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a statement from a past teacher..

Discussion in 'Miscellaneous [BG]' started by rob_d, Nov 10, 2001.

  1. Nov 10, 2001 #1
    rob_d

    rob_d

    Jun 14, 2001
    One of my very first bass teachers always used to tell me that all bass players should take at least six months to a years worth of drum lessons to solidify their time feel...just studying rudiments..two sticks and a practice pad.

    I never took his advice..but now, many years later as I'm starting to play and get into afro-cuban, latin, and other world styles I'm thinking about taking some hand-drum lessons to help me solidify these often very complicated rhythms into my body. Especially since in this music, perhaps as much as any other style, the drummer and bassist need to be working as one unit....so what the hell, maybe it'll be good to get a taste of how my other half lives.

    Just blabbing here..comment as you wish.
     
  2. Nov 10, 2001 #2
    melvin

    melvin

    Apr 28, 2001
    I heard a bass player say that not to long ago. I think Im gonna do that, take lessons this summer, itll add the growing list of instruments I know how to play
     
  3. Nov 11, 2001 #3
    *ToNeS*

    *ToNeS*

    Jan 12, 2001
    Sydney AU
    i get kinda frightened every time i hear a piece of advice like this - i've been playing drums in a death metal capacity almost as long as i've been playing bass, and have never really looked into any other styles (besides basic rock, which is what most drummers get their training wheels on). i don't even think i'd be able to play something in a Latin or Cuban vein - i'd miss my double-kick too much!



    ~toebee :eek:
     
  4. Nov 11, 2001 #4
    Boplicity

    Boplicity Supporting Member

    Jul 21, 2000
    Still in Margaritaville
    Billy Sheehan often advises bass players to learn the basics of drums. so I took his advice several years ago and took three quarters of drumming at a localmusic school. What I learned, primarily is that I can never be a drummer. It would have taken so long to develop the independence needed to play the high hat with the left foot, the bass drum with the right and integrate both those feet with left and right hand stick control. I just couldn't do it.

    But I like the instructor's advice to just get a practcie pad and two sticks. You can play drum patterns along with a drum machine or keyboard's programmed drum sequences. That will help develop timing and a feel for various rhythms..

    The instructor's and Sheehan's main idea, I believe, is to understand rhythms and drum patterns, more than to become an accomplished drummer.

    Still, one thing I did learn was my way around a drum kit...such as the high hat, the bass, the other drums and the various symbols. I learned what high hats do, how they are used, ride symbols, the bass, the snare, etc. Knowing what a drummer does with these various elements helped me a great deal in hearing the drummer, even though I realized I just wasn't cut out to be a drummer myself.
     
  5. Nov 11, 2001 #5
    Bassin'

    Bassin'

    Feb 11, 2000
    Oregon City, Oregon
    It seems like -- since most music has rhythm as it's foundation -- it would be a good idea to start with the drums no matter what instrument you want to eventually play.

    I do a lot of home recordings where I program a drum machine. It's not like playing the real thing (I can do some basic beats on a drum kit) but it does give me a chance to really analyze the rhythmic foundation of what I'm trying to create. The biggest advantage is the drum machine doesn't talk back.;) I can program a song from beginning to end and I then know exactly what the drummer/machine is going to be doing. It's very helpful in learning how the bass and drums can work together.