I see a lot of mention of locking in with the drummer in general or the bass pedal in particular. I also see a lot of posts making fun of drummers so my question is: What playing strategies would you use when the drummer is less than stellar? How do you react if he is changing tempo or his bass pedal is a little erratic? Do you try to follow his mistakes so at least you're together or try to lead him back from the edge?
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Drummer Lock
- Thread starter RCH
- Start date
Really really good question. First, use rehearsals to work on your locking-in. Better yet, spend some time practicing together with a metronome.
When my drummer and I fall out of sync (rarely, he's excellent, but it happens), I move so I can get eye contact then nod my head on the one as I hear it till we're back on the rails, ususally within 3 bars.
I think the key is not fighting ("I'm in time, you're not!!!"), but acknowledging that it happens, being cool about it and having a plan to fix it.
When my drummer and I fall out of sync (rarely, he's excellent, but it happens), I move so I can get eye contact then nod my head on the one as I hear it till we're back on the rails, ususally within 3 bars.
I think the key is not fighting ("I'm in time, you're not!!!"), but acknowledging that it happens, being cool about it and having a plan to fix it.
IME, if the drummer is "less than stellar" there's really nothing you can do unless they are there to learn from you. You'll just be cleaning up after them. Good luck.
In a case like that play as straight as you can, keep it simple and steady.
If you follow him it will fall apart very quick.
This happens to a lot of us.
If you follow him it will fall apart very quick.
This happens to a lot of us.
Engine207
Losing faith in humanity...one call at a time.
Sometimes it's too dark or loud to communicate , so I have developed a system of nods and hand signals with my drummer so we can adjust each other's tempo and dynamics - mid-song, without "unlocking". We'll usually make eye contact with each other after changes or parts that are difficult or we're having problems with.
Thank goodness the drummers (3) I play with keep the beat very well. So much so that when I play without a drummer, and I am the beat master, I feel uncomfortable. My point --- I hope my beat does justice to the song and is easy for the other guys to follow.
How would you suggest I work on being the "Beat Master"? How do you guys feel and then maintain the beat -- with out a drummer.
How would you suggest I work on being the "Beat Master"? How do you guys feel and then maintain the beat -- with out a drummer.
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LowNloud1
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- Jun 11, 2012
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If you're saying the drummer constantly changes up his rhythms and beats....that's a red flag to me. If he can't keep control of his beat then he isn't ready for prime time. Drummers make errors but a good drummer will recover quickly and get back in the groove. That is acceptable. To fall off the beat consistently will affect the bands cohesiveness and cause the rest of the band to sound bad.
On most songs, I play off the kick and sync my line to it. There are times I will sync to the guitars but that is more for effect. Your drummer is part of the foundation. If there's a crack, it will weaken the band's structure. If the guy is having a bad day, that's one thing. If he can't or won't get it under control, get a new drummer.
On most songs, I play off the kick and sync my line to it. There are times I will sync to the guitars but that is more for effect. Your drummer is part of the foundation. If there's a crack, it will weaken the band's structure. If the guy is having a bad day, that's one thing. If he can't or won't get it under control, get a new drummer.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
On stage, the band has to decide who they will follow, and the others have to adjust.
One thing I do that helps - I stand to the ride cymbal side of the kit, so I can put my foot against the bass drum peg and feel the beat when necessary.
One thing I do that helps - I stand to the ride cymbal side of the kit, so I can put my foot against the bass drum peg and feel the beat when necessary.
Malcolm, two things that really help here:
Whatever the tempo of a song or groove, put the metronome on one fourth the tempo (assuming 4 4 time). That one click is your downbeat where you can measure your bass line to see if you are in tempo. This is in my opinion the best way to devevlop solid tempo without rushing or dragging.
Record yourself alone playing a groove and then next day listen to it and pretend you are the drummer. Does it sound like it is in time?
In my opinion these two drills alone will not turn you into a groove monster, but they will develop steady timing for you which is a prerequisite to becoming one.
buldog5151bass
Kibble, milkbones, and P Basses. And redheads.
This is the best thing you can do REGARDLESS of how nice of a guy the crappy drummer may be. I played with a drummer like that for over a year and I think I aged about 8 years as a result.
