Ever since writing my recent blog about “Ghost Notes”, I’ve been thinking about my next topic. Then, as always, the answer miraculously came to me. Out of nowhere, I thought of an article I wrote for Drum World Percussive Times in 1988 on “The Ideal Drummer”. (Drum World was a great drum shop that I frequented for many years until they went out of business.) After re-reading the original article, I soon realized that the vast majority of the article was still relevant for today’s drummer. And of lot of it also applies to any working musician.

So with that said, have you ever wondered how other musicians picture the ideal drummer? As drummers, we have a good idea of what we would like to sound like, but what do bass players, guitar players, singers, producers, engineers, contractors and everyone else in the music business listen for and want from us? A few years back, I conducted a survey of about fifty people in different sectors of the music business and was enlightened to hear what they had to say.

At the top of the list was the fact that the ideal drummer should have a keen sense of time, a solid groove and a great feel. A drummer with a keen sense of time will take the tempo of a tune from the count off and maintain it throughout. Being aware of different soloist’s tendencies, to play behind or ahead of the beat and not slowing down or speeding up during fills, all make for a drummer with good time. The drummer’s groove should be rock solid with a good feel for each style you’re playing. A jazz tune has to swing and an R & B tune has to be right in the pocket. I know players with a fairly limited knowledge of the instrument that have the ability to make anything they play sound and feel great. These people are always working and are constantly in demand. On the other hand, there are players who seem like they know it all, but just haven’t spent the time working on their feel and groove. They’re always complaining that they can’t find a band and have no work.

A great number of people I talked with seemed to feel that the ideal drummer is one who is sensitive and listens to his or her fellow musicians, then plays what is appropriate without over-playing. In way too many instances, musicians tend to listen to themselves and get too wrapped up in what they’re doing and don’t pay enough attention to the people they are playing with. Use fills to set up sections of a song and figures. Support the soloist without being overbearing. Don’t try to fit every lick you know into one song. The time to work out licks and listen to yourself is when you’re in your own practice room. When you’re on the bandstand, open your ears, listen and think musically.

The ideal drummer must have a GOOD ATTITUDE! I can’t express the importance of this enough. Everyone I talked with mentioned how important this was to them and the people they worked with. Nobody wants to listen to someone else’s complaints, gripes and problems. Nobody wants to be around someone who is a bummer all the time. Be happy that you’re playing and try to look for the positive aspects of each musical situation without dwelling on the negative. If it’s like pulling teeth to get you to rehearsal or have you on a gig, maybe you should be doing something else with your time. I’m sure we all know some great musicians who would be working a lot more if they had better attitudes.

From the business point of view, the ideal drummer should be responsible and well-organized. If you have a rehearsal and are supposed to learn certain tunes, learn them. Nobody wants to waste their time while you learn your parts at the rehearsal. If you have an audition with material to learn, learn it! You would be surprised at how many times I’ve auditioned musicians that have had recordings for weeks and have barely even listened to them. Sooner or later, you’ll be known as a “FLAKE” and that’s bad business!

A well-organized musician is one with a calendar and phone with all of their musical contacts. This musician shows up to gigs, sessions and rehearsals on time, to the right locations, on the right day, with the correct dress and proper equipment. I had a good student who lost a great paying, fun gig because his mother threw away the scrap piece of paper that he had all of the gig information on. Write down all important information in a safe place where you can find it. I personally have had to stop hiring some great musicians just because they couldn’t get it together business wise.

I know a lot of contractors and band-leaders who would rather hire a player with less playing ability who they can count on, rather than a superstar that is flaky. A well-organized, responsible musician who plays great, will always be in demand.

Drum tuning, reading and techniques are all important aspects of drumming, which we cannot neglect. It’s great to practice fast double bass drums licks, tremendous fills around the kit and stick tricks. But once in a while, try to stop for a minute and think about what the people you’re playing with and working for would like from the Ideal Drummer.

All the best,

JohnX
www.johnxdrums.com