GRRRRR the drummer is pissing me off

[Marley's Ghost]

I think my love affair with our drummer is over. We still groove well together, but he fired off a email today complaining how disorganized we are and how we need 2 rehearsals a week to get it together. This after the band has only rehearsed twice total with all the current players! I responded trying to calm him down and reiterating my contention that we just need to practice more solo. He responds back that he can't because he has no room at home to set up his other kit!

This does not bode well.

[ProgRapture]

Oh goodness, I understand his point of view on how frustrating it is to not see any progress in a short amount of time, but if you can convince him that it takes lots of time, effort, energy, patience, patience, focus, patience, focus, and a good attitude to bring out the best in everyone.
Plus, after all that work, the first time you go out there and perform music that you put your soul into is the best feeling in the world, aside from some things that offend those who are so politically correct that they can't function in society.
Sorry for the rambling, I just took an Adderall, and I can't shut up.

[bassist4dalord]

The drummer in my church band pisses me off sometimes... I know, that sounds HORRIBLE, but he can't keep a beat and it throws the whole band off... Anyways, that's just my little rant

[ProgRapture]

I've had worse, Imagine if there was no drummer, and you and the singer were the only people who could keep time, and due to the fact that on this mission trip, all the little 14 year olds with their Kroger brand acoustics with mile high action and old strings and no sense of tempo are all up there forgetting the chord progression.
As much as I enjoyed the mission trip, as someone who diligently studies jazz, fusion, and progressive rock and has been in jazz bands, prog metal bands, and church bands for 6 years, I can't help myself but get frustrated.
It was nice that they were so impressed with my playing (I don't want to sound stuck up, but that might be too late), and I enjoyed giving them tips. I even gave a few lessons to a kid over e mail!

[fenderhutz]

Originally Posted by bassist4dalord

The drummer in my church band pisses me off sometimes... I know, that sounds HORRIBLE, but he can't keep a beat and it throws the whole band off... Anyways, that's just my little rant

Shouldn't he make you upset or irritated?

[jsm81]

Well, it is better to be pissed off than to be pissed on...sorry, I couldn't resist.

[Hphazard]

It goes back to the old joke, how many drummers does it take to screw in a lightbulb?

None, they have machines that do that now.

Sorry, drummers are not the brightest bulbs in the bunch, but let me tell you, if you groove well with this dude, stick with 'em....

Try to schedule "alone time" with just the drummer in the studio to iron out the kinks, youre a team for god sakes. If you dont see eye to eye or find a middle ground, your ****ed.

[ProgRapture]

I dunno, some people are into that. Nothing cheers 'those people' up like a nice warm golden shower. Sterile, and a renewable resource, what's not to like?

[Marley's Ghost]

We play well together, it's just that it takes him a long time to pick up new material cause he doesn't practice on his own. Why should I have to give up another night of the week because of that?

[Howlin' Hanson]

Doesn't practice on his own...

In the old days, my drummer used to practice in his room or at the kitchen table using a pair of rubber pads. No set up, no noise to disturb neighbors, and he could hear the original track when he played along with a recording.

Are those pads or something similar still available? Of course, it's not the same as a kit, but it sounds as if he could be practicing at some level....

[ProgRapture]

If he wants to improve at all, he WILL have to practice on his own. Group practice is for either writing new music (if you're not a cover band), and working on things that give you trouble, not to improve himself.
Unless he's a prodigy, I would have to say he needs to use something to practice on his own, even if it's pads arranged in the drumset pattern. It's expensive, but having an actual drumset to practice with is the best, but if it comes down to it, he needs to take his drums with him, and if noise is an issue, he can use those heavy felt pads to muffle them.
And it's because he doesn't have time to practice, he needs to rearrange his priorities. Being in a band should be focused on like a job, but of course, don't let the thought of money compromise your integrity and musicianship!
I hope all this works out, cause being in a band that gets along and has progress you can see is one of the most fulfilling things you can do.

[bassnug47]

i would recomend you stop having an affair with him so you can get more serious about the band!!!

sry, i couldnt resist

[jsingles]

i hate every drummer I have ever played with

[Munjibunga]

Originally Posted by Marley's Ghost

We play well together, it's just that it takes him a long time to pick up new material cause he doesn't practice on his own. Why should I have to give up another night of the week because of that?

Exactly. Just tell him I said he needs to wise up.

[twistdpair]

He can make some space for a pad set. Small and portable.

Originally Posted by Marley's Ghost

I think my love affair with our drummer is over. We still groove well together, but he fired off a email today complaining how disorganized we are and how we need 2 rehearsals a week to get it together. This after the band has only rehearsed twice total with all the current players! I responded trying to calm him down and reiterating my contention that we just need to practice more solo. He responds back that he can't because he has no room at home to set up his other kit!

This does not bode well.

[J.D.B.]

Two words: GROW UP. Or, if you prefer, three words: BIG GIRL PANTIES. Either way this ain't rocket surgery.
Josh

[nsmar4211]

He can take his bass pedal home, set it up against a wall. Get one of those remo practice pads on a stand, about 30 bucks. Set out pillows on bar stools for toms and cymbals. Just move left foot for hi hat stand if it can't come home. Whole thing disassmbles when not being used!

When I was in school I had no money/room for a marimba, couldn't take the schools home, couldn't get extra practice time. I made a frickin marimba keyboard out of cardboard cutouts and string and tape, sat my little butt on the floor, and practiced my four mallet stuff on it. Had to weigh the ends down to stop it from moving but it worked. If you REALLY want to play something you will find a way. First started on bass, borrowed a bass with no amp. Found out you can rest the headstock against a door and hear the notes even better . There's always a way to practice.

He can practice his coordiination just with his hands and feet, I still do it! Might have to adjust a bit when on the actual drumset, but the rhythm will be there. Might look stupid if someone sees you, but better than sounding like butt.

If he wants to play......he'll find a way....if you can work with him even better.

[MakiSupaStar]

Introduce him to this Man Law.

Man Law 111. No whining!!!!

[SirCanealot]

Originally Posted by nsmar4211

He can take his bass pedal home, set it up against a wall. Get one of those remo practice pads on a stand, about 30 bucks. Set out pillows on bar stools for toms and cymbals. Just move left foot for hi hat stand if it can't come home. Whole thing disassmbles when not being used!

+1,000! There's always stuff you can do, even if it's not as good!

Plenty of hand exercises and stuff us bassists can do too ;P

[chaosMK]

You can fire him.