What do you look for in a drummer?

[drumvsbass]

Time. Impeccable, time. Groove would be very VERY close second second.
It's easier to play with a drummer with good time, but no groove, than a groovy drummer with bad time.
I'd rather have both, but those drummers are few and far between.
I always ask a new drummer who their #1 is.
Acceptable answers ~John Bonham, Bernard Purdy, Clyde Stubblefield, Steve Gadd
Unacceptable answers ~ Neil Peart, Lars Ulrich, Dave Weckl
Controversial answer ~ Dave Grohl
Unattainable answer ~ Terry Bozzio, Danny Carey, Joey Baron

 

[Bulky Bass]

IME, the less gear the better the drummer. If you can play most of the songs using just a bass drum, snare, hi-hat and ride and still make it sound good without bashing toms and cymbals, I’m happy.

 

[monsterthompson]

 

[jamro217]

The rest of the pizza.

 

[Gordo350]

Sanity
Skill
Sober
Pick two

 

[cnltb]

Shows up on time.
is good to be around.
has and brings ideas.
comes up with creative parts that support the music.
can play with and without a click.
reads.
Listens to what goes on around them.
Can critique and handle criticism.
Their playing feels right.
Can play super simple parts well at a slow tempo.

 

[Outbush]

If the weather is warm then the arthritis isn’t playing up, groove and timing. If it is playing up, a good laugh. Current drummer anyway.

 

[Khaer]

A reason to fire him.

 

[lokikallas]

Somebody who I don’t have to lead. Let’s me play bass.

 

[Khaer]

Unacceptable answers ~ Neil Peart, Lars Ulrich, Dave Weckl

I am curious why Neil? Is it because the drummer would be the wannabe that looses time trying to keep up with fills?

 

[zubrycky]

I don't have any kind of special requirements.

 

[themickster]

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

Friendship and skill

 

[kingforaday]

Speaking purely from original music not covers…

When I was young it was whoever was the technically best drummer we could find in the area.

Then it became more important that they were friends, if they could just about keep up that was ok, cuz they were good guys.

The only time I’ve ever even thought about any of the other stuff is in the band I drum in. The other 2 often said it was refreshing playing with an actual musician on the drums… I always thought it was a “yeah drummers are dumb” kinda joke.. but I think it’s just a way of saying; someone who actually listens to what everyone else is doing and is willing to adapt accordingly.

 

[4dog]

mostly these days i find a good drummer is one that will listen and play the song rather than just trying to impress himself ,and then gets all butthurt when noone else is impressed with his drumming choices.

 

[wilberthenry]

Timing
Groove
Ability to play at various volumes
Restraint when it is called for
Reliable method for transporting themselves and their gear
Ability to set up their gear and break it down in a reasonable amount of time

 

[BasEd]

Keeps time even when the volume and note density increases. Doesn't do unnecessary fills that throw off the timing. Listens to the feel of the track and plays the appropriate groove. Doesn’t play more notes/fills than is needed. Doesn’t play louder than necessary. Shuts up at rehearsals between songs when people are trying to talk.

Listens. Plays in time. Keeps it simple.

PS… and guitarists turn down a bit and don’t use a myriad of distortion pedals for every song and keyboard players stop playing all the bass notes unless they are necessary to support the bass!

 

[Deleted member 165050]

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.

Yep, being a listener is key. Too many drummers just fire away with whatever it is they feel like doing and expect everyone to tag along. One I played with a while back was a continual drum solo (and he insisted on having an extended solo spot as well). I'd sooner use a MacBook and one of the drummers in Logic Pro than that scenario again.

 

[Ewo]

Me? Taste, time, dynamics, listening, and professionalism. The same things I want from all musicians, on any instrument!

 

[JRA]

chops.

 

[lark_z]

They must appear to be easy to fire, ie - not built like a linebacker or packing heat.