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What makes a good drummer?


mentalextra

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I've played with less competent drummers who have been a far better band member, simply because of their attitude and contribution to all aspects of being in a band.

Current drummer is far better technically, but a right royal pain in the backside in all other aspects.  At the end of the day, it's about enjoying the whole experience rather than constantly grinding your teeth and bashing your Head against a wall (at the correct tempo).

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A good drummer MUST be able to do the following:

  • Play in time.
  • Properly tune their drums.
  • Remember at least two sets' worth of material.
  • Control volume of playing without compromise.
  • Be consistent and play with tasteful economy.
  • Develop an almost telepathic relationship with the bass player.
  • Be groovy and funky as all-get-out when necessary.
  • Avoid strewing the stage with boxes and cases when setting up.
  • Set up a full kit in 15 minutes or less.
  • Be a nice guy, diplomatic and easy to get on with.
  • Resist the urge to have 'just one more drink/spliff/rock/tab'.
  • Carry own drums and ancilliaries to and from transport.
  • PROVIDE OWN BLOODY TRANSPORT!

I've only met two drummers in forty years who have been anywhere near this.
In conclusion: Finding a good drummer is HARD.

Edited by discreet
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This.

Turns up with ...One bass drum...One snare....One h-ihat.....One floor Tom....One overhead tom...one crash and a ride.

Anything more and I walk. I've had a lifetimes fill of "drummers" who turn up with double this, extra that,  walls of rotos that they can hide behind..etc etc...

I can remember one rehearsal where 3/4 of our time was taken up with the guy setting up the biggest kit Id ever seen..none of us could beleive it.

 

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1 hour ago, discreet said:

A good drummer MUST be able to do the following:

  • Play in time.
  • Properly tune their drums.
  • Remember at least two sets' worth of material.
  • Control volume of playing without compromise.
  • Be consistent and play with tasteful economy.
  • Develop an almost telepathic relationship with the bass player.
  • Be groovy and funky as all-get-out when necessary.
  • Avoid strewing the stage with boxes and cases when setting up.
  • Set up a full kit in 15 minutes or less.
  • Be a nice guy, diplomatic and easy to get on with.
  • Resist the urge to have 'just one more drink/spliff/rock/tab'.
  • Carry own drums and ancilliaries to and from transport.
  • PROVIDE OWN BLOODY TRANSPORT!

I've only met two drummers in forty years who have been anywhere near this.
In conclusion: Finding a good drummer is HARD.

I like your list, actually I love your list. 

It's taken a while but our new drummer has everything on your list.

Most important he sings fantastic high harmonies, has a great look, he's a great guy and people tend to gravitate towards him at every gig. Him and his wife set up and tear down his kit in 15 mins.

At first I didn't think he was going to work out. Boy was I wrong. We're lucky we found him ( open mic ).

Blue

Edited by Bluewine
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||(grin) The guy I use most these days even gets me GIGS!

Known him for a fair few years and initially he tended to speed up a lot.

I noticed and commented on how he suddenly improved a year or so back & he said he was taking lessons from a pro player.

What a transformation.

Rock solid, great feel and learns stuff so quickly we often go out and do new stuff cold. 

I love you, Tony!

 

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I have had the luxury of playing with three of the best drummers in the country over the years - one of them even got a bit famous, too.

If you havent already found "your" drummer you have a treat in store when you do.

First guy I felt this level of connection with  was the main reason I have always preferred playing bass, even if I did spend a lot of my "career" playing guitar.

Look up John "Willie" Wilson.  Another lovely lad like Tony and about the same age difference between me and the pair of them.

Anyone else on here found their drummery "music match in heaven"?  :D

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10 minutes ago, ivansc said:

||(grin) The guy I use most these days even gets me GIGS!

Known him for a fair few years and initially he tended to speed up a lot.

I noticed and commented on how he suddenly improved a year or so back & he said he was taking lessons from a pro player.

What a transformation.

Rock solid, great feel and learns stuff so quickly we often go out and do new stuff cold. 

I love you, Tony!

 

I love you Max!

Blue

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