The funniest thing about church congregations is - they can't even count 4/4. They regularly started singing the next line of a song before the measure they were just singing had finished.
I played for the first time in worship this past Sunday (I'm nearly 70). I did not rehearse with the band, just stepped in, having never played drums in my life. I had practiced with YT tracks and watched at few videos. I felt immediately this was God's call for me. I saw this video and immediately thanked God for its timeliness. I know I am a rank amateur but really enjoyed the experience, I will definitely seek out more of your teaching!
Love this! I was self-taught before I began playing in church. I invested in lessons and it has paid off big time. A few tips I've picked up on the way: Never lose the backbeat. Don't noodle in rehearsal. Tune, always. Never forget your drum key. Use your own snare when visiting other churches. Walk with different kick beaters (felt, wood, soft & fuzzy, plastic). Pack extra cymbal felts. Lose the extra kick pedal. Nurture and mentor younger drummers. Always worship when you play. Give thanks. Smile!
Great tips! I'd also add: be flexible in everything, be friendly & polite, arrive early, ask questions if something is unclear, bring a pencil & paper to take notes, watch live videos of the songs before practice, lean towards underplaying; the leader can ask for more volume if it's needed, go to a rehearsal &/or visit the church the week before if you are subbing. Above all, realize WHY you are there, & relax!
I tought myself some years ago and now I'm 18 and finally serious about prospering in music for my church not only drums. Im taking drum lessons and i want to learn bass and piano after maybe even guitar why not😂.
You nailed it Bro; Bravo !!! I've been playing drums in church since it was considered controversial. For me, I was 13 years old in the Summer of 1974; I turned 14 later that year. Back in my youth, when I traveled in our church van to play at other churches with my church worship team, there were houses of worship that prohibited this teenager from unloading my drums from the van. Some closed-minded assemblies/ministers called Contemporary Christian Music (and drums) "the Devil's Music". I remember being verbally reprimanded for countering a minister's assertions, by telling him that the piano and his beloved church organ were used by such bands as The Doors, The Alman Brothers and the like - My question was, "should we simply not play any instruments at all?" - I mean, really in the name if being fair... That didn't go over very well. The senior pastor from my home church received several phone calls from "concerned ministers and parishoners" regarding my views. Oh, but how times have changed!!! I play in churches now in modern times where I'm frequently encouraged to play louder. I'm now 62 years old. I never thought I'd see the day of this change. For instance, Rock Music has fallen out of favor with many people, but yet The Church embraces it. I often laugh about this. Life and societal trends make me double over with laughter. It can be purely absorbed. I appreciate the use of RUclips videos as training tools. Back when I was a young drummer, I would listen to a record album or tape over and over until I figured out what drummer was doing, so that I could replicate what I was hearing. RUclips makes everything so much easier.
If you must use double bass at all (double pedal) save it for a big rock ending or use for dramatic affect not for the main beat. sometimes it would be good to have the extra pedal just incase the main pedal malfunctions and you can’t fix it right away. (I had this happen in church once) oh and learn how to play both right handed and left handed you might not get to change the set up.
I've been playing for my church for 3 weeks now and I've already nade or experienced a few of the mistakes he mentioned. Great video. I agree with another comment read, it's about God, but you want to "play your best for Him, pa-rum-pa-pum-pum"!!!
@@andrewfaraday8918 I mean... it is obviously about praising on sunday, but at the same time, if you are playing poorly, off beat, or messing up the songs, that instantly can pull people out of the moment and the experience they might be having with God and in church. So while I agree its not about how well you think you play... it also kind of is
@@andrewfaraday8918 I think it can be both. Obviously sundays are about praising God, but terrible playing can distract/pull people out of that, so both are important, although obviously one more so than the other lol
My drumming is worship. I take as much of me out of it as I can, I rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me and play in the anointing given me. It has never failed me. Playing to Jesus ain’t a show, it’s honoring Him with the musical gifts He has given us. Go in not only musically prepared but more importantly spiritually prepared. It’s worship, so worship God with your drumming !
The clip of 'Oceans' immediately made me think of Ringo Starr and all the criticism he receives for being 'too simple'- when in fact, he plays for the song!
I've been drumming on my worship team for 5 years. Something that always happens, is one of the singers will start or come in early. You need to be able to blend into that new set with the singer, without it making it obvious. Something i always do is either do, a fill, a hiccup beat, or a quick quiet and back in. People make mistakes, expect them to and be prepared in that regard.
Excellent tips, I agree with all 10! Worship drummer myself for 19 years, as well as playing in numerous other styles outside of church (everything from folk to metal). One more tip I can give is to listen to worship music regularly. By listening to lots of different worship music while on walks, in the car, at work, and quietly (or loudly) drumming along on your desk or legs, you’re getting exposed to lots of different drum patterns and dynamics that are used in worship music and after awhile, those things become second nature and start coming out in your own drumming. Oh, and another thing relating to dynamics. If the worship team is playing a new song on a practice night and you’ve never heard it, don’t be afraid to sit the song out the first time and just listen to it and make notes on where to come in, where builds make sense, where it’s quieter, etc., and then jump in on the second play through.
I always enjoy Brandon's videos. He is articulate and presents effectively. These were great tips. Most of these I've discovered on my own, but I've been doing it a LONG time. My favorite was the admonition to drummers to NOT LOOK BORED when they aren't playing. If you are helping people worship, you need to maintain a reverent disposition. And when you DO play, serve God, serve the song and serve the congregation. It's not about showing off your chops.
Christopher G (Your first name, BTW, means "Bearer of Christ" brother!) One of the most profound lessons I learned about playing in church was NOT having a superstar musician attitude; the band I played with was playing a very dynamic worship song with lots of builds and drops. I gave in to the temptation to "be a musician" and dress up my part during a build section- my pastor (who was a good singer & who understood what worship music was for and WHO it was for!) shook his head vigorously and pointed to Heaven, pumping his right arm and pointing up to God. The silent message to me: "STOP BEING A HOT DOG; You're distracting the congregation and grieving GOD! I was profoundly humiliated; to this day, however I am grateful to have learned this extremely important lesson. Exodus 20:8 can apply here: "Thou shalt NOT steal (God's rightful glory from Him by being a self-centered, selfish distraction) Keep playing for HIS glory and HIS Kingdom brother! In Christ, Jeff Donovan
@@Jeffdonovan-p8c I did know that about my name, though it's difficult to feel worthy of that honor! Your situation with your pastor certainly sounds like an uncomfortable experience, but in the long run, a blessing. You could have been angry and said, "The heck with this... I'm not being appreciated!" But instead, you accepted the critique and became a better musician and more humble servant.
@@Jeffdonovan-p8c a perfect demonstration of this scripture: Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
This was a really great lesson, and the part about silence sometimes being best has really hit home with me and my experience as a worship drummer. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for a song is not play at all lol
Being a flexible time keeper is key! Ive played with a frontman thats perfectly in time and ive played with some that really struggle (whether they realize it or not). The point is, be willing to be flexible and slightly speed up or slow down if the band just isn't getting it. Better for you to blend with the band and keep the song flowing than be stubborn and stay perfectly in time while glaring with annoyance or concern at the back of the lead singer's head...simply get over your pride and adjust accordingly. Who cares if other musicians are in the crowd and will notice you sped up with the rest. Better than drawing attention to yourself for the sake of playing in time perfectly.
I’ve been drumming since 2002, and playing worship and leading at churches since 2006. This is all great advice, and these are all the things I have learned over the years. I have always implemented what professional worship drummers have done as well, and that is one of the things that has helped me out while leading worship over the years. Thanks for sharing.
This is a very timely video. My wife and I are moving in a few weeks and have already picked our new church. When the music director found out I played he asked if I would be interested in playing during the service. Of course I said yes. These tips will definitely help.
This was really great! Sometimes we as musicians can forget why we're there. Worship drumming is Sunday morning's service, not Saturday night's bar gig.
Thanks for this video on worship drumming, its so very important to get it right! I'm part of a worship group at my local church, and likewise feel its very important to get the attitude of the music right moment by moment! Praise The Lord, i've been blessed with the gift of improv, which has helped tremendously when it comes to sensitivity and propriety. What I always try to do is work with the worship leader to reflect and support how they have been lead by The Holy Spirit to lead each song, and follow the mood and feel dynamics that follow. This approach usually works well, as The Holy Spirit is never wrong, and this way you don't get carried away and spoil the worship by over doing things! After all, its not about us, its about the heart of worship, and making sure we are helping the congregation and not hindering the worship in anyway at all. God bless, and thanks again for these important aspects of worship drumming!
As far as how much to play: Remember the simpler you play, generally the more powerful the drums sound. So in a really upbeat "Fun" song, you may play more because it matches that vibe. But in a big song with a powerful message, playing less can actually boost the power of the song.
Im not a worship drummer but ive gone to folk high school for 2 years now, i know many outside Scandinavia don’t know what folk high school is, in short if people ask it’s a off or 2 years off after your done with your normal years of school before going studying, u go to classes with topics you choose yourself before you start, most of these folk high schools are Christian so you can say after two years I’m pretty knowledgeable about worship music, it’s a genre I’ve always liked, maybe not so much because of the lyrics always, can get a bit much if you’re not especially Christian but the music fascinates me, yes worship music is very much like pop or rock but it got something more, much thanks the build-ups wich is really important, music like this has a great sound because it can contain so much build-ups and at the same time be so down, this was a great lesson with great tips for any genre, especially about knowing what each song needs, that’s how i play and learn drums, I listen and try to figure out when I should hit what to fit the song best!
GREAT video! I think church drumming gets left out of a lot of drumming instructional videos. Glad to see the best online drum instruction site giving it some love. All great points. Thanks Drumeo!
@Gil_07 bro god only want your Heart. When you do it for him than also death metal can be church service. There are many christian metal bands watch saving grace, sleeping giant or phineas.
Had a lot of respect for your drum skills to begin with but never knew you were a worship drummer as well. Tip 5 is a huge one and can really get you down if you let it get to you. Mad props to you good sir and thanks for what you do!
I'm so glad that I have said the majority of these details to MD'S before, it's a confidence builder. Speaking of build, builds are a tough out sometimes. You guys are great thank you!
I played drums in church for over 30 years . I started just using my snare drum 10 years old. Sat by the pastors wife who was the pianist. I watch her hands to keep time. Later on i started listening to Christian metal. Because of the drums. By age 15 I was playing Christian metal beats to most of the songs but then I taught myself to be dynamic. Even with all these metal beats. By the time I had to stop playing because of my health. I had built trust as one of the best drummer that church had ever had. Key to being a great church drummer is never let people know your musical influences and always be humble about everything and you will go far. All my playing was before all the modern technology. That churches have today. Im an example that metal beats can fit church music you just have to know how to blend them at the right time. When to do a fill with double kick and when you can headbang and get away with it lol not really. I never did that. Or did I?
Church drummer for about 15 years here and here's what you really need to know about church drumming and CCM: 1. Four on the floor is perfect to start any song 85% of the time. 2. Learn a train beat and stick to it. 3. If you don't know WTF is going on, play 8th notes on your ride cymbal like Travis Barker. It sounds cool and you can come back in when the band leader looks at you. 4. If you want to do a fill, don't. 5. Keep your snares off for the sermon. 6. Learn to play as quiet as you possibly can or you be prepared to have hot rods shoved in your hands. 7. Dynamics are everything. Up and down you go. 8. Don't bother with charts, no one else is.
Dynamics is a biggie with young church drummers in particular...plus they usually want to use their "entire bag of tricks" in every song. It can be tough to convince them to calm down, which can be awkward (and funny) on slow songs with a subtle feel. We all had to learn at some point though!!
@@ykw_official_ent.4220 asking questions means you're already on the right path. Keep it simple and follow the your worship leader. Listen and be lead, remain an anchor in the music not the captain of the ship.
listen and watch. if the bass player is digging into the bass and the acoustic is strumming as hard they can, it’s time to start building. it really just comes with time behind the kit. be mindful and at attention. good luck!
Excellent info. I play on three different worship teams with three different leaders and bandmates (my home church, a local house of prayer, and a church which sometimes needs drum coverage. My main worship leader is very understanding). It keeps you on your toes. I'm a believer in less is more. Let the song breathe, and help the congregation connect with the heart of the song which draws them closer to God. I love the builds but on a few occasions I've started to build the 4-6 repeats we practiced, and have worked the drums up into the biggest wall of sound I can manage. As we approach the moment of releasing back into the chorus, it happens. The worship leader, caught up in the moment, signals with her hand that she wants the build to keep going. Except I have nowhere to go. Because of that, I've learned to keep a bit in reserve so when that happens, I can manage two more repeats fairly straightforwardly. I also make it clear as we're 'rounding the last bend' through the use of accents and certain patterns, that it's time to release. Always works.
Thanks Drumeo and thanks Brandon. This video is truly a gentle reminder. When I first started playing drums at my local church (Jamaica) the congregation wanted me to play really loud because they felt louder was better, now they have come to realize that is not true. I am sorry I don't have click track or use notes however, Drumeo is an excellent resource for all drummer especially WORSHIP DRUMMER.
This evening iZ my first time ever rehearsing with a Church! ItZ absolutely craZy, because I've been playing since June 1991. I grew up Catholic and anyone else who did will know that you don't even have drums in Church! But now, after all this time... after darn near 20 year absence from playing with other musicians -- heck, other people in general. I'm nervous, but in the best way. I really feel Blessed with this opportunity, so I Pray 🙏 it goes well... I will do my best and these videos really, really help!👍🥁🥁
Great lesson Brandon, lots of important information for the gospel drummer. Another tip for volume control in small venues is to choke up a little on the sticks. I got that tip from Rob Brown and have found that it works very well for decreasing volume. Typically it is in slower tempos that this is most useful as it does change the dynamics and stick ergonomics a bit. I found it useful. Another thing that I found useful when playing in worship situations was to lock in with the bass player. This was especially important in black gospel music and really helps in the flow and shaping your drum parts. I found it made for all together more solid feel. Thanks Brandon for this excellent video.
This is one of the BEST videos I’ve seen on worship drumming. I’ve played worship music for years and these tips are the things I wish would be shared to more church drummers. I also think you could summarize good worship drumming with the following phrase: “It’s not about the drums.”
@ same goes for guitar players. if you hear a drummer trying to tune his drums, crank that volume knob up!... at least thats what always happens when i'm trying to tune my heads lol
This video is very important for those who serve in the music ministry! I saw people who tend to overplay and tbh it doesn't look like worship anymore. Thank you for this, drumeo! 😊
Thank you Drumeo for posting such an interesting video about this topic. Usually, most videos don't include this information, and these tips can be utilized on any of the other instruments that are played by the instrumentalists, not just the drummer alone.
As a worship drummer I have found that these three tips really have made it easier to learn and perform better. 1. Before starting to actually play with the worship team go to a few services and scout it out. Watch the other drummers and listen to how the music is presented and take note of the songs that they are playing in each service. 2. Have a playlist, I have gotten into the habit of not just listening to the specific genre I’m playing for but having a playlist on my phone to listen and play along with they potential songs that I could be asked to play. Getting a jump on preparing these songs is a huge time saver with the constant change of songs each week. 3. Is after I become familiar with the parts of a song and how to play it, I find singing or beatboxing the parts can help memorize the parts and allow me to maybe create a fill that I never thought of.
I played with hobby musicians to musicians who have played and recorded with artists like buck owens to section work in Nashville. The funny little story was the last worship band had people who played in Nashville to Motown. The keyboardist was every good at adapting a song for church. It was a deacon and his wife's 25 wedding anniversary. Their song was yesterday by the Beatles. The pastor did this like life story of the couple and their family. So when the pastor went to tithes and offerings. The band didn't have a song picked. So this creative keyboardist softly starts playing yesterday but mix with extra fills so it sounded more classical. I jumped right in. And he and i played Yesterday . then after the service the pastor thanked us for such a wonderful original music piece. We both looked at each other and grinned trying not to laugh. But we got a Stern warning from the worship leader who basically recognized the song within a few notes and was beat red and sliding down in his seat. Not wanting to be seen. It was after all a reflective moment for this couple. And we wanted to make it as special as possible . this keyboardist also would play like intros to Chicago's songs even Charlie brown theme want safe. Fun times in church.
Thanks for this great vid! Super advice and tips, for any gig or playing with others, really. The spiritual component is critical of course (preparing your heart and dwelling with Jesus daily), but for the technical context, one thing I say often (to myself included) is whatever you want to play, play half as much, especially when learning new music with the band. Then always be encouraging and warm to the band members. Greet them, show up with their favorite coffee, consider them better than yourself...just like playing outside church!
I had a guitarist who, when he was leading a song, would occasionally throw in an extra beat when transitioning between verse and chorus (in either direction). I just had to be prepared for the occasional measure of 5/4 at any given time.
Very well done & useful. By deconstructing the genre, you have taken the mystery out of it & made it more understandable and accessible for drummers. Thanks!!
Yes, we are to serve the team and the congregation through drum ministry. But what may not be often emphasized enough is that the primary purpose and mindset while playing drums at church is to praise and worship the Lord (Psalm 150:4-5). Above all, we play drums with a heart of praise.
We loved playing the old hymns in a contemporary style… We obviously pushed it a bit far one day and brought in some reggae… A few people walked out lol… Highlight of the year 😊😂🎉
This is great advice for playing with a new band in a lot of contemporary music styles (e.g. pop, rock, RnB). Some of the best drummers I've ever jammed with came from a Christian music background. They just got it
This is the most valuable video I have seen on Drumeo to date.. However.. many young drummers will fly past the title and go for the latest speed metal video instead.. oh well.. Thank you for the intelligent education.. even at my age of 67.
We play several songs, (I can't think of the titles at the moment. . .,) where the writer of the song will imbed a measure or two of some off-kilter time signature TOTALLY off of the main beat, which is like throwing a stick through your bicycle spokes!! It's hard enough keeping everything on track, and then to throw that in is just not cool! I also agree with someone else's comment here that congregational clapping can be a SERIOUS problem on your tempo!!! 😨😩🤪
Having played regularly for a church for about a decade now, here are some tips in no particular order: Make your prep efficient. As a volunteer, find a system for charting and practice that minimizes your time requirement. Learn to smoothly build music up and bring it back down. Sometimes several times in the same song. Get used to jumping between time signatures and styles. You may play EDM, rock, a sea shanty, and a cajón all in the same set. Enjoy the stage experience. If you play regularly and there's more than one service, you're putting in a ton of live shows every year. I have friends who play drums for area bands who are much more skilled drummers than I am, but I am far more comfortable on stage. End result is they get shy on stage and sound timid. Experience is invaluable, and you get it in spades playing for churches.
Finally someone talks about the ROOM you are playing in...excellent. Ive only heard Steve Smith mentions this once which was very insightful. Sum up this video in two words: Jeff Porcaro
Love this video. A lot a great tips for being a good musician, period, but Thank you for focusing on worship music. A lot of otherwise decent musicians just dont understand the subtleties of playing in church. Not to mention. We musicians, especially, need more worship in our lives.... Thanks man!
We have services in a huge church building (in Amsterdam, the Netherlands) with a looooonngggg reverb. So the best way to play not too loud is using an electronic kick, and have a towel on the snare while playing with rods. That's the way it really works for us to keep it at the lowest volume possible while maintaining enough drive and dynamics. The sound of a simple rim click backbeat is amazing though!
You discussing various people on the team is so valuable! I play drums with great musicians. Try our singers and leaders are not as tuned in. I’m learning to edge them into and out of sections so I’m not ahead or behind the singers. I tend to play a little faster. My son on rhythm guitar always lets me know when to slow down a click or two. Lol 😝
Great tips! One thing to remember about worship drumming - it's the same as regular drumming, but in a church. All these tips could apply to coffee shop drumming, bar drumming, or basement drumming. Just be a good musician, play what is appropriate for the song, and know your place in the mix.
Brandon, two suggestion for a future "tips for worship drummers" video. First, is that the most important thing in worship music is the words and message. If our drumming makes it hard for the congregation to (not just HEAR, but) UNDERSTAND the vocals, we're not doing our job as accompanists. Second, I became much more useful after I taught myself to sing while drumming. Plus, being a good singer will make you useful during parts that don't require drums, such as a cappella sections.
I've always told people that "the bass player is the timeKEEPER, I'm the time ENFORCER". That said, if the person leading the song is really fluid with the tempo, you might need to be somewhat elastic in your interpretation of time while still subtly working to get everyone back on track.
Exactly! But that would still sound huge in a small church with wood surfaces lol. I never thought to play hot rods holding the nylon though. I might have to try that!
I love this kind of lesson brandon❤️Thanks bro you're awesome👍best content and tips to educate a lot of worship drummers in serving their Churches well. Thanks drumeo.
Great video! Great tips! Locking in with a click, backtrack or pre-recorded music is not a problem. The larger or more modern churches are losing the natural, wonderous ebb and flow of worship music by relying on click tracks or back tracks. While CTs and BTs are slick, convenient and polished they make the musicians robots who play for that tone or chic sound which ends up killing the feel, vibe and flow of worshiping God through beautiful, moving, powerful music.
I was just trying to learn how to play Way Maker and this video came out in my recommendations. Decided to check it out and BOOM! You actually gave some tips using that song as an exsample. That was really cool!
One thing that I have personally learned with church drumming is that if the player is new to playing with a click track or just somewhat to playing live drums on a stage the drumming does not have to be complicated. Unless the worship leader specifies, the drumming can be fairly simple, as long as it keeps the band in time and you are praising God while doing it!
When playing with backing tracks that include percussion, during practice I like to listen to determine the complexity of my parts. If the percussion backing track is busy, I try to keep parts simple and locked in with the click and track. If the percussion backing track is simple and sparse, I'll consider playing a little more busy with the acoustic drums.
Unlisted tip: Never watch the audience clap. They will NEVER be on time, and you will just doom yourelf.
That would depend on your audience lol
Lol
The funniest thing about church congregations is - they can't even count 4/4. They regularly started singing the next line of a song before the measure they were just singing had finished.
Hahahah so true!
@Adam The Audience 😂😂😂
I played for the first time in worship this past Sunday (I'm nearly 70). I did not rehearse with the band, just stepped in, having never played drums in my life. I had practiced with YT tracks and watched at few videos. I felt immediately this was God's call for me. I saw this video and immediately thanked God for its timeliness. I know I am a rank amateur but really enjoyed the experience, I will definitely seek out more of your teaching!
Let’s go!! I LOVE hearing this! So many people would hit 30 or 40 and assume it’s too late, you sir just made my day.
As a worship bassist, I appreciate you covering this topic and I appreciate Drumeo making sure this is included in their library. Great content!
Excellent set of tips for playing any genre.
"Don't forget why you're there"...YES!
It shouldn't be a performance
Love this! I was self-taught before I began playing in church. I invested in lessons and it has paid off big time. A few tips I've picked up on the way:
Never lose the backbeat. Don't noodle in rehearsal. Tune, always. Never forget your drum key. Use your own snare when visiting other churches. Walk with different kick beaters (felt, wood, soft & fuzzy, plastic). Pack extra cymbal felts. Lose the extra kick pedal. Nurture and mentor younger drummers. Always worship when you play. Give thanks. Smile!
Great tips! I'd also add: be flexible in everything, be friendly & polite, arrive early, ask questions if something is unclear, bring a pencil & paper to take notes, watch live videos of the songs before practice, lean towards underplaying; the leader can ask for more volume if it's needed, go to a rehearsal &/or visit the church the week before if you are subbing. Above all, realize WHY you are there, & relax!
I tought myself some years ago and now I'm 18 and finally serious about prospering in music for my church not only drums. Im taking drum lessons and i want to learn bass and piano after maybe even guitar why not😂.
You nailed it Bro; Bravo !!!
I've been playing drums in church since it was considered controversial. For me, I was 13 years old in the Summer of 1974; I turned 14 later that year.
Back in my youth, when I traveled in our church van to play at other churches with my church worship team, there were houses of worship that prohibited this teenager from unloading my drums from the van. Some closed-minded assemblies/ministers called Contemporary Christian Music (and drums) "the Devil's Music".
I remember being verbally reprimanded for countering a minister's assertions, by telling him that the piano and his beloved church organ were used by such bands as The Doors, The Alman Brothers and the like - My question was, "should we simply not play any instruments at all?" - I mean, really in the name if being fair... That didn't go over very well. The senior pastor from my home church received several phone calls from "concerned ministers and parishoners" regarding my views.
Oh, but how times have changed!!!
I play in churches now in modern times where I'm frequently encouraged to play louder. I'm now 62 years old. I never thought I'd see the day of this change. For instance, Rock Music has fallen out of favor with many people, but yet The Church embraces it. I often laugh about this. Life and societal trends make me double over with laughter. It can be purely absorbed.
I appreciate the use of RUclips videos as training tools. Back when I was a young drummer, I would listen to a record album or tape over and over until I figured out what drummer was doing, so that I could replicate what I was hearing. RUclips makes everything so much easier.
If you must use double bass at all (double pedal) save it for a big rock ending or use for dramatic affect not for the main beat. sometimes it would be good to have the extra pedal just incase the main pedal malfunctions and you can’t fix it right away. (I had this happen in church once) oh and learn how to play both right handed and left handed you might not get to change the set up.
I've been playing for my church for 3 weeks now and I've already nade or experienced a few of the mistakes he mentioned. Great video. I agree with another comment read, it's about God, but you want to "play your best for Him, pa-rum-pa-pum-pum"!!!
The most important tip: it's about God, not us!
Amen
Absoultely, tho I totally get why Drumeo might want that sanitised out of their output.
@@andrewfaraday8918 I mean... it is obviously about praising on sunday, but at the same time, if you are playing poorly, off beat, or messing up the songs, that instantly can pull people out of the moment and the experience they might be having with God and in church. So while I agree its not about how well you think you play... it also kind of is
@@DruMMerBoY4321 I think you're arguing about something which wasn't really the topic here. Take care, now.
@@andrewfaraday8918 I think it can be both. Obviously sundays are about praising God, but terrible playing can distract/pull people out of that, so both are important, although obviously one more so than the other lol
My drumming is worship. I take as much of me out of it as I can, I rely on the Holy Spirit to guide me and play in the anointing given me. It has never failed me. Playing to Jesus ain’t a show, it’s honoring Him with the musical gifts He has given us. Go in not only musically prepared but more importantly spiritually prepared. It’s worship, so worship God with your drumming !
The clip of 'Oceans' immediately made me think of Ringo Starr and all the criticism he receives for being 'too simple'- when in fact, he plays for the song!
I've been drumming on my worship team for 5 years. Something that always happens, is one of the singers will start or come in early. You need to be able to blend into that new set with the singer, without it making it obvious. Something i always do is either do, a fill, a hiccup beat, or a quick quiet and back in. People make mistakes, expect them to and be prepared in that regard.
Excellent tips, I agree with all 10! Worship drummer myself for 19 years, as well as playing in numerous other styles outside of church (everything from folk to metal). One more tip I can give is to listen to worship music regularly. By listening to lots of different worship music while on walks, in the car, at work, and quietly (or loudly) drumming along on your desk or legs, you’re getting exposed to lots of different drum patterns and dynamics that are used in worship music and after awhile, those things become second nature and start coming out in your own drumming.
Oh, and another thing relating to dynamics. If the worship team is playing a new song on a practice night and you’ve never heard it, don’t be afraid to sit the song out the first time and just listen to it and make notes on where to come in, where builds make sense, where it’s quieter, etc., and then jump in on the second play through.
I always enjoy Brandon's videos. He is articulate and presents effectively. These were great tips. Most of these I've discovered on my own, but I've been doing it a LONG time. My favorite was the admonition to drummers to NOT LOOK BORED when they aren't playing. If you are helping people worship, you need to maintain a reverent disposition. And when you DO play, serve God, serve the song and serve the congregation. It's not about showing off your chops.
Christopher G (Your first name, BTW, means "Bearer of Christ" brother!) One of the most profound lessons I learned about playing in church was NOT having a superstar musician attitude; the band I played with was playing a very dynamic worship song with lots of builds and drops. I gave in to the temptation to "be a musician" and dress up my part during a build section- my pastor (who was a good singer & who understood what worship music was for and WHO it was for!) shook his head vigorously and pointed to Heaven, pumping his right arm and pointing up to God. The silent message to me: "STOP BEING A HOT DOG; You're distracting the congregation and grieving GOD! I was profoundly humiliated; to this day, however I am grateful to have learned this extremely important lesson. Exodus 20:8 can apply here: "Thou shalt NOT steal (God's rightful glory from Him by being a self-centered, selfish distraction) Keep playing for HIS glory and HIS Kingdom brother! In Christ, Jeff Donovan
@@Jeffdonovan-p8c I did know that about my name, though it's difficult to feel worthy of that honor! Your situation with your pastor certainly sounds like an uncomfortable experience, but in the long run, a blessing. You could have been angry and said, "The heck with this... I'm not being appreciated!" But instead, you accepted the critique and became a better musician and more humble servant.
@@Jeffdonovan-p8c a perfect demonstration of this scripture:
Hebrews 12:11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
@@Jeffdonovan-p8c All this works well outside of church too🙂
@@Jeffdonovan-p8c If it was during a rehearsal then that's not so bad, but during a service ..😕
This was a really great lesson, and the part about silence sometimes being best has really hit home with me and my experience as a worship drummer. Sometimes, the best thing you can do for a song is not play at all lol
100%!
Being a flexible time keeper is key! Ive played with a frontman thats perfectly in time and ive played with some that really struggle (whether they realize it or not). The point is, be willing to be flexible and slightly speed up or slow down if the band just isn't getting it. Better for you to blend with the band and keep the song flowing than be stubborn and stay perfectly in time while glaring with annoyance or concern at the back of the lead singer's head...simply get over your pride and adjust accordingly. Who cares if other musicians are in the crowd and will notice you sped up with the rest. Better than drawing attention to yourself for the sake of playing in time perfectly.
Agreed. The Rhythm is in the room.
I’ve been drumming since 2002, and playing worship and leading at churches since 2006. This is all great advice, and these are all the things I have learned over the years. I have always implemented what professional worship drummers have done as well, and that is one of the things that has helped me out while leading worship over the years. Thanks for sharing.
This is a very timely video. My wife and I are moving in a few weeks and have already picked our new church. When the music director found out I played he asked if I would be interested in playing during the service. Of course I said yes. These tips will definitely help.
That's awesome Larry. God is with you even when you feel the nerves.
I LOVE THE OCEANS DRUMMER
This was really great! Sometimes we as musicians can forget why we're there. Worship drumming is Sunday morning's service, not Saturday night's bar gig.
100% spot on.
Thanks for this video on worship drumming, its so very important to get it right! I'm part of a worship group at my local church, and likewise feel its very important to get the attitude of the music right moment by moment!
Praise The Lord, i've been blessed with the gift of improv, which has helped tremendously when it comes to sensitivity and propriety.
What I always try to do is work with the worship leader to reflect and support how they have been lead by The Holy Spirit to lead each song, and follow the mood and feel dynamics that follow. This approach usually works well, as The Holy Spirit is never wrong, and this way you don't get carried away and spoil the worship by over doing things!
After all, its not about us, its about the heart of worship, and making sure we are helping the congregation and not hindering the worship in anyway at all.
God bless, and thanks again for these important aspects of worship drumming!
As far as how much to play: Remember the simpler you play, generally the more powerful the drums sound. So in a really upbeat "Fun" song, you may play more because it matches that vibe. But in a big song with a powerful message, playing less can actually boost the power of the song.
Im not a worship drummer but ive gone to folk high school for 2 years now, i know many outside Scandinavia don’t know what folk high school is, in short if people ask it’s a off or 2 years off after your done with your normal years of school before going studying, u go to classes with topics you choose yourself before you start, most of these folk high schools are Christian so you can say after two years I’m pretty knowledgeable about worship music, it’s a genre I’ve always liked, maybe not so much because of the lyrics always, can get a bit much if you’re not especially Christian but the music fascinates me, yes worship music is very much like pop or rock but it got something more, much thanks the build-ups wich is really important, music like this has a great sound because it can contain so much build-ups and at the same time be so down, this was a great lesson with great tips for any genre, especially about knowing what each song needs, that’s how i play and learn drums, I listen and try to figure out when I should hit what to fit the song best!
I've been playing bass and drums at church since I was 14 (now 41), I know all about being flexible with timekeeping lol. Thanks for the video!
GREAT video! I think church drumming gets left out of a lot of drumming instructional videos. Glad to see the best online drum instruction site giving it some love. All great points. Thanks Drumeo!
Glad you enjoyed it, David!
I don’t play in churches but this is still very useful in general, especially the tips and differences between playing in smaller or bigger rooms
Awesome!
I pray you come to church one day
@@frajim29 I don’t think they will appreciate my death metal
@@Gil_07 Jesus wants to give you life
@Gil_07 bro god only want your Heart. When you do it for him than also death metal can be church service. There are many christian metal bands watch saving grace, sleeping giant or phineas.
Had a lot of respect for your drum skills to begin with but never knew you were a worship drummer as well. Tip 5 is a huge one and can really get you down if you let it get to you. Mad props to you good sir and thanks for what you do!
I'm so glad that I have said the majority of these details to MD'S before, it's a confidence builder. Speaking of build, builds are a tough out sometimes.
You guys are great thank you!
As a worship Drummer, I found this very helpful. Even though I do these things without even thinking about it 💯
I played drums in church for over 30 years . I started just using my snare drum 10 years old. Sat by the pastors wife who was the pianist. I watch her hands to keep time. Later on i started listening to Christian metal. Because of the drums. By age 15 I was playing Christian metal beats to most of the songs but then I taught myself to be dynamic. Even with all these metal beats. By the time I had to stop playing because of my health. I had built trust as one of the best drummer that church had ever had. Key to being a great church drummer is never let people know your musical influences and always be humble about everything and you will go far. All my playing was before all the modern technology. That churches have today. Im an example that metal beats can fit church music you just have to know how to blend them at the right time. When to do a fill with double kick and when you can headbang and get away with it lol not really. I never did that. Or did I?
Yeah that's me...since 1987! Oh yeah I should have never told some people my biggest influence was (and still IS) Stryper
Church drummer for about 15 years here and here's what you really need to know about church drumming and CCM:
1. Four on the floor is perfect to start any song 85% of the time.
2. Learn a train beat and stick to it.
3. If you don't know WTF is going on, play 8th notes on your ride cymbal like Travis Barker. It sounds cool and you can come back in when the band leader looks at you.
4. If you want to do a fill, don't.
5. Keep your snares off for the sermon.
6. Learn to play as quiet as you possibly can or you be prepared to have hot rods shoved in your hands.
7. Dynamics are everything. Up and down you go.
8. Don't bother with charts, no one else is.
Classic 9/8 hymn - Blessed Assurance.
I noticed as a kid this song felt different but didn’t understand…
Really appreciated this video. I'm a worship leader and a drummer. I loved this and will share with other drummers in our teams. Thank you.
Praise God, this is very useful like me as a newbie drummer in our local church.
Glory to God alone in Jesus name.
God bless us!
Great stuff top to bottom! 24 yrs worshipping behind the kit.
Dynamics is a biggie with young church drummers in particular...plus they usually want to use their "entire bag of tricks" in every song. It can be tough to convince them to calm down, which can be awkward (and funny) on slow songs with a subtle feel. We all had to learn at some point though!!
This was the biggest and hardest lesson for me to learn back in the day!
I’m 15 and so far that has been hard to know when to use dynamics on time, any tips?
@@ykw_official_ent.4220 asking questions means you're already on the right path. Keep it simple and follow the your worship leader. Listen and be lead, remain an anchor in the music not the captain of the ship.
Especially with the whole "gospel chops" world (which is super dope don't get me wrong) it leads to some overplaying
listen and watch. if the bass player is digging into the bass and the acoustic is strumming as hard they can, it’s time to start building. it really just comes with time behind the kit. be mindful and at attention. good luck!
Excellent info. I play on three different worship teams with three different leaders and bandmates (my home church, a local house of prayer, and a church which sometimes needs drum coverage. My main worship leader is very understanding). It keeps you on your toes. I'm a believer in less is more. Let the song breathe, and help the congregation connect with the heart of the song which draws them closer to God.
I love the builds but on a few occasions I've started to build the 4-6 repeats we practiced, and have worked the drums up into the biggest wall of sound I can manage. As we approach the moment of releasing back into the chorus, it happens. The worship leader, caught up in the moment, signals with her hand that she wants the build to keep going. Except I have nowhere to go.
Because of that, I've learned to keep a bit in reserve so when that happens, I can manage two more repeats fairly straightforwardly. I also make it clear as we're 'rounding the last bend' through the use of accents and certain patterns, that it's time to release. Always works.
Thanks Drumeo and thanks Brandon. This video is truly a gentle reminder. When I first started playing drums at my local church (Jamaica) the congregation wanted me to play really loud because they felt louder was better, now they have come to realize that is not true. I am sorry I don't have click track or use notes however, Drumeo is an excellent resource for all drummer especially WORSHIP DRUMMER.
This evening iZ my first time ever rehearsing with a Church! ItZ absolutely craZy, because I've been playing since June 1991. I grew up Catholic and anyone else who did will know that you don't even have drums in Church! But now, after all this time... after darn near 20 year absence from playing with other musicians -- heck, other people in general. I'm nervous, but in the best way. I really feel Blessed with this opportunity, so I Pray 🙏 it goes well... I will do my best and these videos really, really help!👍🥁🥁
Great lesson Brandon, lots of important information for the gospel drummer. Another tip for volume control in small venues is to choke up a little on the sticks. I got that tip from Rob Brown and have found that it works very well for decreasing volume. Typically it is in slower tempos that this is most useful as it does change the dynamics and stick ergonomics a bit. I found it useful. Another thing that I found useful when playing in worship situations was to lock in with the bass player. This was especially important in black gospel music and really helps in the flow and shaping your drum parts. I found it made for all together more solid feel. Thanks Brandon for this excellent video.
I'm glad there's this kinds of videos so church drummers can finally relate.
Thanks
This is one of the BEST videos I’ve seen on worship drumming. I’ve played worship music for years and these tips are the things I wish would be shared to more church drummers.
I also think you could summarize good worship drumming with the following phrase: “It’s not about the drums.”
Love it! Thanks, Christian!
@@DrumeoOfficial Worship Music...
It's NOT about the drums...but it's MOSTLY about the drums...Massive responsibility, demands massive HUMILLITY!
@@hiptoalieu Great point! It's a parodox that those who have done it a long time understand!
Worship Drumming is HUGE market for drummers honestly - glad there's a video on some tips
Most important rule:
If you hear any string instrument trying to tune
*ITS TIME FOR CHOPS*
childish
Duh they’re tuning I’m warming up chill out bro
@ same goes for guitar players. if you hear a drummer trying to tune his drums, crank that volume knob up!... at least thats what always happens when i'm trying to tune my heads lol
Chops?!?! Nah bro it’s time for some blast beats
@@cameronwoelk1545 lmao those too... actually it's time to solo 🤣🤣
This video is very important for those who serve in the music ministry! I saw people who tend to overplay and tbh it doesn't look like worship anymore. Thank you for this, drumeo! 😊
Thank you Drumeo for posting such an interesting video about this topic. Usually, most videos don't include this information, and these tips can be utilized on any of the other instruments that are played by the instrumentalists, not just the drummer alone.
As a worship drummer I have found that these three tips really have made it easier to learn and perform better.
1. Before starting to actually play with the worship team go to a few services and scout it out. Watch the other drummers and listen to how the music is presented and take note of the songs that they are playing in each service.
2. Have a playlist, I have gotten into the habit of not just listening to the specific genre I’m playing for but having a playlist on my phone to listen and play along with they potential songs that I could be asked to play. Getting a jump on preparing these songs is a huge time saver with the constant change of songs each week.
3. Is after I become familiar with the parts of a song and how to play it, I find singing or beatboxing the parts can help memorize the parts and allow me to maybe create a fill that I never thought of.
I played with hobby musicians to musicians who have played and recorded with artists like buck owens to section work in Nashville. The funny little story was the last worship band had people who played in Nashville to Motown. The keyboardist was every good at adapting a song for church. It was a deacon and his wife's 25 wedding anniversary. Their song was yesterday by the Beatles. The pastor did this like life story of the couple and their family. So when the pastor went to tithes and offerings. The band didn't have a song picked. So this creative keyboardist softly starts playing yesterday but mix with extra fills so it sounded more classical. I jumped right in. And he and i played Yesterday . then after the service the pastor thanked us for such a wonderful original music piece. We both looked at each other and grinned trying not to laugh. But we got a Stern warning from the worship leader who basically recognized the song within a few notes and was beat red and sliding down in his seat. Not wanting to be seen. It was after all a reflective moment for this couple. And we wanted to make it as special as possible . this keyboardist also would play like intros to Chicago's songs even Charlie brown theme want safe. Fun times in church.
A worship drummer is also a worshipper. So the top priority is to worship God together with the congregation. Great tips and thanks a lot!🙏🙏👍
Thanks for this great vid! Super advice and tips, for any gig or playing with others, really. The spiritual component is critical of course (preparing your heart and dwelling with Jesus daily), but for the technical context, one thing I say often (to myself included) is whatever you want to play, play half as much, especially when learning new music with the band. Then always be encouraging and warm to the band members. Greet them, show up with their favorite coffee, consider them better than yourself...just like playing outside church!
I had a guitarist who, when he was leading a song, would occasionally throw in an extra beat when transitioning between verse and chorus (in either direction). I just had to be prepared for the occasional measure of 5/4 at any given time.
Living on the edge!
And when u actually followed time, everyone will turn around and look at the drummer as if u made a mistake with the timing.
@@megamanexe4 Every. Time.
@@Cionaoith i feel you bro.
i’d be so annoyed lol
I am not a drummer i am a lead guitarist, but i'm filling in for our drummer. Great tips bro ♥️
Very well done & useful. By deconstructing the genre, you have taken the mystery out of it & made it more understandable and accessible for drummers. Thanks!!
Cheers!
Yes, we are to serve the team and the congregation through drum ministry. But what may not be often emphasized enough is that the primary purpose and mindset while playing drums at church is to praise and worship the Lord (Psalm 150:4-5). Above all, we play drums with a heart of praise.
not going to lie i love Chruch drums, those deeper drums sounds are lit. Idk anything about drums but enjoy listening to them.
Such a helpful video, even for non-drummers involved in worship. Thank you.
Cheers Chris!
We loved playing the old hymns in a contemporary style… We obviously pushed it a bit far one day and brought in some reggae… A few people walked out lol… Highlight of the year 😊😂🎉
This is great advice for playing with a new band in a lot of contemporary music styles (e.g. pop, rock, RnB). Some of the best drummers I've ever jammed with came from a Christian music background. They just got it
Keeping kick drum hits consistent is hugely important when scaling dynamics too!
This is the most valuable video I have seen on Drumeo to date.. However.. many young drummers will fly past the title and go for the latest speed metal video instead.. oh well.. Thank you for the intelligent education.. even at my age of 67.
9/8 hymn - Blessed Assurance!
Thank you brother, for your help, God keeps guiding You,
Praise God ❤
Blessed Assurance is 9/8
Boom!😃
Amazing Grace is originally 3/4 (but of course the modern arrangements are 4/4)
Which version? Sounds like 6/8 to me
@@megamanexe4 Yeah I think most modern versions are in 6/8. The Digital Age kept it in 9/8 though.
We play several songs, (I can't think of the titles at the moment. . .,) where the writer of the song will imbed a measure or two of some off-kilter time signature TOTALLY off of the main beat, which is like throwing a stick through your bicycle spokes!! It's hard enough keeping everything on track, and then to throw that in is just not cool! I also agree with someone else's comment here that congregational clapping can be a SERIOUS problem on your tempo!!! 😨😩🤪
Having played regularly for a church for about a decade now, here are some tips in no particular order:
Make your prep efficient. As a volunteer, find a system for charting and practice that minimizes your time requirement.
Learn to smoothly build music up and bring it back down. Sometimes several times in the same song.
Get used to jumping between time signatures and styles. You may play EDM, rock, a sea shanty, and a cajón all in the same set.
Enjoy the stage experience. If you play regularly and there's more than one service, you're putting in a ton of live shows every year. I have friends who play drums for area bands who are much more skilled drummers than I am, but I am far more comfortable on stage. End result is they get shy on stage and sound timid. Experience is invaluable, and you get it in spades playing for churches.
Good lesson. Been playing all my life and still took notes. Thanks Drumeo!!!
Glad to hear, Elias!
This was well done! All very good advice for the modern church drummer. Especially feeling out the room you are in.
Finally someone talks about the ROOM you are playing in...excellent. Ive only heard Steve Smith mentions this once which was very insightful. Sum up this video in two words: Jeff Porcaro
Very good content ❤ if some of you follow these tips your worship drumming will take to a whole new level 🙏
The fills he does in the builds are so effective and tasteful!. Bang on!
Thank you! :)
Blessed Assurance is the first 9/8 that comes to mind.
Thank you drumeo for addressing this style it defiantly helps
Cheers Jonah!
Love this video. A lot a great tips for being a good musician, period, but Thank you for focusing on worship music. A lot of otherwise decent musicians just dont understand the subtleties of playing in church.
Not to mention. We musicians, especially, need more worship in our lives....
Thanks man!
We have services in a huge church building (in Amsterdam, the Netherlands) with a looooonngggg reverb. So the best way to play not too loud is using an electronic kick, and have a towel on the snare while playing with rods. That's the way it really works for us to keep it at the lowest volume possible while maintaining enough drive and dynamics. The sound of a simple rim click backbeat is amazing though!
💓 No caption and words needed!
You discussing various people on the team is so valuable!
I play drums with great musicians. Try our singers and leaders are not as tuned in. I’m learning to edge them into and out of sections so I’m not ahead or behind the singers. I tend to play a little faster. My son on rhythm guitar always lets me know when to slow down a click or two. Lol 😝
Great tips! One thing to remember about worship drumming - it's the same as regular drumming, but in a church. All these tips could apply to coffee shop drumming, bar drumming, or basement drumming. Just be a good musician, play what is appropriate for the song, and know your place in the mix.
Brandon, two suggestion for a future "tips for worship drummers" video. First, is that the most important thing in worship music is the words and message. If our drumming makes it hard for the congregation to (not just HEAR, but) UNDERSTAND the vocals, we're not doing our job as accompanists. Second, I became much more useful after I taught myself to sing while drumming. Plus, being a good singer will make you useful during parts that don't require drums, such as a cappella sections.
Thank you for the video I watch every Saturday
Cheers guys! This just happened upon my RUclips feed today. On a Sunday! When I'm drumming today!
Yes, the congregation has thrown me twice, now I take the room channel in my in ears out, very good point!
I've always told people that "the bass player is the timeKEEPER, I'm the time ENFORCER". That said, if the person leading the song is really fluid with the tempo, you might need to be somewhat elastic in your interpretation of time while still subtly working to get everyone back on track.
I love when he pulls the hot rods out and you can’t hear anything. How appropriately accurate.
Exactly! But that would still sound huge in a small church with wood surfaces lol. I never thought to play hot rods holding the nylon though. I might have to try that!
This is spot on and so valuable! I needed this video 5 years ago - learned most of these the hard way lol
All these tips are excellent and applicable for all styles of music, in any type of ensemble.
Istanbul cymbals are awesome!!!
THESE TIPS ARE REALLY USEFUL THX FOR SHARING !!!
I love this kind of lesson brandon❤️Thanks bro you're awesome👍best content and tips to educate a lot of worship drummers in serving their Churches well. Thanks drumeo.
Great video! Great tips! Locking in with a click, backtrack or pre-recorded music is not a problem. The larger or more modern churches are losing the natural, wonderous ebb and flow of worship music by relying on click tracks or back tracks. While CTs and BTs are slick, convenient and polished they make the musicians robots who play for that tone or chic sound which ends up killing the feel, vibe and flow of worshiping God through beautiful, moving, powerful music.
I had no idea you were a worship drummer! I have been watching drumeo stuff for a long time and this is a cool thing to learn.
Remember as in worship team we play for an audience of one.that is the Lord Jesus.
I was just trying to learn how to play Way Maker and this video came out in my recommendations. Decided to check it out and BOOM! You actually gave some tips using that song as an exsample. That was really cool!
Awesome!!! 🎉🎉🎉
Thanks!
Thank you my friend! For this tips!
I needed this so badly THANK YOU Drumeo
Glad we can help!
One thing that I have personally learned with church drumming is that if the player is new to playing with a click track or just somewhat to playing live drums on a stage the drumming does not have to be complicated. Unless the worship leader specifies, the drumming can be fairly simple, as long as it keeps the band in time and you are praising God while doing it!
Thank you! I signed up for drumeo to learn how to play drums for our church. 😊
Blessed assurance 9:8
When playing with backing tracks that include percussion, during practice I like to listen to determine the complexity of my parts. If the percussion backing track is busy, I try to keep parts simple and locked in with the click and track. If the percussion backing track is simple and sparse, I'll consider playing a little more busy with the acoustic drums.
So good, Brandon! Thank you!
Awesome Gretsch broadkaster drum kit
Very insightful thank you dude 🙏
Thank you, personally , I never knew some of these rules. Thank you so much