How important do you consider a good drummer?

[gln1955]

Gimme a real good drummer capable of a controlled light touch when you need it.

This. A good drummer keeps time, a great drummer understands dynamics.

 

[gregmon79]

Completely and totally needed. No question. I'm not sure why anyone would think otherwise. You don't have to be Neil Peart. But you must be able to keep time and stay in the pocket. Period. If you can't, there is no reason to play with others. That is what keeps the piece together. It's simply a must.

 

[PlanetNewJersey]

In a tribute or cover band situation, a REALLY GOOD drummer is crucial to the success of the band and the ability of the audience to dance. You can get by with a REALLY GOOD drummer, decent singer and so-so guitar/bass players. A bad drummer brings EVERYONE down. It does not matter if you have Bono, Les Claypool, and Tony Iommi up there. A bad drummer will make everything they try to do sound like a train wreck.

Good timing, sensible fills that stay within the context and timing of the song, knowing where all transitions are and so on.... All of these qualities from a drummer will dramatically help the band stay on point and play the song as rehearsed.

I got it, A new idea for a super group: Bono, Tony Iommi, Les Claypool, and (drumroll...) Lars Ulrich! They could be called 'Bangers and Mash'

Seriously though, I'm really happy that my band has a great drummer, I don't think we'd be anywhere near as good without him.

 

[Crazy_Jake]

A good drummer makes our lives as bass players much more enjoyable. My current band has a stable of 3 drummers that we can use for backups if scheduling requires. One drummer has a great pocket, solid timing - on those gigs I can play and interact with the drums and just have fun no thinking involved- with drummer #2 the rhythm section interacts with fills etc but he speeds things up slightly so even though bass and drums are interacting I tend to spend more time trying to keep him from speeding up and that makes for a harder night on stage. Drummer # 3 - probably has the worst timing issues of the three - these have been resolved somewhat with a better monitor system for him. He at least knows his limitations - keep it simple when he tries to get flashy he tends to get off the rails - things speed up or he comes in on the off beat - playing with him I am always trying to keep him in line and adjust my playing accordingly.

It is a happy night when I can get on stage and just play bass and not worry about the drummer. My two cents

 

[Crazy_Jake]

You don't have to be Neil Pert. But you must be able to keep time and stay in the pocket. Period.

This times 1000 - the drummers only job is to keep the time - anything else is just a bonus.

 

[Pumpkin]

What's your threshhold for "good"? If the guy can't keep time or play with some feel for volume, there's no saving him. Most bands don't need their drummer to be Carter Beauford or Neil Peart, but it's impossible to make good music if the drummer can't keep the one strong and control his cymbals.

I've been fortunate to work with some very talented drummers. They make things better most of the time, but when the complexity of rhythms gets to the point where there isn't really a clearly defined pocket, they're so good they're bad. Drummers that have chops and know when to hold back are hands down the best to work with.

Edit: spelling

 

[Slevage]

No drummer is better than a bad drummer.

 

[onosson]

Drummers get replaced all the time. It's not because most drummers suck, it's because of how important drums are to contemporary (live-band) music.

 

[morgansterne]

It's spelled Peart, guys! Otherwise he's a shampoo.

I have played with some drummers who have pretty limited skills and it was ok. They knew their limitations and kept things simple.
One very skilled drummer I've played with has trouble keeping things simple and tends to trip himself or others up -- that's probably worse for yr average bar band player like me.

 

[Altitude]

An exceptional drummer can make an average band into a great band. Just ask the guys in Galactic.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

Interesting timing on this topic. Last Saturday was our regular drummer's first gig after a few weeks out with a broken arm. He is a great drummer and makes my job a lot easier.
It has been hell working with semi-competent subs for a while.

 

[39-Bassist]

I will say this, "He needs to be as good or better than me" because if you don't have a good and tight foundation for the music the rest of the band will have issues.

 

[eldorado2001]

I'm with the 100 guitar players, extremely important.

 

[Mediocrity Man]

A good drummer always makes me a better bass player.

Nuff said!

 

[lfmn16]

It's important that EVERYONE in a band be as good as possible!

Only if you want to have a GOOD band. I guess I'm old fashioned. I won't play in a band unless everyone is good.

 

[Jimmy4string]

MY GOD IT IS IMPERITIVE -we need one now and after playing with some in the past that were really good, then playing with one who isnt or not having one-it is like driving in a car without wheels. When it is there the cars is moving a long nice and you dont notice, when it is not it is axles on asphalt -sparks, awfulness and death.

 

[Eidolon0274]

I cant, I just cant. Aside from defending my property and my families lives, this is the only reason to fight.

I can look the other way for a bad guitarist, singer or EVEN a bad keys player, but if the drummer doesn't have it, I'm getting payed triple or I'm staying home.

 

[1954bassman]

On the other hand, a good drummer is only slightly better than no drummer.

My version: " A good drummer is almost as good as no drummer"

 

[hopwheels]

In a word...vital.

 

[1954bassman]

Cant have a good band w/out good drummer.

Not necessarily. In my 50+ years of playing, the best band(s) I have ever played in had no drummer.