I really should be playing more...

For one, I didn't bait you. I'm trying to give practical advice. I would learn as much theory no matter what I was learning - but someone who doesn't have a musical background probably would not be interested in that, even to do what Larry wants. Of the main rock instruments, you need to know less basic information to become an able and even competent drummer. That's just basic.

>>BTW what do you mean by "(making him "last" I guess)"? don't quite get your drift.

It means I listed the two other drummers as the last I'd played with, but the kid who's going to Berkeley was actually the last.

 

I know you didn't knowingly bait me, Mag(just a bit of drama). I think where we disagree is our differing perspective of "practical."
You know, you're assuming he wants to beat drums; I assume he wants to play drums. Granted he may want to just "dick around."
But, I'd keep/present some kinda educated approach to learning to play, and let him, or whomever, decide if they want to dick around smart or dick around like a "moron." [Sorry, I couldn't think of a more pleasant term for "moron." I don't mean to imply that anyone is a moron, per se, just there level of musicianship. I also apologize for coming off as an elitist.]

 

apology accepted, because you did
it's okay. I understand perfectly where you're coming from. I guess I was under the assumption that a novice without musical background would have an instructor, but that's all he'd need. Technique. Larry would not have to learn how to read music or tablature, I don't imagine. He wouldn't have to learn about chords or scales or modes or any of that. I can play drums allright by ear without instruction, and if I had a set I'd become pretty good because it's fun to do. But going past technique means stepping up instruction, unless a degree's being sought, which it isn't. And since most thirty-somethings with two kids and a job have to make time for a few hours' practice to maintain or enhance learning, I wouldn't figure he will need extensive training. It was said at first to be a hobby and that's where I went with it.

For one, the cost of a set is fairly high compared to most startup instruments, it takes up a lot of space, and he wants a good set I imagine so he can have something that'll always meet his needs - so he's already in the hole for what, $500 or so mixing a good pawn shop set with cymbals and a new kick pedal? I haven't priced new in a while and I don't know what value's in used. He oughta get immersed in it and then go from there. Have fun with it, enjoy the new hobby he's undertaken before he has to get serious with it, if he wants to get serious with it. The money aspect can be regained with selling the equipment, but he shouldn't immediately dedicate himself past his reach from the start. Just my opinion.

 

moving 4 limbs in different motions at the same time is not easy. If you're just going to bang out a simple rythym you can learn that the kicker is not losing your place in the long haul. When the drummer goes south the who band does.

 

No doubt. I don't care if a drummer plays it clean and hard, no fills...or if they play it with a jazz background. As long as they're playing non-jazz, the foot better be powerful and they better crack the hell out of the snare. I can't stand a wimpy backbeat in most music.

 

I can't compromise on this issue. I maintain that if one wants to give himself a fair shot at the drums he needs to gain control of his hands(and made aware of both grips). And the best way to gain this control are through rudiments, rolls, a metronome, and a little patience. It's a beautiful skill that, if done at all, is worth doing right IMHO.
That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

 

There's nothing wrong at all with a practice pad. Matter of fact he should start there first, esp. since it's the cheapest addition. But you didn't mention that. And I never said "no, don't take an educated approach." I just said there's less musical theory that must be learned. You've never adressed that in your non-comprimisibility.

 

Mag, I get the feeling this is a three-party conversation: you and you, and you and me.
I never mentioned theory[I did mention that some drummers can arr, comp, play mallets instruments.]nor formal education. I and you didn't mention a lot of stuff........

Anyhow, I really don't want to get into this any deeper than I have already. I suspect my perspective is much more inclusive than yours and/or the other posters on this board; I imagine that most folks would think "what the fuck? it's only music" about my perspective. You know, some people don't require nor want serious music; this is not to say they're not serious about their music. It's a acquired taste that others may go elsewhere to fill this/that need.

This is a pretty open-ended question. I haven't the foggiest notion of your ambition, which could define the level of musicianship required for performing the kind of music you want, etc. For instance: I can listen to many kinds of musics; but, when it comes to my druthers as far as performance goes, my field becomes much more focused and specialized; also, it depends on the players as much, if not more than the music.
For instance: after a coupla months practicing the drums, you can get with other players with only a coupla months doing whatever.
But, after you've played for a few years, you probably wouldn't want to mess with the coupla months players.

There're all kinds of self-help methods available, at your local music store and on the web(probably).

Anyhow, IMHO there seems to be two basic schools of thoughts: one is on music as the main focus and reward, and the other on peripherals and fringe benefits.

Have fun.

 

Man, you guys got to chill on the drummers...if it weren't for us, you'd all be running around playing bluegrass or chamber music. Now in my personal opinion, a seriously kick-ass drummer posesses more skill that all other instrumentalists, save for piano. The old four-way independence is a real bitch, and those who pull it off well, ususally make the band. Unfortunately, drums are mightly expensive...here's some pics of my new Gretsch Custom Maples and Zildjian Ks (well over $5,000 invested)

 

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