When you first were taught how to play the drums, you probably learned the basic beats, and perhaps a fill or two. But to become a real pro, you need something else.
Beginning drum students and experienced pros have one thing in common. Whether playing in the garage or on the biggest stages in the world, you still must 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.
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.
If you're a drummer you have to practice. No doubt about that. And you could practice with a simple metronome and sticks, but it wouldn't be much fun. If you wish to be a great drummer, you have to know time, meter, groove, and feel. And you won't master these things unless you play with a band live, on CD, or otherwise. But when you nail these things, you will be the drummer getting the call for the next gig, regardless of your style. - 23812
Beginning drum students and experienced pros have one thing in common. Whether playing in the garage or on the biggest stages in the world, you still must 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.
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.
If you're a drummer you have to practice. No doubt about that. And you could practice with a simple metronome and sticks, but it wouldn't be much fun. If you wish to be a great drummer, you have to know time, meter, groove, and feel. And you won't master these things unless you play with a band live, on CD, or otherwise. But when you nail these things, you will be the drummer getting the call for the next gig, regardless of your style. - 23812
About the Author:
Spencer (Spence) Strand is a performing drummer and drum teacher who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. To receive your free recordings from his Berklee recommended CD series, "Turn It Up and Lay It Down", please go to his site at DrumFun.com.
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