3 Tips for Playing Drums Quietly

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  • Опубликовано: 27 янв 2025

Комментарии • 125

  • @clevermedia
    @clevermedia 4 года назад +10

    Good stuff. I would advise trying the Zildjian Hal Blaine Artist stick. I used it on all the Portishead albums and live shows to get the sound and the dynamic. This will give you that smaller velocity Daniel talks about by shortening the grip. When you play at a smaller dynamic, engineers and fellow musicians will love you. It also increases your musical options by at least 50% because being able to change between very light quiet playing - medium - powerful is very compelling. Bonzo did it more than people notice.

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  4 года назад

      Clive Deamer Great advice from a master of dynamics!

  • @TheBorabosal
    @TheBorabosal 6 лет назад +28

    A little summary for everyone.
    1. Choke up on your sticks
    2. Move your drums closer (either hunch over, or lower your seat and raise your drums a bit - per comments)
    3. Tense up a little bit
    Bonus:
    4. Be mindful of the high end, they (your cymbals + maybe snare) are what gets loudest fastest (not an explicit tip, but you mentioned it briefly at one point).

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  6 лет назад +3

      Borabosal great summary! Thanks for posting!

  • @danablett
    @danablett 7 лет назад +25

    killer kit man

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  7 лет назад

      danablett thanks! I truly love it.

    • @davidbaylorcarter
      @davidbaylorcarter 6 лет назад

      Yeah. Those A and F kits look supa rad! Would love to hear one in person. Maybe even to have and to hold. and love as one of my own! haha

  • @sorelbaid
    @sorelbaid 7 лет назад +10

    I can get down with choking up a little bit as well as tensing up, but telling folks to hunch over is maybe a little much. Drummers tend to have terrible posture as it it. It kind of looks cool, but I think investing the time to learn how to play quietly is much more effective. Another tip that I have found useful is to sit a bit lower and have my drums up higher. This achieves much of the same effect of "closening" yourself to your drums, and it saves your back as well. I have had to do a lot of quiet gigs, and more typically, the whole gig is quiet, not just one song here and there where I can hunch over. Another method I use sometimes is to imagine pulling the sound out of my drums as opposed to "playing through" them. Cool video nonetheless, and obvs beautiful drums.

  • @StephenTack
    @StephenTack 7 лет назад +14

    Great tips!
    Also, as a church sound engineer, I'd say: pay attention to your balance at low, and high volumes... Cymbals and snare are the most dynamic (get loud and overwhelming fast), while toms and kick almost never go beyond the realm of mixablity. Basically, the higher the frequency a drum piece puts out, the more tightly you will need to control it, to avoid swamping the mix, and getting threatened with those horrible perforated cymbals, or an electronic kit :-|
    Cheers!

    • @RArecordingsRickValcon
      @RArecordingsRickValcon 6 лет назад

      cymbal pads take of 20% without affecting the tone to much

    • @AnKlMa
      @AnKlMa Год назад

      @@RArecordingsRickValcon what are cymbal pads?

    • @RArecordingsRickValcon
      @RArecordingsRickValcon Год назад

      cympads are a brand I suggest it is easiest if you google them
      @@AnKlMa

  • @2znmartin5
    @2znmartin5 6 лет назад +1

    Thank you for posting this, dude. Keeping any degree of finesse at low volumes is crucial but so difficult. These are great simple tips!

  • @SteveTheDrummer
    @SteveTheDrummer 6 лет назад

    This is a good and important topic. Playing the drums in a house of worship setting can be some of the most challenging playing in that you are trying to convey energy and intensity but in a much lower and smaller dynamic range...

  • @davidstein9129
    @davidstein9129 27 дней назад

    Thanks for the tips

  • @kennybarnes2375
    @kennybarnes2375 7 лет назад +1

    Good video. Nice soft dynamics.

  • @jprios9878
    @jprios9878 7 лет назад +3

    Kit sounds great. Especially that snare! This might sound silly, but can you please explain why that 2nd SM57 is positioned on the side like that? Thanks 🙏🏽

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  7 лет назад

      Jp Rios thanks! It's mic'ed like that because A&F Drum Co. (the maker of the drums) designed the snare to be mic'ed like that. It's positioned directly over the air vent. Some engineers like doing this with other snares, and some hate it.

  • @mveldink75
    @mveldink75 Год назад

    Your snare sounds great! How do you tune it?

  • @Joy2Rode
    @Joy2Rode 3 года назад +1

    Do you have any advice on playing quieter for punk or heavy metal drumming? The example you have for playing quiet works good for that type of beat and tempo, and I can do it that way. But when I gotta go flying around a drum set in double time at 160 bpm, and it's the first few songs on the first set of the night, it's kind of hard to dial down the sound. I also have to contend with my band mate saying my cymbals and snare are to loud. So I need to be able to play quiet enough for my band mate, but also be heard well enough for people that are...lets say 50 feet away from the stage. If you could steer me in the right direction that would be great thanks.

  • @amenist
    @amenist 3 года назад

    That snare sounds so nice. The whole kit actually

  • @IsraelLutzMusic
    @IsraelLutzMusic 5 лет назад +5

    @6:55 😂 I see what you did there

  • @ashkilgour669
    @ashkilgour669 5 лет назад

    Thank you for this informative video.
    I liked it!

  • @Vailey
    @Vailey 7 лет назад +1

    Hi, thanks for the video, don't you find choking on the stick that you mentioned as the 1st thing makes it hard to use the rebound? Also, those drums are georgeous! Are those vintage, or some modern reproduction?

  • @TJSteinwart
    @TJSteinwart 8 лет назад

    This is great Daniel! I haven't really heard of or thought about these tips before, but I found them super helpful at a youth retreat gig this past weekend. Thanks man! Also those A&F's are always sounding KILLER!

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  8 лет назад

      T.J. Steinwart thanks T.J.! That's really kind of you! So glad these tips helped. I'm loving my A&F kit as always!!!

  • @hipster_valdez
    @hipster_valdez 8 лет назад +19

    Looks just like Mark Guiliana when he plays quiet.

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  8 лет назад +3

      Haha! I've never noticed the resemblance before... I'll take any comparison to Mark that I can get!

    • @itemps
      @itemps 7 лет назад

      that was the firs tthing i noticed

  • @jeffreyalexander7504
    @jeffreyalexander7504 6 лет назад +2

    Brian Blade is a good drummer to watch for this kind of stuff.

  • @ambroulard
    @ambroulard 6 лет назад

    Playing quietly is a subtle and beautiful art-- I had a great teacher and he demanded at one point that ALL of my practice for two weeks be between PPP-P-- that was it,, I was not allowed to play louder--- excellent discipline, try it--- I guarantee you'll notice a big change in your playing and it's definitely for the better-- I still do this occasionally for several days at a time----- also the most obvious---- get the smallest sticks you can find--- So far the smallest sticks I've found are the Regal Tip Combo model-- they're Great sounding sticks as well----

  • @martin-__-
    @martin-__- 5 лет назад

    I love the look of this kit

  • @veerchasm1
    @veerchasm1 4 года назад +5

    4th tip: whole note rests

  • @billfallon2372
    @billfallon2372 7 лет назад

    How do you play fast and quiet? More busy and like a progressive rock style but with less volume? I know thinner lighter cymbals will go a long way to reduce the volume but how do you play advanced drum fills and ideas quietly? Any tips/examples?

  • @ThePurpleVNeck
    @ThePurpleVNeck 8 лет назад +1

    This is some good stuff! Thanks for making this!

  • @DustyCowdog
    @DustyCowdog 6 лет назад

    That kit sounds awesome. Is that a custom kit or some vintage thing? Either way, your recording mix sounds great.

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  6 лет назад

      DustyCowdog thanks! The kit is made by A&F Drum Co. you can check them at anfdrumco.com

  • @Rhythmic1
    @Rhythmic1 5 лет назад

    Great tips!

  • @67davbeav
    @67davbeav 3 года назад

    Choking up on the sticks is a fabulous tip, but I seriously question advising drummers to hunch over and tense up. Instead, I recommend shorter, thinner sticks such as 7A and (if available) use thin, small hats (two 12" splashes) and no crash cymbals.

  • @johnseal56
    @johnseal56 6 лет назад

    I've gotten the greatest success from choking up on the sticks, which was a tip passed on to me from another drummer. All that pulling the sound out of the head and letting the stick rebound in my formative years led to me being a bit of a loud player....

  • @langlinaiseiou
    @langlinaiseiou 7 лет назад

    Awesome video and even better groove! A side note on why choking up on the sticks would be effective in playing quietly; you're actually hindering the stick's resonance the more you choke up. The more the stick resonates, the more open the drums/cymbals will sound. A great example of this concept is to play the ride cymbal with a very relaxed grip then, in the same position on the stick, play with a very tense grip. You actually choke the cymbal out by not allowing the stick to resonate. Choking up and slightly tensing up is the perfect (probably) median of reduced volume and maximum control...(probably). Throw the hot rods in the fire place!

  • @timsears823
    @timsears823 6 лет назад

    Love the antique kit...

  • @manipicao
    @manipicao 7 лет назад

    Dang, that's a wicked kick drum sound. What kind of set is that?

  • @StuartJrBarrett
    @StuartJrBarrett 7 лет назад

    What do you do to mix your drums? They sound awesome!!!

  • @phineasgage6342
    @phineasgage6342 7 лет назад

    great tips, thanks!

  • @adrianbarker9547
    @adrianbarker9547 4 года назад

    Worth mentioning if you are going to hunch over like that, engage your core to try to minimise impact on your back. As a sound man this is lovely to see how quietly the drums can be played. The number of times I am asked to turn down a band and get the rolling eyes, when I have to speak to the drummer. (not all of you I promise!). Every drummer should be taught to play with extremes of dynamics whilst maintaining feel, as it is an acoustic instrument at the end of the day. Would be nice to see you play a whole track in this style (like quite a driving track) to hear how it sounds in context.

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  4 года назад

      Absolutely... And I wish I had mentioned that I don't recommend hunching over all of the time... It's definitely not good for your back!

  • @BahasaDrum
    @BahasaDrum 6 лет назад

    Hey there, what's the purpose of miking the body of the snare drum? Thanks

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  6 лет назад

      Bahasa Drum great question. I’m actually placing the mic directly over the air vent hole on the snare. The maker of my drums, A&F Drum Co. recommends micing their drums this way. It gives more “body” to the sound compared to putting the mic underneath the drum. I’ve tried it both ways on this snare, and just like the sound I get from this method more.

    • @BahasaDrum
      @BahasaDrum 6 лет назад

      Daniel Hadaway thank you for answering. Yeah i was wondering cause i have seen similar miking technique with A&F snares from their website. Best of luck!

    • @BahasaDrum
      @BahasaDrum 6 лет назад

      Daniel Hadaway ah no wonder. I been watching A&F videos for several months and noticed that they mic’d the snare drum that way. No wonder why they have the body on their snare drums sound. Thanks!

  • @thebarak
    @thebarak Год назад

    You can do that without curving your spine and neck. It works without the hunch.

  • @armensepetjian1274
    @armensepetjian1274 2 года назад

    I notice your using 2 crashes as hihats, the top is K, what is your bottom cymbal?

  • @coreyw5981
    @coreyw5981 8 лет назад +5

    ha i was watching an eric moorell vid, from youtube suggestions, then this popped up in recommendations, and i was like "ooo i see A&F Drums!"

  • @maximetheo7180
    @maximetheo7180 4 года назад

    Interesting mic position with your 2nd sm57, can you explain :) ?

  • @bradchoi9679
    @bradchoi9679 2 года назад

    Watching this in 2022... If I could add one more thing to these awesome tips: Make playing softly a part of your practice routine. If you, say, practice 30 minutes a day, spend 5 of those minutes playing extremely softly. Your limbs will get used to it, and you can stop hunching over. The biggest challenge will be substituting discrete small strokes for the stick bouncing off the head or cymbal like when you play at normal level. For what it's worth.

    • @bradchoi9679
      @bradchoi9679 2 года назад

      Practice your rudiments like you were in a room full of sleeping, hungry bears, and you don't want to wake them up. LOL!!

  • @prateekyadav9811
    @prateekyadav9811 7 лет назад

    Great video! Liked. But would you say that minimizing our movements too is a skill worth learning as a drummer?

    • @prateekyadav9811
      @prateekyadav9811 7 лет назад

      Tbh I don't like hunching over tho. Dunno I am just big on posture, drumming or not.

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  7 лет назад

      Absolutely... Very good point! Playing accurately with minimal movement is useful for MANY different reasons (preventing injury, more dynamic control, speed when needed etc.)... So that is a very good observation that I would agree with.

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  7 лет назад

      I understand that. I catch myself with poor posture quite frequently, and I'm definitely not recommending the "hunch over the drum" method for extended periods of playing. But I personally think its OK for a song here or there.

  • @teddygrant5416
    @teddygrant5416 6 лет назад

    It's all about intensity too being felt but not heard from time to time

  • @damienswan11
    @damienswan11 7 лет назад

    You heard of Dan Mayo? He plays A&F and he's straight filthy. Awesome drums and video!

  • @JuanjoMaglione
    @JuanjoMaglione 7 лет назад

    What measures do these drums have?

  • @genez429
    @genez429 6 лет назад

    Getting closer? It allows you to hear a fuller sounding drum at lower volume... Doing that can better satisfy the drummer's need to hear tone by having their ears closer than sitting up straight. Engineers know that placing a mic only inches differently can impact the sound. Tensing up I believe puts a "semi-brake" on your sticks with their follow-through in impacting. Nice feel, by the way. ;)

  • @MaxwellVideos
    @MaxwellVideos 7 лет назад

    Why is it you use the boom arm to raise your cymbal higher and not the main thicker length of the cymbal stand?

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  7 лет назад +1

      Great question! And great catch! No one has ever asked me about that before. The answer is: I like the thinner look of vintage hardware, but like the strength of modern hardware. Since the boom arm is thinner, I just use as much of it as I can to get the cymbal to height- and only use the wider part of the hardware if I absolutely must.

    • @MaxwellVideos
      @MaxwellVideos 7 лет назад

      Daniel Hadaway thanks for the reply! Oh right that makes sense. It does look nicer I'll admit, was just curious :)

  • @eddieavakian
    @eddieavakian 4 года назад

    Is your bass drum a 12” depth?

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  4 года назад

      Eddie Avakian it’s actually 10”!

    • @eddieavakian
      @eddieavakian 4 года назад

      Oh wow. Sounds killer. Looks good too. I just ordered a 12” x 22” for a copper kit thru A&F. You don’t see too many less than 14” these days.

  • @mtl18
    @mtl18 4 года назад

    You should never play differently to accommodate a "sound guy". All drummers should learn to play dynamically. Your tips certainly work. Thank you for that! But, the volume you play your drums at should be based on what is best for the song, not the "sound guy". I've been a FOH live "sound guy" for 30+ years and have mixed local to national bands. There is no outboard or any gear that can make drums sound "powerful", "alive", "present", "quieter", etc. That's what you guys (drummers) do. I put some mics around your kit, run it through a mixing console, throw some eq's, comps, gates, and effects to amplify and bring out what YOU are playing and mix it with the other instruments. I've never had any issue with "too loud drums". A small 100 W PA system with 1 speaker is loud enough for a vocal to cut through even the hardest hitting metal drummer. Rather, bands have had difficulty with drummers who play too loud or soft for the "band" or most importantly the song. A Drum monitor helps because the drummer can hear how his playing is mixing with the other instruments. If I were a drummer, I would want the front of house post fade mix of everything in my drum monitor. Often drummers ask for only their drums or drums/ vox, or drums/bass/vox, or guitar so they can hear a cue or something. That is self indulgent to me. Listen to the band. Most importantly, listen to the song. That will guide your dynamics. Peace.

  • @uriamjmader
    @uriamjmader 7 лет назад +4

    why not just playing quiet with your hands and to sit straight on your chair and holding your sticks in your regular position?
    that sounds much simpler and easier then bending your body that way

  • @sonnydayz5447
    @sonnydayz5447 5 лет назад +1

    fast is good loud is better fast and loud is best

  • @josharthurs6566
    @josharthurs6566 8 лет назад

    👍🥁I will incorporate some or all of these.

  • @normansawatzky4778
    @normansawatzky4778 5 лет назад +1

    Turn your in-ears down...and if you dont have those, get your monitor dialed down. It will force you to play quieter. Happy drumming!

  • @pearldrummer7217
    @pearldrummer7217 3 года назад

    Play with smaller diameter sticks.

  • @maciekomis
    @maciekomis 6 лет назад

    this room doesnt look like a great place to record drums. it reminds me of my room. how do you get this awesome sound? :/

    • @maciekomis
      @maciekomis 6 лет назад

      i dont hear to many high overtones...

    • @maciekomis
      @maciekomis 6 лет назад

      BEAUTIFUL drums as well!

  • @TheSam1322
    @TheSam1322 8 лет назад

    Hey daniel, what dampening are you using on that snare and floor tom?

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  8 лет назад

      Hey Samuel! Thanks for commenting. Those are both Snareweight M80's. I think their website is snareweight.com

  • @MusicHead480
    @MusicHead480 4 года назад

    Nice! I just thought of something im going to try putting socks on my sticks lol

  • @jazzman1954
    @jazzman1954 2 года назад

    Bass player here. Can you please get the United Nation’s to pass a law making every drummer on the planet watch this PLEASE!

  • @timsears823
    @timsears823 6 лет назад

    another thing choking the sticks...in the name of dynamics this would work great....

  • @TempoDrift1480
    @TempoDrift1480 4 года назад

    If I'm asked to play quietly I just decline the venue. Fuck all that.

  • @macvoutie
    @macvoutie 6 лет назад

    It's all about hand technique.

  • @Paultra
    @Paultra 5 лет назад

    Please do a video on how to ask your drummer to watch your video without him getting pissed at you!

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  5 лет назад +1

      Paul Trapanese haha. If I could do that- I might be considered a miracle worker.

    • @Paultra
      @Paultra 5 лет назад

      I’ll let you know how it turns out!😁

  • @henriksalvesen2788
    @henriksalvesen2788 5 лет назад

    Nice playing, but I disagree with the idea of leaning forward, and pulling the head out of balance in order to play softly.

  • @Not_Andrew_Huberman
    @Not_Andrew_Huberman 7 лет назад

    What drums are these??

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  7 лет назад +1

      m hammett these are A&F Drum Co. Black Maple Club - anfdrumco.com

    • @seancase1543
      @seancase1543 6 лет назад

      Love those drums

  • @mariorossipuzza
    @mariorossipuzza 7 лет назад

    4th tip (maybe obvious): use LIGHTER STICKS!!

  • @user-zx6lf5so4w
    @user-zx6lf5so4w 4 года назад

    Yeah ,,,, right

  • @joegiotta7580
    @joegiotta7580 6 лет назад

    The hunching idea is going to do a number on your back even if you're young. If you need to play quietly on a regular basis, this not a good idea.
    The tensing up thing does sort of the same thing. You lose fluidity.
    Choking up works physically but the feel you keep talking about gets lost. With your fulcrum so drastically changed you'll be practicing for years to make it sound the same at the softer dynamic.
    Here's the tip you forgot: practice playing with drastic dynamics.Play quietly by practicing playing quietly. That how Guiliana does it. He plays quietly all the time. He chokes up because it's a feel/tone choice, not just to play softly. He uses the same fulcrum when he's playing loudly.
    If you want to be good at something you have to practice. You can't trick your body into doing something.

  • @FanTrombone
    @FanTrombone 7 лет назад

    go tell everyone!!!!

  • @BenWoollacottdrummer
    @BenWoollacottdrummer 7 лет назад

    Hey Daniel, Great Vid - with some great tips, really enjoyed it. Alas, I must admit, I tend to go the Hot Rod route when trying to play quieter but occasionally will 'choke up' on the regular drumstick. I also wrote a blog about this same topic a little while ago - benwoollacott.com/3-tips-to-help-with-drum-set-volume-issues-at-gigs/ fell free to check it out, otherwise keep up the good work!

  • @iRideuWatch
    @iRideuWatch 2 года назад

    "...if you're getting old like me." What are you 25? Good tips though, thanks.

  • @timsears823
    @timsears823 6 лет назад

    another words: by choking on the sticks... equals shorter strokes...

  • @EarthtonesCymbals
    @EarthtonesCymbals 3 года назад

    Quasimodo approves this video.

  • @mr.z9609
    @mr.z9609 7 лет назад

    You look like Brain Murphy from Collegehumor.

    • @DanielHadaway
      @DanielHadaway  7 лет назад +1

      Gorilla Expressions interesting! I'll have to look him up.

  • @DedeDard2
    @DedeDard2 4 года назад

    thanks men lml.

  • @UPdan
    @UPdan 4 года назад

    Practice orchestra drumming.. That bass drum is still way to loud.

  • @MikeShermanGuitar
    @MikeShermanGuitar 6 лет назад

    I notice that your kit still sounds fat even at an ultra low volume. I am not a drummer, but I bet you really have that kit tuned well.

  • @pal4597
    @pal4597 7 лет назад

    Killer snare! Love it!

  • @martijndenhartog
    @martijndenhartog 7 лет назад

    So to play softer you have to play like a shy guy 🤔

  • @markscountlessbarks
    @markscountlessbarks 2 года назад

    Wow, while I'm glad that you are addressing this issue head on, an issue completely unaddressed by the "technique" peeps, I'm sorry but this is ridiculous!! Never hunch over! It puts the weight of your head out in space so it has to be taken up by the arms. Ever heard of RSI? Carpal Tunnel syndrome? This is a recipe for that. Your whole approach of tensing on purpose is ABSOLUTELY WRONG. These means do not justify these ends. This IS a technique issue more than anything. You want to inhibit tension, not increase it!

  • @thibodaux3424
    @thibodaux3424 3 года назад

    I don't think any of this advice is very good with the exception of choking up on the sticks. Playing with dynamics and learning how to control your volume and your overall sound 'balance' is a skill that needs practice like anything else. With practice you can develop a great feel playing very softly. Tensing up and hunching over your kit is terrible advice. You should always strive to stay loose and in control no matter how loud or soft. Hunching is going to create posture problems eventually that may then lead to neck and back issues.

  • @nivtaboch2928
    @nivtaboch2928 4 года назад

    This video is sad. Teaching drummers to drum quietly, i don't complain on the video maker hes good, these are things that every drummer should know when very unfortunately they have to drum quietly, this is sad though, its like teaching guitar players to not make any faces while playing, or like teaching bass players to actually do something.
    This is a joke bass players don't kill me

  • @webstercat
    @webstercat 4 года назад

    If your have great technique you can play most anything soft & enjoy it. You’re technique is lacking. Learn finger control. Hunching over is not good for your back.

  • @kennardrum
    @kennardrum 6 лет назад

    "Hey guys this is Austin"
    Anyone?

  • @Josh-lm7qq
    @Josh-lm7qq 5 лет назад

    Bruhhhh our church needs the drums cuz they're too soft🤣🤣🤣

  • @lexrose3768
    @lexrose3768 7 лет назад +2

    Am I the only female drummer? 😫 All the videos I see are by men... 😕

    • @StephenTack
      @StephenTack 7 лет назад

      Elise Trouw
      ruclips.net/user/drummergirl11010
      Pimarily drums, but other instruments, and sings too.

    • @dextay87
      @dextay87 7 лет назад +1

      Maybe you should make some videos