The Beat Beginner
Lessons
Songs Beats & Fills Technique Rudiments Drummers Gear
WIN 1 OF 3 ICONIC CYMBAL SETUPS
Enter by May 26 for your chance to win
1 of 3 complete cymbal setups.
Sabian cymbal setups

Technical Analysis Using: Multiple Timeframes Brian Shannon

Drumeo Team  /  UPDATED Aug 19, 2025

Technical Analysis Using Multiple Timeframes: The Brian Shannon Approach

In the world of swing trading, Brian Shannon’s 2008 book, Technical Analysis Using Multiple Timeframes , is considered a definitive textbook for navigating market structure. Shannon, a Chartered Market Technician (CMT), argues that no single chart provides the complete picture; instead, traders must layer analysis across different periods to align trends and time entries with precision. The Four Stages of the Market Cycle

Central to Shannon’s methodology is the idea that every asset moves through four distinct stages. Recognizing these stages helps a trader decide whether to be aggressive, defensive, or sidelined. The price moves sideways following a long downtrend.

Shannon’s approach involves looking at larger timeframes to understand the major trend and then drilling down for precision. He typically watches five timeframes simultaneously to see their interplay.

Big players build positions; volatility is low, and the price remains below key moving averages. This is the most profitable phase for long positions.

The price stays above rising moving averages, characterized by higher highs and higher lows. Volatility increases as "smart money" sells to latecomers. The price moves sideways, often forming topping patterns. Stage 4: Markdown The final stage is a sustained downtrend.

Short positions are favored as the price stays below falling moving averages. The Multi-Timeframe Hierarchy

technical analysis using multiple timeframes brian shannon

Improve your speed on the drums with El Estepario Siberiano’s FREE course.
Enter your email to get all 10 exercises sent to your inbox.

By signing up you’ll also receive our ongoing free lessons and special offers. Don’t worry, we value your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Drum Month

WIN 1 OF 3

ICONIC CYMBAL SETUPS

Sabian cymbal setups

To celebrate Drum Month, we’re giving away 3 Sabian cymbal setups from 3 iconic drummers: Neil Peart, Tomas Haake, and Dave Weckl.

Drop your name and email by May 26, 2026 for your chance to win.

ENTER TO WIN »