playin too loud

[pdp 9091]

i dont know if its me but people around me like in school have seen my videos on youtube and say: WHY DO U HAVE TO PLAY SO LOUD??!!
and im trying to explain to them that they dont get it....u cant turn down drums....drums are loud...their meant to be loud...they cut through the music.....people arent used to hearing drums so they think they are too loud when really if u try to play softer u are losing the ability to do somestuff like fills and all that....and im playing punk/rock/classic rock so its the type of music style.....i just cant explain to them because they arent drummers....drums are loud

[TheSteve]

Yeah, drums are loud and to the untrained ear, it's just noise. But, there's ways to be tasteful. You shouldn't play one dynamic all the time.

[pdp 9091]

Yeah, drums are loud and to the untrained ear, it's just noise. But, there's ways to be tasteful. You shouldn't play one dynamic all the time.

i do play at different dynamics. Depends on wut the mood of the song im playing or wut song im playing

[drummerforJesus]

ive lost probably 30% of my hearing playing drums

[pdp 9091]

ive lost probably 30% of my hearing playing drums


me 2....seriously

20 blalalala

[skate4flip]

when i practice (on the set), ive been using my Stereo Isolation Headphones quite a bit. They help ALOT. There also great for playing along to stuff because it blocks out alot of outside noise and you can here the songs very clearly.

[finnhiggins]

Believe it or not, there most definitely is such a thing as too loud. If you're getting told to play quieter by experienced musicians, do it: an overly loud drummer can really ruin the sound of a band, because it makes all the other players turn up to compensate - and if you all go too loud for a room or stage situation then you can really make a mess of your live audio presentation. It's good to be able to play the full range of dynamics on the drums, from so quiet that people can talk over what you're playing to so loud that they need earplugs and can't hear each other even when they're shouting...

[BigSexyPanda]

i actually get this a lot, too. I know it is a small room and of course i can't really even play in a comfortable way, but a lot of times, there is such a thing as too loud, just like finn said. Try to be reasonable and think okay, partly they dont understand, whatever. but if it's so much of a problem for you to be posting it that so many people are telling you this, there must be some sort of problem.

[franklinj]

If people who are exp. musicians are telling you that youre too loud, youre too loud.


If inexperienced people are calling you too loud just because they dont know what theyre talking about, than thats exactly what it is:they dont know what theyre talking about.

People are always telling me "play softer, play softer." What these peple dont realize is tht im playing with "bundle sticks". Its mostly the bass that you have to watch out for. People feel the bass instead of hearing it, so maybe thats why they said that.

[Stu_Strib]

We all know this guy...sits down on drums and bashes away at one volume...LOUD. Then everyone tells him to tone it down and he blames the drums.

I don't think I've ever been told I play too loudly, even when I try to play loud.

This is the same kind of post you find in the "I broke ANOTHER cymbal" threads, or "Sticks don't last!" threads.

Maybe you aren't playing too loudly, but I'm just gonna guess you are.

[harryconway]

On yourtube, are you solo or are you in a band? If your solo, then they need to turn their computer speakers down and then your drums won't be so loud. If you're playin' with a band, the drum mix might be way wrong. Maybe your guitar player and bass player need to get real stage amps and stop using practice amps live. But...dynamics does apply to a drum set. Bundle rods, brushes, smaller sticks, smaller cymbals, smaller drums, felt beaters, felt strips, a lighter touch. Dynamics.

[Jeff Almeyda]

ive lost probably 30% of my hearing playing drums

My right ear is shot. It sucks. WEAR PLUGS!!!!

That being said, maybe it's not the overall volume of your playing but the relative volumes of your kit voices. Many younger drummers hit their cymbals too hard. You really don't need to hit a cymbal that hard to crash it.

Remember your snare drum is the loudest voice, followed by the kick and then the ride/hi-hat.

Get a teacher or drummer that you respect and let them check out your playing. You have to develop the ability to kick it at any volume level.

[Crazy]

That's funny cause people say I play too low and don't dig in enough in the drums......

[syaoran05]

where's the link to this said video? i wanna see for myself.

[Storm Drummer]

Its mostly the bass that you have to watch out for. People feel the bass instead of hearing it, so maybe thats why they said that.

exactly.........i have to agree 100%

[Auger]

Believe it or not, there most definitely is such a thing as too loud. If you're getting told to play quieter by experienced musicians, do it: an overly loud drummer can really ruin the sound of a band, because it makes all the other players turn up to compensate - ...

...great point finn. To take it one step further -if you're in a 'working band' having the other musicians turn up to compensate isn't always an option -one example would be at a wedding. If the grandparents are seated close to the band (you'd be surprised how many people do this!) then it gets to a point where, if you cant bring the volume down to a comfortable level, you'll probably be asked to stop ...and probably won't get paid.

But, yeah, to the inexperienced drums are often surprisingly loud -especially up close.

[TitanSound]

Everytime we have someone come into see us when we rehearse they normally comment on how loud it is when the guitarists/bass player are tuning up and jamming while I finish setting up. Our bass player says "Wait until he starts playing" pointing at me and they normally just laugh it off.

Everytime we launch into the first song I look over at them and see them cringe slighty when I come in :)

[TPC]

Believe it or not, there most definitely is such a thing as too loud. If you're getting told to play quieter by experienced musicians, do it: an overly loud drummer can really ruin the sound of a band, because it makes all the other players turn up to compensate - and if you all go too loud for a room or stage situation then you can really make a mess of your live audio presentation. It's good to be able to play the full range of dynamics on the drums, from so quiet that people can talk over what you're playing to so loud that they need earplugs and can't hear each other even when they're shouting...

agree.

different drums have different volume ranges in which they sound "right". if you've got a 26" bass drum and giant power toms, you need to hit them pretty hard to get their sound out. but even large drums can be played too hard. hit them hard enough to achieve the optimum sound, no harder. if that is too loud for the given situation, get smaller, more sensitive drums and play them less hard.

[jangus]

Everytime we have someone come into see us when we rehearse they normally comment on how loud it is when the guitarists/bass player are tuning up and jamming while I finish setting up. Our bass player says "Wait until he starts playing" pointing at me and they normally just laugh it off.

Everytime we launch into the first song I look over at them and see them cringe slighty when I come in :)

Thats nothing to be proud of, if you are. If you want to get anywhere with your drumming, you need to work on playing soft.

Anybody can play loud, it takes a good drummer to play soft.

[TitanSound]

Well it is something to be proud of when our first song is actually quite a rockin' tune and it demands powerful drums. Dont worry, I can play hard, medium or soft ;)

[Pete Stoltman]

I can't tell you how many times I get hired for gigs because I have a reputation of not playing too loud. In fact, there are times when I am by far the quietest member of the band. For me it's about providing a groove and color to the music. I love the response I get from other musicians when I have a beat just "percolating" under the rest of the band. It's all about balance. I admit that most of the music I play does not require loud bashing but even in louder situations it is possible to play what's required without getting out of hand. If you play too loudly the next guy is going to turn up or blow harder etc. then you get this escalating cycle of volume. To my ears that becomes very unmusical.

[bonham990]

Oh you dont even know how many times ive been told to not play so loud escpicially at school. Classic line from the music teacher " ZAK!!! stop playing so loud or get out your not the centre of attention. Honestly what drummer doesnt think he is the centre of attention.As for my hearing i think ill be deaf when i get older i already have major problems hearing radios and stuff like that people always ask me why do you listen to that so loud. Its not that loud to me i can barely hear it. But its all worth it.

[finnhiggins]

Oh you dont even know how many times ive been told to not play so loud escpicially at school. Classic line from the music teacher " ZAK!!! stop playing so loud or get out your not the centre of attention. Honestly what drummer doesnt think he is the centre of attention.As for my hearing i think ill be deaf when i get older i already have major problems hearing radios and stuff like that people always ask me why do you listen to that so loud. Its not that loud to me i can barely hear it. But its all worth it.

There's so much wrong-headed stuff in this post I don't know where to start. Oh, actually, yes I do:

* Stop thinking you're the centre of attention. It's good advice, you're not - the sooner you get over it the more likely it is you'll get somewhere.
* Get earplugs, for crying out loud!

[glynes]

When I first started out, everybody told me I needed to hit harder. So I worked on that a lot. Then I had a lesson with Billy ward, hit a few beats and he hollered, "Yow!! I should've worn earplugs!!" To this day I haven't figured out if he meant that was a good thing ... or not! 8-)
My first teacher said that when my hubby started talking about sound-proofing my music room, then I'd know I was hitting hard enough. The subject came up last weekend.
When I play out it's almost always on mic'd drums, so I presume that if I'm too loud, the sound guy should be fixing it (or fixing everybody else to match my volume).

[Jared_Falk]

You have to remember to play at the dynamic level that suits the room and the style of music you are performing. If you are playing Punk Rock in a hall with a massive sound system then you can go ahead and whale on your drums. If your playing in church that has a little Radio Shack sound system you might want to consider using smaller sticks, and not hitting the drums as hard.

[bonham990]

earplugs....pfffftttt....

[pdp 9091]

If you're getting told to play quieter by experienced musicians, do it...

the thing is....these people arent experianced musicians at all.....theres this one kid who has been playing bass with me on and off for like 2 years now and then theres a bunch of kids who have seen youtube videos of mine....i dont see where their basis for critism is because they arent musicians at all and the actual experienced musicians i do play with in my band dont have a problem with my playing at all

[theduke86]

If someone thinks you're playing too loud, that means their playing is suffering, therefore the music is suffering, therefore you should turn down!
Believe me, people sometimes tell me too- not much anymore, but I do have pretty good loud technique and I can hit a pretty good rimshot from time to time.
That isn't the best sometimes.

[Stu_Strib]

Honestly what drummer doesnt think he is the centre of attention.

Uhhh, most every good drummer over the age of 25?

[tmc]

8< snip snip snip >8 ...so I presume that if I'm too loud, the sound guy should be fixing it (or fixing everybody else to match my volume).

Hey Glynes.

Rock on!!!

-Michael

[Drums558]

I enjoy playing loud, but even when I play loud you need to learn to control the dynamics of each limb or your groove just sounds loud with no groove. Call it 4 way dynamic independence.
I also have learned to enjoy playing soft and controled, this is very difficult for a drummer but a skill that should be learned. At some point you will find yourself playing a wedding or formal gig where you need to play quietly and still give a song the drive and emotion it needs. It is alot of fun when you can do this, theres a feel of quality that is hard to explain that I find very rewarding.
Mike

[bonham990]

Uhhh, most every good drummer over the age of 25?

Alright i may have been a little off when i said what drummer doesnt think hes the centre of attention but one thing i know im right about is that almost all drummers are definitly cocky wanna be know it alls.

[Jusstickinaround]

Try playing outside unmiked with a rock band, drums arn't meant to be played outside unmiked. They need a room a nice wood room with high ceilings.

[Blondie]

I'm not a loud drummer. but my cousin is, and when I go to see him play I just keep thinking that the music is a bit spoiled with his loud drumming. Never had the heart to tell him though. You have to have all the instruments complimenting one another. The other night we found that the bass players sound was drowning the guitars at the back of the room, (he's young) I didn't pick it up on stage , but thats bass , it can hit the end of the room and just explode. Its an art to get a perfect sound, sort of like finding the perfect wave , you just keep looking.

[x-man988]

Uhhh, most every good drummer over the age of 25?
REALLY?I don't think so.Though a good drummer need experience,it also need talent

[ledzepjb]

Alright, if somebody(an acctual musician that isnt a n00b)tells you to turn it downa notch or two, then do it. Dont say '' drums dont have volume nobs !'' just listne to what the guy is telling you, and dont complain, thats will only lead to somebody being pist.

[PreppieNerd]

As long as it's just you soloing and you don't have other musicians you need to balance with, they can turn their computer volume down.

[burnthehero]

I think it was Elvin Jones that said that drums are meant to be played loud.

And we all know that if Elvin Jones said something, we must all obey.

[masonni]

ah... don't even get me started on Too Loud.
Ear Plugs were invented for a reason. Yes, kicking it at the highest volume in a jazz band is wrong, but if your a rocker then don't let people tell you to turn down. Rock music is loud.

[Mr. Pasquini]

You shouldn't lose the ability to do fills at low volume unless you are using poor technique to accomplish your fills. I can play quietly or incredibly loudly, it just takes practice... Not that I've been playing real well but my teacher is a Jazz drummer, he stresses the importance of volume control so I can play quietly.

[KC Jones]

I think the key to tell if you’re playing to loud is to ask yourself “can hear everything the other players are playing?”. I mean we are playing music here, so the idea is to be able to hear and play together with the other musicians. If you can’t hear clearly what the others guys are playing then you’re probably too loud.

[bonzolead]

I love dynamics a lot of drummers think the harder they play the better.that's true in some situations but not always I remember seeing a young drummer playing with Bradford Masilis(sorry for the spelling) he did one the most dynamic solos I've ever seen totally knocked me out.he was doing all of this super fancy & technical fills& grooves and he was barely hitting the drums.Drums do have volume it's up to you too provide that volume.what's difficult for me is playing complex fills but quietly.it really take a lot of discipline.

Keep Swatting,
Bonzolead

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

ah... don't even get me started on Too Loud.
Ear Plugs were invented for a reason. Yes, kicking it at the highest volume in a jazz band is wrong, but if your a rocker then don't let people tell you to turn down. Rock music is loud.

There is a too loud. Most of the clubs I play in have the same PA system (which belongs to the promotions company who run the gigs). The volume which that PA puts out is ridiculously loud, I actually felt physically sick after an all-day metal event. That's too loud. Noise complaints means it's too loud and it doesn't always have to be that way, even in rock music. This obsession with going up to eleven really bugs me not only in a live setting, but also in a studio context. Mastering has got to the point where the mixes are becoming distorted as a result.

Why? Just why?

[fourstringdrums]

There is a too loud. Most of the clubs I play in have the same PA system (which belongs to the promotions company who run the gigs). The volume which that PA puts out is ridiculously loud, I actually felt physically sick after an all-day metal event. That's too loud. Noise complaints means it's too loud and it doesn't always have to be that way, even in rock music. This obsession with going up to eleven really bugs me not only in a live setting, but also in a studio context. Mastering has got to the point where the mixes are becoming distorted as a result.

Why? Just why?

Some people still have the "If it's too loud, you're too old" attitude.

I agree, and not just for the musicians, it can be too loud for the audience. Some people don't automatically think "Oh ok, I'm going to a rock show, I need hearing protection". Not that you have to play quietly, but don't have the goal to be the loudest there is, especially if you're going to be louder than everyone else in the band. If you do that, the band is going to sound like crap and you and the band are going to look like asses.