Ugh, begiinning to feel way behind in skill...

Crispy1513 · Tadpole Joined: 25 Feb 2007 Posts: 29

Ok, so I'm 15 and I've been playing for 9 years...I never though I was exceptional, but just average for my age...just a couple minutes ago I decided to watch some videos on youtube by other 15 year old drummers to see where I stand, and I saw a lot of good videos by drummers much better than I am, and some were even younger then me...I'm beginning to feel like I'm way behind what I should be at my age. Now that I think back on the videos, a lot of them were people that were just playing fast, and that doesn't make a drummer good...what I want to know is how I can develop feeling. I finally know that I will get faster over time with practice, so what I need to focus on right now is dynamics and feeling. So it would be great if you all could tell me things such as how I can feel what I'm playing, how I can match my drums with the guitar in my band better, learn to play more dynamics since mine are pretty sucky, and ways I can just be an over all better drummer! I do take lessons, but I want to learn everything I can, so any help would be great! Very Happy

Sorry to drag on for so long, but thanks anyway Smile

random white person · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 5:15 pm Post subject:

everyone learns at their own pace, and everyone starts from a different point so i wouldnt worry too much about being behind for your age. a lot of people haven't even picked up an instrument by 15.

i'd say the best way to develop feeling is to listen to lots of music, play lots of music, and most importantly be relaxed and enjoy what you play. listening to and playing music, alone, to a recording, or with friends, will give you a general sense of timing and you'll eventually develop an ear for cool elements that you can incorporate into your playing. practice all of your basics so you can throw down anything from the simplest rudiment to the most complex polyrhythm with ease. if the "what" you're playing comes automatically, then you can focus more on the "when" and "how" you play and present it... dynamics, tempo, feel, etc.

lessons are great and will teach you a lot if you keep practicin... but theres some stuff you've just gotta pick up from experience and experimenting on your own. think about how you can take everything you play, whether its for lessons or in a band, and turn it from simply reciting a bunch of notes that sound "right" to something that is truly your own and that you're proud of playing.
_________________

tylerdrummer · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2008 7:39 pm Post subject:

some of the biggest drummers out there were just starting then, and notice most of those drummers on youtube dont become famous either, so no pressure, theres probably some 14/15 year olds hella better then i am but i really dont care

drummerb0y25 · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 12:39 am Post subject:

The best way to develop feeling is to practice with feeling.

Play single stroke rolls as softly and slowly as you can. As as well as 12" rebounds and power.

Do this with all 28 or 40 or whatever rudiments you want to study. The key is to be flexible enough, and have in your arsenal of magical drumming powers, to perform anything at anytime, at any volume.

Practice french grip as well as german. You'll never get the same sound playing german grip on a part that requires a light touch.

There's alot that goes into playing dynamically, hope this is a start.
_________________
"The more control you have of the instrument, the more confidence you will get and the more you will be able to express your ideas; Technique is only good if you can use it musically." -J.M.

Rasta · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 12:33 pm Post subject:

A lot of good advice here.

I would add that you should study as many genres of music as you can. Personally, studying Jazz, Latin, and ethnic music has added a huge element to my drumming.
_________________
A groove is a terrible thing to waste! Cool

007david · Posted: Wed Jul 23, 2008 4:54 pm Post subject:

Because this is somewhat of my current kick, I'd say examine the reason for your strokes. This is not direct advice--but rather a second order level--but if you want to play with feeling try to stay above the music on the page and ask yourself what you're contributing. For example what's the difference between (E = 8th note, Q = quarter note, S = 16th note)

shiloh · Posted: Sun Aug 03, 2008 5:38 am Post subject:

Hey Crispy, all excellant advice here, and you`re only 15, you sound like you have the desire and drive, be less concerned with what others are doing, and be your own drummer, in the future you`ll be surprised how easy this will all be, though we all have our weeknesses and strenghts, work on both.
Happy drumming, Rick Smile

_________________
out in the loft