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musicbybj Profile
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Dyna-Sonic Member

Registered: 04-2007
Location: Hamilton, MT
Posts: 3800
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Time keeper?


There's been a lot of talk around the board lately about the drummers role is to keep time or "play in the pocket". While those things are of great importance let's not forget the drummers job is much more than that. Connecting phrases with fills and cymbal crashes help keep the other players locked in to the format, especially when improvising. The drummers job is also to add color to the arrangement by using different cymbals or drums for different soloists and also changing cymbals on verses and choruses.
You also have to provide the correct groove for the type of song you're playing. A funk tune wouldn't be very funky if you played it with a country 2 feel and a swing song would sound strange if you played it with a straight 8th feel.
Don't just think rhythmically it's also very important to think musically. Learn about song form and study some theory and harmony. Learn another instrument. You'd be surprised how much better a drummer you'll be by knowing how to play bass or guitar etc.
There's a lot more to being a drummer (a rounded, good drummer) than just keeping a tight pocket. Don't just be a drummer, be a drummer who is a musician.

Jack
emoticon

---
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream" Les Brown
1/12/2008, 12:37 pm Link to this post Send Email to musicbybj   Send PM to musicbybj
 
mainedrummer Profile
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Dyna-Sonic Member

Registered: 04-2007
Location: Portland, Maine
Posts: 1471
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Re: Time keeper?


Very well said Jack. I can say I've always thought of myself as a musician that has made a choice to play the drums.

I also play the piano, guitar (not as well as the drums) and have dabbled on the mandoline, Hammer Delcimer and a couple of other stringed instrument plus being a singer.
1/12/2008, 1:31 pm Link to this post Send Email to mainedrummer   Send PM to mainedrummer
 
Sticks61 Profile
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Registered: 11-2012
Posts: 7
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Re: Time keeper?


I'm new here so hello again...

What you said hit the nail right on the head... Not only is he/she the "engine" of the group and the one adding color and "connecting the dots". But he is the leader on stage. Even if there is a music director everyone follows the drummer. If the artist turns right so does the drummer and then everyone follows suit. But the flip side is if the drummer causes a train wreak the whole group could go down in flames right along with the him/her. emoticon
11/23/2012, 8:10 pm Link to this post Send Email to Sticks61   Send PM to Sticks61 Blog
 


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