serti Registered 1 day ago m3tal Registered 2 days ago Notes2Nikki Registered 2 days ago floppy tripod Registered 2 days ago chris0511 Registered 2 days ago
Of course being somewhat humble is important. But I also think it's important to recognize if you know how to play. Being able to promote yourself is a big part of being a musician. Above all I value HONESTY about musicianship. The recognition of one's abilities, and failings, otherwise how would we ever improve?
As for theory Phil, although you may not play guitar or piano, theory does include music reading for rhythm, and just general understanding of how polyrhythms fit together, etc. So you most certainly have a knowledge of some theory. It's also invaluable for a guitar player to say 'can you jump in at the Am7aug4 chord' and for a drummer to be able to know where that is.
I think it all boils down to understanding what other musicians need to be able to work well. Learning about other instruments isn't particularly easy and can take a long time. But since I realize that my "extra-percussional" knowledge is pretty limited, I make a constant effort to talk to other musicians about their instruments, how they're played, and anything related to that. I've also picked up a few instruments along the way and I can't describe how much it has helped me. You kind of just have to jump in head first and give it a shot! (I bought my first guitar between two ball games at a tournament in grade 8 on a whim, and made it a goal to be gigging within a year).
When I was growing up and my dad was teaching me to play, the one thing he always reminded me was to "play the holes". Like Joey I often find that the drummers I hear that are the most irritating are the ones that don't know when to stop and just play time.
"Wagner's music is much better than it sounds." - Mark Twain
I think it means having a double pedal and being able to play very fast with your hands and feet. Under no circumstances leave any space or some egotistical soloist or singer might chime in. Pay no attention to tempo because you may not get the same effect frm your licks if the tempo isn't right for you. Not much else matters. It's all about you.
Being humble yes, when people come up to you after a set and tell you how great you are, when your looking for a job NO, Talk yourself up to no end.
Music Theory, no need it blues, rock, funk, punk or pop.
Practice every minute you can, learn every sticking, then forget it all when you play with a band and just listen!
As a drummer you need to know everyones part! It is the drummer who puts it all together.
When I play I'm not thinking "oh I'll do this and it will kill them" I'm only playing what I hear. I take the guitarplays feel or the singer's and try to copy it, play right with them note for note and maybe, just maybe add one or two notes. It not me, it the song that is great!
Mike thanks. I knew I forgot something. Image is also important. Always bring the largest kit you can get your hands on. If you're not getting at least 50% of the stage find another band with better priorities.Gene
I agree "crash" about forgetting it all. Learn as much as you can, practice as much as you can, play in as many different situations as you can, and let it become a "Zen" type thing where you do it without really thinking, it just happens because your whole being was taught how to do it and it becomes an integral, natural part of ones totality. Kind of like Karate.
I wouldn't dis music theory. Yes, you can get along just fine without it, but you'll certainly benefit knowing some theory. Especially when it comes to things like form, rhythm, and time signatures. With theory, you'll have a deeper level of understanding of what you (and others) are playing. That's a good thing. Theory is the "science" of music, so to speak. It will help you be more creative.Lee
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