# Linear Drumming — Metal Drumming Technique | MetalForge

> Linear drumming is a technique where no two limbs strike simultaneously - each note is separated, creating a continuous stream of single attacks.

**Difficulty:** intermediate | **BPM Range:** Any | **Category:** progressive

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## What Is Linear Drumming?

Linear drumming is a technique where no two limbs strike simultaneously - each note is separated, creating a continuous stream of single attacks. This approach creates unique textures and rhythmic possibilities, popular in progressive and technical metal. The separation allows each voice of the kit to speak clearly.

Linear drumming became prominent through funk and fusion drummers like Gary Chaffee, Steve Gadd, and David Garibaldi. In metal, progressive drummers adopted linear concepts to add complexity. Matt Garstka (Animals as Leaders) has become synonymous with linear metal drumming, while Brann Dailor (Mastodon) incorporates linear fills throughout his playing.

## How to Play Linear Drumming

- Start with simple 4-note patterns (kick-hat-snare-hat)
- Practice RLKH patterns (Right hand, Left hand, Kick, Hi-hat)
- Use Gary Chaffee's Linear Time Playing book
- Focus on keeping all notes at equal volume
- Practice displacement - moving patterns to different start points
- Add variations by changing which drum/cymbal receives which hit
- Combine linear patterns with traditional grooves
- Write out patterns to visualize the separation

## Linear Drumming Variations

- **Four-Limb Linear:** All four limbs playing in sequence
- **Hand-Foot Linear:** Alternating between hands and feet
- **Linear Fills:** Fills with no overlapping strokes
- **Displaced Linear:** Linear patterns starting on different beats

## Drummers Who Define Linear Drumming

- Matt Garstka (Animals as Leaders) — Modern linear drumming master
- [Brann Dailor](https://metalforge.io/drummer/brann-dailor) (Mastodon) — Linear fills and progressive patterns
- [Matt Halpern](https://metalforge.io/drummer/matt-halpern) (Periphery) — Djent-style linear grooves
- [Mario Duplantier](https://metalforge.io/drummer/mario-duplantier) (Gojira) — Linear elements in groove metal context

See all [Linear Drumming drummers on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/technique/linear-drumming/drummers).

## Essential Gear for Linear Drumming

- **Cymbals:** [Dry cymbals](https://metalforge.io/gear/cymbals) — Quick decay allows linear patterns to speak
- **Cymbals:** [Stacked cymbals](https://metalforge.io/gear/cymbals) — Short sounds for rhythmic definition
- **Drums:** [Sonor SQ2](https://metalforge.io/gear/drums) — Articulate attack for defined linear patterns
- **Drums:** [Well-muffled drums](https://metalforge.io/gear/drums) — Clear separation between notes

> **Pro Tip:** Linear drumming requires precise independence. Practice slowly with a metronome, focusing on equal spacing between all notes. Speed comes with accuracy.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What is a linear drumming?**
A: Linear drumming is a technique where no two limbs strike simultaneously - each note is separated, creating a continuous stream of single attacks.

**Q: How do I learn linear drumming?**
A: Start by mastering the fundamentals: Start with simple 4-note patterns (kick-hat-snare-hat); Practice RLKH patterns (Right hand, Left hand, Kick, Hi-hat); Use Gary Chaffee's Linear Time Playing book. Practice consistently with a metronome and increase tempo gradually.

**Q: Which metal bands use linear drumming?**
A: Some of the most prominent practitioners include Matt Garstka (Animals as Leaders), Brann Dailor (Mastodon), Matt Halpern (Periphery), Mario Duplantier (Gojira). These drummers have defined the technique across extreme, progressive, and groove metal genres.

**Q: How hard is it to learn linear drumming?**
A: Linear Drumming is rated **intermediate** difficulty and typically operates at Any. Dedicated daily practice with gradual tempo progression is the recommended approach for most drummers.

**Q: What techniques are related to linear drumming?**
A: Closely related techniques include Polyrhythms, Groove Drumming. Mastering these complementary techniques will significantly accelerate your linear drumming development. Browse all [metal drumming techniques](https://metalforge.io/techniques) for a complete overview.

## More Resources

- [Linear Drumming Drummers on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/technique/linear-drumming/drummers)
- [All Metal Drumming Techniques](https://metalforge.io/techniques)
- [Signature Licks featuring Linear Drumming](https://metalforge.io/licks)
- [Linear Drumming Technique Page](https://metalforge.io/technique/linear-drumming)

### Related Techniques
- [Polyrhythms](https://metalforge.io/techniques/polyrhythms) — [Deep Dive](https://metalforge.io/llms/technique/polyrhythms.md)
- [Groove Drumming](https://metalforge.io/techniques/groove-drumming) — [Deep Dive](https://metalforge.io/llms/technique/groove-drumming.md)

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*Last updated: 2026-06-17 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*