Working with a new(ish) drummer

Busker · #1 05-19-2008, 06:51 AM

How long would you give it to fall into place? The drummer has potential, but he's fairly new on drums. Tends to play some stuff too fast, and tends to speed up in the middle of songs. Not all the time, but quite a bit. I've been with this new band for going on three months, and haven't said anything to him or the band as a whole yet. We've had around 7 or 8 rehearsals. It would've been more (once a week) but a few rehearsals have been canceled due to one member or the other having to be out of town, illness, having a gig that night, etc.

Wesley R · #2 05-19-2008, 07:31 AM

Does he hear/feel you? If you can give him the extra help (without hom knowing) it should work out. Does he realize he is a bit all over?
I have had that exact experienc and the guy turned out great! Unfortunetly, he moved to California. I sure miss him from time to time.
In answer to the question, ten weeks-if you think it will work, six weeks if you do not know and zip, if you belive its impossible.

heroincredible · #3 05-19-2008, 08:24 AM

Three of the seven drummers I've played with have been really inexperienced when I played with them. It does take some time to learn, but I think the band should mention something. It's possible he doesn't know that he speeds up in the middle of songs or plays too fast, so its up to the rest of you to let him know.

Busker · #4 05-19-2008, 01:44 PM

Well, either I or someone else will mention "that was a little fast, don't you think?" to each other after a song that was played too fast. You know, gently, without getting on his case too much. He also tends to speed up when the chorus comes around, for instance, and sometimes we stop and point that out. But trying to be kind while doing it. Don't want to rattle his cage, or make him feel bad.

What I meant earlier, was that I haven't brought it up to the band, as an issue. I have high hopes for this band, so I want it to work, but I don't feel I know the drummer or the others well enough yet to be that assertive, as in demanding. I guess I'll give it a little more time.

ThunderLizard · #5 05-19-2008, 01:58 PM

Busker-
You might consider one of the electronic metronomes that the drummer can attach to his snare. If you start out in the mid-80's and wind up at 110, he'll know it. Looks like you already know it!!
If he's just learning to play, ask him to focus on beat and time, not chops. A lot of drummers I've worked with speed up when the start doing rolls. I also speed up when I start putting in too many notes or try to get cute.
I'd definately discuss it with him as ONE of the music issues with the band. If he's not aware of it, you're doing him a favor. If it's just the way he plays and he likes playing that way, you'll have a decision to make. But at least you'll know where everyone stands.

Lemoore-on · #6 05-19-2008, 06:27 PM

My drummer is quite experienced and he sometimes speeds up. Its just excitement I think. I knew right away that we clicked so its not an issue.

You said he has potential so talked to him in a constructive way and keep progressing.

GreyBeard · #7 05-19-2008, 06:35 PM

Do you ever record your gigs? Best way to correct a problem is to let him hear what you're talking about. He isn't aware of his time problems anymore than someone who sings flat. I use a Zoom H2 and it works great at pointing out problems as well as what works.

sirpug · #8 05-19-2008, 07:46 PM

The thing that strikes me here is that you’ve never actually talked to him about it. This is a recipe for disaster in a band. If you can’t be open, how are you going to make suggestions during the song writing process? Give him advice. If he really wants to learn, he should be able to take constructive criticism. If he gets pissed, then he'll eventually get a big head and you'll have a whole new set of issues to deal with. Just don't get in his face and be confrontational. Remember that to give, you should also be able to receive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Busker

Well, either I or someone else will mention "that was a little fast, don't you think?" to each other after a song that was played too fast.

Maybe he doesn’t understand that he is the subject of your hints. You really should just talk to him and help him learn. Suggest a metronome and explain where you’re having the issue and how to correct it.

Busker · #9 05-19-2008, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sirpug

The thing that strikes me here is that you’ve never actually talked to him about it. This is a recipe for disaster in a band. If you can’t be open, how are you going to make suggestions during the song writing process? Give him advice. If he really wants to learn, he should be able to take constructive criticism. If he gets pissed, then he'll eventually get a big head and you'll have a whole new set of issues to deal with. Just don't get in his face and be confrontational. Remember that to give, you should also be able to receive.

Maybe he doesn’t understand that he is the subject of your hints. You really should just talk to him and help him learn. Suggest a metronome and explain where you’re having the issue and how to correct it.

Yeah, I see your point. I am the newest band member and don't want to make waves, yet I am the bass player, and the drummer and I need to communicate, need to lock.

I'll bring it up sometime soon if I don't see some improvement.

JKT · #10 05-19-2008, 08:46 PM

Part of the problem with new drummers is often they have not learned to listen, especially to you. If and when they do, then they start to notice the spaces in between where they(and you) are playing. Then, they become not so much in a hurry to get to the next note which often times begins to help their meter. How long you're supposed to hang would depend on a number of variables for me. Scope of the project, level of overall musicianship, commercial potential, how much I was enjoying it, etc. If he has absolutely no clue about the give and take relationship he is supposed to be having with you, you have your work cut out for you.

JKT