what makes a drummer "A Good Drummer"?

[sedan_dad]

To expand on the other thread going around " why is it s hard to find a decent drummer?" what do you think constitutes a "Good drummer". What seperates a good drummer from a wanker?

[Fetusyolk]

a good drummer knows how to drive a band, and make everyone else feel completely comfortable with playing with the band.

a good drummer also puts the band before himself, and can keep a solid beat.







a good drummer understands dynamics

[StyleOverShow]

IMO: a listener, gets the punches and knows when to fill (not too often); can kick it up and take it down contributing to the dynamics; solid sense of timing, comes out of a fill on the downbeat; a partner in the rhythm section.

[lunarpollen]

I think what may be a good drummer for one specific type of music might be a bad drummer for another specific kind of music.

Personally, I like drummers who feel that tone is much more important than volume, who like their drums to sound like actual drums, and not overamplified Tupperware... Drummers who can propel a song wile enhancing the rhythm...

[dogbluedrummer]

Plays the pocket
Great sense of timing
Dynamic (volume, attack, etc)
Consistent bass drum pattern
Knows when NOT to play

[PRUNEFACE]

Originally Posted by sedan_dad

To expand on the other thread going around " why is it s hard to find a decent drummer?" what do you think constitutes a "Good drummer". What seperates a good drummer from a wanker?

I think a good drummer is one that can maintain the beat they have regardless of its simplicity. A good drummer can be like a bassist in a pop group, nothing complex and doesn't draw attention to themselves, but they can also be like a bassist such as Les Claypool or Michael Manring or Victor Wooten who have great chops.

Chops are the ultimate goal but to get there you have to be "function."

[DaftCat]

A drummer that keeps his head up and pays attention...In other words, doesn't just stare at his kit but watches for visual cues from others in a jam situation.

DCat

[iamlowsound]

I guess I have the drummer that everyone is after. Although I am not a big fan of his tom tone, but other than that, he does everything that you guys describe to a T.

lowsound

[soong]

Solid musical sense of rhythm, dynamics, and a good time keeper.

[Kyon`]

One who actually keeps his tone somewhat alive (dead heads that sound like buckets)
One who understands this concept of dynamics
One who can keep a steady beat
One who can play interesting.
One who isn't afraid to let loose and come back to control.
One who actually plays to the songs.

The biggest beef I have are boring drummers who have no feel and don't drive the band. It's absolutely horrid gig sitting in with a group where the drummer does little more then a drum machine could. It's not like I'm asking them to let loose and tear it up but a little variety every once in a while helps add some flavour.

[sonic assassin]

if they can play anything you throw at them, simple or complicated, and do it in good time, and actually feel it. if they can apply technique as well, then you've hit the jackpot.

or you've found MY drummer and you cant have him

[sedan_dad]

sounds like there's a preferance to the charlie watts type as opposed to a keith moon type.

[baalroo]

I would say:

Confident
Good timing
Dynamic

[VroomVroom]

Time.
Big ears.
Dynamic range.
Confident aptitude across genres and styles.
Command of her/his instrument.

In other words...the same stuff that makes any musician good.

[buzzbass]

good meter
taste
no ego


in that order

[Jazz Ad]

He must be rock steady.
He must be able to control dynamics, as in play loud or softly depending on the needs of the song and surroundings.
As far as I'm concerned, it's enough to make a good drummer.

[AlembicPlayer]

a drummer that sets the meter and LEADS...not follows it.
nothing worse to me then a drummer following the tempo from another player. I've had enough of that.

[lunarpollen]

I would love to play with a Keith Moon-type drummer. But only in certain contexts (like doing the same type of music as late 1960's Who).

[dougjwray]

A drummer who doesn't leave his empty cases strewn everywhere you need to walk, when setting up/tearing down.

[Kgoodrich]

Originally Posted by Fetusyolk

a good drummer knows how to drive a band, and make everyone else feel completely comfortable with playing with the band.

a good drummer also puts the band before himself, and can keep a solid beat.







a good drummer understands dynamics

/thread