Who else plays drums?

chump stain · #1 02-06-2013, 07:55 PM

I just got a drum kit. I've played the djembe at my church pretty good, and always wanted a drum set, but for whatever reason couldn't, and ended up playing bass for the last 20 or so years. So now I'm banging away for an hour or so everyday, trying to get enough chops to play in church, and do some home recordings.

I always kind of approached bass playing with drums in mind. I feel like I can lock in with the kick drum, and groove with a drummer. But now that I'm drumming, I'm like concentrating on the band leaders (guitarist) right hand to make sure I'm on top of the beat, and hardly paying attention to the bass player at all. And when I'm at home banging away, I'm surprised how hard some beats are, and how easy others are. So far, playing along to Audioslave makes me feel like I'm awesome, and Tool makes me feel like a complete idiot.

I've watched some online drum lesson videos. Does anyone else have any experience behind the kit? If so, what are some observations, or experiences that helped you develop as a player?

Thanks!

GK Growl · #2 02-06-2013, 08:33 PM

Yes I do. I started as a drummer as a child and didn't pick up guitar until I was a teenager. Then at 20, I found my calling with the bass (I'm 41 now). I feel for me, knowing drums helps a great deal with locking in and thinking like a drummer.

Pills Are Yummy · #3 02-06-2013, 09:07 PM

Yeap.

Started on drums, started playing bass because I liked the ideas of being able to practice quietly and write melodies. Also hated the idea of sitting down behind a drum set while everyone else gets to run and jump and go into power stance.

I still drum here and there, but bass is definitely my thing

**BassIsFun17** · #4 02-06-2013, 09:49 PM

I play drums quite often now. I started playing bass first when i was 14, and from there i dabbled in drums until a little over a year ago i never had good drumset of my own to play on. Now i have a nice and growing kit to play on. I would eventually like to play in a band. Drums are so fun!

atomicdog · #5 02-06-2013, 09:52 PM

Drum-and-bass, go hand in hand. I find that drumming improves my bass playing because it makes me more focused on rhythm work. And it's fun!

JimmyM · #6 02-06-2013, 10:15 PM

Started on drums when I was 6, and I so wish I'd have kept up with it because drums was an instrument I could have gigged on at one time. I might have actually been better at drums than bass. But man, my chops have gone to hell! Had to play drums for a song a few weeks ago and it was incredible how bad I was.

**TXLawDawg** · #7 02-06-2013, 11:02 PM

I also started on drums when I was 6; bass when I was 12. Still play both although bass is primary at the moment.

two fingers · #8 02-06-2013, 11:07 PM

I own drums. Does that count? I haven't really figured out how I will be able to play yet. I'm all messed up when it comes to which hands I use for different things. I write left handed and throw left handed. But I bat, use scissors, shoot, play bass, and do pretty much everything else right handed. I kick right footed. As long as I'm only doing one thing at a time, no biggie. However, every time I try to get serious about drums, I can't figure out what I am going to play with each hand/foot. If I ever do get time to figure it out, I bet my drums will look all kinds of crazy with remote high hats and drums just flung every which way. It'll probably look like something from Dr. Suess when it's all said and done.

funkingroovin · #9 02-07-2013, 12:25 AM

I own a kit and play well with 4/4 stuff,but I'm a far better bassist. For that matter,I'm better on congas/bongos or a djimbe than standard drums..I always get into trouble when trying to work a separate or accent rhythm into the main beat on a full kit.

Epitaph04 · #10 02-07-2013, 12:26 AM

Played drums for about 4 years before I took up bass guitar. Havent played drums in over a year. I really do miss it.

keiththebassist · #11 02-07-2013, 04:03 PM

I play drums a bit, less so than I used to. One thing I notices was that when you get really proficient with your rhythmic limb separation (not the name of a metal band BTW), it really helps with your left and right hand separation for the bass. Particularly when slapping with a lot of left hand muting. Have fun!

chump stain · #12 02-08-2013, 07:04 PM

Cool, I like hearing everyone's observations, and stories. I had one of those Muppet Show drum sets when I was a kid. I always thought I would be a drummer, until I heard a bass live. But I always sort of approached music from a drummer's kind of mindset. I chose to play bass after a friend of mine across the street got a drum set.

So far, I'm finding lots of online drum lessons for free. And I get to play drums about every other week at church, this week will be two weeks in a row. Since our regular drummer is taking some time off to focus on school, and family, I guess I'm the primary drummer.

carlthegroover · #13 02-08-2013, 08:32 PM

I can keep some basic rhythms, but I'd certainly like to learn how to play drums the right way. And have me some chops here and there.

I echo the general sentiment: playing drums is fun!

Bulltrout · #14 02-08-2013, 08:40 PM

I own a kit and play regularly. I took drum lessons to become a better bassist.

avvie · #15 02-08-2013, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GK Growl

Yes I do. I started as a drummer as a child and didn't pick up guitar until I was a teenager. Then at 20, I found my calling with the bass (I'm 41 now). I feel for me, knowing drums helps a great deal with locking in and thinking like a drummer.

Hey! Hermano! that's exactly what i was gonna post!

...except i'm 46.