---
name: "Abe Cunningham"
band: "Deftones"
genre: "Alternative Metal / Nu Metal"
country: "USA"
primary_brand: "SJC"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/abe-cunningham"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Abe Cunningham

Abe Cunningham is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Deftones, a defining act in alternative metal / nu metal.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Abe Cunningham |
| Band | Deftones |
| Genre | Alternative Metal / Nu Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | SJC |
| Drum kit | SJC Custom Drums |
| Signature snare | SJC Custom 14x6.5" Brass |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 2B |

## Biography

Abraham Joseph Cunningham (born 1973) is an American drummer and founding member of Deftones. His innovative style combines powerful, hard-hitting grooves with atmospheric, nuanced playing that perfectly complements Deftones' unique blend of heavy and ambient music. Since the band's formation in 1988, Abe has been the rhythmic backbone behind albums like "White Pony," "Diamond Eyes," and "Koi No Yokan." His ability to shift between crushing heaviness and delicate dynamics has made him one of the most respected drummers in alternative metal.

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.

## Band History

- **Deftones** — 1988–present (current)

## Gear

- **Drums:** SJC Custom Drums
- **Snare:** SJC Custom 14x6.5" Brass
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian K Custom & A Custom Series (14" K Custom Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" K Custom Crashes, 22" K Custom Ride, 19" A Custom China)
- **Hardware:** DW 9000 Series Double Pedal, DW Hardware
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth American Classic 2B
- **Heads:** Remo

## Notable Performances

- Change (In the House of Flies) - Drum Performance (2020)
- Back to School - Reading Festival (BBC) (2011)
- Sound Legacy Interview & Performance (2019)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drum kit does Abe Cunningham play?**

A: Abe Cunningham plays a SJC Custom Drums.

**Q: What cymbals does Abe Cunningham use?**

A: Abe Cunningham uses Zildjian K Custom & A Custom Series (14" K Custom Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" K Custom Crashes, 22" K Custom Ride, 19" A Custom China).

**Q: What band is Abe Cunningham in?**

A: Abe Cunningham drums for Deftones, a alternative metal / nu metal band.

## Quotes

> "Dynamics are key. Knowing when not to play is just as important as knowing when to go all out."
>
> — Modern Drummer (2012)

> "Deftones has always been about creating atmosphere. The drums have to serve the song."
>
> — Rhythm Magazine (2016)

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Abe Cunningham on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/abe-cunningham)

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*Last updated: 2026-06-06 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*