The Musical Drummer — Drumming for the Music

Technique:

The Musical Drummer —

Drumming for the Music

by Dendy Jarrett

INTRODUCTION

There is a well-known drummer in Nashville whose license tag reads “2 and 4.” When I first moved to  Nashville, I had a chance to ask him the meaning of his custom plates. He replied: “2 and 4 is what pays the bills.” He continued, “It doesn’t matter how well you play drums in Nashville; what matters is how well your drumming fits the music.”

In Nashville it’s all about the song, but let’s face it — no matter where you live, when you are drumming, it should be all about the music.

So, how do you train your ear to play the drums for the music?

FUNDAMENTALS 

These fundamentals will serve you well:

Attitude — You were endowed with two ears and one mouth, and they should be used in that proportion. Make sure you use your ears in communicating with bandmates, because better communication equals better attitude. Having a good attitude will not only help you get and keep the gig, but also help you “hear” the music better.

Listening — Again … two ears! Know the music, but even if you don’t and are winging it, simply listening can help you find your way.

Focus — Take the focus off of yourself. Drums and the drummer can make a song or totally break it. You’re there to enhance the music and complement it, as well as establish the tempo and the groove.

Feel — It’s important to represent the feel in the style that you play. As you make sure the style matches the feel of the song, it’s also important that you “feel” the song. If you get into the song, your drumming will more likely have feeling.

Less is More — Most of the time this is the rule rather than the exception to the rule. Too many notes can spoil the song just like too many cooks can spoil the broth. The exception to this is if you are a drummer of Buddy Rich’s caliber, then folks have only come to see you play.

Dynamics — They make all the difference in the world. Pay attention to the musical director. If the MD says bring it down … then bring it down.  Make sure your dynamics are on par with the rest of the players.

Silence — A wise instructor once explained to me that the “rests” in music are equally, if not more, important than the notes in the music. In many cases, the silence in the music can set the tone or the mood of the song. It can also bring listeners to the edge of their seats. Respect the rests!

Keep It Simple — 2 and 4, baby! Most of the time 2 and 4 is all it takes.

Some additional opinions:

Diversity — Don’t get locked into one style of music. Listen to and try to appreciate many genres of music. It’ll serve you well.

Drinking and Drumming — Don’t do it. Save the drinking and partying until after the gig is done.

APPLICATION 

Applying these fundamentals can take years to develop. Sometimes as play, you must remind yourself over and over as you play to apply them. I try to know the song as well as I can, but, more importantly, I try to feel the music.  Constantly listening and watching the other musicians is crucial. It can be too easy to get lost in the song and lose sight of the music.

Paying attention and being aware are core components of focusing. Musical drummers can show up to a gig and play it well, even if they were called at the last minute because they've learned to pay attention, focus, and listen.

CONCLUSION 

I once knew a professional drummer who did a clinic tour. This guy could play! He had wicked chops, killer technique, speed for days, and a stamina that wouldn’t quit. He would wow people in clinics. Then one night I went to a performance; it was the first time I had seen him perform with a band. I couldn’t believe what I was witnessing — it was as if he had never played drums before. It was really embarrassing. The band members kept looking at each other. It was a nightmare, and a real eye-opening experience for me.

I realized that night that you don’t have to be a smokin’ hot drummer to get the gigs. If you have a great attitude, listen, focus, feel the music, don’t overplay, use dynamics, acknowledge the silence, keep it simple, and drum for the music, you’ll develop into a musical drummer.

Remember this and you’ll get the gig!

RESOURCES

VIDEO:

 Musical Drummer Tom Hambridge with Delbert McClinton and Gary Nicholson:

Technical and Musical Drummer Vinnie Colaiuta shows his musical side as he plays for Faith Hill as she sings this Jeffery Steele penned hit, When The Lights Go Down:

Abe Laboriel Jr. proves you can be a showman drummer while remaining a musical drummer at the same time as he performs with Paul McCartney on Maybe I’m Amazed:

TO DISCUSS DRUMS & PERCUSSION:

Harmony Central Drum Forum

Dendy Jarrett is the Publisher and Director of Harmony Central. He has been heavily involved at the executive level in many aspects of the drum and percussion industry for over 25 years and has been a professional player since he was 16. His articles and product reviews have been featured in InTune Monthly, Gig Magazine, DRUM! and Modern Drummer Magazines.