DRUMS
REFINING YOUR DRUMMING | Carl Albrecht
Whether you’re a beginner or veteran drummer “Check the fill into the 1st chorus of the tempo down a bit and relax while you play.
there are always elements to your playing that tune.” Picture yourself moving in slow motion and
that you can improve. I often go back and “Work on the groove to this song.” keep your movement very fluid. No tension
analyze what I’m playing for songs that are “Would it sound better to tune the or jerky movements should be part of your
very familiar to me. I guess that sense of never snare down for that song?” playing. Then gradually increase the tempo, as
being completely satisfied is part of the artistic “I need to work on that kick pattern in you feel comfortable.
temperament. It’s not that I lack confidence, verse two.” Etc. etc.
I just want to see if there’s a better way to
You can also experiment with certain elements
do what I do. So, let’s talk about how to fine Anything that comes to mind when you’re during band rehearsals, but not to the degree
tune songs. playing should be dealt with during your that it would be distracting. Be subtle about
practice time. Make note of the slightest tweaking the music when your group is trying
TAKE NOTES & KEEP A LIST observation. The list can get pretty long, but to put the final touches on songs. You really
I take mental notes while I’m playing then write don’t let that frustrate you. Just think of it as should have things worked out by the time
it down after a concert or service. Sometimes I part of developing your skill. rehearsals happen. But a little experimenting
even take notes during a song set if there’s time
when you’re with the group can really show
to grab a pen and jot it down without breaking AVOID SELF-CRITICISM you what works and what doesn’t. Something
the flow of the music. It could be anything that Be careful not to get caught up in being self- could seem OK in the practice room, but fail
comes to mind. The list might look like this: critical or letting this distract you from being in the real world. Just remember the drummer
engaged emotionally in the music when you’re is the foundation for the rest of the band. So,
“on the job”. We all have these thoughts when don’t overdo it.
“Does that tempo work for that song?”
we’re playing. Being able to deal with it in a
manageable way will keep it from interfering STAY DISCIPLINED
with your performance. Just know that you’ll Yes, this all takes a lot of time, but it’s worth it.
address the problem later. The main thing is to The hard part is just taking the time to work on
stay relaxed and confident when you’re playing it. One of my favorite mantras is “Discipline is a
with your band. Don’t sweat it! powerful thing”. This is so true, but so difficult
to live by. It’s one of the greatest challenges of
PRACTICE YOUR LIST my life. I just know, that the more I apply myself
Make time to work on the list when you practice. to working on the gifts the Lord has given me…
Be meticulous about the details of each song I discover there’s real joy in growing.
on your list. This will build your confidence
and your chops. Repeat a song or section as Blessings to you as you work faithfully on the
many times as it takes to get it right. Repetition gifts and talents the Lord has given you.
is a powerful tool for learning, but be careful,
practicing correctly is very important too.
If you never feel like you’re getting it right, think
about other elements of your playing. Are you
holding the sticks correctly? Is your posture
good? Does the kit feel like it’s set up correctly?
If there’s a groove or fill that’s not working, slow
170
April 2019
Carl Albrecht
Professional drummer for 30+ years, playing with
Paul Baloche, Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, Abe Laboriel,
LeAnn Rimes and others. He’s also a clinician,
author & pastor.
Contact Carl for coaching, online lessons, producing,
or sessions. I’m still growing too..
www.CarlAlbrecht.com
Subscribe for Free...