Play Along CD's: How Top Drummers Are Rehearsing Without a Band
Most people learn how to play the drums and can play a basic beat, or a few common fills. But how can you take your drumming to the next level?
You're a beginning drum student. Or maybe you're an experienced drummer hitting the clubs and working the scene. But no matter what level you're at, one thing is a constant: practice.
But this requires working with other musicians. And not everyone is on the same schedule as you. Also, there may come a day when you simply are better than the band you're playing with, and are no longer challenged as a drummer.
Perhaps you get labeled as playing a certain style, and are unable to get a gig in another genre. Maybe you're a Funk drummer who wants to play country. Or a Jazz player who wants to rock. Once you're associated with a particular form of music, it can be quite difficult to be seen as anything else. Take Garth Brooks, for example. He was the biggest name in country music, but when he tried to put out a rock album his fans turned on him.
Of course, the alternative is to play alone which, lets face it, can be quite tedious and boring (there are only so many times you can play Wipeout or Zeppelin's Rock & Roll.) Well now there is a great alternative that is both fun and does not require anyone else's participation.
Now there is a tool available called a play along CD. Lets take a look at what exactly it is, as well as how you can use it to improve your playing in any style.
A play along CD is simply a recording of a song with one or more of the instruments removed from the track. You can think of it like a Karaoke track for musicians. Just like Karaoke removes the vocals so you can sing along, play along CD's remove certain music lines, which allows you to play your part of the song.
As a drummer, for example, you pick up a drum play along CD, jam it in the player, dig in behind your kit, and start playing right away. You get the whole band in the room with you. Even better, it allows you to get extremely creative with the music, maybe even coming up with something cooler than the original track.
All drummers need practice. And you can accomplish some of this with a simple metronome and a drum kit. But a great drummer can do more than just keep a beat. Professional drummers must develop a strong sense of time, master meter, and be able to groove. It's all about feeling. And you don't get that without playing with others either live or on a play along CD. That is what will make you the one everyone calls for a gig. - 23806
You're a beginning drum student. Or maybe you're an experienced drummer hitting the clubs and working the scene. But no matter what level you're at, one thing is a constant: practice.
But this requires working with other musicians. And not everyone is on the same schedule as you. Also, there may come a day when you simply are better than the band you're playing with, and are no longer challenged as a drummer.
Perhaps you get labeled as playing a certain style, and are unable to get a gig in another genre. Maybe you're a Funk drummer who wants to play country. Or a Jazz player who wants to rock. Once you're associated with a particular form of music, it can be quite difficult to be seen as anything else. Take Garth Brooks, for example. He was the biggest name in country music, but when he tried to put out a rock album his fans turned on him.
Of course, the alternative is to play alone which, lets face it, can be quite tedious and boring (there are only so many times you can play Wipeout or Zeppelin's Rock & Roll.) Well now there is a great alternative that is both fun and does not require anyone else's participation.
Now there is a tool available called a play along CD. Lets take a look at what exactly it is, as well as how you can use it to improve your playing in any style.
A play along CD is simply a recording of a song with one or more of the instruments removed from the track. You can think of it like a Karaoke track for musicians. Just like Karaoke removes the vocals so you can sing along, play along CD's remove certain music lines, which allows you to play your part of the song.
As a drummer, for example, you pick up a drum play along CD, jam it in the player, dig in behind your kit, and start playing right away. You get the whole band in the room with you. Even better, it allows you to get extremely creative with the music, maybe even coming up with something cooler than the original track.
All drummers need practice. And you can accomplish some of this with a simple metronome and a drum kit. But a great drummer can do more than just keep a beat. Professional drummers must develop a strong sense of time, master meter, and be able to groove. It's all about feeling. And you don't get that without playing with others either live or on a play along CD. That is what will make you the one everyone calls for a gig. - 23806
About the Author:
Spencer (Spence) Strand is a performing drummer and drum instructor who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. To receive your free recordings from his Berklee recommended CD series, "Turn It Up and Lay It Down", please visit his site at DrumFun.com.
posted by X - Men at
2:11 AM
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