Sticks On

[mwm]

Some of you may remember that I wrote last week about the difficulty of picking up the sticks again after years of not having drums. I had been practicing but having difficulty getting everything back in order.

I got some great advice from many of you, and I'm starting to put that in to practice.

I am a tad nervous about sharing my playing, but I guess I will -- for two main reasons.

1. To show where I am, and where I need to get.

2. To let those of you who are interested hear the Yamaha electronic drums.

I'd be interested in your comments, BUT, remember I have only been back playing for about three weeks. So . . .

Sample

[Derek DeFields]

first off, no one on HOD is going to rip on your playing. (or anyone else's on the board)

My best advice would be to play this tune about 15 bpm slower. (I'm assuming you can control the tempo of the practice tune) Try to settle in and have control over each note/limb.

[peter c]

Agree 100%, with Derek.

I used a similar kit (DTX2), by the way.

With the tempo controls you on that kit,
I'd suggest DRASTICALLY slowing it down
and then isolating the ride and HH. Leave
out the snare. Look to 'feel' the swing.

Move on when you are really feeling it.

Don't be so hard on yourself, especially
if this (swing) is unfamiliar ground.

We'll all help.

[img]cool.gif[/img]

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ February 08, 2004 06:28 PM: Message edited by: peter c ]</font>

[mwm]

Good points, both.

I wouldn't say it is unfamiliar to me, but it has been a long, long time.

And, yes, I will slow her down and try that.

[harmonized]

I think the guys are right.

Also, I heard some "issues" with basic fundamentals....time to perhaps break out the singles/doubles/paradiddles/flams practice and get the hands in shape again. Once you have them up to speed, the world is your oyster.

Good job for just getting "re-acquainted" with the tubs again....

Good luck.

[mwm]

Also, I heard some "issues" with basic fundamentals....

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Oh, I would imagine so!! [img]confused.gif[/img] I have been working on them, but . . . I actually felt relatively good about it considering. But, part of getting back into shape is, well, getting back into shape.

And, playing is fun -- after all these years, even repetitive 5-stroke rolls are fun.

(oh and good luck with that Angie Harmon thing -- hope that works out for you [img]smile.gif[/img] )

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ February 09, 2004 10:03 AM: Message edited by: MRhet ]</font>

[peter c]

Remember that the most basic thing
of all is just time. Playing it and
feeling it is the first layer.

Play through parts, with just time
and if it's not right, peel off a
layer from that. For instance, if
it's a 16th-note pattern, take them
off, leaving the 8th's etc. Get to
feeling the time FIRST.

Add layers of the onion back, slowly.

SLOWLY.

You'll be back up on that horse.

[FuseU1]

Nice "mini-lessons" [explanations], Peter [img]wink.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/thumbs_up.gif[/img]

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ February 10, 2004 06:15 PM: Message edited by: FuseU1 ]</font>

[mwm]

Thanks -- I will try.

So far what I have done is slow the thing way down (easy on the machine), and I am trying to always play with the click.

Working on that taskmaster Mr. Time.

[peter c]

It's the same for all of us.

Slow is the way. When slow, you
don't need luck.