DRUMS
EXTREME DRUM KIT MORPHING | Carl Albrecht
Warning! Any instrument experimentation has to of everything to the most extreme level. I mean tom where the snare normally sets. Then try
work for the music you are playing at the time. Just the lugs are rattling kind of tuning. The heads are putting the toms in a different order. Move the
in case you get too carried away having fun trying flopping around like paper bags. Then try playing cymbals around like you’ve never done before.
new sounds, remember it’s always about serving. at this low tuning with mallets, brushes, rods, Mix up everything. If you have a second kick
Also, be careful about doing any physical damage paintbrushes, etc. drum, set it on its side, heads up, and play it like
to your drums. This could go to extremes.
a normal drum. Set up several snare drums and
Now go to the opposite extreme by tuning as move them around in unusual spots so that your
So… I’ve been working on new ideas. Watching tight as you can. Be careful not to break any lug hitting things when you didn’t plan on it. Work on
videos. Learning from other drummers and casings, but get things as tight as you can without creating groove ideas with every set up change
percussionists. And trying some things I’ve never being able to turn the lugs anymore. Now use the you make. Keep audio and video recording going
tried before. I find it helpful to try crazy ideas on same approach in playing with different sticks at all times if you can.
my kit setup in order to plunge me into a different and gadgets. Literally trying things you’ve never creative mindset. The first rule of thumb for this tried. Maybe a couple of butter knives would 3. USE PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS AND NON-
adventure is – There are no wrong ideas; or bad be interesting. I’ve got two eggs whisks that MUSICAL ITEMS. This can go on forever and it
ideas! Some will be very useful, and some won’t work very cool. You’ve got the idea. Oh, by the should. I find this experimentation very refreshing
find their place… yet. But at least you will have way, I do recommend recording all of this while when I feel stale with my normal drum setup.
tried. you’re working on your ideas. You might fall into I’ll add hand drums to the set up. Try timbales,
an amazing idea and not remember it later if you congas, bongos… anything! A djembe here, and
move on without documenting the process. doumbek there. A cajon on its side is a cool effect.
work on changing your tuning approach to each As you’re experimenting with different tunings While you’re adding things to the kit try stacking
element of your kit. Try with lowering the tuning also incorporate a variety of muffling techniques. things together. Like a splash cymbal on a snare
Yes, you can use the typical moon gels, O-rings, drum or tom. Try stacking cymbals together. This
and tape, but also use cotton balls, bath towels, has become a very common trick now. Also try
paper towels and anything else to set on the putting tambourines, shakers and other small
drums to see what happens to the tone and percussion items on your drums and cymbals.
resonance as you mess with all kinds of muffling You might need to buy another roll of gaff tape.
1. TUNING AND MUFFLING. This is always a good
place to start. Without changing your set up just
ideas. *I’ve even wadded up newspapers and put
them inside of the kick drum and just let them And finally add cardboard boxes, old suitcases,
rattle around in the drum with no other muffling. It trashcan lids, some PVC pipe, trashcans of all
gave the kick a sound of having snares rattling on kinds, etc. Think Blue Man Group, meets Stomp,
a loosely tuned snare drum without using a snare meets modern worship.
drum. *Special thanks to my friends in Seattle that
showed me that trick on a session. Be sure to Let this be the start of a creative adventure in your
also try muffling your cymbals in different ways worship drumming experience. You should also
too and see what happens to the whole sonic be praying and asking the Holy Spirit to teach you
quality of your set up. new ideas for your musical expression. The Lord
loves to help us grow in the gifts and talents He
2. DRUMS IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES. Yes, you has given us. Who knows what next Sunday may
can do this. I’m not saying you’ll do this on need in the musical landscape?
Sunday morning, but for the sake of stretching
your creative muscles, you’ve got to try different
setups.
Put your snare to the left of the hat and the floor
124
May 2020
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
[email protected]
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