This is a jargon word I read and hear bassists and drummers say.
Apparently Jaco had a very big "pocket".
But what actually is it?
Apparently Jaco had a very big "pocket".
But what actually is it?
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What is "the pocket" ?
- Thread starter Moving Target
- Start date
Lots of definitions. I would say it's the ability to achieve the state where it seems like the players in the band are rhythmically locked together without effort. Primary responsibility for "pocket" falls on the bassist and drummer.
When I am playing in a band, "pocket" feels like nobody is struggling to keep the beat or stay on tempo. The beat is just there. Some players have a gift for being able to make this happen.
When I am playing in a band, "pocket" feels like nobody is struggling to keep the beat or stay on tempo. The beat is just there. Some players have a gift for being able to make this happen.
Ah, this term isn't always agreed on.
But this is my favourite explanation of it so far (not mine):
The phrase in the pocket is used to describe something or someone playing in such a way that the groove is very solid and with a great feel. When a drummer keeps a good metronomic pulse, often referred to as keeping time, and makes the groove feel really good, and maintains this feel for an extended period of time, never wavering, this is often referred to as a deep pocket
Today, the term in the pocket has broadened a bit, suggesting that if two musicians (usually the bass player and the drummer) are feeling the downbeats together, feeling and placing beat one at the exact same time, they are said to be in the pocket.
Whether you are playing ahead (front) of the beat, or behind (back) of the beat, or right on top (middle) of the beat, as long as two musicians (ie. bassist and drummer) feel the downbeat at the same time, theyll be in the pocket.
Many people feel that the question is not so much what the pocket is as much as how you know when youve achieved it. To the musician, it feels like the music is playing itself, as though everything has merged together all the rhythmic parts being played by one instrument.
It goes deeper than that as well. It's the perfect place where everything is locked, and working perfect. It's also about the phrasing and tonality of the notes, but we can go on all day if we get into that!
Hope this is a good start for you...
But this is my favourite explanation of it so far (not mine):
The phrase in the pocket is used to describe something or someone playing in such a way that the groove is very solid and with a great feel. When a drummer keeps a good metronomic pulse, often referred to as keeping time, and makes the groove feel really good, and maintains this feel for an extended period of time, never wavering, this is often referred to as a deep pocket
Today, the term in the pocket has broadened a bit, suggesting that if two musicians (usually the bass player and the drummer) are feeling the downbeats together, feeling and placing beat one at the exact same time, they are said to be in the pocket.
Whether you are playing ahead (front) of the beat, or behind (back) of the beat, or right on top (middle) of the beat, as long as two musicians (ie. bassist and drummer) feel the downbeat at the same time, theyll be in the pocket.
Many people feel that the question is not so much what the pocket is as much as how you know when youve achieved it. To the musician, it feels like the music is playing itself, as though everything has merged together all the rhythmic parts being played by one instrument.
It goes deeper than that as well. It's the perfect place where everything is locked, and working perfect. It's also about the phrasing and tonality of the notes, but we can go on all day if we get into that!
Hope this is a good start for you...
this is a total nerdy definition of pocket if you ask me. im sure if you asked bootsy what the pocket was, hed say "its the funk baby"
its when youve internalized the beat. its not just playing together, its grooving together.
To me Pocket is about the band locking in to the groove. The time is solid and the band working together like they are one. It could be as simple as Blues and backbeats on 2 & 4 or Jazz Fusion. When you're playing with a great rhythm section and it locks in you will feel it, that is what music is all about.
As Victor Wooten sez. You can't hold no groove if you ain't got no pocket.
As Victor Wooten sez. You can't hold no groove if you ain't got no pocket.
He asked a question, so I answered it in a way with as much detail to help him understand it.
Sorry.
If you've ever played with a drummer who is consistently playing at the front of the beat, you can understand why the pocket is so appreciated by a bass player. When the drummer is on the front of the beat, the bass player is working to keep the tempo from rushing, and it's not enjoyable. I can appreciate the explanation here Dmanlamius.
I've always considered "the pocket" to be a rhythmic availability created by the other instruments in which what you play won't be "too much" or offbeat.
The best definition I've heard came from one of the best drummer in the world: Steve Gadd. His definition is very simple : IT IS AN AGREEMENT OF WHERE THE 1 IS ! It makes a lot of sense, there is nothing esotheric about it,
SB
SB
The pocket is not just being locked in with each other but being able to feel each other and move back and forth within the groove (but not going out of the groove). You can play behind the beat or ahead of the beat but still be on beat; that's the pocket.
If you have never experienced it before once you feel it everything will become clear.
+1
Funny, my definitions of "groove" and "pocket" have the terms completely reversed in those sentences.
Not that it really matters
The pocket is playing pentatonic slap bass with a wailing pentatonic smooth jazz tenor sax. Yeahhhh!
This is a jargon word I read and hear bassists and drummers say.
Apparently Jaco had a very big "pocket".
But what actually is it?
The pocket is when nobody notices you, but the booties are wigglin' and the boobies are jigglin'.
Ox.
To me The Pocket is a simultaneous telepathic connection not just between all the musicians on stage, but with your audience as well. Usually this phenomenon starts with the bassist and the drummer, then the rest of the band. When your feelin it, the crowd feels it and that makes the Pocket even sweeter. 
