Abe Cunningham Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Deftones Drummer | MetalForge
Abraham "Abe" Cunningham (born July 27, 1973, in Sacramento, California) is an American drummer and founding member of the alternative metal band Deftones since 1988. Over more than three decades, Cunningham has developed a distinctive drumming style that perfectly complements Deftones' signature blend of heavy riffs, atmospheric textures, and shoegaze-influenced soundscapes. Cunningham's playing is characterized by creative, unconventional patterns that serve the song's emotional arc rather than technical showmanship. His ability to seamlessly transition between crushing heaviness and ethereal delicacy has made him one of the most distinctive and influential drummers in alternative metal.
Complete biography of Abe Cunningham, founding drummer of Deftones. Explore his unique drumming style, career spanning 35+ years, signature gear, and influence on alternative metal.
Abe Cunningham Biography
Abraham "Abe" Cunningham (born July 27, 1973, in Sacramento, California) is an American drummer and founding member of the alternative metal band Deftones since 1988. Over more than three decades, Cunningham has developed a distinctive drumming style that perfectly complements Deftones' signature blend of heavy riffs, atmospheric textures, and shoegaze-influenced soundscapes.
Cunningham's playing is characterized by creative, unconventional patterns that serve the song's emotional arc rather than technical showmanship. His ability to seamlessly transition between crushing heaviness and ethereal delicacy has made him one of the most distinctive and influential drummers in alternative metal.
Career Highlights
- 1988: Co-founded Deftones in Sacramento, California, as a teenager
- 1995: Released debut album "Adrenaline" on Maverick Records
- 1997: Released "Around the Fur," establishing Deftones' signature sound
- 2000: Released "White Pony," featuring the Grammy-winning "Elite"
- 2003: Released "Deftones" (self-titled), exploring darker territories
- 2006: Released "Saturday Night Wrist" after difficult recording process
- 2010: Released "Diamond Eyes," critically acclaimed comeback
- 2012: Released "Koi No Yokan," continuing artistic evolution
- 2016: Released "Gore," their eighth studio album
- 2020: Released "Ohms," acclaimed as one of their best albums
Style & Influences
Abe Cunningham's drumming style is immediately recognizable—unconventional patterns, creative use of space, and an intuitive feel for dynamics. Rather than following typical metal drumming conventions, he creates parts that breathe and evolve with the music.
Key Influences:
- John Bonham (Led Zeppelin): Heavy groove and pocket
- Stewart Copeland (The Police): Creative, unconventional patterns
- Chad Sexton (311): Syncopated, funk-influenced metal drumming
- Dave Grohl: Power and energy in alternative rock context
Signature Techniques:
- Unconventional snare placements and accents
- Creative use of hi-hat and ride patterns
- Seamless transitions between heavy and atmospheric sections
- Pocket-focused playing that prioritizes groove over complexity
- Dynamic control that mirrors the song's emotional content
Gear Highlights
Abe Cunningham is a longtime Tama endorser, playing a Starclassic Bubinga kit for its punchy attack and durability. His setup is relatively straightforward, reflecting his focus on groove and feel over technical complexity.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Tama Starclassic Bubinga (Egyptian Night Mist)
- Snare: Matching Tama Starclassic snare (no separate model documented)
- Cymbals: Zildjian (14" K Custom Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" K Custom Crashes, 22" K Custom Ride, 19" A Custom China)
- Hardware: Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide Twin Pedal (HP900PTW), Iron Cobra Lever Glide Hi-Hat (HH905)
- Sticks: Pro-Mark
- Heads: Remo (Powerstroke P3, Pinstripe, Ambassador)
Setup Philosophy:
- Compact, efficient kit for quick access
- Deep snare drum for powerful, cutting sound
- Zildjian cymbal mix designed for his playing style
- Emphasizes feel and tone over extensive kit size