Drum Set Technique Flashcards
Select the style of music is which the subdivision of the beats falls primarily as triplets.
Swing
(Swing usually doesn’t have such a strong bass drum feel and the hi-hat pattern needs to be swung, not straight. The basic subdivision of the beat it into triplets.)
How is the bass drum used in a rock style?
- In rock, the bass drum can be on 1 and 3.
- The bass drum is heavier in rock vs. jazz.
- The percentage of bass drum is more in rock vs. jazz.
- Bass drum is used more as a time keeper in rock vs. for punctuation of figures in jazz.
Which type of cymbal is most frequently used as a time keeper or to drive rhythms?
Ride
The ride cymbal is usually larger, heavier, and has more ring to it. This allows it to define a beat pattern.
What is an under-written drum set part?
An under-written part is a part which consists mostly of slash marks on the staffs.
What is the best definition of a “Kick” as used in jazz drumming?
A “Kick” is usually used during large tutti sections or shout choruses to accent the ensemble’s playing.
What is the correction definition of a “Fill”?
A “Fill” is a short solo leading into a set-up or new section of the music.
What is the best definition of a “Fill” in jazz drumming?
A short solo leading into a set-up or new section of the music.
Select the style of music in which the subdivision of the beats falls primarily as eighth notes with dotted rhythms.
Latin
What is the best definition of “Comping” for a jazz drummer?
To accompany or compliment the ensemble playing
What are common problems for beginning set drummers when it comes to playing a fill?
- They try to get too fancy
- They lose the tempo of the selection
- They do not have a clear idea of the subdivision of the selection
(A fill is a musical idea used to connect one section of the music to another. They vary in length. They need to keep the feel of the selection, the tempo of the selection and the basic subdivision of the selection.)
Why is the drummer many times asked not to play “solid” quarter notes on the bass drum for jazz/swing tunes, even though the music has them clearly indicated throughout the piece?
- It creates too heavy of a style
- It has a tendency to conflict with the bass line
- It can cover the bass line.
Which of the three types of cymbals regularly found in a basic drum set is used to punctuate special moments in the music?
Crash Cymbal
The smaller,thinner, with less ring crash cymbal makes it well suited to add flair to special moments in the music.
Which phrases best describe the high hat cymbal?
- Found in a pair
- Foot operated
- Has a greater variety of sounds.
To achieve a light/feathered sound on the bass drum, should the player use a heel up or heel down approach on the pedal? Why?
Heel down has less power- less volume
(The player should use a heel down approach because there isn’t as much power in the leg with the heel down).
Which of the following statements are true of “Comping” for the jazz drummer?
- It must tastefully accompany the ensemble.
- It should compliment the ensemble’s style
- It is more about what is being played now than about what is to come.
Select the style in which the bass drum dominates often in a dotted rhythm with a strong snare on beat two.
Latin
What cymbals are found in a standard drum set and how do they function?
- Crash Cymbal - used for accents
- Ride Cymbal - used as a time keeper
- High Hat - used to set back beats
What is the appropriate definition of a “Set-up” as used by a jazz drummer?
A one-time fill used to prepare the ensemble for its next section
What is the correct definition of a “KICK”?
Supporting full ensemble rhythmic figures; snare usually for short notes, bass drum for longer notes
How is the bass drum used in a jazz style?
- Bass drum is lighter or feathered in style
- Smaller percentage of usage
- Used to punctuate figures
In which style of music does the subdivision of the beats fall primarily as eighth notes in straight time?
Rock
(Rock style has a heavy bass drum - usually on 1 and 3. The basic subdivision is into eighth or sixteenth notes usually straight without many dotted rhythms.)
What is a fill?
A musical idea on the drum set which connects to the following section
Which cymbal best fits the following description, “larger, thicker with more ring”?
Ride Cymbal
- Ride is larger/thicker (18-22”) than crash (14-16”)
- Ride rings less than crash [[[IS THIS A TYPO??]]]
- Ride defines tempo/beat, crash punctuates
Name the standard (necessary) parts of a 5-piece drum set?
- Snare Drum
- Bass Drum
- Hi-Hat
- Ride Cymbal
- Tom Tom and/or Crash Cymbal
Which phrases best describe the crash cymbal?
- Smaller
- Thinner
- Less ring
- Brighter sound
What is the correct definition of a “SET-UP”?
A simple rhythmic pattern before an ensemble entrance to help the band come in together
Which cymbal best fits the following description, “two cymbals operated by the foot”?
High Hat Cymbal
Foot operated allowing for different sounds whether open or closed
Select the style in which the bass drum dominates and the snare drum takes a secondary role.
Rock
Rock style has a heavy bass drum - usually on 1 and 3
Which of the following statements are true about the “Set-up” for a jazz drummer?
- It prepares the ensemble for the next section
- Must be stylistically correct
- Must be in the correct tempo
As the set drummer in a jazz ensemble, how should you approach an over-written set part (one in which every note is spelled out for you)?
- You should simplify the part making sure to keep the integrity of the music intact
- Make sure that you cover the basics of the style called for
- You should use it as a road map to see where you are going
Which cymbal best fits the following description, “smaller, thinner, less ring”?
Crash Cymbal
Crash cymbals are generally smaller and thinner than ride cymbals. Crash cymbals have less ring than ride cymbals.
Which of the following statements are true about the “Kick” for a jazz drummer?
- Usually reserved for the shout chorus
- Often played during large tutti ensemble sections
- Usually provides extra punch for the ensemble’s accents
What is an over-written drum set part?
An over-written part is a part which has every rhythm and fill notated.
Which type of cymbal is most frequently used to establish a back beat?
High Hat
(The high hat played by the foot often is used to set a strong back beat. The foot control also allows for flexibility of sound depending on the open or closing of the cymbals.)
Which of the three main types of cymbals in the basic drum set is used to define a beat pattern?
Ride Cymbal
The ride cymbal is larger, heavier, with more ring to it. This allows it to define a beat pattern.
Which phrases best describe the ride cymbal?
- Larger
- Heavier
- More ring
Select the style in which the ride and high hat cymbals take the leading roles.
Swing
Swing usually doesn’t have such a strong bass drum feel, and the hi-hat pattern needs to be swung, not straight.
As the drummer in a jazz ensemble, how should you approach an under-written set part? (A part that consists of slash marks throughout.)
- You should find the shout choruses and the ensemble hits
- You should make sure that you know the style of the music and play accordingly
- You should know which sections are playing at what time throughout the selection
Which type of cymbal is most frequently used to highlight important moments?
Crash Cymbal
(The crash cymbal is generally smaller, thinner and has less ring associated with it. This allows it to punctuate special moments.)
