Practicing/Jamming with just the drummer?

wonderjosh · #1 09-11-2010, 10:27 PM

The guys in my band are convinced that the only way for myself and our drummer to get better/tighter/more in sync is for the two of us to practice together without the rest of the band (this would be in addition to full band practice). Our drummer specifically wants us to get together and just jam out, and not work on our bands songs.

I'm not convinced that this is going to improve anything except my improv ability, which isn't what our music is about. Our drummer frequently changes/improvs or leaves parts out when we play live and we have told him to stop doing that, but he is defiant about it because of artistic reasons. His priorities generally lean towards being a good drummer vs. making compromises with the rest of the band.

The band seems to think that me jamming with him for an hour a week is going to improve the issues he has, but I am not convinced that a drummer and bassist just jamming with each other is the best way for the band to be tighter. I am down to practice as much as anyone wants if it's the full band, but I'm not sold on the idea of jamming with just him and I'm also kind of fed up with our drummers attitude, which makes me even less inclined to do it.

What's your take on this?

timbledum · #2 09-11-2010, 10:43 PM

There needs to be a third party to your drummer/bass player practice: the metronome.

To be honest, only good can come out of you and the drummer playing together more (unless you get on each others nerves). Maybe it will let him outwork his creative side and unleash his musical ideas making him more stable when you play with the band. Try to get some band song practice in, but only the fun/tricky parts (I find they are often the same).

Worth a try, as long as it isn't just "hangin".

TheBass · #3 09-12-2010, 12:15 AM

Well, I don't know anything about your band but if my band would ever "suggest" to me to practice with the drummer to improve thightness / groove etc. I would be concerned and would take that hint serious.

seanm · #4 09-12-2010, 12:18 AM

Do you have the time? If so, why not try it once? Worst that will happen is that you waste an hour.

jmjbassplayer · #5 09-12-2010, 09:45 AM

Agreed on all...it is worth it...and add the third party. You need to spend some time getting "inside" the time. Both with jamming AND the band repertoire.

As far as your drummer, that's a very separate issue. But try to put those feelings (as valid as they may be) off to the side for now and just see what can be done. Just try it. The fact that there is a little static and resentment between you guys might be contributing to the lack of "glue" between you guys, in terms of time/groove. There's definitely a trickle down effect there, and I've seen it time and time again.

Find something(s) you can admire about your drummer. And latch on to those. It will help you develop a greater sense of warmth between you guys. Just table the other stuff that bugs you for now (you can address that in a band meeting later if you still find yourself in a stalemate about his drum "artistry"), and work on the good...the things you can agree on. He'll learn to serve the song someday. For now, you can work on your bass-drum telepathy, and over time gently steer him that way.

Just some ideas...good luck.

JMJ

wonderjosh · #6 09-12-2010, 08:05 PM

Thanks for the replies. We tried doing this today and it wasn't incredibly productive, but I did see some potential in the exercise. We're going to try to plan things out better for next time so we get more done. I am definitely more open to working with him one on one after today and as long as we can get him to cut out the improvising at our shows, everything should work out okay.

treekiller · #7 09-12-2010, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBass

Well, I don't know anything about your band but if my band would ever "suggest" to me to practice with the drummer to improve thightness / groove etc. I would be concerned and would take that hint serious.

Defintely +1 to that!
While it may not seem productive at first, you should begin to notice the difference when playing with the rest of the band. While the metronome may help, don't start to rely on it too much. The main goal is being able to "lock in" with your drummer and being able to listen to each other.