
* Lars Ulrich
* Dave Weckl
* Tony Williams
. . . and more!

"On The Beaten Path may be the most interesting book of the year. It's great entertainment, a great read, and great instruction."
---Phil Hood: Publisher, DRUM! magazine

"Four Stars! It reads like part drum lesson, part drum history lesson. Any drummer would be wise to pick up On The Beaten Path.
---Modern Drummer Magazine

"This is the best book I ever have seen!!! Wow! Love the Buddy Rich and Tony Williams, the John Bonham, the Police, Jon Fishman . . . just great everything. What a masterpiece!!! For me as drummer for 40 years: some mysteries solved . . . "
---Berhnard Castiglioni: Founder, DrummerWorld.com

"Not only is this guide an intuitive instruction on popular drum beats and solos, On the Beaten Path gives in-depth background on 29 world-renowned drummers and insight on what made them famous and what they used to get there."

-International Musician"

Rich Lackowski is the author of the award-winning series of On the Beaten Path music instruction books. The first book in the series, On the Beaten Path: The Drummer's Guide to Musical Styles and the Legends Who Defined Them (2007) is highly acclaimed by teachers, students, and drumming enthusiasts alike, and has earned Lackowski accolades from around the world. The book was voted No. 1 Educational Book in Modern Drummer's 2008 Reader's Poll, and voted No. 1 Book in DRUM! magazine's 2008 Reader's Poll. Drumscene magazine (Australia) called it "the future groove and reference bible for a huge part of the modern drum set." Drummerworld.com (Switzerland) called it "the best book I've seen a masterpiece." MikeDolbear.com (UK) called it "a must for any serious drummer." Drumheads!! Schlagzeugmagazin (Germany) called it "An extraordinary book." Percussioni magazine (Italy) called it "A great method for students who want to teach themselves, and for teachers looking for materials to help them expose students to a variety of drumming styles." Bob Gatzen (USA), a highly respected teacher, author and inventor, called it "A major breakthrough for drum set method books" and went on to say "No doubt, you're re-inventing the standard."

The success of the book prompted Lackowski to author his next two books, On the Beaten Path: Progressive Rock (2008) and On the Beaten Path: Metal (2009), expanding his best-selling book into a series that further addressed drummers interests. Both books have been well received by the drumming community and have received praise similar to that of the pioneer book. In fact, On the Beaten Path: Progressive Rock was voted as one of the Top 2 Educational Books in Modern Drummer's 2009 Reader's Poll.

In addition to authoring these three successful music instruction books, Lackowski has written articles and features for TRAPS magazine and How to Play Drums magazine, and has performed in various locations around the United States since 1985.

Lackowski was born and raised in Chicago, IL, lived in West Lafayette, IN and Detroit, MI until he moved to Los Angeles, CA where he has resided since 2001. He's played the drums since age 10.