What Do Bassists Look For in a Drummer?

[LCAirPasta]

For the last 4 years I've been playing bass in a few different bands, however recently I started a metal band and started jamming with a psychedelic band on my original instrument, drums. *dodges tomato* I know what I personally like having in a drummer (rock solid time, consistency, etc), but I was wondering what other bass players on here look for?

 

[adivin]

Keep time while doing fills and don’t be an a-hole.

 

[buldog5151bass]

More than just consistency. A good drummer controls the groove, and drives the song. To me, there is nothing better than playing with a good drummer.

Other than that, the same as any other musician - no big ego (or huge kit), someone who listens, and willingness to be prepared and work as a team.

 

[FrenchBassQC]

More than just consistency. A good drummer controls the groove, and drives the song. To me, there is nothing better than playing with a good drummer.

Other than that, the same as any other musician - no big ego (or huge kit), someone who listens, and willingness to be prepared and work as a team.

This and this, did I said THIS?

 

[Krakmann]

I love the "I have a metronome in my head" drummers, the "I really can play soft" drummers... But, above all, they have to be good mates.

 

[bkbirge]

Their own transportation.

 

[Clark Dark]

" yo Victa, you can't hold no groove...
if you ain't got no pocket"

 

[sean_on_bass]

I expect generally the same things i expect out of myself. Good sense of time and FEEL. Good understanding of the style being played, knows the vocabulary. Solid grasp of dynamics. Depending on the style of music, especially jazz, i want a drummer that is interactive with the rest of the band to keep things spicy. I don't want a drummer that just lays down a backing track for everyone to play over, i want them playing WITH the band. Although other styles the backing track thing is perfect.

 

[2saddleslab]

A combo of Jim Keltner and Steve Ferrone.

 

[portpc]

Keep a steady tempo, Understand "Dynamics" & apply to the drumming.

 

[buldog5151bass]

I love the "I have a metronome in my head" drummers, the "I really can play soft" drummers... But, above all, they have to be good mates.

I've never cared whether a band mate is a friend - if anything, it just makes band issues personal and makes things more difficult. I've been in bands with best friends, and I've been in bands where I never met the people outside of rehearsals and gigs. As long as there is respect, all is good (other than musicianship).

 

[mrcbass]

I've been fortunate to work with mostly good drummers since I started up bass, but have experienced a few "how fast can we fire this guy" types. For me, I want to play with musicians and yes that includes drummers. Ability to form a pocket with me, establish and keep the appropriate tempo, volume control ability know how to interact with the band (especially me) are all huge. I don't even really care if they have any personality (but my favorites always have). And just like everyone else in the band: be respectful of other band mates time and efforts by shoeing up on time/early and ready to go.

When my current drummer auditioned for our original jazz fusion project, I suddenly realized he was adding hits to compliment the line I was playing - halfway through a song he'd never heard. Our originals are truly that and most don't really feel like anything he may have heard in the past. I was pretty blown away.

 

[Krakmann]

I've never cared whether a band mate is a friend - if anything, it just makes band issues personal and makes things more difficult. I've been in bands with best friends, and I've been in bands where I never met the people outside of rehearsals and gigs. As long as there is respect, all is good (other than musicianship).

Obviously, you and I look for different things in music, and all is well with that.

 

[basscapes]

A drummer doesn't need to be my best friend- That's what Mrs. basscapes is for.

I look for a drummer who has a solid meter, can move and shift his pocket/groove to suit the style of music, and can LISTEN enough to improvise, should the moment appear (guitar player breaks a string, singer doesn't come in at the right time. band starts without the bass player realizing what song is up next!).

I don't care if he has a simple snare/kick/two toms and a hat kit or 20 pieces- if he can actually PLAY THEM EFFECTIVELY (meaning FOR the song, and not show off), I'm good.

 

[REV]

I play in a variety of situations and I have been playing for about 30 years. Just once I'd like a drummer to ask me " what would you like to hear from the drums?"

 

[mrcbass]

I play in a variety of situations and I have been playing for about 30 years. Just once I'd like a drummer to ask me " what would you like to hear from the drums?"

Sorry, you can't have my drummer!

 

[Zooberwerx]

*Actually owns a drum kit and not a mish-mash of Quaker Oats bins and pie pans...although if he can keep it together for 4 sets, that would be pretty cool. I'm sick of looking for MIA wingnuts.

*Our last drummer was an educator (...taught percussion). Bonus points.

Riis

 

[MattZilla]

Time- it should be obvious, but clearly some drumset owners call themselves drummers despite not really being able to be a metronome

Dynamics control- doesn't have three volumes, nor ten, nor twenty... has at least fifty volumes.

Plays well with brushes- understands that volume does not equal power

Can tune their drums

Has a crash that I like

Shirts- wears at least one throughout the entirety of the set. How much do those sticks weigh? If you're getting sweaty, you've either got major stage fright or you're doing it wrong.

 

[arbiterusa]

A drummer who listens to the bass the same way I listen to the drums.

 

[idorky]

..... i prefer a drummer that listen..... you can tell a pro from a poser and there are plenty of both, maybe more so of the other