Playing with a drummer? How does it work?

[The_Orlonater]

Excuse me for my noobishness ,but I was just wondering what you guys do to play along with your drummers. I have never before in my life played with a drummer or to a drum machine, so I just don't understand it. All styles of music available, but what itches me a lot is Death Metal drumming. The fast double beats and all the blast beats.
Anyway I would like some understanding to playing with a drummer, how does it compare that of a metronome?

 

[Marcury]

No difference except the drummer has more attitude and can't keep time as well.

 

[jsbass]

Just gotta feel it.

 

[RayO5421]

IMO and IME the bass player is the rythm for a band. You keep the drummer, guitar player(s), and whoever else on point. I've heard this tons of time from people on Talkbass and my teachers but I never really thought much of it until I really got to playing in a band. I noticed that when I tried to be creative and messed things up a bit, the entire band would lose themselves until I got back on point.

To me, a metronome is a tool that is used for practicing and perfecting your playing alone.

If you're about to start playing in a band, I can give you two points of advice that really seemed to help me:
One: Always feel the groove of the music... Sounds simple but in time you'll start to relize what to do.
Two: Don't just focus on you. Focus on everything thats going on in the song. Focus 1/4 on the rythm instruments (drummers, paino ect) 1/4 on the chord instruments (guitars) 1/4 on the vocalists, and 1/4 on yourself.

Remember to have fun with it and you'll do great!