Drumming Styles

[saywhuut]

Hey all,
This isn't particularly related to DMB, but it does so enough, plus I've learned a lot from real good replys in the past from you all so i need some input on this.


I was wondering about all of the top drummers out there, a lot have something weird about the way the play that makes them distinct, not all but a lot that i listen to do. For example of course how Carter B. plays the open style (majority) b/c it came natural to him. And i was recently watching John Blackwell's (Prince's drummer) dvd and i noticed how he plays open as well..but uses his left hand as the main stick on the snare as well. its hard to explain you have to see it to know what i mean. the point is that i know a drummer should play however it comes natural to him, but how do you go about learning how to master other ways of playing without just copying the other drummers. In other ways, is it smart to explore around with playing open like carter does untill it feels natural, or is it smarter to do another method.


Sorry if this is confusing, I'm just looking for ways to broaden my playing, but in a masterful way. Any comments welcome.


Stephen

[RushianSyrinx]

its always good to explore with your drumming...

For a while, I wanted to be carter and play open handed and tried that for a while...that was a few yrears ago and i didnt have the patience for it, but I did it for like 5-6 months and wasnt as proficent as playing right handed so i gave it up...

now being 5 years later, my left hand is alot stronger, including leading many of my fills, incorporating more hihat work and left hand crashes/independence in my playing. I just dabble with open handedness still, but It definitely improved my playing.

Its not bad to try and copy someone, because If you do it, you may very well incorporate something of his, but with your own swing.

Another example, I wanted to be Neil Peart for a while too, and that opened me up to stronger time keeping and actually planning parts that work really well. And then Im currently trying to be Bonzo, strengthening my right foot, and playing some crazy/sick shit that I couldnt have done 3 years ago, let alone 6 months ago between my hands/feet. And im enjoying this stage, as it incorportes my CB and NP phase as well...

So imagine tasteful drumming like carter, with NP fills and a Bonzo right foot lol


But its GOOD to take inspiration from other sources! Everyone does it!