Scott Phillips, the rhythmic powerhouse behind Creed, didn’t just play drums—he crafted grooves that became the spine of some of the most anthemic rock tracks of the late ‘90s and early 2000s. In this exclusive Drumeo YouTube video, Scott reflects on the songs that defined a generation and demonstrates the thoughtful, explosive, and sometimes surprisingly subtle playing that helped shape Creed’s unmistakable sound.
From bone-crushing fills in “My Own Prison” to the deceptively simple yet satisfying pulse in “With Arms Wide Open,” Phillips’ playing walks the line between arena-rock grandeur and surgical musicality. Let’s dive into the gear he used to recreate these legendary grooves.
In this Gear Breakdown, we take a look at the Kit, Snare, Cymbals and Heads that Scott used to recreate the iconic Creed songs from their discography.
Scott played a DW Design Series kit in a beautiful Tobacco Burst finish—combining DW’s unmistakable shell quality with a modern, punchy tone that’s perfect for both studio work and live performances.
This setup offers deep, booming lows from the floor toms and a balanced midrange from the rack toms, all tied together with a bass drum that delivers a clean, focused thump.
Want a similar vibe? Check out the DW Design Series 4-piece Shell Pack – Tobacco Burst (Europe) from Sweetwater.
To cut through Creed’s massive wall of guitars, Scott relied on a 14” x 6.5” DW Concept Series Black Nickel over Steel Snare. This drum delivers the bite, crack, and body needed for the heavier tracks without sacrificing sensitivity.
You can find a great match with the DW Design Series Brass Snare Drum – 6.5 inches x 14 inches, Polished Black Nickel (Europe).
Scott’s cymbal selection is a brilliant blend of clarity, power, and presence—perfect for rock. The Zildjian A Custom series dominates this setup, providing bright tones and powerful projection.
These cymbals provide everything from shimmering splashes and aggressive crashes to that unmistakable bell tone courtesy of the Zil-Bel.
Scott used a full set of Evans Drum Heads to dial in his sound:
This head combo gives him durability, focus, and the controlled resonance needed for Creed’s powerful arrangements. The EMAD Heavyweight in particular offers deep, punchy low-end without excessive overtones—a favorite for heavy hitters.
Scott Phillips’ kit is a perfect reflection of his drumming—powerful, precise, and meticulously crafted. The DW Design kit gives his fills and grooves a commanding presence, while the A Custom cymbals bring the clarity and punch needed to cut through any mix. Pair that with responsive Evans heads and a snare that can bark or whisper, and you’ve got a setup worthy of Creed’s legacy.
Feeling inspired to dive into the world of rock drumming? If you’re working on replicating Scott’s thunderous grooves and want to practice without disturbing the neighbors, the Drumeo QuietKick is the perfect practice companion.
Now crank up “Higher” and channel your inner rock god.
You can find everything mentioned in this Gear Breakdown at Sweetwater or Thomann if you are overseas. If this video lit a spark to start drumming (or sharpen your chops), take the next step and click the link to try Drumeo, free for 7 Days.
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Drumeo Team - We're professional, award-winning drummers and drum teachers, coaches, recording artists, and content specialists who are passionate about drums and helping drummers around the world. This post was written and/or edited by Brandon Toews, Jared Falk, Dave Atkinson, or another pro on our team (which has a combined 1000+ years of drumming experience). Are you looking for inspiration, education, and support to take your playing to the next level? Join the Drumeo community today!
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