What do you look for in a drummer?

[AZslim]

Hi all,
Don't really know what forum to put this in. I'm a drummer just learning the bass. I'm learning primarily to be a better drummer. I'm tired of being on the outside looking in so to speak. I want to communicate with the rest of the band in their language. I also think knowing what it's like playing and hearing music from a bass player's point of view will help me play things that help the bass player and not to play things that won't.

What do people like and dislike in drummers?

 

[ksandvik]

Personally, I don't like drummers who ornament the tracks far too much, odd syncopations that trips people from dancing and so forth. It seems this mellows out the longer a drummer has been playing live...

 

[Nashrakh]

Well, fills and syncopations are a matter of taste I guess... I like it when the drummer goes crazy

A good drummer... hmm solid groove, no timing issues, fun to play with. That'd be the basic things I'd look for.
Technicality may be fine and dandy, but when it comes down to it, groove is what matters most IMO.

 

[Billnc]

One who's comfortable with their playing. Boom blap drumming can be cool and lay a solid groove (boom blap will cover a basic swing too, I'm thinking basic drumming with a good feel). A guy like this who tries a fill and misses, just shouldn't do fills beyond their capability. Ringo probably fit's in this catagory. Seemed to have a pretty good gig! They wanted him!

My present drummer is busy, but it's like drums and percussion, so think drums with congos etc on a 5 piece kit and you'll have him. Very danceable but busy. Laying a basic latin bass groove over all that is a joy. If we get funky we can lock
16ths or he'll get basic, with some cool syncopation for me to get busy.

If I can move around a little to the music I'm having fun, a bad drummer I can't do my little dance to.

 

[waynobass]

A station wagon, large hatchback, SUV, or pickup.

 

[Andrew Jones]

Hot Girl Who want to be my Rhythm partner.

Shows up on Time.

Owns a van.

Doesn't Step on others toes,,,Especially the Vocalist.

Who can play the Semi Swing, Semi Straight grooves.

Can Play quietly with the same intensity.

Has a Practice space.



Aj





Aj

 

[ubone]

44DD cup
prefers to play in the nude...

 

[standupright]

good meter, taste, and variety.

 

[MoBeach]

I like drummers that can play like Portnoy, if a drummer can't play that style I'm not interested in having him in the project.

 

[sonic assassin]

owning a drum kit. i cant count on 2 hands how many drummers ive met who dont even own drums and think they are good. they might be... but i doubt it.

the ability to count to 4. i just LOOOOOVE all these "artsy" drummers who think playing out of time is being avant garde.

the ability to pull punches.

ive worked with 2 of the best drummers ive ever heard in my life, so im a bit spoiled.

i dont even regard the way the drums are tuned. most drummers cant tune drums

 

[Gord_oh]

an on/off switch.

 

[PocketGroove82]

Well, everyone says a sense of humor, but I'm gonna have to go with big breasts.

 

[cgnortheast]

What I like in a drummer is big fat pocket, like so deep that the dog can crawl in. Also a huge bonus if they can get funky like an anchovy.

 

[cgnortheast]

i dont even regard the way the drums are tuned. most drummers cant tune drums

+1
there are alot of ways to tune drums properly to get the sounds you want, and all those variations are good. It is still ultimately about feel but so many guys, especially young ones, are just completely clueless or don't tune them at all.

 

[capnsandwich]

I like drummers who are solid, yet can put beats in different places and be creative without falling out of the groove. I also like a drummer that knows how to dance on the ride a little bit, you know, not just hit on the beat but can be a little more creative with his high hat and ride cymbals.

I dislike overplaying, underplaying, love tapping, and uncreative use of the kick drum/drums. I also hate drummers with insecurity issues, especially one-uppers. For some reason I run into a lot of those. I also dislike emotionally over-sensitive drummers who can't take correction/constructive criticism. Well actually, I dislike any musicians with that problem.

 

[bass12]

Someone who can play the gig with only a bass drum, snare and hi-hat if he has to (although I do like toms and cymbals). No messing with the groove - I can't stand it when a guy will do a fill that leaves me wondering if he's going to come back in on time.

Someone who listens and responds to what the other musicians are playing.

Dynamics.

More dynamics.

An authoratative stroke - firm and to the point.

No big egos.

And yes - his own mode of transportation!

Oh, and how could I forget: he can't think that Dave Weckl (or anyone of that ilk) is god.

 

[JimmyM]

I look for someone who has his own transportation.

 

[two fingers]

Pay attention! I HATE it when a drummer sticks his chin on his chest and acts as though HE is leading this show and everyone else might as well follow. Keep your head up and your EYES OPEN! Watch and listen for signals that something is about to change.

 

[jmain]

Sensitive, charming, witty....oh, this ain't no personal ad!

Good time
Dynamics (ain't gotta smack the crap outta the drums always)
Solid foot
Good time
Holding it down and ain't showboatin'
Good time
Plays in parts; can discern the verse from the chorsu from the bridge
Good time
On time
Good ears

 

[MrLenny1]

Big ears and groove and sensitivity to the type of music.
One drummer I work with is very technical but too busy and pushes tempos
way too much.
The other drummer I work with is not technical but grooves and keeps great time.
That band feels and sounds great all the time.