King Says You Must Practice

Submitted On: Thursday, Jan 10, 2008 - 9:32 AM

I think that speed , like anything else in music has a time and a place. The true benefit is that it is one of the most easiest skills to aquire......just practice. Now before people start flipping out let me just say technique is important too and speed DOES require certain techniques. But dosen't it annoy you when THAT guy in the clinic asks " so how did you get to be so fast ? " How do you run fast? You run, and through practice you get faster and faster and faster. I've seen some big dudes move around the kit with hummingbird hands so it can be done you just can't get lazy.....like me sometimes.......alot.

ThatDrummerKid Says I'm in the middle

Submitted On: Tuesday, Jan 8, 2008 - 1:41 PM

to be honest, I'm kinda in the middle with this topic. I was brought up playing very simple and true to a groove, listening to Led Zep and stuff I was more into the sound of the drums, rather than how busy they were. But being that I have progressed so much since the start I've always wanted to have those "speed tricks", having so cool double bass grooves, and fast fills around the set as a whole. I still find myself always based around simplicity, but i like to incorporate the speed when necessary.

seminole Says Speed Drumming

Submitted On: Tuesday, Jan 8, 2008 - 11:59 AM

Speed drumming is and can be very impressive to young and older drummers alike, take Buddy Rich as an example. But, playing stylistically to the song is what's important.

Fast metal requires the drummers to play blast beats. Blast beats are fairly new to drumming and it's evolution, as the instrument and it's players continue to grow, so will the speed of the drummer and other areas as well.

Is speed drumming good for the art? Yes, and why shouldn't it be? It can be debated all day long that the art of drumming is about feel and groove and not about speed. This may be very true to many styles of music, but as a drum instructor, it is very obvious things are changing yet again in some styles of music.

Speed drumming is not always appropiate for all styles of music. But it does have it's place in any style that warrants it. It's great for solos and causes lots of attention... GOOD and BAD! So remember, over playing can cost you a gig.    

It takes a lot of practice and dedication for drummers of all styles to advance the art of drumming. Speed drumming will continue to attract new drummers and inspire the older ones too. And as long as the kids aren't sitting around playing "Guitar Hero" I'll be happy to have them onboard in the drumming community sharing and exploring ideas just like this website.

F.Y.I. In case you're wondering, on our MySpace we've posted videos of clinics we've hosted at our store and the video of Steve Ferone just laying down an awesome groove is the most viewed video we've posted to date. So there's hope out there yet.  

Remember... Play your drums... play stylistically... and play from the heart!