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What do you look for in a drummer?

#62
I look for rhythm and feel. Fill technique that matches the style of music. I like a drummer who can go crazy when it's appropriate, and hold the groove when he needs too.

Personality comes later. If I can lock in with the drummer, we'll find something to talk about when the jam's over.
 
#63
AZslim said:
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?
Click to expand...

First of all, I think it's wise and savvy of you simply to think to ask the question. So major brownie points for you! :cool:

But from a substantive standpoint, a drummer should have an innate sense of where "1" is at all times, and can play in time - smoothly and fluidly, while still allowing the music to breathe - without being a meter nazi about it... :eyebrow:

Secondly, I look for a drummer who's experienced and confident enough to be able to truly relax while playing - none of these tense, wired-up muscleheads who have to pounce on every beat before it gets away... :rollno:

Thirdly, a drummer who can truly groove and improvise - without having to be told what to play or how to play it.

And lastly, a drummer who thinks and listens to the music holistically - like a real musician, i.e. concerned about how to make contributions to the music as a whole - not just a skin-pounder for hire.

I've played with a lot of drummers. I've played with relatively few who were real musicians - who just happen to specialize in drums & percussion...

MM
 
#64
5StringBlues said:
Some semblance of sanity.

Can shuffle like a mother.
Click to expand...

Shuffles are simple to learn but hard to master on the drums, if that makes any sense. I'm guessing I will find that to be true with the bass as well. I don't like bass players who try to put too many notes into them, and I know the feeling is mutual. Too many notes, it sounds like crap, putting in just the right amount to keep it interesting can be a challenge.

Locking in with the bass player on a good shuffle is harder than it sounds, but when it happens, it's great. I'm looking forward to playing them on the bass so I can really know what works and what doesn't from behind the kit.
 
#67
The most important thing is timing. There are so many flashy drummers who just can't keep a standard 4/4 going. I think locking in with the drummer and keepong a solid groove going sounds so much better than going off doing there own thing. I do like drummers who like to add in fills and generally have a good time but if it effects the timing of the song its better to just keep time. My drummer for example is a solid player and like fills in certain places but isn't fill crazy. He listens to a song as a whole and points out things in all of the songs that he thinks either sounds good or could be better. He is also a brilliant singer which I lack. lol. To summerise since I went off in a rant.

1.Time keeping essential
2.Gets involved in the musical side
3.Is not afraid too to go mental without ruining the song
4.Can't be an arrogant up there own arse dickhead.
 
#68
BigOldHarry said:
>>
Originally Posted by HogieWan View Post
Bassist should control the tempo of the group, drummer controls the dynamics
<<
Who says? Where did THAT rule come from?
Click to expand...

I play both drums and bass. It's fairly easy for a drummer to ignore the rest of the band and move the tempo where ever the drummer wants to. It's practically impossible for any other musician to over ride that.

I believe that time is everybody's responsibility. There's nothing more fun than playing in a band where everybody is breathing together. If the drummer isn't on board with the tempo it's absolutely doomed to failure though.

KO

P.S. I had a month long subbing gig in a band with a _VERY_ strong bass player. Where she set the tempo was where the tempo was. It was odd for me, but once I settled back and let her dictate the tempo everything fell into place and we all enjoyed ourselves.
 
#70
AZslim said:
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?
Click to expand...

Listen to the vast majority of mainstream music (all genres), notice how the drummer almost never overplays? Simple fills, tastefully placed, win the day. This, and the ability to understand tempo and keep time like a Rolex.

Oh, and for the bass player, smack that kick drum hard, boy-o!
 
#72
I think it's great that you are trying to become a better drummer by learning more about how bass works...that's something that more folks should do.

Skunk11 said it, and I agree: My favorite drummers are those that have made me a better bass player.

Good luck!
 
#73
A drummer that knows what fits in the song is always nice, as opposed to one who just does the "one, TWO, three, FOUR" all the time.

Dynamics. Don't play too loud. Really, I'd like to be able to hear after I'm 40.

Creativity. Ties in with the first one. They have to know how to make a song sound original on the drums, while still staying true to the groove.
 
#77
Good time, makes frequent eye contact to make changes on the fly, can play dynamically, does not overplay, can give and take constructive criticism in a friendly way......same criteria as for any bandmate when you think about it
 
#78
Just a consideration here.

Whenever I listen to popular music, it strikes me that the most successful groups in the music industry have a common denominator - a solid drummer.

A lot of big-name bands can have mediocre guitarists, bassists (hard to admit that), singer, etc., but they invariably have a very solid drummer.

I'm sure we're all aware of various bands with less-than-stellar bass players, dull and unimaginitive guitarists, droning and croaking singers, who have still achieved commercial success. I think it's the drummer that gets the catchy beats going and captures listeners.

All IMO of course!
 

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