DRUMS
IT’ S STILL ABOUT DRUMMING FOR THE SONG | Carl Albrecht
I know we’ ve been exploring a lot of creative ideas lately in my writings. That’ s always tons of fun. But here’ s the deal! Most people don’ t want to hear a fill every two bars or your latest groove variation idea. They just want you to play the song! Keep the tempo steady and play the tune the way you hear it on the recording, and that’ s it! So … It’ s back to the woodshed!! Let’ s go!
I always tell my students and clinic attendees to“ Play music, not drums.” Serving the song and your team is your primary objective. I know I’ m making a big deal out of this, but it IS a big deal. Making the song sound great is every musician’ s job. If that is your heart about being a drummer people will love your playing. If the music calls for a lot of activity then go for it … but if it’ s just playing grooves for tunes, then master that skill as well.
Every great drum icon I’ ve heard made the whole band / the music sound fantastic. They always play for the song, and it is a magical experience. Many drummers think that their drum hero must be very restrained in their ability to just play songs.“ They must be bored out of their mind! I wish they could really cut loose!” But, you know, most people listening never think of it like that. The non-musician folks are just enjoying and experiencing the music.
So, how do you keep from falling into the“ busy drummer syndrome?” The first thing I do is just copy what has already been done. I listen to the original recordings and just do what they do. It’ s that simple. And yes, simple is usually the operative word. Most songs are arranged very carefully. Check out any of your favorite artists or worship recordings and you’ ll hear what I mean. Intros, verses, choruses, etc. etc. all seem to have specific musical ideas happening. Play it just like that.
A good way to make sure you’ re doing that is to talk to your worship leader or music director and ask if what you’ re playing is working for them. If you’ ve started with the recording as your reference, they’ ll usually like what you are doing. But there are times they do want a little more activity just to add energy to certain songs. Don’ t get carried away though. This is not permission for you to become a“ drum monster.”( You know, the big creature stepping on everything that gets in its way.) Yes, you must ask them. Sometimes people are afraid to talk to you about your playing because everyone knows how sensitive musicians can be.
Recording your rehearsals and performances is also a great tool. Video tape it if you can but do something so you can go back and check out how it went. Be honest with yourself and make note of both your great and bad moments. Then change anything you need to in order to make your performance even better.
Finally, practice groove ideas with a click track for eight bars without any changes. Only do fills at the end of an eight-bar phrase, and then maybe go to a variation of the groove for the next section. Do not even do fills in the 4th measure. This is an exercise in restraint. Not physically difficult, but it can be a real mental challenge. Do it! Listen closely to how consistent you are with every element of your playing. Do the snare hits sound exactly alike? Is your hihat pattern maintaining a steady pace? Does the bass drum perfectly line up with your hands and sound solid? Put your playing“ under the microscope” and make every element of your playing as perfect as possible.
Ok, so you say you’ ve heard it all before. But, are you doing it? Are you really honing in on your musical artistry? Do not become complacent or rest on yesterday’ s accomplishments. Keep moving ahead. Improve what talent you already
have. 1. Copy the drummers on great recordings. 2. Ask for honest feedback from those you work with. 3. Record yourself all of the time and review it. 4. Practice the 8-bar phrase concept with a click.
Again, remember it’ s all about the music. Play what’ s right for the songs and you’ ll be honored amongst your peers.
“ PLAY MUSIC, NOT JUST DRUMS.”
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 carlralbrecht @ gmail. com
92 May 2025 Subscribe for Free...