Tempo problems

[drumsolo86]

Hello fellow drummers, my tempo problem is bugging me for quite awhile. I feel like I'm insensitive to whether I'm picking up or slowing down. I actually keep an 8th note pulse in my left leg regardless of whatever I'm playing but my band still complains I speed up and slow down sometimes.

OTHER THAN working with a metronome, is there other ways to make myself more sensitive to the speed/tempo of whatever I'm playing?

I've heard of people counting manually with their lips, or swaying their head to a quarter note pulse? Any with any good recommendation I'll be glad to try out.

 

[spinninsticks]

Hey jimmy whats up,

Another way that might help maintain your tempo is probably to sing along to the lyrics of the song. That will somehow give you an idea of how slow or fast you are relatively to the song. Thats how I usually cue the rest of the members during the start of a song too, I sing it in my head to get the rough idea of the tempo.

hope that helps.

 

[alvinthedrummer]

Hi,

First of all, the left-foot clicking does not prevent anyone from rushing or dragging. In actual fact, it highlights the fact that you are rushing or dragging.

As for possible solutions:-

1) How do you practice with the metronome? Do you always practice mid-fast tempo only? If yes, try to slow yourself down to 40-50bpm. At that speed it is very hard for your limbs to go on auto-pilot. You are forced to control every movement and that restrictive practice helps develop control.

2) Do you practice to sub-divisions clicking on the metronome? Sub-divisions are important as you properly learn the spaces in between the main pulses.

3) Have you tried recording your jam session? It could be your other band mates rushing or dragging too. Remember, it is everyone's responsibility in the band to keep good time. If the bassist or guitarist drags for example....the tension created can force ANYONE in the rest of the band to drag too. Might be a good idea to get everyone to jam to a common click track....

4) Counting out aloud is good practice too. There is a huge difference between counting in your head and counting out so that you could hear yourself. Using your own voice as the external voice can be very effective. Try it!

All the best!

 

[mel80]

Yup. Knowing the melody of the song and singing along helps a lot. If you find that you can't catch your breath or cannot keep up with the lyrics, chances are that you are playing it too fast.

Alvin's tip about the sub-divisions is very very important too. It helped me tremendously. When performing without a click, I tend to count the sub-divisions too, especially if I have breaks in the song.

Most important thing is to get down the basics. Practice practice practice (with the metronome)!

I remember Teddy Campbell (drummer of American Idol house band) said this at Drum Fest:
"If a drummer can't keep time, he might as well go be a race car driver or something. Not play drums."

Harsh words, but it can't be more true.

 

[drumsolo86]

All your advice is priceless! Thanks!

 

[chrisxtremes]

Alvin's right, try to play slow with sub division. That's why for some songs, playing it slower is tougher. Try practicing simple groves 1st before adding fills.
Playing 8th notes on your left foot is so that your right hand would be free to do other things. Keeping your left leg on time is another exercise.

Cheers