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?
Great question, as I've played with drummers of all sorts of styles and try to find something good in all (okay...most) of them.
The single biggest thing is sense-of-time! If you can't play in time, I don't care what licks you can pull out of a hat! If you can't play in time, I'll never be able to lock with you!
Next is more subjective and takes time building that musical relationship - predictability! It's fun to jam, but it's amazing if we both improvise a fill and it fits like a glove! Sometimes they're rehearsed, sometimes it just comes from playing with the same drummer for a long time. That's a chemistry that develops over time (hopefully).
On the flip-side of predictability, though, is unpredictability! If the drummer doesn't play the same riffs in the same places and tries to get technical on me when we're in front of an audience, I don't care how good his timing is, because it's going to throw me off. I do my best to keep time from wavering, but if the drummer throws in a syncopated fill I wasn't expecting, it forces me to go back to basics in time and not fill with him (or her, I suppose). IMO that can make the song less tight, more disorganized, and flat-out confusing.
In practice settings, I don't mind unpredictability as much, because that's how I've gotten to know where drummers like to go. It forces me to stay on my toes. It keeps things interesting. But again, you still have to practice as you're going to play live. If you practice loose jams and improv, at least you'll get a feel of where the drummer is going to go so you can join him.
Also, I prefer a drummer who's got good equipment and a good tone! Believe it or not, I've actually experienced this not always being the case!
I don't know...I guess there are a lot more things I look for, but this is a start...
PS: I was just about to hit "post" when I recalled a bad experience I had once. I was in a band with a drummer who was incredible! He had great chops, great equipment, and great timing. But, he was "too solid" if that makes any sense. I play simple and solid a lot, but I also like to jam a little. If the drummer can't loosen up just a touch, I feel it becomes *too* regimented.
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