DRUMS
DRUM SOLOS WHEN YOU WORSHIP | Carl Albrecht
Photo by Terren Hurst on Unsplash
I know this seems like a strange subject to write about . After all , most of what drummers do in worship is just play simple grooves . Several times I ’ ve written about keeping it simple , not over-playing , and that most modern worship is just about playing great feeling grooves that make the songs sound amazing . But my goal here is to explain what to do when the appropriate time comes for a drum solo and to remember to keep working on this skill when you practice .
How do you “ musically ” play a drum solo ? First of all , I always think of drums as being a melodic instrument . Even though we may not have pitches to use like other instruments there are still low and high sounds on a drum kit . The kick and low toms are the deeper tones ; smaller toms and snare are the mid range ; and the cymbals are the higher , sparkling sounds . This isn ’ t a strict guide but just a general starting point .
A good beginning exercise is to play a simple single stroke roll at the tempo of a song you know and accent the melody notes while you sing along . Try it while singing “ Open The Eyes Of My Heart ” by Baloche or “ Praise ” by Elevation and see what happens . It may feel a little strange at first , but this is where you start . You should notice most of the accents land on your right or leading hand . If you play “ Ancient Of Days ” (* if you remember that old song *) the accents will fall on your left or weaker hand .
Now just move the accents around the kit or hit cymbal crashes with a kick drum added at the same time . Even though this is a basic approach it works great as an exercise , and I often do some of this when I ’ m soloing during worship . Move the notes around the kit and just keep it smooth and relaxed .
I also believe it ’ s important to keep learning rudiments , drum fills , and phrasing ideas from many sources . Build on what you know and don ’ t give up . All of these ideas will become part of your drumming vocabulary so that you ’ ll have more ways to express yourself as you play solos , new fills , and drum grooves in general .
What ’ s more important is the spiritual and emotional expression that should happen when you solo . Some would say that a worship musician plays prophetically or that they are playing a “ song of the Lord ” when they solo . We not only sing psalms , hymns , and spiritual songs , but we also “ PLAY ” them . All musicians can do this , including the drummers !
Sometimes it ’ s thundering tom rolls with splashes of cymbals accented on the melody . At other times it starts as a whisper with light cymbals rolls and then gradually , I ’ ll work my way into a grooving solo idea … I don ’ t ever know until that moment . Not to say that you can ’ t have a plan , but I usually try to let the music happen according to what I ’ m feeling in the spirit at the time .
It would not be “ unspiritual ” to have some sort of structure . There are times I think of the song the whole time I ’ m soloing . So , the phrases will work in 4 or 8 bar sections . Each section will usually have a specific drum idea . I might do
the A section all on the toms . Then as it moves into the B section or chorus , I may go to the snare with cymbals accents . It ’ s typical in any solo to build on a concept and then work your way through some variations on a theme . This is a very standard approach . I may do that to build structure and form , but there is ALWAYS an emotional , spiritual aspect to what I ’ m doing .
So , drum soloing in worship is not really about the drums , or the drummer , but about what God wants to do in the midst of His people . When I keep that as the focus of what I ’ m doing , and don ’ t get caught up in the mind game of trying to show off , I feel relaxed and encouraged in my soul .
When the presence of the Lord is the focus of your playing it releases you to flow in the spirit when you play .
Get in the flow and see where you ’ ll go !!
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
84 September 2024 Subscribe for Free ...