musicbybj
ROF Drum Head
Global user
Registered: 04-2007
Location: Missoula, MT
Posts: 2160
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Time keeper?
There's been a lot of talk around the board lately about the drummers role is to keep time or "play in the pocket". While those things are of great importance let's not forget the drummers job is much more than that. Connecting phrases with fills and cymbal crashes help keep the other players locked in to the format, especially when improvising. The drummers job is also to add color to the arrangement by using different cymbals or drums for different soloists and also changing cymbals on verses and choruses.
You also have to provide the correct groove for the type of song you're playing. A funk tune wouldn't be very funky if you played it with a country 2 feel and a swing song would sound strange if you played it with a straight 8th feel.
Don't just think rhythmically it's also very important to think musically. Learn about song form and study some theory and harmony. Learn another instrument. You'd be surprised how much better a drummer you'll be by knowing how to play bass or guitar etc.
There's a lot more to being a drummer (a rounded, good drummer) than just keeping a tight pocket. Don't just be a drummer, be a drummer who is a musician.
Jack
--- "People with opinions just go around bothering one another" Buddha
Rogers Owners Forum Web Site |
|
1/12/2008, 12:37 pm
|
Send Email to musicbybj
Send PM to musicbybj
|
mainedrummer
Dyna-Sonic Member
Global user
Registered: 04-2007
Location: Portland, Maine
Posts: 818
|
|
Reply | Quote
|
|
Re: Time keeper?
Very well said Jack. I can say I've always thought of myself as a musician that has made a choice to play the drums.
I also play the piano, guitar (not as well as the drums) and have dabbled on the mandoline, Hammer Delcimer and a couple of other stringed instrument plus being a singer.
|
|
1/12/2008, 1:31 pm
|
Send Email to mainedrummer
Send PM to mainedrummer
|
