Do you think Vinnie would sound like he does if he hadn't spent a lot of time studying the drumming of Steve Gadd, Tony Williams, and Stewart Copeland?
Seriously, I wouldn't worry about this stuff. I've yet to hear any drummer whose playing I'd confuse with Vinnie's (no matter how hard that drummer may be trying to emulate him).
The key is to not limit yourself. Don't JUST study Vinnie. Also study other great drummers, and listen to a wide variety of music. I always tell young drummers, if you don't want to sound like all the other drummers you know, BUY SOME DIFFERENT RECORDS.
Despite many drummers' efforts, nobody has really pulled off the cloning thing. There is no big name who's a "Steve Gadd clone" or a "Vinnie clone." But there are pros whose influences are obvious, if you yourself are familiar enough with drumming history. Gadd blends Elvin and Tony with some incredible pop and funk sensibilities, and delivers it all with the precision of a drum corps drummer. What a cool combination!
Studying the playing of great players will never hurt you. Your playing will only be hurt if you limit yourself. But if that happens, that's YOU doing that, not the drummers you admire.
Mr. A.
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