Friday, December 31, 2010
Dirty Laundry-Don Henley-Drum Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HmPg6Z_pV4&hl=en
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
realizations of drums Rob
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNkLME8IH3A&hl=en
Monday, December 27, 2010
Joey Castillo, his grandmother bought him his natives Drumset
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxXrb-x5yFI&hl=en
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Samples of the drum with Swing settings
Image : http://www.flickr.com
In making beats, there are two factors that are often overlooked space: time-critical density and swing. We will look at them in this article, there are a lot of beat makers paid tools that have been observed, and not enough and not to apply the principles of use of the swing drum samples.
First of all, why use the swing? Swing is useful in two cases. It is particularly useful when used with an editor or a click-in interface (egReason or FL Studio Redrum sequencer), and in this case serves to humanize the drum loop sample. If it were not for the swing, all samples were exactly as an exercise in point and variance of the human ear does not 100% accurate in all. What makes the concert such an action, when he sang his favorite artist exactly the same notes with the same notes and timing of the CD versions of his songs at every live show there would not be possible, thisDemand.
If you can drum beat, for example, Swing is similar to quantization, and it will help check-in, careful not to take off-note.
But what exactly is Swing? Swing is back as quantization, but without the time to 100%. There are different styles of swing models, with varying degrees of oscillation. A swing of 50%, for example, is no different snap-quantization, then your swing is not for everyone. But beyond this movement, a model swing of 63%for example, is a MIDI notes that moved the next quantization point thirteen per cent or so. The percentage is the time it would be thirteen percent of the 1/16th note, if 1 / 16 was the date chosen.
Swing models are particularly useful when using electronic instrument components, which are fully quantized. With these synth sounds and drums, as well quantized, resulting in discomfort. So in this case, many manufacturers have a high quantized and Swingthe swing of others, or tools. Swinging the battery in this case produce some catchy songs as beautiful as the sound of the drums interact with the electronic instrument.
Swing settings for drum samples is a skill acquired, and starting with rates between 51% and 65% is a good start for most would-be producers or the existing one had not absorbed the appearance of rhythmic swing. There are different types of models that come directly fromcan groove machines like the MPC 2000 and so, and they make sense, the swing, the legendary hip-hop have used for countless classic reply.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
** BEST QUALITY ** Blink 182 - 2009 Saskatoon appearance - Travis Barker solo acclaim Boom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENNfbt_Dyeg&hl=en
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
The benefits of teaching Drums
Image : http://www.flickr.com
If you've played the drums for a long time at all, then you can teach drums. You might say, "Yes, but I do not know enough, or play well enough to teach drums." You know more than someone who has never picked up a pair of chopsticks!
Now let me make it clear "Drums teaching."
When I say "teaching drums" or "teach drums," I show only the basics like someone a cool groove or fill. Not necessarily teaching adult drum lessons. Send ToExperts.
I'm just like, you can never miss an opportunity, someone who is interested in something fresh to play the drums teach. Not only do you rob them, but without.
"How?" He asks.
If you start teaching drums, or someone to show them some of your drumming skills and abilities, even if you think there is not much, you will be surprised to learn more things. You'll also notice that you start, knew more thanYou thought you knew about the drums to improve your confidence. And building trust is essential for being a great drummer!
Many new drummer lack of confidence. I think one of the main reasons is because they are more likely to have to deal with other drummers, states, are known, which have a battery or larger. Whatever the reason, do not! She is not right in itself.
Have you ever heard the phrase: "Beauty is in the eyes ofViewer? "That means what can be impressive, is not someone else. To be impressive, for example, much is expected of a particular musician or singer, but somebody else does not agree with you. They have their own favorites.
What I'm saying that this is possible and better drummer than you think. "Better than who?" He asks. Feeling better than someone who has never picked up a pair of chopsticks! See for yourself from the perspective of someone else. You... Play is not so. And if you have any drums that you have skills, they may think you're awesome.
Again, it is teaching drums to help you learn more and improve your confidence. Even battery can teach anyone to be a real eye-opener for you. Students often bring a different perspective to the table, and certainly challenge your thinking.
Then, find someone to learn, teach, and then the battery, they will. Teaching battery is easy, or at leastshows some cool techniques. Aspiring drummers everywhere. All you have to do is ask.
Sunday, December 19, 2010
101 Sticks
Image : http://www.flickr.com
If you are a drummer, then you know that some thought is necessary to choose the right rods. All the sticks are not the same thing!
The general pattern of rods covered by a series of numbers and letters, as the fifth, seventh, 2B, etc. of various sizes and weights available preference allow different types of games and music. The number refers to the size of the stick, the lowest number with the larger size and vice versaverse. The letters are chosen to match play with the styles. A 'S' stands for 'street', so often the choice of marching band. 'B' Sticks are designed for the use of "bands" as a band concert and / or 'A', strange as it may be, stands for "orchestra" sticks that are popular with rock and jazz artists. Let's look at 2B for example, a heavy barrel, preferably rock and R & B musician, because they require a lot of volume during playback. OnOn the other hand, 7A is a popular choice for jazz and acoustic volume and less necessary.
Another choice you must make the purchase of chopsticks is councils whether to go for wood or nylon. The standard wood top creates a rounder sound than the nylon tip that emits more than a sharper tone, especially when used on the pool. Nylon tips can break in an impact drive, while the wooden sticks can break and shatter.
In recent years musicians have been experimenting and moremore with special designs on a better grip, or stick to increased longevity, such as rubber, which is impossible to break, but it costs a bit 'extra should.
So what are the main things you look at the time of drum sticks?
You could start with the choice of types of wood. The most common wood used for wands are maple, walnut and oak. Maple is the lightest of the three and therefore more flexible, making it a good choice for beginners. Hickory is theRounder and more popular choice, it absorbs energy well and is more flexible, although a bit 'harder than maple. Oak sticks have a longer life because they are denser than other woods, but the same reason they have a reputation for providing vibration too.
To the right size, you should think about what kind of tape to play you and 2B-5B sticks to withstand the most abuse and are good at music bands and heavy metal bands. Generalspeaking, a 7A or 5A play the best option for lighter, as his jazz.
If you are prone to sweaty hands, try, painted sticks, you could end up losing the support rods and fly out to left, right and center to avoid. The look and feel of the paint is the most desirable, but may disappear to play, you better do without. There are also poles are available to them for taking them with rubber grip for those who want to lose deliberately.
Try the sticksunless they are defective. If a stick is not just you at risk of producing a distorted sound and are also more prone to breakage. Spread on a flat surface should be smooth and the tip should remain level.
Above all, a stock feel like an extension of yourself. Experiment with different types up to an optimal level of comfort and the sound you're looking for.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Drum lesson - Dirty Little Secret - Stick Tricks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-JWM5we4wY&hl=en
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
OSP DD502 electronic drum kit knitted garments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6_OeKyFBRs&hl=en
Monday, December 13, 2010
Best Drum Throne
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Because most drummers spend most of their time sitting, it makes sense to invest in quality, a drum throne. There are many different drummer seats on the market, while a drum throne can be set not seem a particularly important part of quality is important, comfortable and well supported if you want our drums to get the most from. Here are some of the best on the market throne.
The top-models you can buy come from pigsPie. Your throne is a great gel seat more comfortable, support available, thanks to its memory foam seat high-performance top with a comfortable gel. Backed by strong double-braced frame and a clamp block vice holds the seat and will not give under your weight. Every drummer will tell you how annoying it is to hear, slow to fall, while in the middle of a song, Pork Pie and owners need not worry. Its only drawback is its hefty price tag of $ 200, and thosecan not afford this, you should see similar throne is comfortable around Pork Pie drum. It is basically exactly the same thing, except you do not have extra comfortable gel pad on top.
If you are looking for some quality alternatives to Pork Pie thrones, you should think of Gibraltar 9608VA throne that offers excellent extra pockets for drum sticks, water bottles, towels and anything else small that you need to access during the game . Does not provide the bestPillow, but is very stable and will not give under pressure. DW 9120M Tripod Tractor-Style Seat is a fantastic opportunity for people to promote a wider, heavy seat. It also uses double brackets and Vice reinforced support to ensure that the core business of all the assistance necessary to get you to play your best.
Folks spend hours and hours and thousands of dollars to improve the way their drums, and if you're serious about your drumming, it is not easy to not invest similaryour throne. If you want to play the maximum comfort and support are needed, and a throne of quality is to provide both.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Muse - Time Is Running Out - Drum Cover by Ben Powell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDy_AXHdE-Q&hl=en
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
boom of the metal sold out - can this play? Boom Kit From Hell!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nE1mlwUIKO0&hl=en
Monday, December 6, 2010
How To: Hot for Teacher drum intro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssNrAODsmIE&hl=en
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Black Betty (GH: WT Expert Drums 5 *)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6lIRDhY-ek&hl=en
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Drum Set - Communication Breakdown - Led Zeppelin
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpY-FGVjaOI&hl=en
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Rock Band for the Nintendo Wii game - fun for the whole family
Image : http://www.flickr.com
The Nintendo game Rock Band, players can perform in a virtual band. Up to four players can play. There are three different peripherals modeled instruments. A bass guitar and drums. In addition to these three devices, there is a microphone to sing.
Rock Band for Nintendo Wii Posted on 22 June 2008. In this game the player is playing rock n roll music simulation hitting the notes that scroll across the Screen. Rock Band expands the Guitar Hero series, which offers to sing and play drums, bass and lead guitars as well. From October 9, 2008, the game has already generated € 600,000,000. From early December 2008, is one of the best Wii games sold at Christmas 2008.
With the microphone for Rock Band, the singers are, how strong they judged the pitch of the singers song. The drum kit contains four rubber> Pads and a pedal. The rings, which correspond to the screen have been dyed. The game includes a guitar controller modeled on the Fender Stratocaster.
One of the great things about Rock Band is that it is truly a game everyone can play together. Each player in the band can choose their own difficulties. A player can play the drums so hard, while another sings easily and third plays with a low to medium. If a player has problems anddenied to other members of the band, players can save and return failure. This set allows you to have fun for all.
If you buy Rock Band, you must be careful and pay attention to what you get. Devices are sold separately or bundled. So you can buy all the equipment at a price, or buy pieces separately.
The Wii game Rock Band is a collection of songs by bands like the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, The Who, Kiss, MollyHatchet and more. In addition to the songs that come with the game, the user can download more songs added online.
If you like rock music and games, then enjoy the Nintendo Wii's Rock Band could be a game the whole family can enjoy.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Friday, November 26, 2010
Beginner drum lessons online
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Are you interested in music? If you answered yes, this article has the secrets that will guide on how to play drums. Today there are many sites that offer drum lessons for beginners and a reasonable fee. If you have the passion to play the drums, then your dream could become reality. Many people have shown interest and remains to be seen how well they can find these classes will be of use. Tips for beginners to help you pass through a drumThe lessons are covered in depth, thanks to this article.
First, you determine your dream and live with it. Select the search engine of your choice and are looking for reliable online sites that offer music and schools of drum. The school of choice should be the teaching of financial capacity and time. Go for the package that best suits your needs.
The second step is to determine your needs. Let the professionals better battery and newer.After gathering information on the drum, sticks and other materials can be the best you must and can go for shopping. Learning to play the drums is not only a physical process, but also a mental process. You have to prepare enough, because you use your ears properly. We must sharpen hearing for a student to succeed. The difference between hearing and listening is very important. Hearing is the reception of any sound, istransmitted to the news of the exact perception of what you hear. Be taught the fundamentals and techniques on how to play drums is only part of music theory. As a student, you have to learn, improve and develop your aural skills through ear training.
Online training for beginners drum lessons rhythm is good, because progress at your own pace. People who are professionals in training, and allow you to go through the whole process on your schedule. You decide what timelearn according to your budget. This makes the process similar to your adventure and enjoy quite well. Discipline and patience are personal characteristics, have the student has a good music. You will find the beginner drum lessons too easy and simple to understand, if you follow the instructions. You can count not only on notes supplied by the teacher, but research and read a lot. If you polish your skills you need to look for more styles and genres. ThisAsks thirst for knowledge extraction.
Understanding how the battery is not a science and art. You need to do more practice. Before seeing other professionals do and then learn from them, it all started with drum lessons beginner like you. You can source for DVD and CD carrying out such teachings e. Do not forget how much practical work is expected of you. Stay motivated and never give up, despite numerousChallenges. If you understand how to play the drums, then you are set for the set great pleasure.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
The Beatles - A Day In The Life / Marcos Camacho Batteries
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhv44enhrGs&hl=en
Monday, November 22, 2010
Drums - Do you know anything about it?
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Drums are among the family of percussion instruments and can have time to think as human beings. If you want to see far enough back in history, would probably have found that people beat the record for making a sound. The drums have been used by many people in ceremonies and ritual dances. Since then, the drum has grown and developed as people have requested more from the drum. In fact, the major improvements that the drum may have donein 1900, when blues, jazz, rock and roll and other new forms of music, song required the use of different drums in all, if people are already experimenting with some changes to the drum in late 1800.
Today, a typical set of drums or cymbals kit consists of a number of different drums. Most of the drums and cymbals in the set or kit are beaten with sticks, brushes, mallets or when struck by the rest of them arewith a foot pedal. It 'was in 1800 that the foot pedal and was developed for the battery, while most other improvements, the battery occurred during 1900. One might ask why there are so many changes, the drums were, and why should it be so complex. Just think of the music being played and heard in today's world. If you pay extra, just for the different individual sounds in the music, you will find thatmany different drum sounds in the song, he adds.
There are many people to learn the drums and taking lessons, but it only takes a few may be able to play the drums in the right place. Many of them play very well and play the drums for fun in your spare time. and the whole drum kit with a person today has to focus and practice to be able to do, following what they are.
It takes talent and skill to be able to multi-task theStreet that needs a drummer. A person must be able to use each hand a different drum a lot of time, and were able to keep in sync with everything. Many people have tried to play the drums, but have not been run, so they make something else.
Another reason why many people can not choose the battery is a good kit that can be very expensive, especially if purchased new. Young, new drummers just starting to learn how to play and howwill keep trying to buy used instead, drum kits and sets.
Most will avoid buying a new drum kit, or until they are to ensure that they are serious musicians who want to. It should be noted also that these are like most other tools, higher-quality drum kits and sets are often more expensive than lower quality.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Buying a Beginner Drum Set
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Why should I buy beginner drum set?
If your child wants to start playing drums, you can consider buying a battery beginner. Junior battery is not a toy. It 'a correct sentence, which allows the teaching of young students to enjoy drums and ensure a smooth transition to a full set size as a drum drummer is old enough to do. One of the most important aspects of drumming is coordination. It is easy to reach by handCoordination and feet, learning begins when a real battery.
What to consider when buying a set of
All sets have a snare drum, bass drum and tom-tom drums. The number of Tom-Tom drums varies from set to set, and the customer decides how many barrels you want. A drum kit includes mallets, bass pedal, drum and drums down the court. The seat is usuallycalled to the throne. Some buyers pay more attention to the drums as the seat. It 'important to a throne that the correct altitude, because the positions of poor play can cause injury to vote again.
What is the right size?
The best way to find out which drum kit will fit the student is successful or sit in playing position and see if he or she can easily travel around the drum. The feet should reach the bass drum and theHit-hat pedals. The snare should be at waist level. The rack tom and should be accessible with chopsticks.
If you can, sit in the selection of a drum machine, before the diameter of the bass can be adjusted in the past worked for the file size. , Set in which the diameter of the drum is between 12 "-14''Not suitable for children is three minutes before seven. 8:00 to 12:00 children must general tax, the bass is 16''Drums.
The stands and mounting system
Buyers should properly monitor the stands and Tom mounting system of the sentence. Stands must be able to withstand the impact if the player uses. We recommend that you try it on the strength of the articles by the assembly of the battery shop and against a purchase.
Buyers must remember these things so they do not end up buying the wrong beginner.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The best age to buy a Junior Drum Set
Image : http://www.flickr.com
If you buy one for a child or a drum set for your teenager, you will probably find that the best way to set a junior drum. If not, perhaps you should consider, because this type of drum kit make tons of sense for drummers and young children. It is no longer necessary, preferably in a full drum set, if the child is just starting to experiment with their drums.
But at what age junior drum make sense make more sense? The answer isAge when a child begins to fall almost everyone. Junior Drums in the configuration for the children are so small and 4 are certainly appropriate for a drummer in their teens. The main consideration for the purchase of a basic drum kit than a full set is the experience level of the child, rather than how old they are.
The reasons starter drums are suitable for children is that they allow the best of all for parents and children. Junior barrels todayProviders are instruments of the highest quality, not a toy. That is, they sound great, are durable and are perfect for practicing and learning. The main difference between starter drum kit and cake and which are the basic configurations, and less expensive.
The cost component associated with the junior drum on the other main reason why they are so popular with children. Investing in a drum kit is not cheap, especially for those who are young, only the buildingInterest. In fact, the purchase of a battery is like an investment for the whole family when one considers the element of space and sound, something like buying a piano.
This means that buying jr father and drums for an end less than an attractive option for the mother. For half the price of their son or daughter can start immediately to put drums on quality, and when a couple of months, the interest is gone, ending the battery on eBay.The purchase of a complete set for a child is the worst case just disinterested. Upgrading from a basic drum kit, a full drum when the child is dependent on the drums is something that can be done along the way, and it is usually the most drummers these days do.
So if you're willing to look to make the commitment to purchase a battery for your child, a junior drum set. The benefits are numerous, and the disadvantages are few.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Drum Sets Online
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Drum kits have evolved from an industrial laboratory for a large retail business. The rapid growth of the music industry and the introduction of whole new genres of music available to have triggered a need for players to buy the best set of drums. The most popular styles like rock, jazz and classical music for years, are extremely dependent on the drum set. This requirement has led a number of record companies to provide equipment drum setonline.
Professionals, amateurs, music schools and music fans to use drum set. The increase in demand, trade online drum set for a lucrative practice. There are many online websites that sell the drum kit. Most of these companies is needed, the musicians to understand the requirements. Some of these companies offer online services after sale repair and maintenance.
It is advisable to check the credibility of any vendor on the controlInternet in order before you buy. There are several payment options offered by these companies online. Most of them require immediate payment by credit card. Alternative methods of payment, payment on receipt of the drum kit, or check. Online companies must sell a large variety of products. Some companies specialize in custom drum kit. This is to make the battery for special tastes and sounds of the customer.
Bargains can be found onInternet. But together is a big disadvantage the inability to examine the state of battery purchase. It 'an idea that companies selling online drums are superior products, but provide inferior goods. This can be avoided if provided by the payment of the sentence. It allows the drummer to examine and compare the product with you on the website showed. If the customer is dissatisfied, the product may be returned for a replacement.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Practice the drums quiet
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Drums is a great art to master. Not only require a high degree of skill and coordination, but also requires the drummer to really feel and the music he plays. The drum is a large musical instrument that the practice takes a lot of great to be on.
Sometimes, however, exercise can be a bit 'a problem if you do not have a music studio at your convenience. If you live in an apartment or near neighbors,Their training is much noise and you can become a nuisance and an annoyance to you neighbors and the people with whom you live too. In addition, you can have a busy schedule, granted only if you practice your drumming at night. Be noisy at night disturbing the sleep of your neighbors and you can be punished for disturbing the peace, even with the right to a ticket from the local police.
Do not worry too much. There is a Some solutions that offer you the opportunity to practice your drumming just about every time you want without disturbing others.
Drum Pad Silencers
Drum drum pad silencers are simple pads made of a rubber-like material that is applied on top of yours. These drum pad silencers absorb the sound, the beat of the drums to do with chopsticks, while at the same time we still get a good amount of the same natural stick bounce aspect of yourDrums>. They also make these great silencer pads for bass drum and cymbals.
Do not get me wrong, it is to create something as noise mufflers are practicing with the drum pad. However, if you close the door, the family, you hardly feel a thing, and neighbors can not hear your will, something for everyone. So, with drum pad silencers, you can rock on the drums without disturbing any time of day that you are thePeace to everyone.
Rock Band
Have you heard of the video game Rock Band? Well, if you're a musician, as you should be familiar with Rock Band. Sure, this game is not really like playing in a rock band now, the rock band drum set comes very close to reality. The drum sequences in the game industry are quite impressive, and test your skills of drums. These things are pretty quiet, but if you wish, even quieter, youpad to make the rock band drumset made silencer.
If you have a headset for the TV and you have drum silencer pads, you are good to practice drums with Rock Band almost at any time you want. It is expected to show a fun way to test the coordination and dexterity.
So, these are just some examples to start practicing your drumming quietly or as quietly as possible toat least. Rock on!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Beginning drum lessons for your child?
Image : http://www.flickr.com
No matter how old your child is when they say they want to take drum lessons are beginners, there are two simple tests that will run before spending hundreds of dollars on a battery for the '. A test is for you. The other is that for all-to-be-drummer. If the child is not some 'natural rhythm of drum lessons are very frustrated and beginners can give the music all the time. In contrast, only have a little 'rhythmIt started with what could become a lifelong hobby - or even a career.
So let's see how you as a parent who has discussed on your first test, in the meantime, check out the baby. Step for you: Get in the car, turn on the radio, tune it to the local rock station, and turn down in its setting and turn the machine to vibrate. If you do not interfere, you can become a good parent drummer. If this bothers you there is another option, do not gocrazy and the sound is to buy a portable stand. If this is not an option, you must steer your child away from you beginner drum lessons or are you going to discuss if you practice, where practice and your nerves are on board.
If you pass a Step, Let's move on to Step Two: Please answer this question honestly. Do you have enough space at home to receive the battery, a guitar amplifier, bass amplifier and at least three people?
If you said yes toStep two, let's look at three steps. Would you be willing to have a band and practice at home each week? Would you be willing to band practice at home several times a week? If you have a child who is only 8 or 9 years you may not know this would be a big deal. But remember, if the child stays with the drum lessons, he or she will be a 14 year old, then 15 years and the band members are teenagers. Band practice is alwaysDrummer's House, because the battery is too heavy to carry. The only guitarist and bassist, their guitars, amps and maybe a couple of pedals. (This is why we covered the steps two and three.)
Did you go in three stages? Lets move forward, the last step, step four. Your house of those houses where all the children helps the lemonade in the refrigerator or snack in a closet or do you expect your friends to wait for children until they offered aRefreshments? This is not like baseball, where the moms take turns bringing snacks. The other band moms do not even know they help their children at home. But the child will probably say the other is OK.
If you are still on board, then you are the mom or dad perfect drummer.
Now let's see if Junior has a very basic rhythm needed to start with beginners drum lessons. The drums are the most difficult to learn. Unlike guitar or a keyboard orWind instruments, percussion require the ability to do something else simultaneously, with each hand and each foot. This is what causes beginner drum lessons to be incredibly frustrating for some children.
Remember when we were kids and we tried to rub his head with one hand and pat your stomach with each other? Then they will test your child, drum lessons for beginners are worth a visit. Let your child sitting on a chair with your feet on the ground and rubbing his headthe left hand and pat his belly with his right hand. Meanwhile, counting aloud, "1 -2 -3 - 4, 1 -2 -3 - 4" at different times and ask them to touch the left foot on the odd and even numbers on the right foot. Slightly asking them to tap their feet to the left of the bar -. "3-4" "1 2" and the right time, while continuing to tap their feet, they change hands, so that the left hand stroked her stomach and her right hand rubbed her head, without missing a shot. Finally backBack to move the foot of the odd numbers on the left and right, tap tap even numbers and modify hand movements, so that the left hand is now rubbing her stomach and her right hand is now stroking his head.
How do they have? If this was very difficult to forget beginner drum lessons and beat them playing a bass or keyboards. When he laughed shop how easy it was to go directly to the music and get a starter kit of drums and sign up for the beginner drumLessons.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Getting that 'English' Drum
Image : http://www.flickr.com
This question seems to appear and I'm sure you already answered many times. However, I thought I'd share some of my personal experiences with all of you indie musicians out there in the recording studio at home, and maybe "be inspired to think" outside of the drum cage.
When I work in the music industry, I had the opportunity to work with Elton John during the recording of "Rock of the Westies" album. At this time, Roger Pope was his drummer. ButSince the signing of Sound was founded by producer Gus Dudgeon and drummer Nigel Olsson Elton earlier, were still sound in English. I will not discuss how he drums are here to vote, but of course, is that the part played in the last recorded sound. What I did know when the use of "Ambulance" was microphones. My guess is that you have never heard of a microphone ambulance. Well, I did not end until the coach explained.
The producer actually described it asEnvironment microphones. The ambulance was the word engineer personal joke. He called because he was said to be "there to" save the sound of the drum. It was an American engineer, was the inclusion of a much more controlled and sound from the drum with baffles and close miking techniques used tight. But Roger the battery on it was very "relaxed" and in addition to close mics on the drum overhead microphones were put in place the entire record amountStereo. Enter the "ambulance" microphones. These are two microphones at the top, the ceiling and about 25 meters from the battery. So they came to the ambient noise of the room.
When the mixing time were recorded their tracks at a low level that could improve the battery only with a great sound "room", but not by "presence" is required to be related distracted. I remember another group that the sound was a "big" drum so that they are more specifically the battery down (the study wasthe second floor), in the open kitchen with wood floors. He just had to rely on headphones to hear the other musicians, but in any case, that sound "wider".
With a limited budget, a lot of home recording studios are probably not a lot of microphones. In this situation, you should consider doing more overdubs - record instruments separately, sequentially. That would free the microphones in order to have more for the battery. Or maybe you could rent or borrowMicrophones from a local retailer or professional office. You could certainly try using only two microphones overhead on drums.
Finally, you will receive at home in your basement or garage, and see if that "big" drum sound, I hope this will spark your imagination and give you some of your ideas. However, if you live with your wife or mother, I would not recommend the use of the kitchen to record drums.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Skeeter on drums
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtkeuFi6hJM&hl=en
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Talent Show Drum Battle (me on the left side)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxvpyLLH_Us&hl=en
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Double Bass Fills - Drum Lessons
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEVHBHKqBfQ&hl=en
Sunday, October 31, 2010
How to play the drums - Learn the drums out of nothing, tips and techniques for beginners Play
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Now days, the battery can be one of the most popular around. People love the rhythm, sound, and excitement of playing together, learning to be drums. A drumming is much more than beat is an art. It takes practice, skill and the right knowledge for learning to play the drums, and this is a great place to start.
The first thing is first you need the right equipment and accessories. The good news is, if only to learnplay, no need to run out and buy the most expensive drum set you can find drums. A drum pad is a good place to learn to play the drums. These are relatively inexpensive for the most part and give you what you need to learn.
Now you have a pad to practice chopsticks, you must do it, you can not learn as drumsticks without a battery. You should start with a good pair, predictable and long rods. Budgetis good, but remember, if they break easily, often must be replaced. When learning to play drums, make sure you give a good pair of chopsticks. Now, books and music have to learn to play the drums. There are many books available, there just for beginners, and this is the best place to start. Yes, you want to start making a big shock, but you need to know the most important elements before you start. For this reason you should learn toDrumming.
Why is a drum pad is a great tool when you begin to learn to play the drums? Well, first of all it is less complicated than the traditional battery. You can use the pad, the basics such as grip, the time and learn the notes. Learning to play the drums means that you need to know going in the right time. Timing, all the players and you will gain crucial drum like that.
Your grip is just as important when learning how to play the drums,because the different sounds generated will have a handle through different ways. The sound of a drum set are made with the handle, react, rebound and learn to vibrate when the drum is everything you need to understand the basics of traditional movement to the front of your own.
If you already know how to read notes, you should understand that to play when learning how to be very different to say the battery music piano music. The icons on the taskbarsections are called. The time signature tells you how many notes are in the bar, and also as a measure. While you can learn to play the drums like Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe, you can not get that far, until you take it easy and learn to play drums with the basics.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Set of batteries
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Drums are considered important tools in the musical drums give rhythm of life and the backbone of all types of music, be it jazz, rock, country, pop or classical. Drum sets are particularly important to mix rock and roll band because they have perfect, cymbals and other percussion instruments that are necessary for playing contemporary music. In addition to professional musicians, some also buy drum sets because for a passionto collect. There are a wide range of collector drum set for these people. Drum set usually used or vintage drum sets or simple phrases used included battery.
Vintage drum sets are often preferred terms as a collector, as have a classic appeal. Vintage drum sets do not include accessories and include the drums to play just that. The value of vintage drum set is determined by its originality.Changes of any kind, except the replacement of the heads and snares tends to diminish the original collector of these sets of drum and then the value of the drum. The overall condition of the battery should be considered before purchase. Used drum set (drum set vintage) are available in a wide range of attractive and unique colors that seem to contribute to fashion, period. Colors such as oysters and champagne are very black sparklepopular and are more expensive than other colors. Drumsets in white pearl navy are visually very attractive and desirable. It 's always easy to find using only antique brass drums, snare drums and tom vintage year as a full drum.
Used drum sets usually include vintage drum set that way long ago in 1920 and '60. Help inspire a nostalgic feeling of old musicians who have inspired the collection as a hobby.Used drum sets are known for their production significantly effect woody tone and warm, modern battery that can not.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Steven Chen - to the end (Breaking Benjamin cover Boom)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7Qn1PCN3S8&hl=en
Monday, October 25, 2010
King Divine - MPC authoritative spent in 1000 (Who Do You Love) and Sinister Keys ft D. Julien
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy-3ZuYHgqE&hl=en
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Eksman and goin out Herbzie SIK pt 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5heRyVe6lM&hl=en
Thursday, October 21, 2010
About China Dishes
Image : http://www.flickr.com
China Dishes type of basin used by a drummer, usually on their drums -. There are basically three types of Chinese drummers are using tonal pool, turkish and western / European Union, although Western is actually a derivative of turkish tanks. The China Basin are in a class all its own.
While most people think, the pools that sweet sound, with clear sound and rich, this results in providing a sound abrasive, aggressive, explosive, dirt, trash,much needed in music. Although they are not alone in China longer in production, its history still bear Chinese names.
Ancient Chinese people to master these tools in various formats (the most famous is the Gong) and Chinese were the first to create a bronze bell. So far to go archeology and written records, China was the first country to create and basin mass production. These are usually a bit 'conical shape, with a base on the bell, external ridgesflip in the opposite direction, little to no change in the thickness of the inner rim, and is usually a no cut zone on the bottom.
Not all of China Basin, these properties (even though most do), but the main feature is the sound. The sound of the seed pool musical tastes of China, so it does not compliment the turkish. Why do our tastes in music heavily laden with tanks Turkish sensitivities, they serve asAccompaniments to achieve certain sounds. In fact, in most drum kits, cymbals is organized so that normal crash headlong and embroidery can be used. larger species of Chinese origin, including the gongs are used in professional orchestras. In other countries, including China, of course, these are mainly used for all types of music.
Every drummer should have at least two of these on their kit - allows greater freedom of musical expression. There are manydo the dimensions looking for dirty, trash sound you get, sounds like the smaller end of this type of pool-stick, and if you want that lasts longer, not as abrasive, can be seen in the direction of more flights as a mini - gong.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Cobus Potgieter: DVD Trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=orIxifH41lU&hl=en
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Dream Theater Dance of Eternity - Ben Guerrero
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqHrxwRbYRY&hl=en
Friday, October 15, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Chops Gospel lesson Boom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npzCVBtvLYg&hl=en
Monday, October 11, 2010
Drum Lessons - Drum the road to success on the Beat
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Drums that seem, despite its simple design, are actually very complex. For this reason, play to learn, requires formal drum lessons, if you have any hope of success. The drum, the family of percussion instruments, is actually the most used and the most ancient of the world. Regardless of the drum design, the real parts consist of a skin or membrane stretched over a circular frame. Drummer creates music playing on the stretched skin. E 'It sounds simple, but if you learn to discover who is playing the drums a lot more complicated than it seems to begin.
playing drums and requires a lot of hard work and practice. However, it is very important that your efforts are directed. The best way to start the practice is listening, all types of beats. If you start a habit that you understand how to get different sounds to play. It 's very important that you actually listen to the beats to get thisLevel of understanding. Just feel the beat, occasionally without taking the time to absorb the sound and understand its nuances is not specifically help if we really aspire to be a drummer.
It 'important that the current drum lessons from an experienced professional who can properly guide and develop your ability to take properly. While there are a lot of books on the market that claim to teach drums, is very doubtful benefit to the same extenthow to work with someone who has a real understanding of the drums. Book you want to use a drum, should be correlated to an actual give lessons on drums in the hands of professionals.
Learn to play the drums properly requires learning the basics. These are also known as rudiments. There are forty basic drum rudiments and drum lessons when you are taught by all. Want a serious drummer, is truly a jack of allforty. You must also learn to play different musical styles as rock, blues, jazz, country, soul and Latin. This increases the versatility and valuable experience, knowledge and understanding of different types of music.
If you practice the drums, one of the things that you will be working on the baton. This is extremely important and critical to the ability to play the drums. It will also work on basic technique of the hand and once you've learned thateffective control of the fingers. They also learn the Moeller Technique and many others in the process of becoming a master drummer. While learning the drum solos should want to play every time can help you to gain experience. The possibility of playing at different times is important and will help you develop good control of a drum. Going forward with the drum lessons, you will find that with polyrhythms and dynamic can help you work to develop creative skills come with notes and are an important part of your battery training.
There are some things that others need to know how to play, as the drum itself, to be successful. Things like how to drum style of playing your tune. This will probably be difficult at first, but after a while 'practice becomes easier. Finally, if you're really looking for a drummer, you must have a good attitude and genuine desire to play, the> Drum.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Harry Potter Theme Park Set to open in 2010
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Imagine walking through the halls of Hogwarts or an exercise in confused on its bumpy flight Hippogrif - is now possible, thanks to the opening of the wizarding world of Harry Potter. Universal and Warner Bros. have joined forces to free the magical world of Harry Potter in real life. Set to open in the spring of 2010, Theme Park is an add-on to the already popular Islands of Adventure.
Thanks to the work of art and original series movie setDesigner when you enter the magical world, you will feel like you've been transported to Hogwarts. The purpose of the Park is to translate all the craftsmanship and attention to detail and the lavish film set in a lush real-life experience into HP. This means that a fast-paced game that mimics Quidditch, with the capture of the Golden Snitch. The park will be equipped with two rolls of a roller coaster: one at Hogwarts Castle called The Forbidden Journey, claims that Universal is using "allto bring new technology to simulate the characters, magic and stories of Harry Potter to life as never before experienced ", and another roller coaster, a ride on a hippogriff high altitude. casting with both companies over 250 million dollars in the park 's a good chance, the fans and non fans will appreciate the attractions expensive.
In typical fashion theme park, there is a strong focus on the product, but at least the park is its appearance: the children can buy overpricedSouvenirs such as wands and remote Golden Snitches stores directly from the series of Harry Potter. The park has its own Zonko's Joke Shop, Gazza's Owl Emporium and Post - you know, so you can pay an exorbitant price was his letter with a special stamp of Harry Potter left. You should bring a little 'sandwiches, no doubt because it is the Hog's Head or the Three Broomsticks pub be Charing price despite the traditional British dishes on the menu. But he is a fan of Harry Potter,likely to pay a fair price to drink some beer real butter.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
How do I make an outdoor wood furnace
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Need a place to enjoy the fall evening? If you are sick, you go back just because the weather has started to slow down a bit '? Then you should learn a couple of steps on how to make an outdoor wood oven. A simple wood stove is a simple addition to any backyard. Not only is it a place to sit and chat with the family to offer, makes a large roasting marshmallows! Seem like a good idea? Then read on and learn how to make a discoveryWood-burning stove.
The best place for an outdoor wood stove from the house, trees, barns, sheds etc. Do not do it anywhere because it is a possibility of a stray ember from a fire.
Once you have found a good location for the new appliance, you must dig up to go around all the vegetation where it is.
After removing all vegetation and smooth tread the soil down so there is a nice flat surface that is to build outdoor oven wood.
Paving bricks are areally an interesting opportunity for the establishment of the Foundation. Just pavers, where he dug in what pattern you like.
Pour a layer of sand between the paving stones to protect and prevent oscillations.
Now that you have an attractive audience, it's time to start the fun of building.
Take a 55-gallon drum from a hardware store or a cheaper option try a recycling center. If you go to the recycling route, so that the drumInstead of all that causes toxic fumes when exposed to heat.
Remove the battery cover and set it aside for later.
Cut a small hole in the bottom of the drum in order to remove the ashes.
Center the pad on the paver.
Start stacking curve pavers around the outside of the drum. What are you shooting for a full tour around the 55-gallon drum. A place in the back of the drum to clean the ashes hereout.
Make sure that each level is narrow and color. You do not want the bricks to collapse.
Keep stacking drum are about 4 inches from the top of.
That is all. Repeat until you reach the top of the new wood-burning oven.
You can use the top of the drum as a cover when you are ready to fire, yours.
Everything you need to do your new wood-burning oven with a little 'firewood and fill a little' cardto do so. Just turn the paper through the opening hole cleaning and you're ready for a great evening.
The bricks will trap and retain heat, keeps you warm in the nights fall roasted alive. Not only will you have learned to do an outdoor wood-fired oven, you have built a large sitting area around.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Hip Hop drum samples - 3 Frequently Asked Questions
Image : http://www.flickr.com
In this piece, you must face some questions about hip hop (or other forms of urban music), drum samples. These questions are often the most popular music production and set to beat forum to do, and the range of responses is provided at times disturbing. Accurate and unbiased opinions can be challenging in this day and age, with e-rep is so widespread in the forums and online communities. The community music-production out of this observation.Let's go!
Not content with sound? Absolutely! It 's true that percussive sounds socket can be purchased together, both offline and in other centers, but a series of professional hip-hop producers have made guitar online, which offers fine without socks for every company drum samples.
If you competently and other filters on the audio compression and processing techniques and about the time (you can probably do the time), then you can safelydevelop your small group of go-to-time drum samples that you go back in time. The only downside of getting your samples from a single common denominator is - in this case. Make sure all your sounds are not samples of hip-hop like that, otherwise your songs start to feel old.
Can I use dance to the sounds of gangsta rap, Yes you can. The only thing is make sure the scheme. A gangster rap drum loop is what it is, regardlesssamples. A model of the dance, on the other side is the same. As long as you keep the right model, you can easily transfer all samples. In fact, you can also enjoy a great combination of encounter and drum samples.
For some great drum loops, you can search for the term "loop" on Google and download some MIDI files ideal for private use. Also listen to your favorite artists and analyze their own selection of the sample and especially the way they are arrangedtweaked and layered. Apply what you learn and there is really no way to fail. So, get busy!
Why do some drum samples stronger than others? The reason why some sounds are just stronger than others, is a direct consequence of the war now in volume of the music. More than ever, drums make-or-break factor in the decidedly non-mainstream songs! So, for the sample firms sell their products, what they seem stronger than using compression or simply by dialing the volume mayIncrease sales. I'm not sure how much better they fare, but the honest companies sold well treated drum samples that are not misused and lifeless are the losers - the right to do that! So it's volume. For this reason, the ads on TV in a loud voice, which is when the program itself. As companies consider that the noise impacts sales.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
How to Set Up PA Systems: bus level for installing the PA system
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUxK9CgUgto&hl=en
Friday, October 1, 2010
"Battlefield" Jonas Brothers Jordin Sparks duet with Boston Concert 07/18/2009
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhuz2HtD8EM&hl=en
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Lego sets around the best buildings
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Lego building has become a favorite toy of children around the world. Their innovation began decades ago and has grown into a huge undertaking. With a fully automatic production makes LEGO kits that we know and love. In addition to their Lego is sold in stores across the country, see the Lego products at most major toy retailers. LEGO models of many topics, built by the police of Star Wars. In addition to traditional design Lego, theybetween the various levels of difficulty suitable for small children. The larger blocks are easier to use in small hands.
Each set is packed with the piece requires the building shown on the set. included detailed instructions to ensure that it is built with relative ease. Of course, the real difficulty lies in the ability of the manufacturer. If you have not built a Lego before, you may have some problems at first. It 's a great way to work your mind and exploreTheir creativity. Each package will be digitally before leaving the factory, all parts are included weighed. Lego understands that sometimes an error can occur, so that we will ship any missing parts for free.
Inside the box is a collection of plastic bags each. The parts are sorted by size and shape. The larger pieces can not be in a pocket, but loosely in the box. The guide has met in general, different manufacturersPieces at a time when everything is completed. If the set consists of more than one structure of instructions, the next step to complete. Larger quantities of 1,000 or more pieces can add more than a brochure. Lego figures are usually assembled first.
Sets can range from 100 to over 3,000 pieces. Although it is not recommended for beginners, lots of laughing to build and deliver a great conversation piece and collection. Legocan be very expensive, with rates of more than $ 150 unusual. The advantage is that you are getting the best quality of buildings has been made ever. They offer a wide choice of products licensed franchises like Harry Potter and Star Wars, simply can not be modeled with generic brands. You'll also notice that the Lego pieces together the right way every time the kids play. Lego collections are the envy of many children and adults.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Grand Funk Railroad - Flight of the Phoenix / Footstompin Music - Drum Cover - The Drum Channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fYArYosj5aM&hl=en
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Cheap Drum Set - should buy?
Image : http://www.flickr.com
There are literally hundreds of drum set brands and models on the market. If you just started your research, you'll probably find that the amount of information on this amazing instrument. There are so many variables in the selection, that even a seasoned drummer find it to be considered overwhelming. Whether you are in the world of percussion, looking for your first purchase a new or have been just a little 'and try to playTo add something new to your collection, the two most important questions, "What is the best?" and "What should I buy?"
The answer to the first question is simple - what is more appropriate. The answer to the second question depends heavily upon your answer to the first question and your budget, the type of music you play and the intended purpose. Many believe that the bacteria, irrespective of gender, only a brand leading products is preparing to do the jobcorrect. For some types of music, this is certainly the case. Applications, however, many less expensive proposition can and will be for the job as the bank and do not break. Unfortunately, cheap drum sets are often overlooked because they do not carry a name, drummers know more. As a result, more money than necessary.
Although this good set of battery does not work hard for hard knocks, high decibel rock or metal,are an excellent choice for lighter colors, like light rock, jazz or country, just to name a few. They work well for the beginning drummer or professional looking for a set of practical, too. You see beautiful, producing a pleasing sound when properly developed and are more than enough hardware for the right application. Updated with the head and pelvis, which can be used on certain types of tasks.
The best advice for all, any type of drumPurchase is to look around and continue to keep the search process, the least expensive set of drums in his eyes. There are products / reviews online, provide information on all aspects of all brands of drum sets practical. Drummer can buy this again very helpful in determining the sequence. There are many online stores offer big discounts and reliable door to deliver the set right, free shippingCosts.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Alex's Drum Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RbQ9xcCS5SE&hl=en
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Exploring the World of D2 Drums
Image : http://www.flickr.com
Since 1983 ddrum has been bringing drum products to people. Among the number of drum lines that you can find available by them today are D2drums. This is a specialized line of drums sets that are designed to provide you with everything that you need to get started as soon as you get the set. There is an important consideration when you are beginning to play that not every set of drums is going to include all that you need to begin. Some sets may be little more than a few drums. To really get started you need drums, a throne, hardware, sticks and sometimes more.
The basic standard that you will find is a five piece set. The D2 drums include five pieces. You will find a bass drum that measure twenty-two inches. There is a sixteen inch floor tom included in the kit as well as a ten inch and a twelve inch tom mounted. The kit also includes a standalone snare drum. The cymbals and hardware are also included in the set. That makes for an entire percussion package to get you started. There is more included with D2 drums though. The standard set also includes a throne and six pairs of drum sticks. It really is a set that provides for nearly any beginner.
One of the most important qualities in a drum set though is the capacity to make it your own. This is often done by removing, replacing or adding components to the set. In that way drummers are able to customize the appearance and the sound of the set that they are playing on. It is not uncommon for drum sets to allow for customization either. In the case of D2 drums there is an expansion package available for purchase. It includes a two tom rack with an eight inch rack tom as well as a fourteen inch floor tom. These pieces are selected to match the core pieces of the D2 drum sets. The result is a no problem, no worries option to expand your drum set anytime that you want.
There are even selections of the color that you want your drum set to be. D2 drums are available in four different colors. That means you can select what your drums will look like. Appearance is an important part of your drum set. This is especially true if you plan to perform for others. You may find that how your drums look is nearly as important to the audience as how your drums sound. That is something that some drummers may not be certain how to feel about, but it is a reality that many musicians have to deal with.
D2 drums are priced in the mid-range. You can usually expect to spend around four hundred dollars on the basic set. They are for sale through a number of distributors though, so shopping around may result in a better price. Comparing the price with some of the other sets will require you to consider the individual prices of the component parts. If you are considering having your set shipped to you be certain to consider the price of your shipping as well.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Hifana - Hifana (Drum apparatus Footage, recorded Live)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vikGddBeARQ&hl=en
Friday, September 17, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Heart of black (INTRO TO DARK DnB FULL SET)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnARDnVLnys&hl=en
Monday, September 13, 2010
Five Ways To Develop Your Drumming
Image : http://www.flickr.com
However long you have been playing, there are always opportunities to progress. Nonetheless there are some fundamentals that will aid even the accomplished drummer to polish their ability. Comparable to playing any other piece of musical equipment, playing the drums calls for hard work and an endeavour to constantly expand your skills.
Although it seems strange to many who believe that reading music is only for those members of an orchestra, an ability to read music will take your drumming to a higher level. Many people take for granted that playing the drums calls for nothing more than reaching into the beat of a piece and pounding the skins. However, it is much more complex than that. Listening to the music you want to play can assist you to get its flow, but being capable of reading music will make a huge distinctness on how you interpret the piece. The sentiment amongst musicians is that if a drummer is incapable of reading music, then their playing will by no means be anything other than the featureless repeating of the most undemanding rhythms. Additionally, if you aspire to playing in recording sessions, you have to be competent at understanding music to appreciate what is the normal standard during the session.
The initial procedures when learning to play any musical instrument are usually the most uninteresting and at all times the most complicated. To become a proficient drummer the basics have got to be learned first so the first step for the aspiring drummer is mastering the four basic drum strokes. Familiarity and comfort with these four fundamental drum strokes, which are called the full stroke, control stroke, up stroke and tap stroke, is essential. Once they have become second nature to you then your are at the first level to becoming a drummer.
Being able to get the correct rhythm of the music you may perhaps intend to play is essential and so becoming competent at writing music, though, not as essential as developing skills to read music, can also develop your drumming abilities. Not necessarily so you are able write your own pieces, though perhaps one day that is something that you will aspire to, writing out the song that you wish to learn in musical notes, can help you play it.
Using you eyes and ears will improve your drumming skills. By being able to understand other instruments and their place in a piece of music with comparison to your instrument is essential. Being aware of the importance of vocals and their introduction is also paramount and by listening to the great drummers of the past and present your perception and skills will improve constantly.
As a final point, practice is the most indispensable way to improve your drumming skills. You've probably heard it many times, but practise makes perfect. Becoming comfortable playing your instrument will only develop with a significant amount of practise that you give to honing your skills. Making time to practise is of the utmost importance, similar to any other instrument. The more you practice the more the more your skills will improve.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
And, You Think Your Band is Broke?
Image : http://www.flickr.com
What you are about to read, you may not believe, and may feel that the story is made up. But, I swear that it is entirely true.
And, the next time you are feeling sorry for you or your band not having enough money, these truths about my own first band back in 1976 may make you realize just how financially solvent and rich you already are:
"THE LIGHTS OF SOUL"
Though we would experience dark days, we had the audacity to name our band "The Lights Of Soul." We were so poor that, at one point, we seriously considered renaming it "The Welfare Band" (which was much more appropriate) in hopes that our community would feel so sorry for us that they would put dollar bills in pur tip jar instead of simply tossing us loose change. Actually, on second thought, we never had a tip jar because we couldn't afford that either. If memory serves, our "tip jar" was a Lays potato chip bag propped up by two ice cream popsicle sticks.
OUR MEMBERS & TOP-OF-THE-LINE EQUIPMENT
I began the band with a large number of players...something like 20+ members (we were into Earth, Wind & Fire at the time and wanted a big Funk sound). Have you ever heard of former NFL Dallas Cowboy Eugene Lockhart? Well, I grew up with him and he began playing trombone in my band. I later kicked him and another band member out for wrestling after they broke our manager's couch.
Two brothers played in my first band...Larry Whitting (bass) and Doug Whitting (keyboard). Larry played an awful looking hollowbox bass, and even though I was not yet a bass player (I was playing trumpet at the time in the high school band), I had to show Larry every single note to every song. Because, not only was he completely clueless regarding music, he was also tone deaf (or, was it tone death?). Actually, both phrases applied to Larry.
Well, after about 999 times of showing him songs, I became so frustrated, I decided to relieve Larry of his bass-playing duties, and I took up playing the bass myself. As we could not afford a professional bass, my manager ordered one out of the Sears & Roebuck catalog. Those S&R catalogs were so large, I am told that some people actually went hunting with them during deer season.
To use this book as a weapon and save wear and tear on your rifle and save ammunition at the same time, all you needed to do was climb a tree with it, remain quiet, and await an unfortunate deer to arrive under your tree then, (((((BAM))))). You dropped it on his head and took him out. And, best of all, no bloody mess to clean up out of the truck cab either.
I believe the new bass guitar, possibly, broke our manager's bank account that week with its hefty $49.95 price tag (plus tax). Talk about splurging! Oh, yeah...after breaking a couple of strings one night, I played the bass for several weeks with only two strings on it because we could not afford to buy a whole set. As you can imagine, my hands/arms were doing double time and, afterward, my forearms were so swollen, they would have made Popeye jealous.
If you are a bass player, have you ever tried playing 4 notes' worth of music on only 2 strings all night? No, I didn't think so, because you are smarter than that.
But, the positive side of that experience, is that when people watched me doing it, they thought that I had suddenly become a very fast-playing bass player in record time, even though they didn't follow me home to see me soak my painful arms in a tub of Epsom Salt afterward.
"Wow! Kenny, you can play REALLY fast now! How did you learn to do that so quickly? Can you show me?"
Uh, let me think about that for a minute...NO!
In fact, I have major arthritic pain in both my wrists as a result of this.
Now, about Larry's brother, Doug. Lordy, mercy. Doug's keyboard couldn't even be called a real keyboard. It looked like some accordion that had been refused access to the piano family reunion picnic. It was so small, that Doug would sit it on his knees in his attempts to play it. It was so small that a single finger, almost always, and unintentionally, played two notes simultaneously.
It sounded worse than those cheap 1980s Casios...yeah, you know the ones...those little white ones that, in order to hear them, you not only needed to plug them into a PA system, but you also needed to mic the keyboard so the audience could actually hear your fingers tapping the keyboard and validate that you were actually playing it and that you weren't pulling a "Milli Vanilli."
Well, with our image to think of, this soon became too much, and I asked Doug to join Larry in the unemployment line, and also because he could never seem to get those extremely difficult three-note major chords down correctly. And I was terrified that asking him to venture into the areas of Dominant 7th chords, or worse, 9th or 11th inversions would prove to be an impossibility and finally send him over the edge. We were now sans a piano, but for the better. Come to think of it, I don't believe the little keyboard could even make 7th chords.
Our drummer, Reginald Smith, is one of my closest friends to this day (known him since Kindergarten). But let me tell you about his drum kit, or more accurately, his "partial" drum kit. Actually, Reg couldn't afford the entire kit, so he just had drums (and, sometimes, sticks). The drum set that Reg played had no ride or crash cymbals. But worst of all, it had a kick pedal that only functioned part of the time...that is, when the adjustment screw wasn't popping out, flying halfway across the room, and almost putting out one of the other band members' eye.
In fact, the kick pedal became so bad for repair, that Reg finally decided to toss it entirely. But, whenever we were on a good roll, he would, believe it or not folks, kick the drum with his toe. I believe I even recall him doing a fast double kick once when the spirit moved him to do so in what would have normally been a double roll with a real drum set. A positive side effect, however, was his ability to quickly build his thigh and calf muscles, even if there was the occasional "charlie horse" as a downside.
Our first gig was, literally, in a cow pasture, complete with cows (only in Texas). To add insult to injury, we were encased in chicken wire in case the audience got ticked off at our playing for whatever reason, and decided to kindly and collectively toss their beer bottles our way so as not to litter the pasture. After all, you can't have valuable cattle stepping on glass, can you?
However, the chicken wire encasement did not deter a drunk toothless, snuff-dipping woman from reaching through the wire, grabbing Cedric Reagans, our lead singer, by his shirt collar when he got too close to the fencing, then attempting to force her tongue down his throat as he sang a rendition of Barry White's "Can't Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe." Ooooh...just the sordid memory of the scene still chills by bones 32 year later.
Our "PA System" (yeah, right). We also could not afford a real PA system, let alone it being from a professional quality line. So, we had what I still consider an ingenious idea to this day. We decided to take the drawers out of a bedroom dresser, then mount a 15-inch speaker to its stationary brace.
Our manager then ran an electrical wire back to one of the guitar amps. Lastly, we took a black cloth and covered the entire dresser so that it appeared that we were on the rise financially and could now afford some serious new equipment. Our manager is the only human being that I have ever seen hook up a sparkling electrical wire without the hint of flinch.
Once when our manager was late for rehearsal, to get rehearsal started, a couple of our foolish members bravely tried to hook the naked electrical wires up as they had seen our manager do, but were knocked across the room by heavy voltage. No one ever tried that again. As for our homemade PA system, no one was ever the wiser, and several people said our sound improved. ;-(
Our lead singer would, on occasion, also forget the lyrics to the songs. He would then look around at us for either moral support, guidance, or telepathy (I never figured out which he was seeking). In any event, we offered neither and were of no consolation in his sudden plight.
During these wonderful special occasions, I would take the liberty and opportunity of seeking out shelter via a convenient part of the curtain to hide behind if we were fortunate enough to be gracing a stage until Cedric's Alzheimer's cleared up and he had returned to normal and recalled the lyrics. If we were not onstage, as any smart and fast-thinking ostrich does, I would simply drop my head, stare at the floor, and pretend I was on a battlefield in a distant part of Okinawa.
I cannot, in all honesty, talk about the other members without revealing to you a personal foul-up of my own. One of our gigs was playing for a high school FFA (Future Farmers of America) meeting. Well, in my excitement and haste, I forgot to tune my bass, and when we started playing, it was obvious (to me) that my bass was tuned a whole step high.
In denial, and not able to face my mistake of having not tuned it beforehand, and being the only member in the band who actually read music (and was well respected for such), I staunchly informed the band that never in all my life had I heard an entire band be out of tune, even the drummer, on a song and that they really needed to strongly consider getting some serious musical training before it was too late.
The incredible thing is, they believed my lie, and to this day I cannot bring myself to tell them the fault was entirely my own. Actually, I dare not tell them now, as people today are so short-tempered and quick to become irate and upset without just cause.
Our manager, although good-hearted and well-meaning, was almost as poor as we were. Johnny had a Chevy that we used to take some of the band members home. Actually, what the car was, was a smoking death-trap that, fortunately, never killed any of us, although it very much tried doing so. We did, however, suffer severe whiplash on occasion, and here is how...
GOING HOME
As I said, after rehearsal we had to take some members home, and the guitarist lived about 15 miles out in the woods. There were 45-degree curves like nobody's business, and the car's brakes were in such need of repair that, when you engaged them, the car would jerk at a 45-degree angle to the right.
Naturally, to prepare for and adjust to this experience each time meant jerking the steering wheel back to the left at a 90-degree angle as you simultaneously engaged the brakes, just so the car would appear to remain straight to any friendly, safety-minded, well-meaning police officers hell-bent on issuing a moving violation traffic citation.
Sometimes, however, we would forget that the car was jerk-able and, hence, this is when we would experience the nice soothing pain that only whiplash can bring. After having dealt with this on more than a few occasions, I was already well-trained by the time I entered the army and drove a tank the first time. For maneuvering the tank, compared to the 4-wheel mobile deathtrap, was a cakewalk, and fellow soldiers marveled at how fast I grasped the throttle concept, of which I have the "Deathmobile" to thank for.
HOW YA FEELIN' NOW?
So, I'm betting that right about now, your financial situation is starting to look a whole lot better to you, isn't it?