Exactly. I should point out that I'm married to a drummer so I kind of get where they're coming from. The less experienced ones haven't figured out that it isn't all about them yet. I feel bad for the drummer when there are long periods of discussion that don't involve the drum parts, and I might even look over at the drummer and say, gee, sorry <drummer name>, I know this must be boring for you, but we'll be done with it soon. Ideally everyone should know their parts before rehearsal even starts, but sometimes there's stuff that goes wrong, or stuff that someone didn't hear correctly, or someone printed out a crummy chord chart, and that's what rehearsal is for.
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Diplomatic way to make the drummer stop drumming?
- Thread starter bassicmike
- Start date
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
One chance to be diplomatic. When he starts doing it, the rest of you just stop handbook directly at him. Wait for him to stop, then politely say "dude, we can have that, we are trying to talk". If he doesn't get it, second time yell at him to shut the @&)&. up. After all that, either start taking his cymbals away or replace him.
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Was thinking similar, but there is one phrase that generally ends any unwanted behavior. Make eye contact with the person and ask:
Are you done? (calm, not sarcastic tone, a serious question)
IME works every time.
Whenever the band is dealing with a habitual noodler I found it’s best (set it up in advance with the other bandmembers) if everyone just crosses their arms and faces the noodler and waits till they stop. Then politely but pointedly have someone ask: “Are you done? <pause> Because the band is trying to have a discussion. <beat> Are you a part of this band?”
Usually that’s enough to get the point across. If you encounter any guff in response, it’s best nobody else say anything. Just let it go long enough for the silence to get somewhat uncomfortable and sink in. Then have a different band member quietly say: “We’re going to ask you again. <beat> Are you quite done?”
That’s usually enough to counteract any bluster.
If the response is unsatisfactory, then it’s time to stop worrying about diplomacy and read the kid the riot act.
Luck!
Usually that’s enough to get the point across. If you encounter any guff in response, it’s best nobody else say anything. Just let it go long enough for the silence to get somewhat uncomfortable and sink in. Then have a different band member quietly say: “We’re going to ask you again. <beat> Are you quite done?”
That’s usually enough to counteract any bluster.
If the response is unsatisfactory, then it’s time to stop worrying about diplomacy and read the kid the riot act.
Luck!
just ask him to plz be part of the conversation ... as his viewpoint is important ..!! ( chuckle , ha , ha ) no really !?!
and to plz 'practice at home ' ... or give him a pillow to play on in between things ..!! it is really great practice to Have to pick your sticks Up ... versus always relying on the Bounce ..!
and to plz 'practice at home ' ... or give him a pillow to play on in between things ..!! it is really great practice to Have to pick your sticks Up ... versus always relying on the Bounce ..!
We fired the drummer. Music and Hang are my itches and the guy ruined the hang by not being able to control himself between songs among other things. We pay for rehearsal space so I have little tolerance for someone who can't be respectful of the rest of us.
They all seem to do that! I had a keyboard player finally screamed at the drummer to stop! That seemed to help!
Hold up something shiny!
Or point across the room and yell " squirrel "!!
These will distract the common drummer
Or point across the room and yell " squirrel "!!
These will distract the common drummer
I think it must just be a drummer thing. I played with a drummer that had an electronic set. All he had to do was turn down the volume and then warm up or noodle all he wanted to, but noooooooooooooo. The thought never even occurred to him 
"Do you need to practice your drumming? If so then this is rehearsal where we work on the music and presentation. - do your practicing at home." I have been through a number of drummers that can't get that concept in their heads.
That drives me nuts, I think probably a lot of us , have had someone like that in a band before, guitarist, are notorious for that too. It would have to stop, or I would walk.
I threaten to fire people who noodle before or during gigs. Strong intervention for rehearsal antics usually does it. If people are going to be confrontational about being told that wanking out is unprofessional, there is little hope of them ever becoming otherwise.
Just playing devil's advocate here, but I'm seeing a bit of a double standard in some of the replies.
Telling the drummer to do his practice at home, while at the same time wanting him to keep quiet while others work on their parts (which surely should also have been worked on at home) ?
Anyways, in answer to the OP's problem...rig up a fairly high-voltage circuit to his stool...when necessary, hit the switch and electrify him. Repeat until he's worked it out.
If it is the case that rehearsal time is the drummer's only chance to get behind a kit (and I've had that several times over the years), arrange to have him get there an hour early or whatever it takes, let him get settled before everyone else arrives. If possible, as the bass-player, join him...helps a lot if the two of you are grooving together.
Telling the drummer to do his practice at home, while at the same time wanting him to keep quiet while others work on their parts (which surely should also have been worked on at home) ?
Anyways, in answer to the OP's problem...rig up a fairly high-voltage circuit to his stool...when necessary, hit the switch and electrify him. Repeat until he's worked it out.
If it is the case that rehearsal time is the drummer's only chance to get behind a kit (and I've had that several times over the years), arrange to have him get there an hour early or whatever it takes, let him get settled before everyone else arrives. If possible, as the bass-player, join him...helps a lot if the two of you are grooving together.
I assume you are practicing with some kind of PA? Talk over the mics. And do it loudly. Even say “Sorry I couldn’t hear you over the drums. Just talk in the mic!”
Or engage him in the conversations. Over and over again. Ask his opinions. Like on everything.
Or if by some chance he tries to talk to the other band member himself immediately return the favor and start playing loudly while he’s trying to talk.
Passive aggressive behavior at its finest. All without having to actually bring it up.
Or engage him in the conversations. Over and over again. Ask his opinions. Like on everything.
Or if by some chance he tries to talk to the other band member himself immediately return the favor and start playing loudly while he’s trying to talk.
Passive aggressive behavior at its finest. All without having to actually bring it up.
