Top 10 Best Modern Drummers

You want thunder? Precision? Blazing-fast footwork that sounds like a machine gun in a hurricane? Then you're in the right place.

Modern drummers aren't just keeping the beat. They're rewriting what it means to sit behind a kit. We're talking about players who treat double bass pedals like a second language and make polyrhythms sound like a walk in the park. They're mixing blistering speed with razor-sharp technique, often pushing themselves and their drum sets to the absolute limit. This isn't your uncle's four-on-the-floor classic rock groove. This is advanced-level stuff, and you're here for the best of it.

So now it's your move. Who's the tightest? Who's got the stamina, the creativity, the insane control under pressure? Vote for the drummers who make your jaw drop and your fingers instinctively start air-drumming.

The Top Ten

Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan

James Owen Sullivan (February 9, 1981 - December 28, 2009), better known by his stage name "The Rev," short for "The Reverend Tholomew Plague," was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. He was best known as the drummer, backing vocalist, and co-founder of the American heavy metal band Avenged... read more

Probably the best metal drummer ever. He could do it all. He was a master at almost all aspects of drumming. He was also a musical genius. He wrote most of Avenged Sevenfold's greatest hits. Jimmy could also lay down some of the fastest beats. Just listen to songs like "Unholy Confessions," "Chapter Four," "Beast and the Harlot," "Burn It Down," "Almost Easy," "A Little Piece of Heaven," and although he didn't actually record "Nightmare" and "Welcome to the Family," he wrote those ones.
R.I.P. Jimmy "The Rev" Sullivan. A7X foREVer!

James Owen Sullivan was a legend. I don't think there will ever be another who could match his talent, speed, and accuracy. It's so disappointing that the good have to die so young.
He has recently inspired me to get behind the kit again. May he always be remembered in the drummer's circle.
Travis Barker

Travis Landon Barker is an American musician and producer best known as the drummer for the rock band Blink-182. Barker has frequently collaborated with hip-hop artists and played in bands such as +44, the Transplants, and Box Car Racer. He is also known for his work as a producer and solo artist.

Travis is way better than Greiner. Travis has way more passion in what he does. Not only was he in Plus 44 and now back in Blink 182, but he has done covers and played for other bands when they wanted a sick drummer to play in their song. Rappers, punk bands, metal bands, and a bunch more genres have used Travis Barker before. I'd say that's a pretty good drummer.

I mean, yes, he is popular and is seen a lot all over social and news media these days. However, long before now, Travis was a big deal just by being himself. He has a talent that he hasn't taken for granted. He has taken that talent and made it something spectacular. He isn't afraid to be himself and do what he loves.
Josh Dun

Joshua William "Josh" Dun is an American musician. He is currently the drummer for the musical duo Twenty One Pilots, alongside Tyler Joseph. The band gained international success with albums like Blurryface and Trench.

For somebody who didn't take any lessons and literally got kicked out of music stores for playing too long as a kid, it's amazing to see the dedication and passion he has for what he does. Of course, he's not flawless. Some say that what he does is mediocre, but I think that he successfully handles half of his band and would continuously do so.
His energy is contagious, and for a guy who hides from the mic, he's extremely confident behind his drums. He is very innovative, willing to try new things, and is improving so much. And don't forget how many he's inspired. He's in a suitable position on this list, I think.

I've always thought he has a really personal drumming style, which I find super cool. His drums stand out just as much as the vocals and lyrics. They're just as important to the songs, rather than being only the foundation.
I think he's pretty skilled and keeps getting better with every new song. Promising talent in my opinion!
Chad Smith

Chadwick "Chad" Smith is an American musician and the current drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, which he joined in 1988. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of the band. In addition to his work with the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Smith has collaborated with other artists and bands... read more

One of the best of this generation alongside Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, and Phil Selway. Just listen to his skills on Purple Stain (amazing outro), By The Way, Brendan's Death Song, and pretty much all of the Stadium Arcadium album. Absolute beast.

One of the most versatile drummers ever to have walked the earth. He's usually involved in a lot of side projects, like the rock supergroup Chickenfoot. Definitely deserves to be on the list.

Chad's drumming brings the RHCP together. He is surely one of the best ever. Of course, this is a subjective matter, but Chad has my vote with no reservations.
Joey Jordison

Joey Jordison was an American musician, songwriter, and record producer best known as the former drummer and co-songwriter for the heavy metal band Slipknot. He also played guitar in the horror punk band Murderdolls. Jordison co-founded the blackened death metal band Sinsaenum and was involved in the... read more

I suppose The Rev is a decent #1. Don't get me wrong, he is in my top three for modern drummers, which half of this list certainly is not. But Travis Barker 1% behind him for number two? In this information age, we have access to any music at any time. Please, somebody justify Travis Barker's place on this list, let alone his #2 spot.
No, I'm not inferring he's unqualified for the modern portion like the great Chad Smith (RHCP was 80's), but he is unqualified for the great portion and hardly qualified for the drummer portion. It pains me to see a talented and musical drummer like Jordison so far behind this generation's closest thing to Lars Ulrich. Okay, he's not that bad, but he certainly makes more of a diva of himself.
Matt Greiner

His cymbal setup is sick, man. He is a very talented dude who has extremely talented creativity in his beats, fills, and everything. Why don't you guys listen to August Burns Red songs before you vote? I recommend you guys not listen to August Burns Red songs because you all will piss your pants due to their awesomeness.
ROFL. Lars Ulrich is surely a modern drummer, laugh out loud. Why the heck is Jordan Mancino higher? He deserves to stay with Matt Greiner due to his skills too. Seriously, I tell you, Matt Greiner is another awesome drummer that has appeared in this world.

There are many great drummers in the world, and Matt Greiner is one of them. Everything about his drumming style is awesome.
He is the most creative drummer I know. When I listen to his beats in his songs, I'm speechless. He goes hard in the paint.
Mike Portnoy

Michael Portnoy is an American drummer, backing vocalist, and co-founder of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. He left the band in 2010. Known for his technical skill, Portnoy has won 30 awards from Modern Drummer magazine. He has also performed with Liquid Tension Experiment, Flying Colors, Sons... read more

Well, Mike is officially the best drummer in the world. So...

Very clean sound, perfect rhythm, and genius patterns and fills. The best ever.

Seeing Josh Dun above the greatest metal drummer ever is ridiculous.
Neil Peart

Neil Ellwood Peart (September 12, 1952 to January 7, 2020) was a Canadian-American musician and writer best known as the drummer and primary lyricist of the rock band Rush. He received numerous awards for his musical performances, including induction into the Modern Drummer Readers Poll Hall of Fame... read more

This guy is behind Josh Dun and all these other mediocre drummers?! This should be an easy #1 right here.

If you don't know this drummer, you need to educate yourself. YouTube, Rush.

I concur. Buddy Rich, with Peart a close second.
Mike Mangini

Mike Mangini is an American drummer known for his technical proficiency and teaching expertise. He was the drummer for the progressive metal band Dream Theater from 2010 to 2023, following the departure of founding member Mike Portnoy. Mangini has also held several records for drum speed and served as... read more

Between 2002 and 2005, he set five World's Fastest Drummer records. Speed isn't the only quality of his drumming. He plays some of the most complex material. It's sad he's ranked lower than some jokes.

World's fastest drummer and world record holder. Not the best, but just as good as everyone else on the list.

One of the best. Can't wait to see him join the stage with Mike Portnoy.
Danny Carey

Daniel Edwin "Danny" Carey, born May 10, 1961, in Lawrence, Kansas, is an American drummer and instrumentalist best known for his work in the Grammy Award-winning progressive rock band Tool. He has also performed or recorded with artists such as Zaum, Green Jellÿ, Pigface, Skinny Puppy, Adrian Belew... read more

Unreal! The guy is very unconventional and does it all. It's pretty incredible to watch someone his size work the kit the way he does. Love him.

Danny is the best. Period. But really, how come Mike Portnoy isn't higher on the list?

No question, he is the absolute genius modern drummer!

The Newcomers

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Mario Duplantier

Mario Duplantier is a French musician and artist best known as the drummer of the technical death metal band Gojira. He is known for his powerful drumming style and visual artwork, which he often shares through exhibitions and online. Duplantier formed Gojira with his brother Joe Duplantier in 1996.

I don't know why he's so underrated. For me, his drum lines are the best of the modern era!
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Ringo Starr

Sir Richard Starkey (born 7 July 1940), known professionally as Ringo Starr, is an English musician, singer, songwriter, and actor who gained worldwide fame as the drummer for the Beatles. Starr occasionally sang lead vocals with the group, usually for one song on each album, including "Yellow Submarine... read more

The Contenders

Shannon Leto

Shannon Leto is an American musician and songwriter best known as the drummer of the rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. He co-founded the band with his brother, actor and musician Jared Leto. Shannon has played on all of the band's major studio albums, contributing to its signature sound and success.

Shannon Leto leaves no one indifferent or calm. Concerts by 30 Seconds to Mars largely depend on the excellent rhythm section! Shannon works flawlessly. He watches Jared carefully, understanding his every move!
Jared quietly talks to the crowd, warming up and motivating, and Shannon is like clockwork! This causes true admiration and indicates a high level of professionalism. The show by these guys is always different and does not look like each other.

This man is my favorite drummer. He is so incredible and emotional. He has boundless energy and is a beast!
Blake Richardson

Jordison, Leto, Barker, and Smith don't belong on the same list as Richardson, Greiner, and Costa. Out of those, Richardson seems to have the best integration of polyrhythms into the music and the most breadth in style, thanks to BTBAM's progressive sound. Costa is incredibly fast and technical. Greiner is just a beast in general.
Album sales and jamming with Joe Satriani do not qualify someone to be on this list. There are so many drummers missing from this list anyway: Mike Mangini, Dirk Verbeuren, Gavin Harrison, Navene Koperweis, Chris Pennie, Bran Dailor. Man, the list goes on.

Easily the most talented artist on this list. He's the glue that allows BTBAM to jump from style to style so seamlessly.
While most won't like BTBAM as much as some of the other bands on this list, none of their drummers could fill in for Blake, while he could get behind the kit for anyone.
Jason Costa

He maximizes the potential of a simple and affordable drum setup, showing players like us in the real world that you don't need a thirty-thousand-dollar setup to sound incredible. He also demonstrates that you don't need a huge kick to achieve a powerful sound. His timing signatures are impressive, and he maintains a tighter groove compared to many metal drummers out there.
Anyone with a brain cell can perform blasts, gravity blasts, and heel-to-toe techniques. However, utilizing them in a musical context rather than simply playing fast requires talent. Welcome to the world of drumming, noobs.
Dave Lombardo

David "Dave" Lombardo is a Cuban American drummer best known as a co-founding member of the thrash metal band Slayer. He played on many of Slayer's early albums and helped define the band's aggressive sound. Lombardo has also contributed to other projects, including Fantômas, Suicidal Tendencies, and... read more
George Kollias

Georgios "George" Kollias is a Greek heavy metal drummer and music teacher. He is best known for his long-time work with the American technical death metal band Nile. Kollias is widely recognized for his speed, precision, and instructional materials for aspiring drummers.
Dominic Howard

Dominic James Howard is an English musician, best known as the drummer, percussionist, and co-producer for the alternative rock band Muse. He also contributes to the synthesized and electronic elements that are a hallmark of the band's sound. Howard has been part of Muse since its formation in 1994,... read more

Drummer for Muse, and brings the power to Muse! Bringing drum beats that go incredibly well with what the band is looking for makes up a good portion of the band. If you are doubting me, then take a listen to songs such as "Resistance," "Assassin," "Exo-Politics," "Apocalypse Please," and "Stockholm Syndrome," and that's just the start! It's pretty awesome how they incorporate such a strong beat in their music.

Even if you're not a huge Muse fan, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of their DVD, Live from Wembley Stadium. If you can even copy that (let alone dream it up in the first place), you are doing extremely well! Easily the #1 modern era drummer in my book!
Tré Cool

Frank Edwin Wright III, known professionally as Tré Cool, is a German-born American drummer. He is best known as the drummer for the American punk rock and pop punk band Green Day. He joined the band in 1990, replacing their former drummer John Kiffmeyer.

I've been lucky enough to go to a Green Day concert, and honestly, he's just amazing. His energy, funny faces, and insane drumming skills made the concert so much greater than what it was already.

Tre Cool below Josh Dun, Travis Barker, and Shannon Leto, aka the three most overrated drummers ever? No!

How is he not in the top 3, man? Travis Barker? Haha, you've got to be kidding. Tre runs rings around Blink-182.
Dave Grohl

David Eric "Dave" Grohl is an American rock musician, multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, producer, and film director. He was the drummer for the influential 1990s grunge band Nirvana and is the founding vocalist and guitarist of the alternative rock band Foo Fighters. He has also performed as... read more

Great as a singer, guitarist, and drummer! Complete musician!

Should be number one, no doubt. If you want proof, just listen to I'll Stick Around.
Taylor Hawkins

Oliver Taylor Hawkins (born February 17, 1972, died March 25, 2022) was an American musician, best known as the drummer for the rock band Foo Fighters. He joined Foo Fighters in 1997 and recorded eight studio albums with the band. Hawkins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2021 as... read more

Best drummer of all time, in my opinion. With Dave Grohl at his side, nothing can stop him. Just love the Foo Fighters. Can't forget that Hawkins also has a killer rock voice.

Best of the best modern drummers. Also, his singing while playing is flawless.

The best modern drummer. With Grohl, he is the heart of Foo Fighters.
Matt Helders
Rob Bourdon

Robert Gregory Bourdon is an American musician, best known as the former drummer and one of the founding members of the American rock band Linkin Park. He remained with the band until their hiatus in 2017. When the band members began working together out of the public eye in 2019, he declined to rejoin... read more

Wait, seriously? This guy is the heartbeat of Linkin Park. Rob provides Linkin Park with great drum beats and has really worked hard, becoming a successful drummer. He should be higher on the list.

Awesome drummer. He deserves to be higher on the list. With great hard work, he is one of the most successful drummers now.

He should be at least in the top 20! He is a great drummer.
Tony Royster Jr.

I feel like this list is just a popularity contest. If you just look at the number of comments here just for Tony, you can see that he should be in first. For those of you who don't think so and don't know him, please look him up before you vote, and I'm sure you will change your mind. Personally, I think if you don't see he's the best, then you just don't understand drumming.

Clearly the best. Maybe not as popular, but he can play all styles. And the list with no Dennis Chambers? Really? Today's gospel drummers are killing this list when played correctly. Add Aaron Spears also!
Carter Beauford

Nearly flawless in execution. One of the best technically adept drummers anywhere.

Simply fantastic, a really "Two Hands" drummer, vigorous as well as tender and with a wonderful voice... what else?
Live shows are for life, and he's full of fans because he's Dave's hero... and he's a hero for all of us. Carter forever, a myth!
Zach Hill

The fact he isn't higher is shocking. The man's sheer speed and precision are unmatched!

One of the most talented individuals to ever play the drums.
John Dolmayan

John Dolmayan is a Lebanese-born Armenian-American songwriter and drummer. He is best known as the drummer for the rock band System of a Down. During the band's hiatus, Dolmayan released a solo cover album titled These Grey Men, which features guest vocalists such as Serj Tankian, M. Shadows, Franky... read more

The drummer from System of a Down who won DRUM! Magazine's 2006 Drummer of the Year.