playing to the loops

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Sun Feb 06, 2011 11:39 pm

Well this is frustrating the hell out of me. I know it's because I have no drum background but it sure is anything but easy for a newb! I can match the rhytm of some of the loops but some are so alien to me that even that is hard! Ah well back to the woodshed!

randyman · Post by **randyman** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 1:04 am

Bertotti's question interests me, because I'm not a trained percussionist, either. My Oriental hasn't arrived yet, but I picked up a pair of drumsticks yesterday, and felt completely inept with them.

My experience is primarily with keyboards. I've been using them to make rhythm and percussion tracks in my recordings for over 35 years; still, one of the things that really excites me about the Wavedrum is the chance to develop a skill with an entirely unfamiliar instrument.

So, while I have a deep electronic music background, I'm really a complete newbie with real percussion. And by the same token, I'm sure many Wavedrum adopters are experienced percussionists, but really challenged by the technical side of this new instrument.

So I'm wondering - how many forum members fall into one camp or the other, or are perfectly comfortable in both worlds? Just how do Wavedrum owners split statistically between percussionists/synth mavens/jacks of all trades/masters of neither?

Just curious.

ellll · Post by **ellll** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 1:09 am

Jus' keep punchin' it It'll come sooner or later

John

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Mon Feb 07, 2011 3:31 am

I dabble with mandolin and guitar, played some organ growing up and can beat out a couple marches on a snare. I never played with anyone else so I have a lot to learn, frustrating but fun. Oddly I can sometimes hear in my head what I want to do but something is lost as the signals travel to my hand!

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Tue Feb 08, 2011 4:07 am

I was thinking that playing to the loops is probably akin to trying to get a baby to walk before it can crawl. I figure I should learn how to use my hands better first. Do any of you have any suggestions on a good drum book or primer for a beginner?

stevesmithfan · Post by **stevesmithfan** » Tue Feb 08, 2011 6:22 am

Bertotti wrote:I was thinking that playing to the loops is probably akin to trying to get a baby to walk before it can crawl. I figure I should learn how to use my hands better first. Do any of you have any suggestions on a good drum book or primer for a beginner?

"Stick Control" is a great book with lots of different stickings. Great for beginners to advance.

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Tue Feb 08, 2011 8:38 am

Thanks! Payday is tuesday, I'll buy it then! I really appreciate it!

randyman · Post by **randyman** » Tue Feb 08, 2011 1:33 pm

I can use that book, too - thanks!

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Thu Feb 10, 2011 4:34 am

Is this the one you are talking about. I did a google and this PDF came up!
http://www.unitedgrooveworkers.com/StickContro.pdf

It's called stick contro and looks like a good drumming primer!

I think it is ok to post this link as it doesn't go to a competitor or another forum! Please correct me if I am wrong!

Bertotti · Post by **Bertotti** » Mon Feb 14, 2011 3:40 am

Well I can see this bok is helping, but so far I have barley scratched the surface of it. All I can say is metronome!

Rob Cathcart · Post by **Rob Cathcart** » Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:04 pm

Hi there,

The Stick Control book is a great place to start if you wanna start playing drums.

Butt........ I would start a loop and just pound out 1,2,3,4 for a bit then start adding extra hits as the magic comes to you.

Don't necessarily try to match the notes or syncopation of the loop. Just free your mind man.

Get behind the quarter note groove and let it happen.

Cosmic, eh?

Dave Young · Post by **Dave Young** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 2:50 am

Find a local drum circle and drum with others on a djembe once a week, great practice!

Slabwax · Post by **Slabwax** » Thu Mar 29, 2012 9:24 pm

First plus one on stick control It's one of two books every drummer has to tackle.

"Find a local drum circle and drum with others on a djembe once a week, great practice!"

Don't do this! You want to learn how to play drums right?