What do you look for in a drummer?

[Standalone]

We joke and vent a bit here about our rhythm section brothers and sisters. Well…so… what do you look for?

 

[ArtechnikA]

Musicality and no-more-than-musician-normal level of flakiness...
Not a jerk.

 

[Biggbass]

dynamics
timing
availability
willingness to take direction
personality
vehicle
vices
habits
skill - which encompasses several things ranging from musical education to influences, as well as: is he a drummer or just a guy who owns a set of drums?

 

[two fingers]

Good timing used to be my only requirement. These days I insist on DYNAMICS. I simply can't hang with a drummer with only one volume (stupid loud) anymore. I refuse.

Then there's the requirement I have for ANY musicians I work with. Don't be a jerk.

 

[Rob1957]

Timing
A sense of dynamics
Not a jerk

 

[Tanner5382]

They need to have drums.

 

[joelns]

In no particular order:

• time
• groove
• a good "hang"
• professional attitude, gear, on time, reliable transportation, etc.

 

[UntitledProject]

Nice legs

 

[micguy]

I play church gigs - given Covid it's mostly "show and go" - we have a short rehearsal early Sunday morning, then its time for Services. As we're leading the congregation, I shouldn't have to look at the drummer to gel timing wise - eye contact with the audience is important. The few times I look at a drummer during a worship set, if it's a grin I'm sharing , that's a good drummer. If I look over with a confused look on my face, bad drummer. So, I look for a drummer who puts a grin on my face - timing, feel, groove, listening to me for cues as to what to play, that sort of thing are all important, and put a grin on my face when done well.

 

[Space Pickle]

The size of their kit. The longer their setup time takes, the better the drummer.

 

[TyBo]

Good attitude, good timing, and a willingness to just play a simple backbeat when called for, ffs.

 

[JW56789]

I'd prefer a musical drummer with great time. Prefer one that plays other instruments as well, gives them a better insight, though I have played with some great technician/time drummers.

 

[BarfanyShart]

Sobriety ... teeth ...

 

[AboutSweetSue]

I ask myself if they’ll be easy to fire. I got attached once and it was just a sad situation all around.

 

[badinage]

1) Not a metronome or a cool-lick extravaganza.

2) Listens to the band in real time instead of already having their mind made up on what they're doing next.

3) Mind meld with the bassist with very subtle cues.

4) The ones that routinely do this can usually walk in and do it instantly.

 

[Resonance129]

A LISTENER with tight pocket and a good attitude makes for a great drummer, in my experience. Thing is, all 3 have to be in place. Can't be 2 out of 3.

 

[Juststanley]

Meter...Dynamics..and a younger sister

 

[mambo4]

ears

 

[Michedelic]

Literacy, big ears, more Gene Krupa and less Neil Peart.

 

[Kipp Harrington]

GROOOOOVE!!!