Drum Set Technique Flashcards
What is a fill?
a musical idea or short solo which leads into a set-up or new section of music
How is the bass drum used in a rock style?
- Used as a time keeper
- Usually played on beats 1 &3
- Bass drum is heavy in style
- Greater percentage of usage
Which cymbal is used to punctuate special moments in the music?
Crash Cymbal
Describe the high hat
- found in a pair
- foot operated
- Greater variety of sounds
What is the definition of a kick? When is it used?
- Supporting full ensemble rhythmic figures, usually during large tutti section or shout chorus to add accents/extra punch for the ensemble’s playing
- snare usually for short notes
- bass drum for longer notes
Describe the crash cymbal
- smaller
- lighter
- less ring
What is the definition of “comping” for a jazz drummer? and are its characteristics?
- to accompany or compliment the ensemble playing
- must tastefully accompany the ensemble
- it should compliment the ensemble’s style
- it is more about what is being played now than what is to come
What does a “set-up” do and what must it be?
- prepares the ensemble for the next section
- stylistically correct
- correct tempo
What is the definition of a “set-up”?
a simple rhythmic pattern or one time fill before an ensemble entrance to help the band come in together and prepare them for the next section
What are the cymbals found in a standard drum set and how do they function?
- Ride cymbal - time keeper
- Crash cymbal - accentuator
- High Hat - Set the back beat
Describe the subdivision of rock
subdivision of the beats fall primarily as 8th notes in straight time
How should you approach an under-written set part?
- find the shout choruses and the ensemble hits
- make sure you know the style of the music and play accordingly
- know which sections are playing at what time throughout the selection
Name the standard parts of a 5-piece drumset
- snare drum
- mounted toms
- floor tom
- bass drum - played by the foot
Why is the drummer asked not to play “solid” quarter notes on the bass drum for jazz/swing?
- the solid quarter notes get in the way of/cover/conflict with the bass line
- Creates too heavy a style
Describe a crash cymbal
- Smaller
- Thinner
- Less Ring
What is the job of the high hat?
establish a back beat
What are the common problems for beginning set drummers when it comes to playing a fill?
- Try to get too fancy
- they lose the tempo
- they do not have a clear idea of the subdivision
Describe the subdivision of latin
subdivision falls primarily as eighth notes with dotted rhythms
What is the subdivision pattern of swing?
Primarily triplets
Describe the ride cymbal
- larger
- heavier/thicker
- more ring
How should you approach an over-written set part?
- simplify the part making sure to keep the integrity of the music intact
- make sure you cover the basics of the style called for
- use it as a road map to see where you are going
How is the bass drum used in jazz?
- lighter or feathered in style
- smaller percentage of usage
- used to punctuate figures
How do you achieve a lighter/feathered sound on bass drum? Why?
heal down has less power - less volume
Describe the style of latin
bass drum dominates often in a dotted rhythm with a strong snare beat on two
For what purpose is the crash cymbal used?
highlight important moments
Describe the swing style?
ride and high hat take the leading roles
What is an under-written drum set part?
consists mostly of slash marks on the staffs
Describe rock style?
bass drum dominates and snare takes a secondary role
Describe the use of the ride cymbal
- time keeper
- drives rhythms
- defines a beat pattern
What is an over-written drum set part?
has every rhythm and fill notated
