Basically every gigging drummer I've worked with talks the talk on this. They all know what they "should" be doing, but the ones who walk the walk and actually put in the effort and focus, those are the ones I love to work with.
Drummer here. Love this. You just described the 20 yr old version of me v where i am now. When i started, i now realise i viewed the band as an opportunity to show off. 34 years later, when i learn a song (thanks to the internet ❤) I research the inspiration behind the song, understand the lyrics, watch the bass and guitar parts and only then learn the song for me. That way i really connect with the song. I usually play with a click and do my very best to make the band 'feel' great. I see keeping time as everyone's responsibility, viewing my role as quietly steering the ship - setting up the transitions, adding tension and release as required, usually by NOT playing something. There's a name for this approach - maturity 😂
As a drummer myself, you are right on point for each topic mentioned. The biggest point I see is you need to know the music because ultimately you are driving the band and the groove. I know my knowing the nuances of a particular song puts the other musicians at ease because they know what to anticipate and are not competing against you or losing concentration. However, that goes both ways. You other guys in the band need to know your parts as well because certain melody lines or rhythmic strums support the groove the drummer is putting down. If you're not in sync then it becomes a syncopated mess. IMO. Great video Terence! Maybe a summarized video after you complete all the major roles of each musician would be great. Thanks again!
Agreed 100%. This is the way I conduct my drumming. I'm different because I play at 2 churches that are very spontaneous, so at both of them I literally never know any of the songs we'll play until the keyboard starts. My process is: 1. Count myself in and enter the song at a point where it looks like we practiced it :) 2. Start with a simple groove that fits the song. 3. Listen to the song as we're playing and do more involved kick or snare playing as the song goes along. Settle into a chorus / verse pattern change as the song goes on. That way it builds and the song shows progression as we play.
Well said,there's a lot of times I've practiced a song along to the cd or tape then finding that the other muso's are putting their own spin on it or playing it totally differently so in that situation I always let them start first then I'll come in on the 2nd line or half way through the first verse.Your points are spot on.If in doubt,KISS,(meaning "Keep It Simple Silly") until you know the music.
I work with a lot of different musicians, so it's critical to leave your ego outside. Learn the music, care for your equipment, be on time, be happy, and bring extra cables or ear plugs for the other musicians. Serving others solves a lot of [potential] problems.
Wow . Very simple message that the crux is applicable to all individuals who make up a band . My credo has always been : serve the song , serve the band serve the crowd… you are last . If you(one) does this the payoff is huge .
In my experience, the drummers who can play other instruments know what's up. The drummers who only play drums are the ones who want to show off and overplay.
Good stuff! I totally agree, except the double pedal thing. I do agree that it gets overused but that's all in discipline and using the left pedal to serve a part or a fill. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water just cause some people don't know how to properly incorporate a double pedal. It's not for *every* gig but it can be used tastefully in lots of scenarios.
Sorry had to add one more comment...the one thing you forgot to mention for drummers that is as critical as Tempo, Timing, Feel, and Groove - is Volume! As a drummer, you have to know how hard OR soft to play, as it directly impacts everything else on that stage. You have to know when you're just too loud - that makes everyone else push up their volume and now it's a sound engineer's nightmare gig, as well as the band all complain that they can't hear themselves. And who suffers the most? Vocalists - why? Because you can only turn them up so loud before you open the door wide open to Mr. Feedback! To the point of internalizing the song - know when you're in the verse - that's where the drums should break and come down (volume) to let the vocalist tell the story of the song. That is also part of Feel - your audience feels that breakdown and knows where they are in the song. This is an excellent video of extremely important points as a working musician to know and understand - then finally to execute.
Preach, Preacher! OMG! I stumbled across this video and I swear I hear myself coming out of your mouth! I've emphasized these fundamentals for years (and not just to the drummers) of what it means to know your role in playing in a band. I had to pause the video when you said, "if you haven't internalized the music that you're playing, you DON'T KNOW IT!" Good lord, tempo, timing, and feel - I swear I just had this conversation a couple weeks ago for the gig I did! Sorry, just nice to feel like it's not just me when I'm trying to convey to a band...thanks bro, you nailed this content 👊🏽
I have played in a few gigs, and what I need to work on because others told me to is puntuality, playing more loud, more charismatic and also what you said: really knowing the song
I agree with a lot of what you said here. I think there are places where you generalized a little more than you probably should have. I think serving the music is the main component of what you’re talking about here. There are a places where some of the stuff you railed against might be important. There are a number of drummers working in different genres than the standard top 40 that might have double bass drum as a prerequisite to even be considered for the gig. I think the big thing is having appropriate gear and playing appropriately in the situation you are working towards. I don’t generally employ double bass drum, and rarely bring one out on a gig, but I had a studio session to record a soundtrack for a play where it was required to play what was appropriate for the session.
Having watched a good handful of these videos now (and learning lotta stuff), I get the feeling that there are some genres that you don't listen much to... Double pedals seem quite essential in certain genres. Some jazz genres would be tricky, different blends of prog rock, and many sub-genres of metal indeed. (Hard to imagine black metal without double pedals, right?) But yeah, the correct time and place for everything. Keep up the good work! :)
Hearing protection is crucial for all musicians, whether professional or not. I highly suggest using earplugs at minimum for all practices and gigs. But these days investing in an in ear monitoring device will help preserve our hearing while also making each of us better musicians. IEMs for drummers are much less expensive than the wireless devices. As drummers we are stationary behind the kit so we don’t need the wireless rigs. The wired IEMs are more affordable. We finally get a break on buying an important piece of gear. Win win!
Could you do a video on how to learn drum parts for songs? Especially how to learn which drums are being struck when the song's playing on RUclips, your phone, etc.? Many songs like jazz standards have ample notation for every other instrument but no drum scores available. And the drum parts are often mixed so I can't hear them well. Thanks!
Wow that video help me very much my name is Cassie. I am 15 years old and I am a drummer in a band called MIB Music inclusive band. Can you please give me some tips Thank you so much.
A drummer's basic job is this: to keep steady consistent time and groove. I've played with drummers (very briefly of course) who couldn't count or keep time to save their lives. It's pathetic when this occurs. Tone and feel is important also, but once I have to tell the drummer how many measures or how to count something, I'm pissed, annoyed and considering bailing.
Quality gear… if you only have one kit make sure you have high quality hardware to go with it… nothing worse than a runaway kick or spinning tom or a boom arm that won’t stay up… I’d say have 2 of everything if you can afford it… I come from the time of you play what you had available and figured out how to make it sound good… but heads that will suit the music you play and work cohesively with you drums… some heads just don’t sound good on certain kits… unless you know how to tweak those heads or that kit… regular maintenance like checking every screw and lug nut… make sure they are tight… a lil blue lock tight will keep you right on this front…
I always thought the drummer's job was to give everyone tinnitus. I'm just kidding! I love drums. I've been lucky to work with some amazing drummers. When I think of what makes a rock band I think of the drums. Drums and guitar. That's rock to me. The requirement I think that some drummers skip is tempo. A very skilled drummer might play a little against the bpm, but when that goes too far and it's just like, "I don't care I'm playing this faster and faster." That's not considerate and at that point I just feel like go ahead and break down your kit and go play drum solos. Because the rest of the band didn't put 20 years of practice into their craft so you can show how fast you can play the same quarter note on the snare over and over.
The one thing that drives me insane as a drummer is flashy drummers can’t stand it i’m the type of drummer that loves music and focuses solely on music nothing else
Rather have a drum machine then a drummer who overplays and doesn't listen to the other instruments and expects everyone else to play with the drummers idea of how a song should go. I love drummer jokes, most are true to life. What do you call a drummer without a girl friend? HOMELESS😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Basically every gigging drummer I've worked with talks the talk on this. They all know what they "should" be doing, but the ones who walk the walk and actually put in the effort and focus, those are the ones I love to work with.
Drummer here. Love this. You just described the 20 yr old version of me v where i am now. When i started, i now realise i viewed the band as an opportunity to show off. 34 years later, when i learn a song (thanks to the internet ❤) I research the inspiration behind the song, understand the lyrics, watch the bass and guitar parts and only then learn the song for me. That way i really connect with the song. I usually play with a click and do my very best to make the band 'feel' great. I see keeping time as everyone's responsibility, viewing my role as quietly steering the ship - setting up the transitions, adding tension and release as required, usually by NOT playing something. There's a name for this approach - maturity 😂
Played with a drummer who practiced by listening. He never played the same beat or played a song the same way twice. Maddening!
As a drummer myself, you are right on point for each topic mentioned. The biggest point I see is you need to know the music because ultimately you are driving the band and the groove. I know my knowing the nuances of a particular song puts the other musicians at ease because they know what to anticipate and are not competing against you or losing concentration. However, that goes both ways. You other guys in the band need to know your parts as well because certain melody lines or rhythmic strums support the groove the drummer is putting down. If you're not in sync then it becomes a syncopated mess. IMO. Great video Terence! Maybe a summarized video after you complete all the major roles of each musician would be great. Thanks again!
Hit every point that I was going to say …
Agreed 100%. This is the way I conduct my drumming. I'm different because I play at 2 churches that are very spontaneous, so at both of them I literally never know any of the songs we'll play until the keyboard starts. My process is:
1. Count myself in and enter the song at a point where it looks like we practiced it :)
2. Start with a simple groove that fits the song.
3. Listen to the song as we're playing and do more involved kick or snare playing as the song goes along. Settle into a chorus / verse pattern change as the song goes on.
That way it builds and the song shows progression as we play.
Well said,there's a lot of times I've practiced a song along to the cd or tape then finding that the other muso's are putting their own spin on it or playing it totally differently so in that situation I always let them start first then I'll come in on the 2nd line or half way through the first verse.Your points are spot on.If in doubt,KISS,(meaning "Keep It Simple Silly") until you know the music.
@@andrewmccormack4295 well said, agreed.
I work with a lot of different musicians, so it's critical to leave your ego outside. Learn the music, care for your equipment, be on time, be happy, and bring extra cables or ear plugs for the other musicians. Serving others solves a lot of [potential] problems.
Extra cables and ear plugs?
I’m a drummer. Not doing that. Why? Never met a guitarist or bassist or singer that brought extra drum sticks.😂
Wow . Very simple message that the crux is applicable to all individuals who make up a band . My credo has always been : serve the song , serve the band serve the crowd… you are last . If you(one) does this the payoff is huge .
Thank you, thank you, thank you for this! Drummers need to pay close attention to these Golden nuggets!
In my experience, the drummers who can play other instruments know what's up. The drummers who only play drums are the ones who want to show off and overplay.
Oooo! *Grabs pencil & notebook*
Good stuff! I totally agree, except the double pedal thing. I do agree that it gets overused but that's all in discipline and using the left pedal to serve a part or a fill. Don't throw the baby out with the bath water just cause some people don't know how to properly incorporate a double pedal. It's not for *every* gig but it can be used tastefully in lots of scenarios.
Stay in the pocket - forget the flash stuff - STAY IN THE POCKET! 👊
Sorry had to add one more comment...the one thing you forgot to mention for drummers that is as critical as Tempo, Timing, Feel, and Groove - is Volume! As a drummer, you have to know how hard OR soft to play, as it directly impacts everything else on that stage. You have to know when you're just too loud - that makes everyone else push up their volume and now it's a sound engineer's nightmare gig, as well as the band all complain that they can't hear themselves. And who suffers the most? Vocalists - why? Because you can only turn them up so loud before you open the door wide open to Mr. Feedback! To the point of internalizing the song - know when you're in the verse - that's where the drums should break and come down (volume) to let the vocalist tell the story of the song. That is also part of Feel - your audience feels that breakdown and knows where they are in the song. This is an excellent video of extremely important points as a working musician to know and understand - then finally to execute.
Great points. Agreed.
Facts bro...I am sending this to an annoying drummer that am playing with who always think hes right & everybody else is wrong...sigh!
🤣🤣🤣🤣
My mom taught me right as a kid to actually LEARN the song on drums
Preach, Preacher! OMG! I stumbled across this video and I swear I hear myself coming out of your mouth! I've emphasized these fundamentals for years (and not just to the drummers) of what it means to know your role in playing in a band. I had to pause the video when you said, "if you haven't internalized the music that you're playing, you DON'T KNOW IT!" Good lord, tempo, timing, and feel - I swear I just had this conversation a couple weeks ago for the gig I did! Sorry, just nice to feel like it's not just me when I'm trying to convey to a band...thanks bro, you nailed this content 👊🏽
Some great insights here. Thanks.
I have played in a few gigs, and what I need to work on because others told me to is puntuality, playing more loud, more charismatic and also what you said: really knowing the song
Great video.....Thanks.
Unpopular opinion: I actually prefer playing single pedal anyway.
I agree with a lot of what you said here. I think there are places where you generalized a little more than you probably should have. I think serving the music is the main component of what you’re talking about here. There are a places where some of the stuff you railed against might be important. There are a number of drummers working in different genres than the standard top 40 that might have double bass drum as a prerequisite to even be considered for the gig.
I think the big thing is having appropriate gear and playing appropriately in the situation you are working towards. I don’t generally employ double bass drum, and rarely bring one out on a gig, but I had a studio session to record a soundtrack for a play where it was required to play what was appropriate for the session.
This channel is Gold!
Thank you so very much...much needed information for all musicians...internalizing the music "ULTRA IMPORTANT"..
Serve the song serve the song no drama listen listen ask what people want to hear. Be a strong foundation. Outline the song. Be mature
Having watched a good handful of these videos now (and learning lotta stuff), I get the feeling that there are some genres that you don't listen much to... Double pedals seem quite essential in certain genres. Some jazz genres would be tricky, different blends of prog rock, and many sub-genres of metal indeed. (Hard to imagine black metal without double pedals, right?) But yeah, the correct time and place for everything.
Keep up the good work! :)
Excellent advise especially for younger and some older musicians.
Steve Gadd….Charlie Watts….Ringo..Jim Keltner…Bernard Purdie.. To name just a few of my heroes
Always music first.
Yes, yes, yes! If we drummers dont support our bandmates and the spirit of the songs... then we need to play at the Modern Drummer festivals.
Hearing protection is crucial for all musicians, whether professional or not. I highly suggest using earplugs at minimum for all practices and gigs. But these days investing in an in ear monitoring device will help preserve our hearing while also making each of us better musicians. IEMs for drummers are much less expensive than the wireless devices. As drummers we are stationary behind the kit so we don’t need the wireless rigs. The wired IEMs are more affordable. We finally get a break on buying an important piece of gear. Win win!
Great advice 👍
Could you do a video on how to learn drum parts for songs? Especially how to learn which drums are being struck when the song's playing on RUclips, your phone, etc.? Many songs like jazz standards have ample notation for every other instrument but no drum scores available. And the drum parts are often mixed so I can't hear them well. Thanks!
Great explanation. Thanks.
I hear ya
Wow that video help me very much my name is Cassie. I am 15 years old and I am a drummer in a band called MIB Music inclusive band. Can you please give me some tips Thank you so much.
I like playing polyrhythms mid song
A drummer's basic job is this: to keep steady consistent time and groove. I've played with drummers (very briefly of course) who couldn't count or keep time to save their lives. It's pathetic when this occurs. Tone and feel is important also, but once I have to tell the drummer how many measures or how to count something, I'm pissed, annoyed and considering bailing.
Quality gear… if you only have one kit make sure you have high quality hardware to go with it… nothing worse than a runaway kick or spinning tom or a boom arm that won’t stay up… I’d say have 2 of everything if you can afford it… I come from the time of you play what you had available and figured out how to make it sound good… but heads that will suit the music you play and work cohesively with you drums… some heads just don’t sound good on certain kits… unless you know how to tweak those heads or that kit… regular maintenance like checking every screw and lug nut… make sure they are tight… a lil blue lock tight will keep you right on this front…
It's great
I always thought the drummer's job was to give everyone tinnitus. I'm just kidding! I love drums. I've been lucky to work with some amazing drummers. When I think of what makes a rock band I think of the drums. Drums and guitar. That's rock to me.
The requirement I think that some drummers skip is tempo. A very skilled drummer might play a little against the bpm, but when that goes too far and it's just like, "I don't care I'm playing this faster and faster." That's not considerate and at that point I just feel like go ahead and break down your kit and go play drum solos. Because the rest of the band didn't put 20 years of practice into their craft so you can show how fast you can play the same quarter note on the snare over and over.
Do you learn solo singers with out a band
I think I was playing too busy 😢
Try saying that keith moon played too much. LOL
It's frustrating to work with drummers who don't play pocket, play too fast or add rhythms that don't fit and destroy the feel of the song.
The one thing that drives me insane as a drummer is flashy drummers can’t stand it i’m the type of drummer that loves music and focuses solely on music nothing else
Rather have a drum machine then a drummer who overplays and doesn't listen to the other instruments and expects everyone else to play with the drummers idea of how a song should go.
I love drummer jokes, most are true to life. What do you call a drummer without a girl friend? HOMELESS😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
It's great