Sound files from my former band The Undercats:
Sound files from my former band Willamena:
Sound files from my former band One Step Beyond:
Well, I’ve finally arrived in Chicago, the suburb of Lisle to be exact, and am ready to get things rolling.
The acoustic drums are set up in the “Isolation Booth” (aka the storage room in my basement). Our home is just a little too close to the neighbors so for volume’s sake, I’ve tried to isolate the acoustic drums as much as possible. I was planning to do my video tutorials on my acoustic kit, but for now it looks like it’s going to have to be on my V-Drums.
It seems like all I’ve done this summer is either pack a box, unpack a box, or try to find a box that I’ve packed something in! It’s time to blow the dust of the ol’ chops and get practicing.
Today I’m running through the (Frankified) Rudimental Ritual slowly just to get oriented. I also have an iPod full of classic rock tunes that I will play along with to work on my feel and groove.
My next (and first “real”) video tutorial will be based on the drum set applications I’ve worked out using the Rudimental Ritual. Inspired by Steve Gadd (check out his video “Up Close”) I’ve developed many licks and tricks using literal and loose interpretations of snare drum rudiments. I’ve mutated and twisted many of the rudiments from their original form so they sound much different than the original and are applied at fills, time playing, and double bass drum playing.
It’s time to hit the woodshed and polish this material so I can get it on video!
Brad
Thought I’d share a Facebook chat with a friend from Indonesia. Thanks Gita!
8:36amGita
hi brad
8:37amBrad
what’s up?
8:37amGita
nothing much
how are you
oh yeah
i’ve listened your work “april”
8:38amBrad
cool, like it?
8:38amGita
yeah
8:39amBrad
Thanks!
8:39amGita
i always love when a drummer can apply chops into instrument
make it unique pattern
8:40amBrad
Thank you! It’s really just a simple timbale pattern my old teacher showed me years ago. It’s in a book by Humberto Morales
Do you play with a band?
8:42amGita
yup
8:42amBrad
do you have a site/myspace?
8:43amGita
nope
my band is just beginner
the guitarist still learn playing their instrument
8:44amBrad
how long have you played?
8:45amGita
well i’ve been drumming for three years
but i don’t know when i try to join a band
they always say that i’m not good enough
until i find my current band
before that the only i do just jamming with friends to improve my playing
8:48amBrad
I suggest playing a party or something easy. This will force you guys to get prepared. Jamming is fun but if you don’t have an objective you can get lost in the jamming. Performing for even 5 people will improve you immensely
8:49amGita
thank you for your advice
why is it so hard to apply a pattern in my play?
for example i practice 16th note hi hat pattern
but in band situation
still trap in eighth note pattern
8:51amBrad
to be honest it is because you don’t know it well enough yet. you have to have patterns down COMPLETELY so you can do it in your sleep.
8:51amGita
do u have any idea about it?
8:51amBrad
try playing along to recorded music and apply the pattern you’re working on to different styles and tempos
8:53amGita
hmm okay
i’ll practice your advice
thx brad
btw
8:53amBrad
let me know how it goes!
8:53amGita
what you’re working on now?
8:55amBrad
ha! unpacking my house! I just moved to Chicago. Actually, I’ve been revisiting some old stuff that I used to practice in high school: rush, led zep, etc. I didn’t always play everything note-for-note so now I’m going back and getting it right!
…and the rudimental ritual as always. My mantra.
8:57amGita
8:59amBrad
The best advice I found that works with my students: play along to as much music as possible and get the Alan Dawson book and learn the Rudimental Ritual. I’ve work through a TON of books, etc but these two things (+playing live) will advance you the fastest.
9:10amGita
wow
tonight is such enligtenment moment for me
9:10amBrad
Glad to help! Now go practice! : )
9:11amGita
yeah
hahah
Recent Comments