Play Along CD's: How Top Drummers Are Rehearsing Without a Band
When we first learned how to play the drums, we learned a few basic beats, and maybe a fill or two. But taking your drumming to the next level requires more.
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.
Or you may find yourself labeled as a particular style and unable to break out of your genre. How does a country drummer gain any experience with Jazz for example? Or Funk? Once you've been pigeonholed, it can be tough for anyone to see you as anything else. Remember when Garth Brooks tried to break into rock? Even he was shut down quickly and he's Garth Brooks!
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.
Were talking about using a play along CD. This is a fairly new tool; so let me explain what it is and how you can get the best use from it.
Play along CD is just a fancy name for a recording that's missing one of the instrument tracks. Its like a Karaoke recording (although not nearly as cheesy sounding.) Karaoke removes the vocal track and allows you to sing along. A play along CD is the same thing, but with your instrument missing. This allows you to play your part of the song.
Here's an example: You're a drummer, so you grab a drum play along CD. All you have to do is throw the CD on, jump behind your kit, and play away. Its like having the whole band in the room with you. And, best of all, you can get creative with the part. You may even come up with something better than the original.
Every drummer has to practice. Sure, you could get some in with a metronome and a set of sticks, but whats the fun in that? To be a great drummer, you have to be able to do more than just keep the beat. Professionals are masters of timing, meter, and feel. And to master these things, you have to play with a band, either live or with a play along CD. Do that, and you'll be the one getting all the calls for the next gig. - 18780
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.
Or you may find yourself labeled as a particular style and unable to break out of your genre. How does a country drummer gain any experience with Jazz for example? Or Funk? Once you've been pigeonholed, it can be tough for anyone to see you as anything else. Remember when Garth Brooks tried to break into rock? Even he was shut down quickly and he's Garth Brooks!
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.
Were talking about using a play along CD. This is a fairly new tool; so let me explain what it is and how you can get the best use from it.
Play along CD is just a fancy name for a recording that's missing one of the instrument tracks. Its like a Karaoke recording (although not nearly as cheesy sounding.) Karaoke removes the vocal track and allows you to sing along. A play along CD is the same thing, but with your instrument missing. This allows you to play your part of the song.
Here's an example: You're a drummer, so you grab a drum play along CD. All you have to do is throw the CD on, jump behind your kit, and play away. Its like having the whole band in the room with you. And, best of all, you can get creative with the part. You may even come up with something better than the original.
Every drummer has to practice. Sure, you could get some in with a metronome and a set of sticks, but whats the fun in that? To be a great drummer, you have to be able to do more than just keep the beat. Professionals are masters of timing, meter, and feel. And to master these things, you have to play with a band, either live or with a play along CD. Do that, and you'll be the one getting all the calls for the next gig. - 18780
About the Author:
Spencer (Spence) Strand is a professional drummer and drum teacher working in Nashville, Tennessee. To receive your free sample tracks from his Berklee recommended CD series, "Turn It Up and Lay It Down", please go to his site at DrumFun.com.
posted by X - Men at
3:55 AM
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