5- Steps for Building Gospel Chops

Can I be transparent with you? The term Gospel Chops has been overused and misused… many
times, it is taken out of context and completely misunderstood. I’m going to share 5 Steps for
Building Gospel Chops… how to really build Gospel Chops. But before I do, let’s get an
understanding of the term.

First, we all need to place this term in context. “Gospel Chops” is the brand name of a company
that was started by Gerald Forrest in 2004. It initially launched as a website and matured into a
series of videos (DVDs), and eventually a YouTube channel. This website was launched to bring
attention to the great musicianship in the Gospel community… not just drummers, but
organists, piano players, bassists, etc… It gained momentum and attention in 2005, after the
DVD of Gospel drummers, Shed Sessionz Vol. 1, was released.

Mr. Forrest started this website because Gospel

musicians were being ignored by the larger music
industry. Since then, some drum companies began to
pay attention after the emergence of YouTube and
viral videos featuring Gospel drummers. However,
some people and some companies have used the
popularity of these drummers in a way that detaches
this genre of music from its roots in the Black Church
community. Some people think that Gospel Chops is
all about being able to play fast, impressive drum
parts without regard to the music or the message in
the music.

The term Gospel means, “Good News” and it refers to the Good News that Jesus Christ has
come to save the world from sin. Gospel music is about sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
It is music with a message. The term Chops is a common term used in various styles of music to
refer to someone who has fantastic musical skills, usually demonstrated by playing fast, but
accurate notes. An example of this is, “Flight of the Bumblebee” played by any trumpet player.

Now, having said that… in order to really play, “Gospel Chops,” a person must be willing to
learn Gospel music and understand how to play it in the proper context. Gospel drumming
should not be detached from the music. So, even when I use the term, I use it lightly because I
do not want to infringe on someone else’s copyright. I also don’t want to push forward a
stereotype that Gospel drumming is all about playing a bunch of chops with no musical context.

When I used this term, I am using it to refer to a polished, mature Gospel drummer… meaning a
person who understands how to play both pocket and chops in a way that enhances the music
ministry at a local church (or with Gospel recording artists). Remember, I have served in music
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ministry for more than 20 years and I understand how valuable it is to serve with excellence.
Although playing a bunch of fast licks might seem super impressive for drum videos on
YouTube, honestly, it can be a distraction in worship service. So, let’s keep it real… I want to
help you become the type of drummer that can actually get gigs and get paid for using your
gifts, and that means becoming a balanced drummer who understands when and when NOT
to use, “Gospel Chops.”

So, let’s talk about how to develop Gospel Chops… how can we build our musicianship in a way
that’s appropriate for Gospel music?

STEP 1: LEARN HOW TO PLAY POCKET

• This may seem counter-intuitive, it may seem weird to suggest the way to play chops is
to learn how to play pocket, first. Here’s the truth, “chops” only sound impressive in the
context of a very well-played pocket. Pocket is more than playing basic rhythms, it’s
playing basic rhythms with great timing and having command of the space between the
notes.
• Remember this point: Music is a language. It is communicating a message. When you
play chops, it’s like yelling an idea. You have something to say, and you want to be
heard, so you speak louder, or you might pronounce your words with a different accent
to catch the listener’s attention. How would you feel if someone was yelling at you ALL
the time? You would eventually tune them out, you would ignore them…. Because all
they do is yell at you. You can’t decide if something is important, because they yell
everything they say.
• Meanwhile, if you’re having an engaging conversation with someone, usually it is at a
nice conversational tone where you can understand what they’re saying. This is what it’s
like to play pocket. You are making your initial message clear and easy to understand….
But, when needed, you have the option to speak louder, or with a difference accent, or
add emphasis on a phrase, etc… that’s playing chops. Make your chops stand out by
developing a really nice pocket.

STEP 2: LEARN HOW TO PLAY GROOVES & HOW TO MAKE THE SONG FEEL GOOD

• It’s so important to make

music feel good,
especially Gospel music.
Gospel music is
inspirational music. The
goal is to uplift the
people, to help them
take their focus off
themselves and place it
back on God. The music should feel good.

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 • Learn to play different grooves from different types of genres. Gospel music has a lot
of different categories like traditional quartet, traditional choir, contemporary choir,
praise & worship, CCM, and several others. However, many songwriters and producers
find inspiration from other genres like Latin music, Bossa Nova, Samba, Songo, Afro-
Cuban, R&B Ballads, NeoSoul, etc… do your best to study these grooves on drumset.

• Gospel drummers need to

understand a variety of
grooves from various types
of music so they can make
the song feel authentic.
It’s very important to
listen to the bass player or
the bass line of a song to
determine the right feel
the groove should have. When you see people bobbing their heads to what you’re
playing… that’s a good sign. Make the music feel good.

STEP 3: LISTEN TO GOSPEL MUSIC AND PLAY WHAT YOU HEAR

• Sometimes, beginner to intermediate drummers will try to “make the song their own”
too soon in their process of learning. There will be time down the road to create your
own sound… but while you’re learning and developing, stick with playing the song.

• Listen to Gospel music and imitate the drummer, even if it sounds too complicated at
first. Break it down in steps: Learn the basic grooves, then, learn the major drum fills…
the fills that transition from one section of the song to the next section. Learn the intro
and outro of the song. Then, go back and learn some of the other drum fills. You can do
this! You can develop your ears to hear what the drummer is doing… but, it takes time.

• One of the downsides of having

so many playlists and so much
music at our fingertips is we
don’t develop the skill of
listening critically. We usually
listen to music while we’re doing
something else, and we typically
have a short attention span, so
we listen to our favorites and
then move on to something else
that demands our time.

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 • Learning to sit and critically listen to music is one of the most important skills you
need as a musician, especially as a Gospel musician. Usually, there are no charts, or
written parts, instead, these musicians play by ear, and if you are going to develop
Gospel chops… you must also learn to play by ear.

STEP 4: Borrow ideas from other drummers that inspire you, but make them
your own

• This is the next logical step after you’ve spent time really listening, and learning Gospel
music. As you continue to imitate what you hear, eventually you’ll start to uncover
certain licks and fills that really speak to you, things you like…. Great! Borrow the idea,
spend time working on it, but find a way to make it your own.

• This is the step where you start to mature as a drummer. You move from the strictly
imitation stage to the place where you can create your own sound. But, as I cautioned
before, don’t try to move here to quickly… it’s a process. You may spend a lot of time in
your development going back and forth between Step 3 and Step 4.

• If you know how to read music, try to transcribe the drum parts or patterns that you
like from other players. This will help you see their thinking. If you can’t read music,
listen intently and try to play their parts note-for-note… then see what you can do to
add a different ending, or begin differently, or play the pattern around the kit
differently. But, make it your own. Experiment with your own ideas, and don’t be afraid
to take risks.

• It is highly recommended to record yourself playing when you’re working through ideas,
so you can go back and decide if your new thing really works. The recording doesn’t
have to be high tech, you can use your phone… and you don’t need to post everything
to social media. These recordings are more for your benefit. You’re creating a feedback
loop, where you have to honestly evaluate your own playing.

• Make a list of some of your favorite drummers, create a playlist of some of your
favorite Gospel songs, then, shed with that playlist for 6-8 months. You don’t need a lot
of material. The goal is to spend lots of time with just a few players or a few songs.
Learn the material. Then, experiment. Enjoy the process.

STEP 5: PLAY WITH OTHER MORE EXPERIENCED MUSICIANS

• This is a super valuable step for building chops… and in general, learning how
to play “out” in front of other people. Find a drum shed, or a band that you
can sit in with. Perhaps, your church has a rotation of musicians, and you can
start playing just one Sunday a month. Find some way to play with more
experienced players.

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 • There is a lot you can do on your own… STEPS 1-4, can be done (with some guidance)
alone, but you don’t want to be
the type of musician who can only
play by yourself. You want to be
able to play with other people.

• Playing with others helps you

develop your timing because you
will have to adjust to other
people’s timing, and other
people’s interpretation of the
groove. Playing with other
experienced musicians will help
you learn when to launch into your
chops… during altar call is probably
not the best time to pull out all of
your new licks. Likewise, it’s
probably not a good idea to throw
in all your new licks into one
song… spread it out. Experienced musicians will give you the eye if you start doing too
much… don’t get offended, take it as a lesson learned, pull back some, and keep going.

• This step is also important because you will start to get gigs… perhaps paid gigs. You will
start to develop your reputation as a musician. People will start to recommend you. So,
make sure you show up on time and with a good attitude. Try to learn something from
every experience and build good relationships.

BONUS PRO TIP:

Don’t be afraid to take risks while you’re shedding, but don’t be a

show-off on Sunday morning (or during Worship Services).

Sunday morning worship is a time to be expressive, but remember that it is NOT about you as
the drummer. Being a member of a worship team means you’re leading the congregation into a
deeper relationship with God through music. As a drummer, do what’s necessary to support the
team, don’t try to be the center of attention. Enhance the worship experience, but don’t be a
distraction. Follow the worship leaders and music director guidance so the entire team is on
one accord worshipping the Lord.

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