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drummer slump

flam

flam

Sep 20, 2010
574
439
Tempe, Arizona
#1
I've been playing/jamming with a drummer a lot lately while trying to find a few guitarists to start a band with. I understand that everybody goes through musical slumps, but he seems to not even be trying to get out of it. We'll play for maybe 20 min, and then he'll decide to stop, which drags me down too. He seems to be getting bored with his playing, but I can't convince him to learn any new beats or fills, even though both him and I know he needs to keep improving himself. Is there anything I can do besides try to find a new drummer? Id rather not if possible because he and I share a favored taste in 80's thrash metal that nobody else in our town seems to have. Your advice would be appreciated.
 
#2
Sounds to me like finding a new drummer is your only option. Only your drummer can inspire himself to play drums, and if he doesn't want to learn, you can't make him want to. Maybe taking a short break will work for him. At the end of the day though, if he isn't inspired to play, its something HE needs to fix.
 
#3
^ +1 to the self inspiration.

I know what you mean by having a shared taste, my old drummer and I just clicked but he lost all passion for it and that was that. Sure the drummer I play with now is technically better but he doesn't have that feel. Regardless, I'd rather be playing with someone that wants to play than spending my time trying to convince someone they should.
 
#4
You mention 80's thrash metal. Is it a case of him stopping because he's had enough, or because he doesn't have the endurance to keep it up?

I'm self taught on drums, and after 3 years, I still pretty much sound the same as I did when I started, just tighter.

I love playing older thrash as well (Metallica/Megadeth) as well as the newer metal (Mudvayne, System of a Down etc), so my chosen style is full on, which doesn't seem to help my cause.

I am considering lessons, but since I don't want to gig on drums, I think they may be a waste of time and money, both mine and the teachers.

I would let him know your thoughts and see if the idea of not having a jamming partner in the future inspires him to put more into it, provided there's no physical limitation on his part.

Hope that helps.
 

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