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Playing behind the bear

#63
The best way to learn to play behind the beat is play with half-ass time-sense drummers who rush. You'll be yelling 'WHOA ! ! !' most of the night. You just have to grin and bear it.

But above all, remember: Some days you eat the bear, and some days the bear eats you.
 
#65
  1. Always make sure to practice with a metronome. You will want to land just milliseconds ahead of the bear. If you don't have a metronome, ask your local forest ranger.
  2. Think of a reggae groove, and how heads bob. They are bobbing due to a beat that is not dragging, but pulling. Bears love reggae!
  3. When playing behind a bear, it doesn't matter if you are ahead, behind or dead center on the beat. Bears are more concerned with simple needs, such as hunger. Humans are not their favorite food! That's the good news. The bad news is, we will do, in a pinch, plus they may just kill us to claim turf.
  4. The biggest note of caution is, most clubs do not encourage wildlife, especially large omnivores to be included in bands or audiences. It causes unnecessary risk, that could lead to death, dismemberment, or litigation. Always check with the club owner before inviting bears.
  5. Remember to have fun!
  6. It is OK to wear a hat.
 
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#66
Our mascot B.b. Bear. Even has his own FB page. I try to not "play behind" him, cuz he has a horrible diet and gastric distress
 

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#68
robd said:
And the bear said "you don't really come here for the hunting, do you?"
Click to expand...

Oh you're the guy at the bar in Leisure Suit Larry (1).,

First response, before I read the whole thread: I, too, would like to play behind Owsley Stanley. Blue Cheer!
 
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#75
AztecViking said:
If your goal is truly to want to learn to groove just listen to loads of classic Motown, Soul and Funk. Don't worry about where the beat is being emphasized. Just turn off the lights, open your ears and feel it. And once you've internalized it by ear then jam along yourself. Here's a bunch of classic James Brown to get you going. Don't over think it!!!!!! Groove is a "feel" thing and completely NOT an intellectual/mental thing. :cool:





Click to expand...

Awesome! Thanks!
 
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#76
I've been working on developing my sense of groove for the past year plus. I've got a great teacher and have been learning lots of James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and other stuff, modem and classic. There's a great James Brown Rhythm Section book out there that is great for studying groove.

It's not always about being behind the beat. For great behind the beat playing, listen to some classic roots reggae. For me, improving my groove has been about having a solid sense of 16th note timing (which I'm still working on) and appropriate articulation. Which notes are longer or shorter, which ones get a little more of an attack so they "pop" more, and also when does the note stop.

The difference between playing behind, on top of, and ahead of the beat is on the order of milliseconds. It's subtle, but noticeable...
 
#77
IMO: two fingers is correct that the 'feel' comes from a "feeling/attitude."
however:
Spin Doctor said:
I don't agree that you can't be taught to play in any particular way.
Click to expand...
^^^
of course it can be learned! however: like any technique, it is the application which distinguishes the real world player.

good luck with the bears! :thumbsup:
 

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