How to become the GREATEST drummer you can be?

[alvinthedrummer]

Waiting for my gig to start...an idea just came up and I thought this will be s great thread to generate some ideas for one another...Do share you opinions on your thoughts, practice routine, journey etc....

I only have 5 mins before setup so won't write a composition now...but do get started and I promise to join in tomorrow!!!

Back to work now!

 

[drumsolo86]

Interesting thread. Thought I'll share a little here.

Hmm I've found that I'm never a disciplined person to make out a schedule and stick to it cos of uni committments and other stuff. But I try to make sure I work out rudiments once/twice a week, cos muscle memory stays with you forever so long you have it there.

I work out on the usual singles, doubles, paradiddles, inverted ones as well as the more common 5 and 6 stroke rolls that I use more in actual live playing.

When I was freer, I used to be interested in picking up new styles or new stuff I've seen and try to imitiate but haha now I'm not that free anymore. Perhaps you guys want to suggest how to put aside all those stuff you know to play and just approach new stuff like a newbie?

When I first started out, I was self taught and couldntt afford drum teacher. Learning at basic course at Yamaha didn't go the way because all techniques right or wrong are condoned. IMO, I wouldn mind having a teacher at the start as I think it would have spared me all that trouble and extra mile that I went. But it was all interesting, it was all savourable even though I had more people telling me I cant bloody play than I could in the beginning. Now you have lots of great and known teachers like Kenny Hogan, Alvin Tan, Alfie Kim, Brandon Khoo, Tama Goh just to name a few. I didn't know these names when I first started out.

LEARN FROM A GOOD TEACHER AT THE START!!!!

One more thing I realised from my journey is the musicians you play with. I started like most musicians did playing pop, rock and for the first few years only pop and rock. (indie, new wave and whatever weird new name genres are all pop rock to me okay.) Stuck. Stuck. You'll only be stuck playing in a certain style when you don't venture out of your genre. I can tell you so after I moved onto playing with a blues band that I play in now - I got introduced to swing, playing between straight and swing feel, shuffles, triplets. Totally changed my playing forever and changed my thinking of wanting to always play and show more - are you a BLOODY DRUMMER OR MUSICIAN? The two 'Steves' (Jordan/Gadd) always are there to remind me that you can play less yet make it tasty at the same time.

VENTURE OUT OF YOUR STYLE, TRY PLAYING WITH NEW MUSICIANS in other styles. It's gonna be difficult cos' I'm getting the idea that from our musicians market, metal, pop and rock is the way to go. But I guess hey whatever floats your boat but you can try getting out of your comfort zone. One person like RudimentalDrummer comes to mind - I remember Eric saying he started learning jazz with new musicians who tolerated him when he first started out. By this time, I'm quite sure he has no problem holding down the drums in a jazz quartet. Really gotta give him kudos for that cos' people give up, people lose the feel and the most important, people are shy to play with musicians that more well versed than them in the genre.

Another thing is having DRUMMING BUDDIES which you can share ideas with. Like hey whats that new roll you were doing, check this out.. you know having a buddy you can talk drumming ideas, gear and all that stuff goes some way to help your drumming as well as fuel that passion. Many die off 'drumming alone'. I cant say I have many really cos' I just dont really have many but I do count alvyn and Pakerdee (who doesnt use forum much) as people I share drumming ideas with from time to time. They really help a lot in your journey.

LASTLY (if you're still reading, thanks man!) STOP lovelovelovelovelovelovelove COMPARE DRUMMERS AND WORK ON YOUR WEAKNESSES! Does holding down a simple groove means you cant play? I think people under-estimate the importance of GOOD TIME, GOOD TIME GOOD TIME! Your drum vocabulary not as strong as other people, that's ok so long those you have are SOLID, then you can go and expand by watching Youtube or simply favourite drummers or drumming buddies like I've mentioned. I'm not afraid to say here that my doubles can be stronger and more even.

I'm keen to hear what others say as well! Thanks Alvin for such an interesting thread and putting up with my long post.

 

[ToPfunk]

Hi,

yes, agree with ds86.

To me it was always important just listen to music, any style/genre any drummer, even programmed tracks can be interesting.
Go out and watch bands playing, not only the big ones, but any local band (from a certain level) delivers something. Even if the drummer is not a "dennis Chambers", just listen how he/she plays within the songstructures, maybe compare in mind what groove/break/cue you would have made/given.
Maybe you know the feeling...you are at a great gig...and the first thing you want to do after the gig is going directly to your set and try the groove/idea, etc you had just seen ?

Like ds86 says, it's abt the groove! Record yourself and listen to your play. So many small things make you sound better (not talking abt equipment), play in diff volume-levels, means make the difference clear between "normal" notes, ghostnotes and accents on ALL drums/cymbals.
Play a simple groove, with 2 bassdrums notes on "2de" and "3" and accent on the "3", the whole groove sounds just different than having both kicks on same volume level, just as an example (hope it's not explained too weird)

A good teacher is just a fundamental thing, better spent more money and only meet up every two/three weeks, but it will be worth it.

Practice with a click..see the click as a help, not as something you play "against". It's supporting you ! Play together with your bassplayer to the click. First 4th notes on click, after that only half notes and than only have the "1" as a click. This will help you, your bassplayer and your whole band. (This procedure takes some time, but it's def worth it!)

I always liked to re-create my set-up. Change position of toms (why not having an 8" at a floortoms place ?), or play on a left-hand-set (or vv) Change position of your ride cymbal, (hang it higher or lower) minimize your set and spread the paradiddle over this mini-kit, combine equipment (mount a splash in a china-cymbal, use two crash-/splashcymbals as hihats) for new ideas, get you an old ride put some rivets in, use crash- as ridecymbals and vv, flip your hihats for a different sound, change tuning of your set....there are tons of ideas you can try to keep it interesting ! The more you explore the further it gets you and opens your mind - Have fun !

@Alvin : Really good idea with this thread !

Have a good sunday,
Jan

 

[Frummer]

Things I wished I had started doing earlier...COULD have made me a better drummer,faster.

1)Get a(or more) GREAT teacher(s).Not any teacher.
2)Practice with a metronome
3)Disciplined Practice (Know what to practice...)
4)Listen more...explore more...jam more

Thats for the performance aspect.

At this point of time, I have come to the conclusion that we all have our own journey. Sure, another drummer ( of the same age, or younger ) can shed better than you...but he will never experience the exact same things you do...which by the way, is what makes you special as a musician.

Thats for the mental aspect.

A great mentor figure of mine told me to listen the old jazz greats ; told me it would only benefit me. Perhaps I was too quick to dismiss it (because I wasn't too keen on playing jazz), but what my teacher said really hit me hard...because it was true.And it doesn't only apply to jazz musicians. If you don't study your hero's hero's hero's ..etc... your just gonna be a baaad copy of your hero.

Theres probably alot more I wanted to share but I kinda forgot....GAHAHA!

 

[alvinthedrummer]

Wow!!! Thanks for all the contribution drumsolo86, topfunk and frummer!! Its all very precious info!

As for what I think:

1) Knowing and understanding yourself is the main key. And it comes in many stages because you change as you mature. For example, when I was younger, I was so eager to learn everything fast and therefore, I never had the patience to slow phrases down and also try to learn them at the tempo I first heard them at. So the phrases I learnt were always not "mastered" and I always had accuracy issues when trying to replicate the same phrase at slower tempos. But the minute I realized that slowing down is crucial (thanks to Gordan Jansen), I began by first "re-learning" all my favourite phrases and grooves at much slower tempos. Almost instantly, within days and weeks, all my pool of grooves and phrases turned PRO!!! Hahah.....(I'm serious!!). I also found that I began learning new phrases and grooves much much quicker than before.

Then, when I headed into playing in clubs when I was 19, my head got so damn big, that I totally stopped practicing! All I did was play playstation all day after and before work....that lasted over 3 years. Then came 2 friends who hired me to play in a "band" for a new contract at Paulan Brauhaus. They didn't tell me that it was a Jazz gig and it didn't occur to me that I had to check (so young and inexperienced and so big headed!!!). The first night was horrible and it was a wake up call...self-realization....that I have so MUCH more to learn. After that night, I began listening to as many genre as possible and did my research by pub hopping and listening to local greats like Tony, Tama, Jimmy, Gilbert, Anwar, Edmund, Fairoz etc etc....

To cut the story short...if only I know of my impatience and my huge ego, I would have saved myself so much humility and most importantly time!!! Now, I always spend time thinking about my practice routine and try to work around my weakness. If I am not achieving results for certain things, I would take a step back and think about why I am not achieving my goals. "Am I trying to rush things? Is the groove physically too challenging for me, do I need to re-position something". Sometimes my ego still re-visits me....I still sometimes have the mentality, "If so and so can do this with this setup, so can I...". But when I step back and spend some quiet time to think and allow my ego to fade...I will be reminded that I am build differently from that so and so! Because of my difference in physicality, I have to think of a workable solution for MYSELF.

There are just too much to list...but I hope I made my point clear.

2) Yes, a good teacher is crucial. He can make you realize point 1 listed above immediately! However, finding the right teacher is not as easy as just running a search on google and picking out the first thing you see. Or simply hearing a recommendation and taking it up blindly. For me, I have always believed in looking for teachers who have extensive field experience. Experience is something that these teachers spent years accumulating. It is not something that you can earn by flying down to some expensive American Uni for 6-12 months. It is also something you can't simply get from books. These guys work hard through many years for it.

These working professionals are teachers who can give you the most complete education because they understand the REAL-LIFE technicalities eg. They can train you how to deal with all stage setups (big or small). They can educate you on room acoustics, what potential problems to look out for, preparation for all gig situations, dealing with sound engineers etc etc...(so much to list). And you will be amazed...somethings you will never ever think of might just pop up!

Because of all these possibilities, I went all out to look for drum instructors who play drums as their profession! And the best part of it all, a lot of the professional drummers here are very versatile in terms of genre. This is highly due to the work requirements here in our tiny Singapore. So in the end, I managed to learn a little bit of every style and they all help complement each other.

3) I think the worst thing to do is just learn ONE style simply because you only like that one style. You have to understand that most contemporary styles today are a fusion of many styles. So, in order to have a much bigger pool of ideas in your head, learn as many styles as possible so that you can contribute more to the style you really love!! Take Teddy Campbell for example. He was a Church based drummer who drummed to Church music when he grew up. But he understood the need to study as many styles as possible so that he can truly understand the roots of his instrument (mostly Jazz) and contribute better to his Church roots. Very important thing to note!!

4) Practice methods:- DON'T just practice to CDs....or just the metronome...do both!!!! But MOST IMPORTANTLY....play with other musicians! You have to learn to play in a live band setting...not just to a fixed recording! You will never understand the role of the drum kit and how to work with others if you are always just a "Play-Along". Form a band...start a thread here at SOFT and start hunting for band mates!! Ask your teacher for help! My first teacher brought me to Crazy Elephants 17 years ago and got me to jam with his band! He forced me to play with other people and I improved SOOOOOOoooo MUUCCHHHHhh quicker than when I was locked up in the room JUST playing to cassette tapes.

Bottom line is, you have to know how much your desires are to improve. Take some time out to think these things through. Once you realize the depth of your desire, you will then be able to formulate something that will help you work towards becoming the greatest drummer you can be.

Oh and remember one more thing. This is crucial for the enjoyment of music.....THIS IS NOT A RACE!!!!!! Don't aim to become better than anyone....aim only to be better than what you were yesterday!!! My wife always tell me one thing when we first met....DON'T KILL YOURSELF!!! THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOMEONE BETTER THAN YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ZEN-Out...!!!

 

[kimura]

I remember sitting out on the balcony one night, strumming my guitar& realized that even though music is a bridge across the universe, it can be a welcomed solitary escape as well. A respite.

The 'para diddle' got me interested in drums.

I'd practised that one technique at every opportunity I had, be it on the throw pillows, on my text books to even on my own skin ( thighs ). I began to observe& study the instrument on my own ( initially ).

As I went deeper I realized how simplicity is so underrated& just how it's essential to be able to keep simple time in the bigger picture. I went back to the basics, with simple strokes etc. I'm more of a musician than a specialised drummer but learning the drums laid the foundation as I picked up more instruments along the way.

It's like a heartbeat where everything else stems from.

It taught me humility.

There are so many talented drummers out there, here in Singapore included. These folks will always be my inspiration.

I apologize if I seem to be out of context in regards to the subject but I just wanna say a big thank you to all you drummers out there on behalf of all musicians& especially music lovers.

Without them 'sticks' there'll be no bones.

 

[USADRUMMER]

my 2¢

**deleted**

 

[alvinthedrummer]

Hi All, thanks for contributing so far. Before this thread changes direction like some threads here do, this is about how to become the greatest "You" can be... It's about self-realization, about personal goals you set for yourself, about learning as much as you can ACCORDING to what you want to achieve for yourself. The defination of "greatest" is in this thread confined to your personal goals.

Kindly share only your genuine ideas, especially those that has helped you achieve what you wanted to achieve...nothing too big or small here...Hope I'm clear the second time round

 

[USADRUMMER]

another 2¢ makes 4¢

**deleted**

 

[alvinthedrummer]

Bruce, that was a great post and a great read. So many things you mentined are so valid....thanks again for contributing!

 

[alvyn]

The greatest drummer of all time is the humblest drummer with the mindset that he isn't the best, and has alot to learn from everybody else.

The greatest drummer doesn't look at another drummer and go "oh I can play that a lot better" but looks at another drummer and thinks to himself "hmm what can I learn from him?" No matter how good or bad a drummer is, there's always something to learn from them.

The greatest drummer knows where his pocket is and how to use it, not just spamming his or her chops all over the place - yes it makes you look cool, but do you make your bandmates look good?

Going back to my above mentioned point, the greatest drummer knows how, and is willing to make the different members in his or her band shine, even if it means taking a support role.

Technique, chops, and time keeping aside, your true talent as a drummer comes from your attitude towards playing, learning and towards how you approach music..! Learnt this through all the musicians I've played with, and got it drilled into my head.

 

[mape]

Hmm, interesting topic. It is something that I ponder about once in awhile too to reflect on my practice routine. I think the main factor that determines how well you play is how well you practice.

One question that always sets me thinking is how should we allocate our practice time so that we can get the most out of the practice session, and cover as much depth as possible, with so much things such as rudiments, grooves, songs, fill ins, polyrhythm, swing, to practice? (assuming we have 2 hours of practice a day)

Often, I just play around within my own comfort zone and it feels like I'm merely clocking the hours and the fatigue at the end of the day makes me feel accomplished. However, I know for sure that I could have achieved so much more had I planned and spread my time out evenly.

Alvin told me before that you really have to be very critical to yourself and not find excuses to tolerate and dismiss the weaknesses that you show during the practice.

So as long as you practice well, I'm very sure you will be who you want to be, and play what you can think of in time to come.

 

[DRUM YODA]

From all that has been said so far, I think two elements are missing.

1) Real Hunger - that is the driving force. Often the best efforts fail because the hunger is not there to drive the toil and pain required to reach one's objective.

2) Real Work - how is work rate sustained without being distracted by life's other issues? How focussed should one be? The famous story about Charlie Parker having a cymbal thrown at him in a jam session because the band thought he sucked? Well it was said he went into self exile for 3 years and practiced for 11 hours a day before he came back and blew them away.

Be honest with yourself....do you really want to be No1. ? Or is it just because you like the idea of being No 1. ?

 

[mynastydrag]

I really just wanna say a big thanks to you guys writing such a detailed and personal sharing.

Been drumming for just over 2 years and I can safely say that the things you can learn is boundless! Simply reading though this thread has found me such many new knowledge and surprises. Musicians are artists and should be able to freely express themselves, but like language, we need to find our ABCs before we can write.

I guess what i really want to say is that the more you learn, the more you can play around with, go get out there and pick up a new style/trick/beat/rhythm straightaway! Don't be afraid of challenges because they are ALWAYS present. My personal motto is go slow, if that doesn't work, go SLOWER. As a drummer, no good will come from rushing through.