Was wondering when somebody would get it. Whether you is in the Roberta Flack camp or The FugeesAmazing.......
P.S. Thanks!
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My drummer is killing me
- Thread starter Mantis Tobaggan
- Start date
P.S. Thanks!
Having a drummer who can't keep time is like going to a mechanic who can't fix cars. What's the point? Regardless of whether he is capable of and/or unwilling to perform the drummer's primary function, he'll never be an asset. Not much tolerance or sympathy for that type. Try to limit the set list to easy stuff and if he doesn't try to show off and fall flat on his face in the process you might make it out unscathed. Hope you get through it okay.
If it hasn’t been mentioned already, life is way too short for bad drummers.
There’s only one thing that would make me stay in a project with a drummer with suspect abilities. Probably the same thing that makes Darryl Jones stick around.
There’s only one thing that would make me stay in a project with a drummer with suspect abilities. Probably the same thing that makes Darryl Jones stick around.
- Mar 14, 2011
- 47
- 44
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Artist: Aguilar, D'Addario, Reunion Blues, Moollon, Levy's
If you're doing it "just for fun", and it's not fun ... you seem to have answered your own question.
I play a good rhythm guitar, my ex drummer, though not a technical player keeps a pretty steady beat. He would of played all three days of Woodstock straight through if he was there, loves the spotlight. We're still on good terms. Do ya need us to fly down and lend a hand?
This was my thought except dad and drums are connected at the hip sounds like.
You should determine whether this still holds value for you or you're just doing it because quitting takes effort.
Does the drummer practice? He seems on a low level and have the same abilities as me - but I just drum at home for fun and know that I'd need to step up my game big time before I thought about joining a band. On this level, progress usually happens quite fast if (and only if) you had a bit of talent and put in regular practice. When I put in two hour's worth of practice a week, I can feel the progress.
I myself am only willing to put up with bad musicians when:
-there is another attachment (friends, family) with those members
-I really like what is happening there even though it's not demanding for me in a musical way
-It pays well
-They know about their shortcomings and put in the effort to get better, so you can see a silver lining on the not too distant horizon.
Does the drummer practice? He seems on a low level and have the same abilities as me - but I just drum at home for fun and know that I'd need to step up my game big time before I thought about joining a band. On this level, progress usually happens quite fast if (and only if) you had a bit of talent and put in regular practice. When I put in two hour's worth of practice a week, I can feel the progress.
I myself am only willing to put up with bad musicians when:
-there is another attachment (friends, family) with those members
-I really like what is happening there even though it's not demanding for me in a musical way
-It pays well
-They know about their shortcomings and put in the effort to get better, so you can see a silver lining on the not too distant horizon.
Drive a couple of hours to play for fun with a crappy drummer? Where is the decision needed? Doesn't sound like much fun to me.
Pbassmanca
In the pocket n' thumpy. So woody, so greasy...
While I agree with those that say bad timing = bad drummer, something is strange to me:
He nailed the first gig? Someone here posted the time they saw your band they liked the drummer?
When I see a band with a drummer with bad time/missing things I think “what a bunch of jokers.”
Is it possibly a monitoring issue, especially considering at gigs it’s always a challenge to get things sounding great. Maybe try and address the issue from this angle and don’t be nice about it. “You are muffing up: dropping beats, speeding up/slowing down, missing cues, missing intros and endings. It’s like you aren’t listening or can’t hear the rest of the band. Until this is corrected you will use rods, not sticks, and we will give you better monitoring by .....”. “You will simplify your fills and channel your inner Charlie Watts.” Still a problem? Take away his toms.
On a side note, I was programming midi for the who song squeeze box this week (moon forgive me). I was blown away at how they changed tempo for the different parts of the song. It’s very subtle and absolutely right on—a few BPM for the softer parts. Incredible!
He nailed the first gig? Someone here posted the time they saw your band they liked the drummer?
When I see a band with a drummer with bad time/missing things I think “what a bunch of jokers.”
Is it possibly a monitoring issue, especially considering at gigs it’s always a challenge to get things sounding great. Maybe try and address the issue from this angle and don’t be nice about it. “You are muffing up: dropping beats, speeding up/slowing down, missing cues, missing intros and endings. It’s like you aren’t listening or can’t hear the rest of the band. Until this is corrected you will use rods, not sticks, and we will give you better monitoring by .....”. “You will simplify your fills and channel your inner Charlie Watts.” Still a problem? Take away his toms.
On a side note, I was programming midi for the who song squeeze box this week (moon forgive me). I was blown away at how they changed tempo for the different parts of the song. It’s very subtle and absolutely right on—a few BPM for the softer parts. Incredible!
I can tolerate crappy guitarists. I can tolerate crappy singers. I can’t tolerate crappy drummers. When I have to be the conductor of the band because I can’t count on the drummer to know the arrangement and changes I get very annoyed and quickly share my feelings. If he can’t show up prepared he is wasting everyone’s time.
It’s extremely rare for someone who doesn’t naturally have good rhythm and timing to get it with practice. You either have it already or you don’t. A metronome can definitely help refine someone who already feels the pulse internally, but for musicians who don’t or can’t internalize the beat, they will never quite get “there”, no matter what. Believe me, I’ve tried more times with more people than I can even remember. The tell tale sign is if a drummer ends rolls early or goes too long. Spare yourself the headache and your wasted time and just find a good drummer.
Hey guys,
I'm new to the forum but read it quite a bit.
Just my two cents in regard to your drummer. May I suggest maybe do the gig acoustically i.e. two acoustic guitars and bass, keys. Let the drummer shake a tambourine or shakers so he doesn't feel left out.
When I say acoustic, I mean D.I. If you guys are good you can pull it off no worries.
It can sound mighty if you do it right. I've played many gigs like this and it works great.
You'll also get a real idea of how good you all really are.
Then look for a new drummer after your bookings are done.
Let's face it, If the guy doesn't own a kit, he's not a drummer. You need to fire the rhythm player too if he's just okay.
Work as a three piece. Then get a good drummer.
I'm new to the forum but read it quite a bit.
Just my two cents in regard to your drummer. May I suggest maybe do the gig acoustically i.e. two acoustic guitars and bass, keys. Let the drummer shake a tambourine or shakers so he doesn't feel left out.
When I say acoustic, I mean D.I. If you guys are good you can pull it off no worries.
It can sound mighty if you do it right. I've played many gigs like this and it works great.
You'll also get a real idea of how good you all really are.
Then look for a new drummer after your bookings are done.
Let's face it, If the guy doesn't own a kit, he's not a drummer. You need to fire the rhythm player too if he's just okay.
Work as a three piece. Then get a good drummer.
In his autobiography, Bruce Springsteen talks about his early band The Castiles, and how they had a drummer who was really good, except for there was one song he just couldn't get: "Wipe-out."Oh my gosh, this made me laugh. I play with an incredible drummer in one of my bands. This guy has done stadium shows and grew up with a drum stick in his hand (dad was also a pro drummer). BUT- for whatever reason- there is one song we do (that is the only song I brought into the band) where the signature bass line is one of those lines where the 1 feels to be in the wrong place until you hear the drums come in. And fabulous drummer dude CANNOT hear or feel where to come in! If I let him start it, I can come in on the 1, but he always wants to start it too slow because the version he is familiar with is much slower. If I start it, the tempo is right but I have to play a hiccup in order to lock in with him because he never puts the 1 on the 1.
Because he is so good otherwise, I forgive this. I'm sure if we went over it 100 times he'd probably get it.
