DRUMS
DRUMMING TIPS FOR BUILDING A TIGHT RHYTHM SECTION | Carl Albrecht
What is it that makes a “ rhythm section ” sound tight and groovin ’? The first thing that comes to mind is just keeping solid time … Perfect time ! Staying on the click without speeding up or slowing down . Of course every musician wants that from the drummer and the whole band really . But it ’ s really more complicated than just becoming a machine . So let ’ s talk about the details .
Even though the drummer carries the biggest responsibility for keeping time in a band , all of the players affect how the time “ feels .” A great rhythm section sounds amazing because every player is locked into the tempo and the feel of the music . The classic definition of the term “ rhythm section ” refers to the drummer , bass player , rhythm guitarist , and keyboard player . But now days you could add another guitar player or two , a second keyboardist , a percussionist – maybe two drummers ( check out Bethel Music videos for references ) and then all of the sequenced loops too , which adds to the challenge of tightening up the groove . The bigger the band gets , the more complicated it becomes .
1 . THE CLICK . Yes , keeping solid time is PRIMO ! Even though I know it ’ s the drummer ’ s biggest responsibility , as I said before , I want the other players to “ lock in ” to the time also . If I ’ m the bandleader I make sure all the players are working with clicks , loops , and sequenced music to sharpen their “ time skills ” on a regular basis . The more every player is solid individually , the better the whole band will feel .
As a drummer I ’ m constantly practicing with a metronome and loops . The key to perfecting this skill is to stay relaxed , breathe normal , and get the click in your head . We call that internalizing the time . Don ’ t think of the click as just pops or bleeps . Think of the notes as long and legato as if you were singing a melody . Think musically at all times . Don ’ t become a lifeless drum machine . This mental perspective on playing to a click always helps musicians to flow with the time . Stay loose ! It actually makes you play tighter to the click . I know that sounds weird but it works .
2 . THE MIX . The monitor mix is a HUGE element in getting the band to play together . When working with any group I really pay attention to how well everyone is hearing each other . From the drummer ’ s perspective , I can always tell when the rest of the players and singers are not hearing my hi-hat , kick , and snare . The groove just doesn ’ t happen . It feels like it ’ s “ swimming ” – not “ locking in .”
The primary sound for time keeping is the hihat . It subdivides the groove and usually sets up the “ feel ” of the music . Then the kick is under that … and then the snare . You can add the other pieces as desired . If the whole band is on IEMs ( In Ear Monitors ) then everyone should also have the click and guide tracks in their mix as well . For me , these two elements will be on the top of the mix along with my drums . Then I build the rest of the band and vocal mix around that .
It ’ s also helpful to have a bit of reverb , panning , and EQ options in your mix to create depth to the sound so the music feels more realistic . This musical approach to creating a mix is as important as the actual sound of your instrument .
3 . YOUR SOUND . We often don ’ t consider this as having much to do with getting a band to sound tight . But it really is a major element . Your drums and cymbals must sound just right for the music you ’ re playing . Like the other players work on tone , tuning , and texture we drummers must do the same thing .
Learn how to tune properly . Change heads
when needed and learn to muffle each drum according to the sound you want to hear . Don ’ t expect the engineer to fix it . Listen to a lot of music … in different styles and work on copying the sound you hear on those recordings . In most modern worship right now the tuning is usually super low and fat . The cymbals are dry and dark sounding . For urban gospel it ’ s tight and “ ring-y .” Listen and copy ! I know … I say this ALL the time .
Focus on these three areas and see if you don ’ t notice you and your band playing tighter and playing better overall .
Blessings
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 LMAlbrecht @ aol . com