by ajft

Playing percussion drums in a band is often given little, if any, consideration. Many people still believe that this aspect of the band simply involves placing a drum set Second-hand Drums - The Second-Hand Drums Market: Tips for Buying a Good Used Drum Set If you're considering purchasing a drum set, here are some tips for buying a quality used set. Following these suggestions will help ensure you don't waste your money. Take your time: Be patient when choosing a drum set. Carefully assess the drums' overall… in the room and letting the drummer pound away freely. This perception may stem from the fact that acoustic drum sets don’t require amplifiers, cables, or other electrical equipment, leading them to be treated as pieces of furniture that don’t need special attention. This statement may seem provocative, but after years of playing in bands and talking to other musicians, I’ve concluded that many drummers lack an understanding of instrument integration. Enough with the criticism though, let’s move on to some practical tips that drummers can use to improve the overall sound quality of their band’s music and optimize the use of their drum set within the group.

Instrument Layout

Regardless of whether your band is playing in a small or large space, the drum set should always be positioned at the back of the room, or at least behind the other instruments. This is not about seeking less attention, but rather a necessity for all musicians. If a band includes a singer, lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, keyboard, and drum set, for example, everyone should be able to hear the drums, at least the bass drum, which establishes the basic rhythmic pattern. Since sound projects forward, positioning the drum set in front of the band makes it difficult for other members to hear the rhythm.

Percussion drums should also be placed near the bass, as they both form the rhythmic foundation of the band. Drums and bass are like twins in the sense that they need to be in sync for the music to flow smoothly and enjoyably. It is nearly impossible for a drummer to listen to all individual instruments simultaneously, so the trick is to follow the bass player, who typically plays fewer notes than a lead guitarist and has an easier-to-follow rhythmic pattern.

Guidance for Playing Together

Here are some useful tips that drummers can apply to make the most of their band playing experience and contribute to a richer overall sound. When I first became interested in percussion drums, I often wondered why many drummers kept a blanket in their bass drum. The blanket serves as a dampener, making the bass drum strokes sound drier, shorter, and less intrusive. Consider dampening the bass drum with a blanket, pillow, or old clothes, or using specially designed accessories available at good drum shops.

Many drummers tend to play forcefully, hitting each drum with maximum strength out of fear that their sound will be overshadowed by powerful guitar amplifiers. This can be detrimental, particularly when playing more melodic styles like blues, swing, or funk. The drums may become too prominent, making it difficult for the bass player to hear themselves and leading to a clash with the drums. Instead of focusing on force, concentrate on technique. By using less strength, you can achieve greater complexity and pattern richness while also conserving your energy. Keep in mind that drummers often have the highest physical demands, as they constantly move their arms and legs. However, some music styles, such as metal genres, require forceful playing. In these cases, amplifiers are usually adjusted to the drums’ volume to maintain balance.

Additional Tips for Drummers in a Band

Here are some useful suggestions that can help you when playing in a band:

• On your snare drum, make sure to tighten the screw that controls the snare’s tension. This will help reduce the annoying rattling sound caused by vibrations from the bass amplifier when you’re not playing.
• Consider dampening all drums, not just the bass drum, to improve the overall sound quality.
• Keep your pedals (bass drum and hi-hat pedals) well-oiled to avoid being distracted by the squeaking sound of poorly lubricated pedals during performances.
• Use gloves if your hands tend to get sweaty, as slippery drumsticks can be disastrous and affect your playing.
• Always have an extra pair of drumsticks ready, just in case. During a concert, it’s not uncommon for drumsticks to break, so it’s essential to be prepared to continue playing without interruption.

Manuel Marino

Manuel Marino is a seasoned Senior Producer, Music Composer, and Artist with over a decade of experience. He specializes in branded entertainment across various mediums, including video games, films, and advertising campaigns. With 20+ years as a game music composer, Manuel has worked on numerous platforms, creating diverse orchestral soundtracks. HIRE ME

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