RushianSyrinx
09-14-2008, 12:13 AM
Alright ladies and gentlemen, I've had a few people PM me with drumming questions, so I'm going to post those replies here in hopes that they might help other members of this board interested in percussion and drumming.
If you have questions, feel free to ask away. However, I do ask that if there is something to debate, you take it to another topic so we keep this devoted to advice. Hopefully we can make this a sticky or something.
I have a combination of common problems: my right side is probably 3 times as fast as my left, and each limb has its own technique (grippage problems).
First, to address the speed issue, you must do more things with your left side. I'm talking about practicing double bass leading with left (and hand exercises as well), opening doors with your left hand, even walking with the weaker side stepping first. Basically, you're wired for "right hand-dom" right now, and you have to increase the dexterity of your limbs and the only way to do it is to use them more in every possible thing you can do.
Secondly, address your playing and technique issues. Watch videos of drummers such as Colaiuta, Copeland, (insert favorite drummer here), and don't watch what they're playing... watch HOW they're playing. If Vinnie plays a lick that rocks your socks, watch what he's doing leading up and through it. We are often mesmerized by what is being played and completely miss HOW it is being played.
I know there are dozens of things out there for people to just practice, specifically doing things over and over and over with just your left hand to build speed, but i cannot (and have not) learned how to play drums by doing exercises and what not repetitively; I just have the ability to play more or less anything I hear.
Okay, Nick Cannon :monkey first thing you must do is learn how to read music. It sounds to me as if you've starting jogging without understanding how to walk 100%. Reading music is a great benefit, as is your ability to pick up what you hear. I do fear, though, that you've really missed out on basics and technique by jumping right in to playing beats. Again, really examine how you're playing and if it is ergonomical and economical. That is, is it comfortable and is it easy? If not, you may want to reconsider your approach.
For example, I've been having wrist issues playing snare in the drum corps I am in. I had similar issues playing tenors last year. As a result, I'm taking the next year to really examine my approach to the drum, my grip and how they work together and relate to the muscle in question.
If you have questions, feel free to ask away. However, I do ask that if there is something to debate, you take it to another topic so we keep this devoted to advice. Hopefully we can make this a sticky or something.
I have a combination of common problems: my right side is probably 3 times as fast as my left, and each limb has its own technique (grippage problems).
First, to address the speed issue, you must do more things with your left side. I'm talking about practicing double bass leading with left (and hand exercises as well), opening doors with your left hand, even walking with the weaker side stepping first. Basically, you're wired for "right hand-dom" right now, and you have to increase the dexterity of your limbs and the only way to do it is to use them more in every possible thing you can do.
Secondly, address your playing and technique issues. Watch videos of drummers such as Colaiuta, Copeland, (insert favorite drummer here), and don't watch what they're playing... watch HOW they're playing. If Vinnie plays a lick that rocks your socks, watch what he's doing leading up and through it. We are often mesmerized by what is being played and completely miss HOW it is being played.
I know there are dozens of things out there for people to just practice, specifically doing things over and over and over with just your left hand to build speed, but i cannot (and have not) learned how to play drums by doing exercises and what not repetitively; I just have the ability to play more or less anything I hear.
Okay, Nick Cannon :monkey first thing you must do is learn how to read music. It sounds to me as if you've starting jogging without understanding how to walk 100%. Reading music is a great benefit, as is your ability to pick up what you hear. I do fear, though, that you've really missed out on basics and technique by jumping right in to playing beats. Again, really examine how you're playing and if it is ergonomical and economical. That is, is it comfortable and is it easy? If not, you may want to reconsider your approach.
For example, I've been having wrist issues playing snare in the drum corps I am in. I had similar issues playing tenors last year. As a result, I'm taking the next year to really examine my approach to the drum, my grip and how they work together and relate to the muscle in question.