DRUMS
LEARNING TO PLAY WITH LOOPS | Carl Albrecht
Playing with loops (programmed percussion/ 1. PLAYING AROUND THE LOOP. loop play backbeats or anything that sounds
drum patterns) and stems (music tracks) is You can do this with any loop program that like the main part of the groove, but I won’t
part of the culture for today’s drummer. There’s is part of the DAW (digital audio workstation) use that limb. For me that’s the left hand. I will
just no getting around it. Every musician has you use. There are a lot of free ones, but I literally play with my left hand down at my side.
to get comfortable with it. This is even more recommend investing in something you want It’s amazing how this makes you focus on how
challenging than just playing to a click track. to grow with. If you’re a MAC user you may you’re other limbs line up with the loop. You
Sometimes you can move around the click already have Garage Band, which you can can even try things like playing only your feet
to create a different feel or energy for various expand into Logic. Whatever you’re using, and no hand patterns at all. This is all about
sections of a song. But with loops and stems here’s where you begin. getting your ears to really listen to the musical
there is no straying from the feel of what’s
concepts that the loop plays. And… don’t
already recorded or programmed. If you do, Open the loop program and just find something forget to try it with your hands playing over the
you just sound off! So let’s look at some ideas interesting to you. Set it to repeat (loop) a 2 or loop, but doing nothing with your feet. If you’re
for getting use to this world of becoming part of 4-bar phrase. Rather than copying it on the kit also a percussionist this may feel very natural,
the machine. Even if you do this a lot with your try playing notes that are not part of the loop. but for drum set players it can be very strange.
band it’s good to practice by yourself to check For instance if the pattern is busy with 16 th your time and feel against the loop. notes than play more of a 1/4 note or 1/8 note 3. LOOK MA! ONE HAND!
groove. By doing this you become totally aware This is getting even better. So you see I’m
of how your groove is working around the loop. becoming more minimal as we go. Ha! What
If the loop is an actual drum pattern rather a clash of terms… “more minimal.” I love this.
than percussion or techno sounds play snare Remember this is all an exercise in becoming
and kick patterns that are not part of the drum a great listener so you can groove with the
loop. This can get pretty wacky sounding, but music you’re becoming a part of. So… Yes…
remember you’re doing it to see how you play choose one limb and use that to interact with
around the program. Work on making if feel like the loop. It’s amazing to let a loop play the main
you are part of the program. Really! You have idea throughout a song and then just try a ride
to become one with the machine. Don’t be in pattern with your right hand. (Well… for me it’s
a hurry to change a pattern too quickly. Lock the right hand). Ok… so try that with the left
into 4 or 8 bar phrases of an idea so you get hand too! You’ll find it becomes challenging for
use to relaxing inside “the pocket.” If playing the weak limb to stay consistent. Keep working
with a loop that is actual drum sounds is too it until it becomes strong and steady. It’s good
weird, find ones that don’t sound anything to lock into a pattern at least for eight bars.
like your kit. This may help you discover some Better yet, for three minutes.
interesting musical concepts.
Remember this is not about being busy or
Even though you’re doing this as an exercise, complex, but locking into the loop and making
if you find something that sounds amazing, be it feel musical and precise at the same time.
sure to record it. Practicing like this many times Take your time. Start with what feels simple and
can lead to musical creations that become part build as you go. Have fun.
of songs later on.
2. REMOVING A LIMB.
OK… I don’t mean this literally. What I mean is
choose a part of your pattern to leave out. The
easiest is to leave out the snare. I will let the
February 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
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