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Permalink Reply by TN Twang on May 26, 2015 at 2:15am

Could those with "drumming" backgrounds maybe start some posts about "stomp boxes," "washboard percussion." "spoons and rhythm sticks," "shakers," "buckets and cans as drums and scrapers," "cajons," "marimbas," etc., etc?

Those of us with pitch-oriented music backgrounds are as mystified by unpitched percussion as you drummers are by G chords.

I've seen it convincingly demonstrated that a well placed click or pop can enhance musical performances without having to have "drums" dominate the whole project.

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Permalink Reply by Goldsmithexile on May 26, 2015 at 11:44am

If a drummer cant play the shapes with just a snare and hi hat, he's not worth his salt. EG look at that arab band Tinariwen, they have one guy playing djembe, no big kit or cymbals BUT the guitars (3 or 4 of them?) create a fantastic groove

To drum on a kit (set) or with the other stuff you mentioned is very simple, you need to be able to keep time. Thats about it. Counting in blocks of 2 3 4 or whatever, And do it in a way that is interesting, fits and supports the music, doesnt drown out other musicians or get monotonous or boring. I have come to the conclusion that as with most instruments, a lot of drumming can be flashy, showy, technical, "impressive" but not especially played with sensitivity and feeling. I think the most important aspect is a good groove, even if its just a simple few notes, rather than a machine gun batter em dead approach.....but then you wouldnt get paid to do a clinic I guess..LOL I saw a tv show where M Davis was interviewed he said something about hiring some ornate guy (leibermann? )on soprano sax "because folks like to see someone moving their fingers real fast"

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Permalink Reply by Slowpaw Steve T on May 29, 2015 at 5:40am

yes it depends, anything goes! ;-)

did you know drums have to be tuned...?

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Permalink Reply by Cause the Blue rat on May 26, 2015 at 10:34am

I tried. Still have a set. Haven't played em in years. Guess the way it helped me was approaching rhythm in a more complex way. Looking at interactions between my guitar and voice instead of just a standard beat. I played guitar for years before I tried the drums. Probably been a good five or more years sense I've played on them. 

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