DRUMS
DRUMMING FOR THE SONG IS STILL COOL | Carl Albrecht photo by Matthijs Smit via Unslplash
I always tell my students and clinic attendees to : “ Play music , not drums .” Serving the song and your team is your primary objective . If you think those things are supposed to serve you and give you a way to show-off your “ sweet drumming skills ” you ’ ve got it all wrong . Gosh !
Now I know I ’ m making a big deal out of this , but it is a big deal . It is THE 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 . It ’ s that simple . 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 .
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 . Listen to the original recordings and just do what they do . It ’ s that simple . And yes , simple is usually the operative word . 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 .
Yea , I know , you ’ re thinking … “ But Carl , that ’ s sooooooo boring !! I want to add some flash to it ; put some of my own personality into it ! Man , I ’ ve got to express myself !” Argh ! Get over this attitude as soon as possible . Express yourself at home ! Blow off that creative drive during your practice time . Otherwise , just play the songs . Doing a great job is expressing yourself . It is the most mature thing you can do as a musician .
Making great music and bringing the songs to life is what it ’ s all about .
Another way to battle this problem 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 . Be humble and teachable !
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 . Let others review your recording as well . 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 4 th 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 perfect every element to the best of your ability .
OK , so you say you ’ ve heard it all before . Great ! 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 .
• Copy the drummers on great recordings .
• Ask for honest feedback from those you work with .
• Record yourself all of the time and review it .
• Practice the 8-bar phrase concept with a click .
Again , remember it ’ s all about the music . Play what ’ s right for the style of songs you ’ re doing 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 LMAlbrecht @ aol . com
86 November 2023 Subscribe for Free ...