Drum Set Technique

Question 1

Two cymbals operated by the foot

Answer 1

High hat cymbal

Question 2

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?

Answer 2

1. Creates too heavy a style
2. It has a tendency to conflict with the bass line
3. It can cover the bass line.

Question 3

Which type of cymbal is more frequently used as a time keeper or to drive rhythms?

Answer 3

Ride

The ride cymbal is usually larger, heavier, and has more ring to it. This allows it to define a beat pattern

Question 4

What statements are true about the “set-up” for a jazz drummer?

Answer 4

1. It prepares the ensemble for the next section
2. Must be stylistically correct
3. Must be in the correct tempo.

Question 5

What is the definition of a “KICK”?

Answer 5

Supporting full ensemble rhythmic figures; snare usually for short notes, bass drum for longer notes.

Question 6

How is the bass drum used in a rock style?

Answer 6

In rock, the bass drum can be on 1 and 3.

The bass drum is heavier in rock vs. jazz.

Percentage of bass drum more in rock vs. jazz.

Used as a time keeper.

Question 7

What is the definition of a “FILL” in jazz drumming?

Answer 7

A short solo leading into a set-up or new section of the music.

Question 8

Name the standard parts of a 5-piece drum

Answer 8

Snare drum

Bass drum

Hi-hat

Ride cymbal

Tom tom and/or crash cymbal

Question 9

Which style of music has the subdivision of beats fall primarily as eighth notes with dotted rhythms?

Answer 9

Latin

Question 10

How is the bass drum used in a jazz style?

Answer 10

Bass drum is lighter in jazz vs. rock.

Bass drum is used for punctuation of figures in jazz.

Question 11

What statements are true about the “kick” for a jazz drummer?

Answer 11

Usually reserved for the shout chorus

Often played during large tutti ensemble sections

Usually provides extra punch for the ensemble’s accents.

Question 12

What phrases describe the crash cymbal?

Answer 12

Smaller, lighter, less ring, & brighter sound.

Question 13

What is an over-written drum set part?

Answer 13

A part which has every rhythm and fill notated.

Question 14

What is an under-written drum set part?

Answer 14

A part which consists mostly of slash marks on the staffs.

Question 15

Which of the three types of cymbals regularly found in a basic drum set is used to punctuate special moments in the music?

Answer 15

Crash cymbal.

Question 16

As the set drummer in a jazz ensemble how should you approach an over-written set part?

Answer 16

You should simplify the part making sure the 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.

Question 17

Which style has the bass drum dominate and the snare drum takes secondary role?

Answer 17

Rock

Question 18

Which phrases best describe the ride cymbal?

Answer 18

Larger, heavier, & more ring.

Question 19

What is the best definition of a “kick” as used in jazz drumming?

Answer 19

Usually used during large tutti sections or shout choruses to accent the ensemble’s playing.

Question 20

To achieve a lighter/feathered sound on the bass drum, should the player use a heel up or heel down approach on the pedal? Why?

Answer 20

The player should use a heel down approach because there isn’t as much power in the leg with the heel down.

Question 21

What are common problems for beginning set drummers when it comes to playing a fill?

Answer 21

They try to get too fancy.

They lose the tempo of the selection.

They do not have a clear idea of the subdivision in the selection.

Question 22

What is the correct definition of a “SET-UP”?

Answer 22

A simple rhythmic pattern before an ensemble entrance to help the band come in together.

Question 23

Which type of cymbal is most frequently used to establish a back beat?

Answer 23

High hat.

The foot control also allows for flexibility of sound depending on the open or closing of the cymbals.

Question 24

What is the best definition of “comping” for a jazz drummer?

Answer 24

To accompany or compliment the ensemble playing.

Question 25

As the drummer in a jazz ensemble, how should you approach an under-written set part?

Answer 25

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.

Question 26

What statements are true of “comping” for a jazz drummer?

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

What cymbals are in a standard drum set and how do they function?

Answer 27

Ride cymbal - time keeper

Crash cymbals - accentuator

High hat - Set the back beat

Question 28

Which type of cymbal is most frequently used to highlight important moments?

Answer 28

Crash cymbal.

Question 29

Which style has the ride and high hat cymbals take the leading roles.

Answer 29

Swing.

Question 30

Which style has the bass drum dominate in a dotted rhythm with a strong snare on beat two.

Answer 30

Latin.

Question 31

What cymbal best fits the following description? Smaller, thinner, less ring?

Answer 31

Crash cymbal.

Question 32

What is the appropriate definition of a “set-up” as used by a jazz drummer?

Answer 32

A one-time fill used to prepare the ensemble for it’s next section.

Question 33

What is the correct definition of a “FILL”?

Answer 33

A short solo leading into a set-up or new section of the music.

Question 34

Which cymbal is the basic drum set is used to define a beat pattern?

Answer 34

Ride cymbal.

Question 35

In what style of music does the subdivision of the beats fall primarily as eighth notes in straight time?

Answer 35

Rock.

Question 36

What phrases best describe the high hat cymbal?

Answer 36

Found in a pair.

Foot operated.

Variety of sound.

Question 37

Which style of music has the subdivision of the beats fall primarily as triplets?

Answer 37

Swing