I've just posted another drummer meme here.
This one makes fun of those drummers who get up close and personal with their drums trying to tune them. The question is, how many of these drummers actually know what they're doing when they try to tune drumkits. What is it exactly that they're looking for? I believe that as a drummer, you either naturally know how to tune your drumkit or it is something that you develop over a lifetime of playing the instrument. I do find that the older drummers tend to have a better ear and know what to look for. Whereas the newer drummers have no idea what to look for when tuning drums. What do you do when you tune your kits? What is your reference point and how much time do you put into making sure that your kit sounds good?
0 Comments
You see the pair of drumsticks in this picture?
In my opinion they have absolutely seen better days!! But I know many a drummer out there that loves playing with drumsticks like these that have been beat to death. I understand that they have been worn in and would then have a nice feeling and perhaps nice rebound. But I just honestly can't understand how drummers look past all of that and continue to play with sticks that are so worn and so broken like this. If anything, drumsticks that have frayed like that are not only a hazard and dangerous. But they also weigh you down in a way that is quite impossible to explain. I suppose it comes down to aerodynamics in a way. A new drumstick that is smooth will glide through the air. But the frayed drumsticks almost act like a propeller. and the sticks flies in different directions which I can't handle or control. But hey, if you're a drummer and playing with stick like this works. Then good for you! No sarcasm or anything intended. I genuinely find it impressive that drummers are able to play with sticks like this! I've seen this meme about drummers floating around for many years now.
Whilst I do find it absolutely hilarious, there is definitely some truth to it. I'm gonna first explain this meme about drummers to you. And then I will go into why I think there is truth to it. Drummers, open your ears because it is time to listen! What Is This Picture Of Th Drummer About? The image quite obviously pictures John Bonham. But ironically, he has nothing to do with the root of what the meme is about. The truth is that any drummer could be pictures here. The focus is actually on the text which explains what the whole meme is about. Drummers usually take the longest to set up. But once their gear is up and ready to rock, they have nothing more to worry about. Guitar players and bass players on the other hand have to regularly tune their instruments. And if you've ever been in a band, you'll definitely know this is when the drummers take the opportune moment to let loose and play a drum solo. That is why I think it is so true. I do find it funny but I also find it frustrating. This is because before I was a drummer I was actually a bass players. And in all the bands I was in, the drummers would take the silence of the tuning moment and open up his/her chops. Why Do Drummers Do This? My best guess as to why drummers do this is because we don't get to set up our full drum kits that often and we don't get the chance to smash the drums as hard as we like. Sometimes that is all we want to do! What Can We Do To Stop This? Nothing! I think drummers will be drummers and that is the way it will always be. Other band members will just have to embrace this kind of thing. I've been both types of band members so I totally understand the plight for each member. Let's just love each other and have a laugh at the classic drummer meme that this is. I guess I belieb my eyes now...wow!
So there was this video that I posted a few days back right. It was regarding some old man over 100 playing drums and the whole post was some drumming inspiration for you. But most importantly myself. When I went to check my inbox the next day after posting that drumming video. I can only say with absolutely certainty that my inbox had exploded with emails coming in from people who had mixed feelings. Some said it is too late to start drumming, Others say it is never too late to start drumming. I'll give you my thoughts.. Why It's Never To Late To Play Drums Picking up a hobby like learning an instrument such as the drums is something very healthy. It stimulates the mind, lets you get creative, is a form of exercise and leads to a better life overall. For those reasons, why would anyone deny themselves these pleasures of learning as well as playing the drums. If you're 10 or if you're 100. It does not matter. But what does matter is that the desire and willingness as well as commitment to practice remains and burns strong. Because playing the drums will require determination and effort. When Is It Too Late To play Drums The only event I could think of is turning professional. If you're over a certain age (for example over 40) I'd definitely not suggest putting everything on the line to become a drummer. That being said, it should not stop anyone from playing the drums. So really, the truth is that it is never too late to play drums!! Here's another video that will explain this: Oh boy! The age old debate between the best jazz drumsticks and, which is better. Brushes or sticks? I saw this debate about the best drumsticks for Jazz: www.drumstickcentral.com/best-drumsticks-for-jazz/ And so I decided to give my own perspective on this drumstick topics. I like to egg this debate on a bit because I am neither phased by either sides of the fence so I can play devils advocate somewhat when it comes to telling you the answer between brushes or sticks as the best jazz drumsticks. Which Drumsticks For Jazz? Brushes or Sticks? What If I told you that there was no right or wrong answer here? Would you be surprised? As a beginner, I was surprised to learn that there is no "best" choice when it comes to using drumsticks for jazz. Because, ultimately whatever you decide to use and whichever drumstick you prefer is completely okay and up to you. But I definitely believe that there are certain situations where a set of brushes would be better for jazz. So I'll take you through the scenarios and situations when I use brushes to play Jazz drums. As well as the different situations and scenarios when I decide to use proper drumsticks for jazz instead of brushes. When to use brushes for jazz drumming The times I decide to use brushes for jazz drumming will come down to two factors. Usually only one of those factors come into play. However sometimes both factors come into play when deciding to use jazz brushes.
When to use normal drumsticks for jazz If the two factors that I mentioned above don't come into play. Then I will always tend towards using the regular/normal drumsticks for jazz. The reason is because they feel the most natural. And you don't get the same rebound with brushes. Regular drumsticks were designed for a reason and I always prefer the way they feel. The application of brushes though is different and they're not very versatile. Whereas normal drumsticks are a lot more versatile. And if you practice hard enough, you can teach yourself how to play jazz drums quietly with normal sticks. What do the professional drummer do? The real professional jazz drummers will not prefer one over the other. No. Instead, they'll take each song into consideration and then decide which will be the most necessary drumstick to use. You see, like a painter needs his different paint brushes. OR how a carpenter needs his different tools. So does a professional drummer who will need a whole host of different drumsticks to tend to the song. For professionals, it is not about them showing off but rather taking the essence of the music or the song in particular in mind, internalizing it and then translating what he/she will sound best as well as serve the song in the best possible way. That is the way I like to approach drumming from now on. Instead of being fixated on loving certain gear. I've been trying to stay open minded about different types of jazz gear for drums. conclusionYou can hopefully see from this drumsticks post that using brushes or sticks for jazz does not have a definitive answer. But like I said, I always tend to prefer to use regular sticks. Even though I feel that brushes have a classic jazzy sound.
The best pro tip: Always when possible, Take the song and the music that you will be playing into consideration when deciding which drum equipment you will be using. Try to keep and open mind and don't be biased to different brands. Doing so will only stunt your growth in becoming a better drummer. Let the debate rage on and on! All the jazz drummers out there, I am so interested to know what your beliefs are on this particular matter. So here's a video of this old man absolutely smashing it on the drums.
This video made me smile for a number of reasons. But mainly, made me smile because it reminded something very important. I am getting older now and it is getting scarier. The dream of becoming a musicians is fading by the day. It is often that I ask myself what is the point of playing the drums. And, what is the point of being a drummer. After watching this video, it is so very clear to me that these are things I should not worry about. I can play drums for as long as I want to and I can perform until I am as old as I want to. Playing drums does not only equate to the success of playing stadiums shows and being world famous. No, in fact you can make people feel something by performing. Even if it is for a fraction of a second. And, if it is a stadium or a shitty bar, who cares really? As long as you're having fun playing the drums. Or whatever instrument it is that you play. |
AuthorI am the drumstick man! I drum from down the way! ArchivesCategories |