Drummer

Guestblogger Wietse Hendriks lays down the ins and outs of the drum solo. Where does the drum solo come from? Are there different kinds of solos? And, how can you build a great solo that delivers maximum impact? Here, Wietse puts the drummer in the spotlight and explains how to get the most out of every second of your solos.

Scientists are discovering more and more about how the human brain works, and if you’re a musician that ever-increasing knowledge can be put to good use. Using vocalists for our little case study, in this blog, we’ll focus on ways musicians can use the power of repetition to reach the next level in their development.

Most drummers and percussionists will have come across them: ‘low-volume’ cymbals – also-known-as ‘mute’ cymbals. The big names as well as smaller names have released their own take on the low-volume cymbal, but what exactly are they and what can and can’t you do with them? Why would you even need a set of low-volume cymbals? In this blog, we lay it all out for you. What Are Low-Volume Cymbals? Here’s a short and sweet summary: low-volume cymbals often have a perforated design which, in some cases, reduces the volume by up to 80% when compared to normal cymbals. Low-volume cymbals are usually made of some kind of special alloy to keep the structure strong while offering the same rebound and playing feel as normal cymbals and, just like normal cymbals, low-volume cymbals come in a range of different colours, so you can finish off your kit with your own […]

Ever made it to a drum fill only to find out that your hands and wrists have tightened up and refuse to move any faster? Whether you’re new to drumming or more experienced, you probably know what I’m talking about. In this blog, I’m going to show you how you can make it through fast-paced parts without slowing down, getting sloppy or having to simplify your parts.

Any drummer will be all-too-familiar with that feeling of mounting horror as they helplessly watch their bass drum slowly shift further and further away from them during the gig. It’s maybe the most annoying thing that can happen on stage, or even in the studio or practise space, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be solved. Here, we take a look at what you can do to help stop your kick drum from wandering off into the far distance.

Guest-blogger and multi-instrumentalist Nigel Hubée reveals how he bumped the foot percussion of the acoustic duo he’s one half of (The Tickets) up to the next level with a mix of self-contrived drums, a fresh take on an old-school hi-hat, and modern digital technology. Read on and learn!

One moment you’re happily pounding out beats, the next you’re looking at a hole in your drumhead. While this is something that will eventually happen to every drummer, it’s usually a bit of a scare for beginners. In this article, we’ll take a look at some quick-fixes that can get you up and drumming again in no time.

In this blog, we’ll answer the question: “What are drum triggers?”, hopefully expel the myth that sticking a bunch of triggers on an acoustic drum kit is reserved for metal drummers, and tackle the almost criminal assumption that using triggers is cheating!?

While I write this, I’m browsing Spotify for different drum sounds. Take the new Lamb of God album, You Got Me from The Roots and Get Lucky by Daft Punk. All of them feature incredible drum mixes and all of them have a completely different sound. This alone makes it pretty clear that this blog could never provide a one-size-fits-all manual to mixing drums. What it can do is offer a few tips and techniques to help you lay down a good and solid drum sound that can work as a foundation for your unique mix.

Performing out in the open can be challenging when it’s windy. Not only can wind literally carry the sound of the band in the wrong direction and make it harder to hear, but a light gust can easily send your sheet music flying. Luckily, there are a few simple solutions to tackle the latter, no matter what kind of music stand you use.

It’s a classic issue in the life of drummers. You hit the smallest, highest pitched tom and your snare makes a buzzing sound in response. Even when you try to dampen the snare with a bit of tape, a slip of paper or card, or even a tea towel, the snare wires still vibrate when you don’t want them to. So, how does this even happen and how can it be solved?

Since we get so many questions about it, it’s about time we tackle an age-old debate in drum-land with a dedicated blog about bass drum holes. The question is: should your resonant head have one and why (not)? Allow me to explain!