DRUMS
GROOVE ANALYSIS FOR THE MODERN WORSHIP DRUMMER | Carl Albrecht
Getting a drum feel to work just right is an art form that must be learned over time in the“ real” working world. Play with your band as much as you can. Rehearse more! Jam MORE! You can’ t just read about it or practice it in your room. It’ s actually a bit strange I am going to try to address this in writing without you being able to watch a demonstration. I do recommend that you watch a lot of players via YouTube, live performances, teaching DVDs, etc. etc. But for now, I’ ll try to put the nuances of performance into words.
AIMING FOR THE CENTER One thing to be mindful of in music production today is that most of the music you hear on radio is very“ tweaked.” In other words we work hard at making everything as perfect as possible. Doing“ takes” until it all comes together and then even editing parts or“ punching in” sections until there are no imperfections. Modern digital technology allows a producer to tune every note played or sung and place every rhythm perfectly in time on“ the grid.” Whether this is always a good thing is up for discussion, but for now let’ s just accept it. I’ ll address this approach first, since this is the current state of modern music production in all styles of music.
In most modern worship making every note as time perfect as possible is the goal( technically speaking). When playing to the click I’ m landing every note in the middle of the beat to the best of my ability. Precision is the goal.
Creating different feel, and emotion in the music comes by the use of dynamics! There might be a little pushing and pulling of the groove, but that’ s not the target … it just happens. I find it easier to center the groove in studio recording because it’ s a totally controlled environment. When playing live you can be affected by the sound of the room, the crowd, the PA system, and mostly by the other performers you work with.
If we’ re playing to percussion loops and other sequenced tracks, it’ s much easier to play in the middle of the time. So, incorporate this technology into your playing whenever it’ s musically proper. It adds an already perfected( or tweaked) element into the music and gives the band a strong musical point of reference.
So, how do you prepare for this? You just have to do it ALL the time. When you practice alone always work with a metronome for sure, but also do it whenever you rehearse or play live with your band. Try to record yourself and the group during all rehearsals and performances and listen back to see how you’ re progressing. YES, you have to listen back. Don’ t get discouraged; just keep working on it. Focus on how“ centered” the time feels when you play.
Also be aware, that if the music is feeling stiff or tense, only use the click during rehearsals and personal practice time so you can get use to it. As everything starts to feel right at those times, then you can also use it during live performances. You’ ll only know this if you’ re recording yourself, so just make that a normal part of your musical life.
LET THE TIME BREATH / THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN When music“ breathes” it probably has more push and pull of the time than in tightly“ clocked” performances. Musicians are reacting to each other and the vocals. There is usually a real powerful energy when a band“ moves together.” As long as the band has a lot of experience and flows in the same direction- that’ s great. Don’ t let this be an excuse for being a sloppy player. There should still be a sense of solid time, but a slight pushing and pulling can be very cool. Listen to music from the 60’ s, 70’ s, & 80’ s and you’ ll hear more of this.
How does the drummer keep solid time in a totally live, un-clicked performance? Relax and let it flow! No tension in your mind or body is a huge part of it. When a drummer looks relaxed and free, the music usually sounds that way. Again, watch a ton of videos of great drummers and you’ ll see what I mean. And again, record everything you do so you can continue to learn and grow.
Another great exercise for this is to use the click in your“ in ears” but don’ t let the rest of the band hear it. Then shut it off after the intro. Start it back up in a later section of the song and see where the time is. Are you still at the same tempo?? Be aware, that as you do ANY technical analysis while you play, ALWAYS play with passion and with the intent of worshiping the Lord. Everything needs to come from your heart.
I am also a believer in the statement –“ It’ s better to be together than to be right!” I’ ve heard some groups try so hard to make the drummer play perfectly, but the rest of the team is all over the place time wise. This does NOT sound pretty! I’ ve noticed when I’ m playing to the click and the rest of the band doesn’ t hear it … and the time is moving a little bit … If I’ m rigid( right on the clock) … It just DOES NOT FEEL RIGHT! Let it go! Use your ears! Flow with the music!
Even after all these years of playing I’ m learning what works and what doesn’ t. We all have good and bad days. Perfectionism is self destructive, but learning and refining your talent is healthy and honors the Lord.
Blessings on your groove,
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 carlralbrecht @ gmail. com
98 August 2025 Subscribe for Free...