Drum Set Technique Flashcards
What is the correct definition of a “KICK”?
supporting full ensemble rhythmic figures; snare usually for short notes, bass drum for longer notes
Which of the three types of cymbals regularly found in a basic drum set is used to punctuate special moments in the music?
Crash
What is an over-written drum set part?
every rhythm and fill notated
Which cymbal best fits the following description? larger, thicker with more ring
Ride
What is a fill?
a musical idea on the drum set which connects to the following section
Select the style of music in which the subdivision of the beats fall primarily as triplets?
Swing
Which phrases best describe the crash cymbal?
- smaller
- lighter
- less ring
Select the style in which the bass drum dominates and the snare drum takes a secondary role.
Rock
In which style of music does the subdivision of the beats fall primarily as eighth notes in straight time?
Rock
Name the standard (necessary) parts of a 5-piece drumset?
- Snare
- Bass
- Mounted Toms
- Floor Tom
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
What is the best definition of a “Kick” as used in jazz drumming?
usually used during large tutti sections or shout choruses to accent the ensemble’s playing
Which type of cymbal is most frequently used as a time keeper or to drive rhythms?
Ride
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?
- creates too heavy a style
- tendency to conflict with the bass line
- can cover the bass line
Describe the hi-hat
- found in a pair
- foot operated
- greater variety of sounds
As the drummer in a jazz ensemble, how should you approach an under-written set part? (A part that consists of slash marks throughout.)
- find shout choruses and ensemble hits
- make sure you know the style of the music and play accordingly
- know which sections are playing at what time throughout the piece
Describe the kick
- usually reserved for shout chorus
- often played during large tutti ensemble sections
- usually provides extra punch for the ensemble’s accents
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)
- 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
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 and less volume
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 best definition of “Comping” for a jazz drummer?
to accompany or compliment the ensemble playing
Describe the ride cymbal
- larger
- heavier
- more ring
What are common problems for beginning set drummers when it comes to playing a fill?
- try to get too fancy
- lose the tempo
- don’t have a clear idea of the subdivision
Describe Latin
the bass drum dominates often in a dotted rhythm with a strong snare on beat two.
What is the correct definition of a “SET-UP”?
a simple rhythmic pattern before an ensemble entrance to help the band come in together
What are the cymbals of a drum set and how do they function?
- ride cymbal = time keeper
- crash cymbal = accentuator
- high hat = set the back beat
What is the subdivision of Latin
eighth notes with dotted rhythms
What is an underwritten part?
mostly of slash marks on the staffs
How is the bass drum used in rock?
- 1&3
- heavy
- used alot
- time keeper
What is true for the “set-up”
- prepares ensemble for next section
- must be stylistically correct
- must be in correct tempo
How is the bass drum used in jazz?
- lighter/feathered
- used less often
- used to punctuate figures
Describe swing
ride and high hat take the leading roles
What is true of comping?
- must tastefully accompany the ensemble
- must compliment the ensemble’s style
- more about what is happening now than what is to come
How is a crash used?
To highlight important moments
How is the high hat used?
To establish a back beat
How is the ride cymbal used?
To define a beat patten
