GENERAL
What is Guitar Center Drum-Off?
Guitar Center's Drum-Off is the world's largest drum competition with the goal of finding the next great-undiscovered drummer.
How do I sign up?
In order to compete you must sign up at a Guitar Center store. You cannot sign up online or over the phone. When you go into the store tell any sales associate that you'd like to sign up for Drum-Off and they will have you fill out an official sign up form.
How long do I have to sign up?
Sign ups start August 1st and run until the 10 contestant spots and 2 alternate spots are filled at each store, for each of the 3 store preliminaries. There are a total of 30 spots and 6 alternate spots available for each store holding a competition. You can sign up for any of the 3 store preliminary competitions so long as the spots aren't already full. They do fill up quickly so don't wait, SIGN UP NOW!
ELIGIBILITY
What are the requirements?
You must be 16 years of age or older to compete and must be a legal resident of any of the 48 contiguous United States or the District of Columbia.
This contest is for qualified amateurs. A "qualified amateur" is defined in two ways. First; one who has earned less than $20,000 adjusted gross per year as a professional musician based on last year's tax returns. Additionally, the competitor can't be officially endorsed by a company that conflicts with the prize providers of Drum-Off. For more details on eligibility check paragraph 4 of the 'Official Rules'.
COMPETITION
How does the competition work?
The competition is broken down into five different segments: store preliminary, store final, district final, regional final, and grand final.
All 214 Guitar Centers hold three (3) consecutive store prelims in which the top two (2) highest scoring competitors of each prelim move on to the store finals. Each store then holds store finals for the six (6) prelim winners. The competitor with the highest score at store finals moves onto district finals held in twenty-four (24) Guitar Center locations. The competitor with the highest score at each district competition moves onto regional finals held in five (5) Guitar Center locations. The competitor with the highest score from each regional final then competes in the grand finals where the highest scoring competitor will be named Guitar Center’s 2010 Drum-Off Champion.
When do I need to be present to compete?
Each competitor must arrive thirty (30) minutes prior to the start of the competition on the day they have signed up for. Arriving later than thirty (30) minutes prior to competition will result in disqualification. Check with the store you signed up to confirm what time the competition starts.
How much time do I have for my performance?
You will get 5 minutes to set up and 3 minutes to play. If you make it to the regional finals you will have 5 minutes to play. At the Grand Finals you will also be allowed 5 minutes to play.
In the event of a tie, you will be required to play an additional 2 minutes so be sure to have some extra tricks up your sleeve!
What will the store be providing for me to play on?
The store will have a 5-piece drum kit complete with cymbals, hardware, cowbell and a drum throne set up for your performance. The brand and model of the drum set, hardware, throne and cymbals will vary by region. See stores for details.
Will I be able to bring any of my own gear for my performance?
You are allowed to use your own snare drum, drum sticks, bass pedal, and drum throne. These are the only personal pieces of gear you may use during your performance. Do not attempt to bring anything other than what is listed above.
Do not attempt to bring anything other than what is listed above otherwise you may be disqualified.
PRIZES
What do I win?
The Grand prize is $25,000 cash
- Plus: A Roland TD-20SX electronic drum kit and PM-30
- Feature in Modern Drummer Magazine
- Custom drum kit by DW, Tama, Pearl, Gretsch or Orange County Drums & Percussion
- Complete Set of Sabian, Paiste, or Zildjian cymbals
- Drum, stick, cymbal and drumhead endorsement deals
- $500 Converse Gift Card
- Monster Energy Drink Endorsement Deal
- VIP Experience at NAMM 2011
- For a complete list of prizing (store finals, district finals, and regional finals go here.
If you still have questions, please see the official rules (link to the rules) or email us here.
