Yeah, agree with Plainsman that it's good to be adaptable.
But as for me, a few things are crucial in the setup to make sure that i can pull off the usual things i do on the drums. Seat height, height and angles of the drum setup (toms and snare), cymbal height.
Good ergonomics is important for one to move smoothly around the drumset. If the setup causes you to have to move awkwardly, then that's not good and would probably injure you if you try to play at usual fast speeds or hit hard.
But that being said, i would also just adapt my playing style and what i'm playing along with the kind of setup. If the throne cannot be adjusted too well (due to it being partially broken-down as happens in many jam studios), then gotta adjust the rest of the setup to match it, and play less busy stuff.
But ultimately, it's all about practice and jamming with different people regularly.
Only by throwing yourself into situations where you have to react and adapt musically, then you realise what you're good/weak at and can then identify areas for improvement.
But as far as groove/fills go when playing with a band, i feel the key is how one practises.
If you "jam" at home when practising, playing your favourite grooves at your most comfortable tempo, then that particular groove will probably not be as tight as it ought to be. Practise slow. And practise doubling up.
By practising slow, you then have to make sure you know exactly where you are placing your notes and accents. The independence (or lack thereof) to pull it off will also be revealed. Only by starting and practising slowly to a metronome can you then play it fast, cleanly, and tightly. Then after that, the improvisation and fitting the idea into a groove comes in.
Also, when jamming, you have quite little time to think.
So whatever you use, has to be super comfortable for you to pull off in practise.
If it's something you are slightly struggling with in practise, and barely pulling off at that speed, chances are you won't pull it off cleanly in a jam.
Practising going into fills and crashing smack in the 1 after the fill is also crucial. That determines if your fill actually sounded tight. (But of course those who like to displace accents will do the coming-in accents on the 1-n or the 2 etc.)
Oh yes, and regarding the gear, it is good to practise in tougher conditions.
Think shaolin.
Practise on tighter less smooth pedal..... Given a good pedal, your feet will fly.
Practise on a dead surface.... given a normal skin, your hands will fly.
Hope that helps a tad bit!
But as for me, a few things are crucial in the setup to make sure that i can pull off the usual things i do on the drums. Seat height, height and angles of the drum setup (toms and snare), cymbal height.
Good ergonomics is important for one to move smoothly around the drumset. If the setup causes you to have to move awkwardly, then that's not good and would probably injure you if you try to play at usual fast speeds or hit hard.
But that being said, i would also just adapt my playing style and what i'm playing along with the kind of setup. If the throne cannot be adjusted too well (due to it being partially broken-down as happens in many jam studios), then gotta adjust the rest of the setup to match it, and play less busy stuff.
But ultimately, it's all about practice and jamming with different people regularly.
Only by throwing yourself into situations where you have to react and adapt musically, then you realise what you're good/weak at and can then identify areas for improvement.
But as far as groove/fills go when playing with a band, i feel the key is how one practises.
If you "jam" at home when practising, playing your favourite grooves at your most comfortable tempo, then that particular groove will probably not be as tight as it ought to be. Practise slow. And practise doubling up.
By practising slow, you then have to make sure you know exactly where you are placing your notes and accents. The independence (or lack thereof) to pull it off will also be revealed. Only by starting and practising slowly to a metronome can you then play it fast, cleanly, and tightly. Then after that, the improvisation and fitting the idea into a groove comes in.
Also, when jamming, you have quite little time to think.
So whatever you use, has to be super comfortable for you to pull off in practise.
If it's something you are slightly struggling with in practise, and barely pulling off at that speed, chances are you won't pull it off cleanly in a jam.
Practising going into fills and crashing smack in the 1 after the fill is also crucial. That determines if your fill actually sounded tight. (But of course those who like to displace accents will do the coming-in accents on the 1-n or the 2 etc.)
Oh yes, and regarding the gear, it is good to practise in tougher conditions.
Think shaolin.
Practise on tighter less smooth pedal..... Given a good pedal, your feet will fly.
Practise on a dead surface.... given a normal skin, your hands will fly.
Hope that helps a tad bit!
