• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Fire the drummer or give a chance.

#62
woody357 said:
...and his tempo is on and off. ...
Click to expand...

tenor.gif
 
#63
DanTheQuaker said:
Our drummer is, musically, the weak link. He too has tempo problems. He overplays. He has severe ADD and gets bored playing simple, solid beats (or learning parts from recordings). But he is a super nice guy and has a great attitude and infectious enthusiasm. The other members (myself included) have had many conversations about what to do with him. But we all feel strongly that we value the supportive vibe we have over the utilitarian one. As much as we all would love to play with a rock-solid, steady drummer, we don't want to become the kind of band that cuts someone loose for not being musically up to par (and, given our modest goals, we don't have to).

So we keep patiently working with him: pointing out specific areas he needs to work on (such as what he's doing with his kick drum on a specific song, or to just do straight 8th notes on the ride cymbal during the bridge on a particular song, or to simplify the drum fill which begins that song, etc.). We record our gigs and rehearsals and listen to his playing and then discuss with him very specific areas for improvement. And, lo and behold, he is gradually getting better. He may never be our ideal drummer in terms of musicianship, but we all feel like what we gain in the joy of being part of an encouraging, supportive group outweighs what we sacrifice in musical excellence.
Click to expand...
Kudos to you and your comrades. Sometimes, technical prowess isn't the essential ingredient to a band's success.
 
#64
Wesley R said:
Typically I reside in Fire the Drummer territory. Every long term (more than a year or two) band I have been in started with a weak drummer, and their skills were always improving. If the guy is a friend, talk it out, ask him things like would he practice more iof he had lessons, and 1work with him in earnest. Ultimatums will not work. The gent might just say his heart isn't in it, or some such.
Click to expand...
I don’t like ultamatums we are all grown. I have given up my free time to work with him, sometimes with good results some with no results.
 
#65
RustyAxe said:
Obviously he isn't getting it. Time to replace him. It isn't easy firing a friend, but I'll bet deep down inside he knows he isn't making the grade.
Click to expand...
I really think you are right about he may it. I’ve done just about if not everything that has been suggested on this thread. I’ve gotten home from work at 8am stayed awake just to work with him when he could come over. Sometimes he came with a knowledge of his parts other time he didn’t know the song. I’ve talked to him one on one, suggested working with a metronome or click track. He is always talking about he wants to get better, but like I told him there isn’t any magic to it he has to put in the work to get better. I have to admit this not something I look forward to doing. My cuz asked me what happened to sergeant Woody from my army days, and I say I’m older and easier than those days.
 
#67
woody357 said:
I have to admit this not something I look forward to doing. My cuz asked me what happened to sergeant Woody from my army days, and I say I’m older and easier than those days.
Click to expand...
Well, you have a choice to make ... which bothers you more? Having to disappoint a friend or having to play with a sub-par drummer forever? Every band dynamic is different. Sometimes it's about the hang, and being able to play with others, even in the basement or garage. That goal is easily met. In others it's about "making it", whatever that might mean, and it's all about putting together the best players you can find. This one is not so easy, and not always pleasant. Most bands that are together for a length of time experience personnel changes, and it's not always (not usually?) amicable.
 
#68
RustyAxe said:
Well, you have a choice to make ... which bothers you more? Having to disappoint a friend or having to play with a sub-par drummer forever? Every band dynamic is different. Sometimes it's about the hang, and being able to play with others, even in the basement or garage. That goal is easily met. In others it's about "making it", whatever that might mean, and it's all about putting together the best players you can find. This one is not so easy, and not always pleasant. Most bands that are together for a length of time experience personnel changes, and it's not always (not usually?) amicable.
Click to expand...
You are correct and I hope he will understand that he will be always be a friend to me even if we never play another note together.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back