How to Use a Play Along CD: The Best Way For Drummers to Practice on Their Own
Most people learn how to play the drums and can play a basic beat, or a few common fills. But how can you take your drumming to the next level?
You're a beginning drum student. Or maybe you're an experienced drummer hitting the clubs and working the scene. But no matter what level you're at, one thing is a constant: practice.
But this requires working with other musicians. And not everyone is on the same schedule as you. Also, there may come a day when you simply are better than the band you're playing with, and are no longer challenged as a drummer.
Or you may find yourself labeled as a particular style and unable to break out of your genre. How does a country drummer gain any experience with Jazz for example? Or Funk? Once you've been pigeonholed, it can be tough for anyone to see you as anything else. Remember when Garth Brooks tried to break into rock? Even he was shut down quickly and he's Garth Brooks!
Of course, the alternative is to play alone which, lets face it, can be quite tedious and boring (there are only so many times you can play Wipeout or Zeppelin's Rock & Roll.) Well now there is a great alternative that is both fun and does not require anyone else's participation.
It's a new tool called a play along CD. Lets discuss what it is as well as how to get the best results from using it.
Play along CD is just a fancy name for a recording that's missing one of the instrument tracks. Its like a Karaoke recording (although not nearly as cheesy sounding.) Karaoke removes the vocal track and allows you to sing along. A play along CD is the same thing, but with your instrument missing. This allows you to play your part of the song.
Here's an example: You're a drummer, so you grab a drum play along CD. All you have to do is throw the CD on, jump behind your kit, and play away. Its like having the whole band in the room with you. And, best of all, you can get creative with the part. You may even come up with something better than the original.
All drummers need practice. And you can accomplish some of this with a simple metronome and a drum kit. But a great drummer can do more than just keep a beat. Professional drummers must develop a strong sense of time, master meter, and be able to groove. It's all about feeling. And you don't get that without playing with others either live or on a play along CD. That is what will make you the one everyone calls for a gig. - 18758
You're a beginning drum student. Or maybe you're an experienced drummer hitting the clubs and working the scene. But no matter what level you're at, one thing is a constant: practice.
But this requires working with other musicians. And not everyone is on the same schedule as you. Also, there may come a day when you simply are better than the band you're playing with, and are no longer challenged as a drummer.
Or you may find yourself labeled as a particular style and unable to break out of your genre. How does a country drummer gain any experience with Jazz for example? Or Funk? Once you've been pigeonholed, it can be tough for anyone to see you as anything else. Remember when Garth Brooks tried to break into rock? Even he was shut down quickly and he's Garth Brooks!
Of course, the alternative is to play alone which, lets face it, can be quite tedious and boring (there are only so many times you can play Wipeout or Zeppelin's Rock & Roll.) Well now there is a great alternative that is both fun and does not require anyone else's participation.
It's a new tool called a play along CD. Lets discuss what it is as well as how to get the best results from using it.
Play along CD is just a fancy name for a recording that's missing one of the instrument tracks. Its like a Karaoke recording (although not nearly as cheesy sounding.) Karaoke removes the vocal track and allows you to sing along. A play along CD is the same thing, but with your instrument missing. This allows you to play your part of the song.
Here's an example: You're a drummer, so you grab a drum play along CD. All you have to do is throw the CD on, jump behind your kit, and play away. Its like having the whole band in the room with you. And, best of all, you can get creative with the part. You may even come up with something better than the original.
All drummers need practice. And you can accomplish some of this with a simple metronome and a drum kit. But a great drummer can do more than just keep a beat. Professional drummers must develop a strong sense of time, master meter, and be able to groove. It's all about feeling. And you don't get that without playing with others either live or on a play along CD. That is what will make you the one everyone calls for a gig. - 18758
About the Author:
Spencer (Spence) Strand is a professional drummer and drum instructor who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. To receive your free sample tracks from his Berklee recommended CD series, "Turn It Up and Lay It Down", please go to his site at DrumFun.com.
posted by X - Men at
3:22 AM
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