Play Along CD's: The Tool Top Drummers Use to Become the Best
When we first learned how to play the drums, we learned a few basic beats, and maybe a fill or two. But taking your drumming to the next level requires more.
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.
A play along CD is nothing more than a set of tracks with your particular instrument taken out of the mix. Think of it like a non-cheesy version of a Karaoke recording, but for instruments instead of vocals missing. Removing your particular track allows you to play along and practice in style.
For example, if you're a drummer, a drum practice CD contains all of the tracks except for the drums. You simply put the CD on, sit behind your kit, and keep the beat. It's a great way to practice on your own. You can even get more creative than the original drummer and play something totally unique.
Every drummer has to practice. Sure, you could get some in with a metronome and a set of sticks, but whats the fun in that? To be a great drummer, you have to be able to do more than just keep the beat. Professionals are masters of timing, meter, and feel. And to master these things, you have to play with a band, either live or with a play along CD. Do that, and you'll be the one getting all the calls for the next gig. - 18423
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.
A play along CD is nothing more than a set of tracks with your particular instrument taken out of the mix. Think of it like a non-cheesy version of a Karaoke recording, but for instruments instead of vocals missing. Removing your particular track allows you to play along and practice in style.
For example, if you're a drummer, a drum practice CD contains all of the tracks except for the drums. You simply put the CD on, sit behind your kit, and keep the beat. It's a great way to practice on your own. You can even get more creative than the original drummer and play something totally unique.
Every drummer has to practice. Sure, you could get some in with a metronome and a set of sticks, but whats the fun in that? To be a great drummer, you have to be able to do more than just keep the beat. Professionals are masters of timing, meter, and feel. And to master these things, you have to play with a band, either live or with a play along CD. Do that, and you'll be the one getting all the calls for the next gig. - 18423
About the Author:
Spencer (Spence) Strand is a professional drummer and drum instructor working in Nashville, Tennessee. To receive your free sample tracks from his Berklee recommended CD series, "Turn It Up and Lay It Down", please visit his site at DrumFun.com.
posted by X - Men at
3:43 AM
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