Post your Greatest Weakness

[brennenlesser]

women...................................

[Paradiddlemadness]

My greatest weakness are my home made nachos which I think are without a doubt the best in New Zealand. I don't usually like my own cooking, but others have agreed with me in the past.

[MikeyOdrums]

blonds with d cups


sorry I had too
mike o

[svkelleher10]

The Ladies.

High School Gym.

Lying.

Team Objective (Halo3).

Rudiments.

[gusty]

I get too disappointed when watching all these young guns (mainly on here) that are better than me, even if they're 3 or 4 years older than me. The upside is that i am more motivated to practise.

[chrisobrien54]

I have no weakness, im just a natural drumming God. My bass player thanks the lord every day he wakes for having me at his side... (edit - not in a gay way!)

That said...

Left hand is rubbish - I must have 15 years of practice ahead of me to get it the same speed as my right, until then, single stroke rolls are a distant dream.

My right foot needs to RELAX! i just get frustrated when I cant hit the quick notes and XXXXXXXXXXX up loads. Again, about 15 years of practice will see it to an average level

Playing in swing time - I rush the triplets and they sound sh!t

I speed up/slow down as I play, depending on how carried away I get. Pisses off my bass player.

Christ I could go on - im a very average drummer. Iv only been playing two year but you know what? Iv had more fun playing and learning than I thought i could ever have. Before picking up the sticks I wasnt much into music at all and I believe its improved my life no end, so much so I almost feel sorry for people who dont want to pick up an instrument.

[mind_drummer]

My greatest weakness for my playing is having a family...

I have many responsabilities and only half hour per day allowed behind the kit :-(

[jpf1138]

Mine is I will slip into a swing feel if I don't really pay attention. I was taught bebop jazz style and am used to playing in a real loose triplet feel, and sometimes I wish I could be more funky. I can be, but when jamming I always go back to jazz.

[Joshua]

my weakness is..................my left foot

[Lee Mangano]

My greatest weakness for my playing is having a family...

I have many responsabilities and only half hour per day allowed behind the kit :-(

That half hour day is problably more dedication than 50% of the drummers in the world today...keep up the good work...

[Royal]

Resisting the urge to play impressive send-offs at the end of every number. (I do manage not to overdo it....but it's tough).

Loosing tuning keys...

And of course....Hot, Slim, Oriental women.

[Big_Philly]

My weakness is my left foot.


And of course....Hot, Slim, Oriental women.

And that. I'm in love with Aya Ueto from the movie Azumi ;)

[Cast]

I got a few kinks to work out lol

my left hand independence
Double Bass Petal (i don't use them in my style but it'd be cool to learn)
Some Tom grooves
Quick rolls that lead into a bridge or chorus
Latin stuff

[Royal]

.

And that. I'm in love with Aya Ueto from the movie Azumi ;)

Go East & live the dream........Highly recommended. :-))

[Lee Mangano]

blonds with d cups


sorry I had too
mike o


its ok Mike...Blonds with any cup is my weakness,

[FunkRaft]

my greatest weakness has to be ego. Thinking that i play better than i do has hindered me ever since i took up the instrument! I'm not that arrogant don't get me wrong, just tend to move to the next exercises way before im proficient at the basics.

Justin

[Lee Mangano]

my greatest weakness has to be ego. Thinking that i play better than i do has hindered me ever since i took up the instrument! I'm not that arrogant don't get me wrong, just tend to move to the next exercises way before im proficient at the basics.

Justin

Instead of thinking it in the negitive way as an ego & arrogants...think of it in the positive way, your excited to learn & move forward & dedicated to higher learning

We all do what your talking about...everyone loves to turn the page a little premature do to human curiousity...it is a good thing !!!

Peace !!! Lee

[oikroitnik]

Letting my right foot know what my left,middle hand is doing.


That and flip-flopping between gripping the bats too hard(ow) and throwing them on the floor(eurggh).ho hum....

[schist]

Heads are too tight, therefore too much rebound, and I end up dropping sticks/fumbling rolls because of it.

Sometimes unable to keep time perfectly (chiefly with tempos below 120 - 130BPM), and on occasion my brain aligns whichever sound is the strongest/loudest (usually snare) with the click, usually in power metal skank beats (particularly the verses in Sonata Arctica's "San Sebastian" - theoretically I can get through the song, it's just this that stops me from nailing it perfectly)

[Lee Mangano]

Heads are too tight, therefore too much rebound, and I end up dropping sticks/fumbling rolls because of it.

Sometimes unable to keep time perfectly (chiefly with tempos below 120 - 130BPM), and on occasion my brain aligns whichever sound is the strongest/loudest (usually snare) with the click, usually in power metal skank beats (particularly the verses in Sonata Arctica's "San Sebastian" - theoretically I can get through the song, it's just this that stops me from nailing it perfectly)


perfect timing is the most difficult aspect of drumming to teach...I can crack the wip & stuff a metronome in your head, but you ultimately have to control your body to accomplish the main objective...coordinated your body to feel the groove & persue it

drums really are a full body feel instrument...from your head to your toes...other instruments don't demand every inch of your body like the drums do...

with that said, your whole body has to feel the timing & groove and with confidence you need to feel the meter and play it as solid with strength & definition and stay focused on the down beat...

[SeveringDozza]

Double bass.

I used to be better at it but one at one practice I went to use it and my endurance and speed was so crap and still is. Very frustrating because I have a college gig coming in up a few weeks and we are playing on stage and 2 of my band's songs have double bass in them which I can no longer do at that speed. I used to be able to though...

[blade123]

Double bass, and making my playing interesting/something that you would actually want to listen to.

[trysthedrummer]

I'm always working on my weaker hand and foot. I suppose doing single strokes on the double pedals, getting the right motion. I need to concentrate on my balance a bit more I think.

My left hand needs work, I occasionally play some rudiments in traditional grip but that's as far as that goes! I'm no good at that grip yet.

[Lee Mangano]

Double bass.

I used to be better at it but one at one practice I went to use it and my endurance and speed was so crap and still is. Very frustrating because I have a college gig coming in up a few weeks and we are playing on stage and 2 of my band's songs have double bass in them which I can no longer do at that speed. I used to be able to though...

Stanima is very important...the best thing to do is change your parts...especially for that gig...rule #1 ...don't ever play anthing your not confident in playing...

Try breaking up the dbl Bass pattern, and make it a rythm to give your foot a break...that may help you pull it off ... another way to build your stamina is make practice dbl bass pattern for 4 minutes without stopping..the length of a song

[Zildjian232]

my greatest weakness:


Beutiful woman with bad intentions

[aydee]

my greatest weakness:


Beutiful woman with bad intentions

Mine's the other way around.

[el_frenko]

my right foot (single kick)

plus spazzing out in the recording studio when that red light goes on

though i've recently started recording myself with a digital dictophone when i practise and its already helping loads

[m1ck]

Greatest weaknesses: Beer, time management, and foolishly putting other responsibilities before practice time on the drums.

And my left side. It's not as fast.

[Lee Mangano]

Mine's the other way around.

Too funny !!!...thats the best advice so far...

[brennenlesser]

woman, they are nothing but trouble

[GRUNTERSDAD]

My left side. I am quite happy with the right side after a 30 year break, but seeing Dom Famularo Thursday night he has inspired me to work on the left side. My first step was to commit to working on it. My second step was to order his book, The Weaker Side. Lets hope my efforts pay off.

[KLittle123]

Babe's in the crowd....

They always get me. I either get really nervous and play like crap... or I get super cocky and want to show off... and then I play like crap.

It's the truth.

[photon]

Same weaknesses common to most of the posters on this thread but the one that bugs me the most is lack of imagination/creativity. For personal reasons I have not been able to play for a few months and last weekend was over at a buddies who bought some drums for his kid. When I sat down at the kit to play something it was kind of like "Huh..what do I play" and settled on a few of the same old tired grooves...just pathetic....

[goughy]

Lack of training - any training. I can barely to a parradiddle! But I have fun.

[Skeemer118]

I'm sure there's a long list of weakness...but creativity is my #1 right now. That's why I'm getting back to the basics: Practice, practice, practice.

I'm attempting to do anything/everything to spark it. Watching other drummers, watching learning vids, practicing the basics, working on speed, jogging like Rocky, being on a strict protien diet, & wearing my lucky underoos. ;)

[sneakydutch]

I'm going to go with

1) breathing in time (it accually helps a lot)
2) left hand
3) left foot doubles

[Kingfisher91]

My biggest one is prollly the tension...
As soon as I have to play fast, i get to tense, and fail playing fast >.<
So I'm really practicing on that right now
And I also have to train alot of kordination.
I'm both left and right handed, wich means that I have no problem with using the left hand
But the problem is that im using it to much, sometimes i slip into using the left as lead wich makes my playing "wrong" on a righty drumkit. :P

[king fail]

weaknesses... :l

1. absolutely no left foot independence

2. i can keep time fine, but i just tend not to count O.O that's not normal right?

3. can't play any unusual (or rather, just not basic) time signatures

4. LACK OF IMAGINATION! :(

[ULTIMATEDRUMMER]

Left hand slower the right, and don't practice with a metronome or Sightread as much as I would like to.

[The Keith Moon]

Babe's in the crowd....

They always get me. I either get really nervous and play like crap... or I get super cocky and want to show off... and then I play like crap.

It's the truth.

same here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[MadJazz]

No one has trouble keeping time? That's a big weakness.

I think getting creative with fills is my big weakness. Whenever I learn something new, I get addicted to it. Too repetitive.

Also, I had to play so softly that I lost confidence in drumming.

[Moon_Type_Drummer]

same here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



I know exactly what you mean!

[Moon_Type_Drummer]

Probably getting into the music and drowning out the other instruments, breaking sticks (often) from playing too hard, and hitting the rims.

[mead50]

CANT READ MUSIC =[

I need to learn badly, i can read basic-little intermediate music but not advanced stuff

[mead50]

CANT READ MUSIC =[

I need to learn badly, i can read basic-little intermediate music but not advanced stuff

plus lack of imagination in fills, i try to feel it as best as i can but doesn't do any good

[sabian0311]

my left hand. and definently when people are watching me i tend to mess up and get to tense and forget about all the complex stuff i can play when people arent watching me lol.

[keaganobrien]

I have trouble remembering to count. When im in the ''moment'', the last thing I wanna do is count to myself. Sometimes this screws with my timing when improvising.

My fills are getting repetitive. I play with a four piece 98% of the time, kind of wishing i had an extra rack tom or something. BUT IT LOOKS SO UGLYYYYYY.


I used to have trouble with independence, but I don't think I do on a major level anymore.

[Lee Mangano]

I have trouble remembering to count. When im in the ''moment'', the last thing I wanna do is count to myself. Sometimes this screws with my timing when improvising.

My fills are getting repetitive. I play with a four piece 98% of the time, kind of wishing i had an extra rack tom or something. BUT IT LOOKS SO UGLYYYYYY.


I used to have trouble with independence, but I don't think I do on a major level anymore.

You need to feel the count...I had the same problem...so I memorized drum parts were ever i had trouble feeling the space...I was brought up in old school drum corps were we memorized everything, we weren't readers...so I was good at memorizing...I even recorded a whole album solo without a note of music in 1 night ... What a story that is !!!

don't feel like your the only one with these type problems....exposing them as you did will get you the advice & help you need to improve your art...keep up the good work

[delliejonut]

My biggest problem is my fingers of my left hand... I play matched grip and I have excellent finger control in my right hand, but in the left its a different story. I can't really play french grip with my left hand either, the stick goes down at an oblique angle.

Other than that I would say soloing creatively in a performance setting. I play a lot of jazz and when I'm practicing I come up with cool 4 bar or 8 bar solo ideas, that sound fresh. But when I'm playing with a group somewhere I sort of fall back into these easy and generally unimpressive ideas. I think it stems partially from a fear of overplaying in a small combo and a fear of losing time...

On that note, I used to have terrible time. I practiced with a metronome all the time and still had bad time. Then one day I started playing my bass drum with the heel up technique as opposed to heel down, and I suddenly had great timing. I think it was because playing heel down caused me to drag the notes slightly and therefore everything else slowed down. Playing heel up makes my right foot solid, and my time is solid because of it.

Not that I'm saying everyone should play heel up. You have to find what you're comfortable with. I played heel down for 4 years though with bad time, and switched to heel up and had good time in a matter of a day or two. You just have to practice until it clicks and you realize "I have to do this to keep time well". It's mechanic as much as mental.

[FunkyLover999]

I usually tend to speed down in a jazz setting.. to the point where my ensemble teacher loses his patience very often.. I practiced playing and singing the melody along with a metronome, but that problem seems to be really hard to eradicate.


Any tips or advices someone could give to me ?!

help will be much appreciated. thanks

[somethingstarted]

learning a beat that my band members try and teach me, but i can easily make one up almost on the spot or remember a beat in my head and play it with little trouble!

also i have trouble with single pedals, i usually can't do more than doubles at 16th's

rudiments are getting easier but if i do to much, three to six minuets at the most, than i get tired and concentrating is extremely difficult, then everyone gets angry and disappointed.

finding a good double bass kick set for around $100 / $350ish American money.

tuning the toms and floor toms, they sound so damn bright it sounds horrible.

dropping sticks in the middle of a song.

(yuep i have a lot right now)


I usually tend to speed down in a jazz setting.. to the point where my ensemble teacher loses his patience very often.. I practiced playing and singing the melody along with a metronome, but that problem seems to be really hard to eradicatesounds like you have trouble concentrating. try and concentrate and pay attention to the songs, and catch your self from messing up and fix a problem before it starts or gets out of hand. do you even like jazz?

[Pocketman]

My greatest weakness is double bass playing. This is basically because I've never really worked on it nor do I own a double pedal. I love drummers who do it well and my of them are among my favorite players.

It's just that I've never been in any kind of musical situation where it was required or even encouraged. I did own a double pedal years ago and worked on some things, but when I pulled out a lick or two on one song the band leader looked at me and said, "Leave that thing home tomorrow."

Now, I know that it was more an example of poor musicianship on my part rather than double bass playing itself but it just shows I never was called upon to learn it.

That being said, I do whant to get better at it. Any recommendations on a goo double pedal?

[king fail]

I have been playing for about 5 years, and am quite proud of my achievement with technique, style etc. (not cocky, just pleased)
but i have noticed something pretty scandalous recently;


y'know your basic rock beat, the first thing your average teacher will teach right?
the second thing i have commonly found taught is then the 16th note basic 1 e & a 2 e & a 3 e & a 4 e & a fill from the snare around the toms, ending on the FT

(anyone not familiar with this is an alien)


... I can't do it.


i never practiced it, always worked on technique, grooves, improv.
seriously, it's really weird; here you have me with my fancy push pull and my flashy moeller pull out accents, and i can't play that!!!

FAIL.

[Tylerdrums109]

My greatest weakness lies in my creativity sometimes i just dont know what to play when i sit at my kit and technique wise its probably in getting around kit...

[Warheart]

I'd have to say it's my tendency to overestimate myself. I'm not a great player (yet), but I'll often expect myself to perform beyond my capabilities.

Then, after I'm left fatigued or off rhythm from not being conditioned enough, I face my other weaknesses: impatience and rage hahah.

[Lee Mangano]

I'd have to say it's my tendency to overestimate myself. I'm not a great player (yet), but I'll often expect myself to perform beyond my capabilities.

Then, after I'm left fatigued or off rhythm from not being conditioned enough, I face my other weaknesses: impatience and rage hahah.

Sorry all...its been awhile since i posted on my own thread...I apoligize...got sideswiped ... and still shaking off the cobb webbs...

Warheart...This Post is about stating your personal greatest weakness so others can help you...but you have the ability to help the majority of the drummers in this thread...even your name maybe descibing your character...Heart & War has extrordinary meaning

- Look at your first line your honest about your ability and then say (yet) thats confidence & a strength...not a weakness

- Then you expect to perform above your level..."well how else do you think anyone can reach the next level if they don't go for it & give it their all ? and strength you have.

- impatience & rage may be a problem..but its easy to fix...."you won't get so upset if you practice having a little more patience with yourself"...

You'll be fine my friend with all your great qualities...

[Andy Borghi]

I think that my weak point is the bass foot (in my case, the left one) . Finding the sweet rebound spot in the pedal is something not easy to do... But, as I consider that as my weak point, It is also the thing I practice the most...and I get to improve it with practice...
Using double pedal was never in my mind, cause I do not play such things that would require the usage of double pedal.
I am always working on my left foot.

Weak points should be a motivation for us drummers, it´s important to discover them and work hard on them, and not to feel bad for having them, with time and practice, weaknesses can be overcomed and turn into something good.

[echuta]

Independece. Especially fast samba type of stuff - I wan't to do it, but can't yet, at least not with a good touch, it all becomes F'ing loud and undynamic. yuck.

[DrummerDavid]

Double bass-I spent the better part of my early years trying to be the next Bonham-refused to play double bass. Now I want to learn it, but I get frustrated with my weak left foot.




Swing-I want to be able to do the Fool in the Rain type stuff. I also want to be able to do jazzy type things...Buddy Rich stuff.


Confidence-people I play with have more confidence in my drumming than I do. I have very little confidence in my timing. I am always wondering-Am I speeding up, am I slowing down.

I was even called Mr. Metronome before-by a great drummer whom I looked up to..Still no confidence.

[Mr. Serpent]

The logical answer for me would be "I don't have a drumkit or virtually any experience".

But I'd rather blame my impatience...because I can.

[BWT hooligan]

double bass :((
I also tend to slightly float in tempo...

[Lee Mangano]

double bass :((
I also tend to slightly float in tempo...

There are 3 posts out of the last 5 saying double bass & left foot are your weaknesses...try these few options and maybe one will click in

- Play & practice everyday for the next 2-3 months right handed as normal and left footed to strengthen the coordination and abikity of your left foot...even an AC/DC album could help..those BD patterns are simple

- alternate hands & foot on just SD & BD's...play "Monkey see...Monkey do"
examples:

SD = RedSD - RL
BD= BlueBD - RL
Keep repeating these hand & foot combo's seperately at differant tempos starting slow and build...then try and combine them for coordination

RRLL
RLRL
RLRRLR
RLRLRLRL

Good Luck & let me know if this helps......Lee

[Mastershake16]

kryptonite, no but really for me its staying focused and getting my left hand chops up

[intheruff]

A weakness I've noticed is occasionally dragging the backbeat. My tempo is solid, yet for some reason I occasionally play the snare a split second late, or at least it sounds that way to me. The band doesnt' seem to recognize this. Guitar players, what do they know? Suggestions anyone?

[SabianDrummer]

Left hand weakness
Left foot weakness and independance
and i hate abonormal time signatures!!!!!

[paramac]

My weaknesses are rooted some basic fundamental issues that I'll be working on till the day I die. Things as simple as basic time keeping and different feels and tempos.Yes, I would be considered an "advanced" player at this point but I think the basics are the hardest thing. That is, to really get them honed and mastered is not so easy. This has been my experience. This is what I have learned from older more experienced players and this includes all musicians, not just drummers..

[yjb63]

doubles with my left hand. I can do them fast, and I can do them slow, but I cant really do them in between very well.

[Hercraft]

sevens - fives and big booty bbw :- )

[ZootELoops]

Everyone Post you greatest weakness & let the world of drummers help you fix it...I'm certain we have all been there or not there yet !!!....You may recieve multiple tips on how to overcome any drumming problem...

Peace! Lee
Hmm - weaknesses:

Overindulgence and Underachievement & an insatiable love for big breasts and tight shorts

Seriously - i don't have just one thing - I am just beginning and have a lot to learn and practice, so making time to practice, not play is my answer.

[2bsticks]

Discipline when it comes to practicing. When I hit an obstacle I get frustrated and move on to something else.

[AlexMorris]

Discipline when it comes to practicing. When I hit an obstacle I get frustrated and move on to something else.

Just keep reminding yourself why your doing it and that it will help in the end :)
One thing i learnt from Derek Roddy's book is that he writes reminders on his snare drum in black felt tip pen

[Lee Mangano]

Hmm - weaknesses:

Overindulgence and Underachievement & an insatiable love for big breasts and tight shorts

Seriously - i don't have just one thing - I am just beginning and have a lot to learn and practice, so making time to practice, not play is my answer.

If you can't make time to practice then stick to chasing woman ... you actually have to have a love for music to become successful...

stop being a makebeliever and make a decision...

[doorstilend]

focus on what im trying to learn

[joosti]

discipline and left side of my body (hand and foot) Gotta work on that

[drums_n_surf]

discipline and leading with my right hand (i'm left handed but play open-handed)

[Lee Mangano]

discipline and left side of my body (hand and foot) Gotta work on that

Just move your HH and BD and set your kit up left handed and practic like that for an hour everyday...it'll strengthen up & your coordination will improve...

[zambizzi]

...relaxation

*holds breath...eyes roll back...passed out*

[Guz2]

My complete inability to do drum covers of other people's songs. And my completely blank expression whenever I'm drumming

[Bryan77]

Tuning my double bass drum set so the bass drums sound alike. I can't ever get it. Any tips?

[LTNINGFan]

My greatest weakness is everything. :) Seriously though, I think I'd like to sit with a teacher again or just another drummer to let them give me some pointers on what to to work with, but I think right now it would be to stop rushing my fills. Sometimes I panic when "put on the spot". Relaxation may be the key there...thoughts?

[joshisaces]

My greatest weakness is everything.

haha me too.


twenty.

[drummer girl09]

Mine is watching vids of amazing drummers that aren't even famous, and then have it lower my self esteem about drumming...kinda gay, but it's a weakness.

Another is playing in 4rth notes...it's getting a lot better though.

[LTNINGFan]

Mine is watching vids of amazing drummers that aren't even famous, and then have it lower my self esteem about drumming...kinda gay, but it's a weakness.

Another is playing in 4rth notes...it's getting a lot better though.

Nope, not gay at all. I can find things that a 10 year old can do that blows me away that I cant do, and I'm 41, then I'll think "Why can't I do that"...maybe some other folks have felt this once or twice before, or maybe even experience it today.

As the saying goes "I am my own worst critic", and that can be the truth for lots of folks, including me. I can really get down on myself about some of the things I do when I play..but I just have to ignore those negative thoughts, and go forward...sometimes it's easy, sometimes I get so frustrated, I just have to get up from the kit and walk away. Then I settle down, and go back after I have thought about what was aggravating me, and work on it.

[stabmasterarson]

left hand and left foot

[SharkyBait911]

When i'm in exams i always forget my really good fills and do a bunch of crap ones and thats why i never do well :(

But my worst is .............. Left hand stick bouncing like on doubles ahhhhhhhhhhhhh help

[drummer girl09]

Nope, not gay at all. I can find things that a 10 year old can do that blows me away that I cant do, and I'm 41, then I'll think "Why can't I do that"...maybe some other folks have felt this once or twice before, or maybe even experience it today.

As the saying goes "I am my own worst critic", and that can be the truth for lots of folks, including me. I can really get down on myself about some of the things I do when I play..but I just have to ignore those negative thoughts, and go forward...sometimes it's easy, sometimes I get so frustrated, I just have to get up from the kit and walk away. Then I settle down, and go back after I have thought about what was aggravating me, and work on it.




Well that helped me a lot. Thanks =]. Maybe I just need to walk away too instead of keeping playing. Thanks for the advice.

And you live in Ga? I do too.

[SadikOne1]

Just move your HH and BD and set your kit up left handed and practic like that for an hour everyday...it'll strengthen up & your coordination will improve...

that is actually a great suggestion =' wow sucks i never thought of that..

i guess my greatest weakness is lack of creativity or mental blocks..and tempo =/ im working on it tho

[Lee Mangano]

My greatest weakness is everything. :) Seriously though, I think I'd like to sit with a teacher again or just another drummer to let them give me some pointers on what to to work with, but I think right now it would be to stop rushing my fills. Sometimes I panic when "put on the spot". Relaxation may be the key there...thoughts?

You said you want to sit down with a teacher "Again"...you answered your own question...and thats exactly what you should do...I only suggest you find the right one...hire a few until you click with one & know this teacher has the qualities your looking for...sometimes its not just about the chops ...

a Great teacher is like a head coach in sports...where there main purpose & job isn't to show the athletes how great his own ability is...a Great coach will get inside the athletes head and figure out how to get the absolute best performance out of them and teach them how to overcome all their flaws ...

Find the teacher that proves to you he can teach...not just play...

Have a Great Day !!!

Lee

http://www.Drumschool.net

[Hercraft]

You said you want to sit down with a teacher "Again"...you answered your own question...and thats exactly what you should do...I only suggest you find the right one...hire a few until you click with one & know this teacher has the qualities your looking for...sometimes its not just about the chops ...

a Great teacher is like a head coach in sports...where there main purpose & job isn't to show the athletes how great his own ability is...a Great coach will get inside the athletes head and figure out how to get the absolute best performance out of them and teach them how to overcome all their flaws ...

Find the teacher that proves to you he can teach...not just play...

Have a Great Day !!!

Lee

http://www.Drumschool.net

EXCELENT ADVICE!!!!!

I realiced than are very few the times that an awesome player its an awesome teacher...

[schist]

Got an electronic drum kit the other day, and all my flaws pretty much came out at once :(

The two main ones:

- Offbeat note spacing
- Stick/rebound control

[Mr. Fanzy Pants]

...relaxation

*holds breath...eyes roll back...passed out*

Dude that sounds just like me! Haha:)
Being relaxed while playing is crucial but not easy. I often start to think too much about what I do. If you like me have spent many hours developing your skills it has become a subconscious thing, something that you just do. But when you start overthinking it all gets messed up. I believe trusting yourself and your skills are important matters concerning relaxation.

Greetings from Norway:)

[Daphfz]

Tuning my double bass drum set so the bass drums sound alike. I can't ever get it. Any tips?


OMG i dont got any tips, but i have that same prob! i tune my skins the same on both bass drums but one of em is always high and one is always rly low

[drum.lad]

Got an electronic drum kit the other day, and all my flaws pretty much came out at once :(

The two main ones:

- Offbeat note spacing
- Stick/rebound control

if the kit has rubber heads the stick rebound isnt entirely you those heads are like trampolines for sticks but i still love my e kit.

my biggest weakness is my right foot gets tired to easily also i cant achieve a perfect distance from the bass drum with my feet

[schist]

if the kit has rubber heads the stick rebound isnt entirely you those heads are like trampolines for sticks but i still love my e kit.


Yeah, the reason I bought my e-kit is because I need the practice (ie. I don't always have ready access to my regular kit all the time, much less every day), in order to become the drummer I want to become and achieve the playing goals I have set for myself.

[BUDDHA 2533]

The left side of my body is my main problem. I have been working on my left hand but dont really know where to start with my left foot. Any suggestions?

[Progdrummer160]

OMG i dont got any tips, but i have that same prob! i tune my skins the same on both bass drums but one of em is always high and one is always rly low

I've got the same problem :O

[Lee Mangano]

Got an electronic drum kit the other day, and all my flaws pretty much came out at once :(

The two main ones:

- Offbeat note spacing
- Stick/rebound control

I used a few differant electronic kits...the DDrum has the best real feel because you hit real drum heads...I feel like im playing on silky womans panties playing Roland !!!

You do have to watch out you can develope tendinitus faster I understand from the hard plastic & rubber surfaces...I forget were I heard that...so don't hold me to it as set in stone info:...but it does makes sense...so just becareful & if your wrists have any pains go see a doctoe before it gets out of hand...

Lee

www.drumschool.net

[Ainulindale]

hand speed, i have these big dumb farmers hands that have never been quick let alone fast, the left hand especially is about as smart as a brick.

[mattieb298]

Creativity when writing my own drum parts for my band!
Good stuff just doesnt come quickly for me!
Oh well im only an amatuer, im sure that it'll improve the better i get!

[eits1986]

Lip rings, dark hair, and the oh-so exotic female mustache!

[Bigwheel]

The left side of my body is my main problem. I have been working on my left hand but dont really know where to start with my left foot. Any suggestions?


Something I've been doing a lot of lately is playing rudiments with my feet to a metronome. It was very odd at first but I've gotten much better with time. Once I have a particular rudiment down I work with a left foot lead just like I do when practicing with my hands. Once I feel comfortable with my feet playing a particular rudiment I work it as an ostinato and then play something totally different with my hands. It keeps practice interesting and is helpful in creating pretty interesting grooves. This is sort of old school but it has helped my a lot.

[Bigwheel]

Foot speed by far!!! I work with a metronome but I'm very impatient and get frustrated quickly with my feet. Playing rudiments with my feet, as noted in my previous post, has help but let me know if you've got other ideas.

[The Big Beat]

ugh fills, i cant come up with a good fill in the split second it needs to be executed in, and i find myself playing a crappy buzz roll/tom fill

[Guz2]

My sloppy right foot

[diosdude]

four limb independence. I can watch vids of jojo mayer and virgil donati and marco minneman and terry bozzio. I can do almost anything they can do with a hand or foot but putting it together sometimes when everything is soo complicated short circuits the brain. Most of the time, i can nail down any 3 out of 4 limbs in any combination of 3 but that 4th limb constantly runs the train off the track. My awe for those guys just can't be quantified... they're on a whole different level of control.

[Bigwheel]

four limb independence.... but putting it together sometimes when everything is soo complicated short circuits the brain.

What's the deal with that too? I'm a 3 limbed bandit then that 4th limb becomes a spastic mess. I'm getting better but it's like my left foot is tied to my left hand. I even have trouble keeping time with my hi-hat at times. If I can forget about it and play I'm good but as soon as I realize my foots going my brain short circuits.

[KONA]

I've always had trouble with bass drum technique. To begin with I'm left footed (kick a football with my left foot etc) and right handed. I learned to play right handed - using my right foot on the bass drum.

I have partial paralysis in my right calf and down into my foot and ball of my right foot - so that doesn't help much. I can keep time with my bass, but as far as getting fancy like doing fast doubles forget it. Oh yes - I have size 15 feet too (a little clumsy feeling on most pedals). I love playing drums though and have adapted fairly well I think - tons of practice!

If anyone out there has some tips on single bass exercises AND special footwear for big feet please let me know.

Neil Peart of Rush says he wears "dancing' shoes" to play in (from he book "Roadshow").
I'll be trying to hunt down some size 15 dancing shoes - lol.

[Dibalo Jonze]

I'm a 3 limbed bandit then that 4th limb becomes a spastic mess. I'm getting better but it's like my left foot is tied to my left hand.

If you want to separate the left foot from the left hand, work them against each other. Practice the main rudiments or the 1st page of Stick Control between the left foot and the left hand, instead of between the left hand and right hand.

Practice slow and play it clean.

[KONA]

If you want to separate the left foot from the left hand, work them against each other. Practice the main rudiments or the 1st page of Stick Control between the left foot and the left hand, instead of between the left hand and right hand.

Practice slow and play it clean.

Thanks,
Yes - I went through stick control in 1971-72 maybe I'll check it out again.
I don't have much trouble with "separating the left foot from the right hand" - it's the speed I have trouble with. It's a combination of my partial paralysis and my huge feet that's the limiting factors. The fact that I quit playing from 1976 until last year might have something to do with it.

I'm pretty happy with my playing right now. It just boggles my mind when I see these young players doing "rolls' more or less on a single pedal ! I think it's great. I'm learning to live with my limitations and play within them. The main thing is I'm having HUGE fun playing drums again.

The title of this post just made me want to think out loud a bit.

And I don't mind sharing my Greatest Weakness.....

[paradiddler]

Hi all.

Really, who wants to admit their weaknesses? Alas, we all have them. If we're humble, we'll overcome them; if not, we're doomed to habituate them. I'd rather be the former!

In pursuit of this, I've been recording myself play so I can see where I can improve, but I might not notice some things (or many things!). So I'll implore you all...

I've recently posted an article on my web site called An Invite from The Paradiddler (http://theparadiddler.com/2009/02/02/an-invite-from-the-paradiddler/). I play to Rush's "Limelight"; I'd love for all of you to check it out and let me know what I need to improve on. We can all benefit from that.

A free-for-all on the Paradiddler. Fire at will! And thanks for checking.

[airsmunch1]

Everyone Post you greatest weakness & let the world of drummers help you fix it...I'm certain we have all been there or not there yet !!!....You may recieve multiple tips on how to overcome any drumming problem...

Peace! Lee


Lead Left Foot. Man is my left foot dead. I do everything I can to keep it moving but I find myself in the middle of a gig resting my weight fully on my left foot. Uhg.

I have gotten significantly better but I see drummers with that foot just popping away with the beat for hours and I salivate!!!

DAMN YOU LEFT FOOT!!!

Peace

www.wolvesatthedoor.net

[airsmunch1]

Everyone Post you greatest weakness & let the world of drummers help you fix it...I'm certain we have all been there or not there yet !!!....You may recieve multiple tips on how to overcome any drumming problem...

Peace! Lee


Lead Left Foot. Man is my left foot dead. I do everything I can to keep it moving but I find myself in the middle of a gig resting my weight fully on my left foot. Uhg.

I have gotten significantly better but I see drummers with that foot just popping away with the beat for hours and I salivate!!!

DAMN YOU LEFT FOOT!!!

Peace

www.wolvesatthedoor.net

[mrbling]

double strokes i cannot for the life of me get the technique to do them :(

[BrutalKid]

LOL I can't do doubles too! I can't get the second stroke when I'm doing faster =[

I have a lot of weakness. Too much to be posted.
the major problem is that I don't spend much time on drumming.
I'm too busy, there are a bunch of things I haven't done for school.

I have to practice in instruments and piano stores since I don't have a kit at home.
It's so troublesome to go out and practice! >=[

[elcid]

The fact that I quit playing from 1976 until last year might have something to do with it.

I'm pretty happy with my playing right now. It just boggles my mind when I see these young players doing "rolls' more or less on a single pedal ! I think it's great. I'm learning to live with my limitations and play within them. The main thing is I'm having HUGE fun playing drums again.

And I don't mind sharing my Greatest Weakness.....

You too, eh? :)

Just got back to play drums again (December '07; hadn't touch them since the late 80s) meself and finally am beginning to get some things together...but am far, far, far from being anywhere close to what tons of modern drummers are able to do...and like you also marvel and am totally blown away by the prodigy being displayed by a lot of them drumming 'yun whippersnappers...not to mention stars like Gadd, Weckle, Mason, Smith (both Steve and Mervin), Cobham, Vinnie, Erskine, et al., or my heroes of the past: Buddy Rich, Joe Morello, Loui Bellson, Ed Tightpen, Philly Joe Jones, Max Roach, Shelly Mann, Mel Lewis, and a host of other such luminaries.
But am also having one heck of a good time and truly enjoy the warm feeling gotten from loving the art of drumming and its associated tools...namely: DRUMS!!!...

-elcid

[Chollyred]

You too, eh? :)

Just got back to play drums again (December '07; hadn't touch them since the late 80s) meself and finally am beginning to get some things together...but am far, far, far from being anywhere close to what tons of modern drummers are able to do...and like you also marvel and am totally blown away by the prodigy being displayed by a lot of them drumming 'yun whippersnappers...not to mention stars like Gadd, Weckle, Mason, Smith (both Steve and Mervin), Cobham, Vinnie, Erskine, et al., or my heroes of the past: Buddy Rich, Joe Morello, Loui Bellson, Ed Tightpen, Philly Joe Jones, Max Roach, Shelly Mann, Mel Lewis, and a host of other such luminaries.
But am also having one heck of a good time and truly enjoy the warm feeling gotten from loving the art of drumming and its associated tools...namely: DRUMS!!!...

-elcid

Throw me in that briar patch too! I just started back after not playing since the late 70s. Now I'm teaching my grandkids to play. My biggest problems since starting back are single stick rolls, transitions between drums (rim city), and dynamics. I can play okay when I can open up, but at lower volumes, my clock stops. It's like when I play loud, there's no fear of doing anything wrong. At low volumes, I get hesitant. It's slowly coming back though.

The young guys I've seen lately have some amazing talent. Just before Christmas, I was in Guitar Center scoping out e-drums. There was one kid in there playing that was totally awesome. Really humbled me, but stoked the fires at the same time.

I am having a blast though. I'll never be without a kit again.

[Ian Ballard]

I guess my greatest weakness (besides authentic Latin drumming) would be "money-making". Just hasn't happened in a while.

[schist]

I have a seemingly endless amount of weaknesses, but the one that stands out the most is:

LACK OF TIME.

As in, not having enough free time during the day to practice as much as I'd want. There are goals I want to achieve with my drumming (some of which, by rights, I should've achieved long ago), but unfortunately, like many of you, I also have work/study (ie. life) to attend to as well. I only get about 2-3 actual kit sessions a week due to always being busy with other things, and some days I cannot practice anything drum-related at all.

It's unfortunate, seeing as I need at least 4-5+ hours a day of practice to be able to get to where I want - but the sad reality of the situation is that you can only really become as "good"/proficient a drummer as circumstances dictate, which means I can never expect to achieve my drumming goals in a timely fashion. :(

[Bryan77]

OMG i dont got any tips, but i have that same prob! i tune my skins the same on both bass drums but one of em is always high and one is always rly low



I talked to a lot of people for tuning two bass drums to the same pitch and I did a lot of research and found out it's impossible. No, two bass drums have the same exact pitch. They can get really close and nobody could ever tell the difference. I still can't get them to be close. But, I am looking at a double pedal for my right bass drum and taking out all the muffling and tuning it really low for parts like the beginning of "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC. So, the most I can say is good luck to you and hope you figure something out to..

[Stixxicus]

I broke my left arm pretty bad when i was kid, it required surgery and what not and had to a screw is now in my arm. Anyway, traditional grip gets awkward to hold because my wrist doesn't twist fully and makes my arm feel sore. should i stick with traditional or switch back to rock grip.

[Stixxicus]

simple, quit your job, drop out of school and let music do the rest. It sounds like a bad idea right now, but wait until your where you wana be in terms of drumming.

But really, don't do any of that. Just wait until you have time or something bud.

I have a seemingly endless amount of weaknesses, but the one that stands out the most is:

LACK OF TIME.

As in, not having enough free time during the day to practice as much as I'd want. There are goals I want to achieve with my drumming (some of which, by rights, I should've achieved long ago), but unfortunately, like many of you, I also have work/study (ie. life) to attend to as well. I only get about 2-3 actual kit sessions a week due to always being busy with other things, and some days I cannot practice anything drum-related at all.

It's unfortunate, seeing as I need at least 4-5+ hours a day of practice to be able to get to where I want - but the sad reality of the situation is that you can only really become as "good"/proficient a drummer as circumstances dictate, which means I can never expect to achieve my drumming goals in a timely fashion. :(

[Bryan77]

I broke my left arm pretty bad when i was kid, it required surgery and what not and had to a screw is now in my arm. Anyway, traditional grip gets awkward to hold because my wrist doesn't twist fully and makes my arm feel sore. should i stick with traditional or switch back to rock grip.


Which ever is more comfortable for you. If traditional grip makes you feel sore try rock grip and if you're unsuccessful with that then try other grips or try and get use to traditional. I like the German grip.

[Lee Mangano]

I broke my left arm pretty bad when i was kid, it required surgery and what not and had to a screw is now in my arm. Anyway, traditional grip gets awkward to hold because my wrist doesn't twist fully and makes my arm feel sore. should i stick with traditional or switch back to rock grip.

Heres a little history class & a big secret in the drum world..or at least not many drummers even know this...I assume some older drummer taught you how to play traditional grip or your old yourself...or you were taught in drum corps or a marching band...

The "ONLY" reason the traditional grip was invented was if you look back at the old Fife & Snare Drummer from the revolutionary war etc...before a drum set/kit was even invented the snare drum had no leg -rest attachment and the snare hung at an angle on ther side of the knee

Picture that or find a picture then try and play a drum in that position matched grip...(1) its completely uncomfortable (2) your Left elbow is pointing towards the sky (3) And your attack is uneven because of the differant angles your arms are.

Switch to matched grip and never go back...

[Seebz]

I have a problem with the shuffle, just can't understand the whole idea and concept, just don't know how to execute it right... (I know notation, but dunno how to play it)... Odd to say... plus, I lack some strength in double strokes(how do I do it? More practice?)

[genericdrummingusername]

I have NO weaknesses.


Exept maybe ego.

[Abhishek]

Offbeat crash chokes.I suck that them. Can never get the timing right.

[Lee Mangano]

I have NO weaknesses.


Exept maybe ego.

As long as you can back it up with talent...and the groupies don't mind !!!...but then again an ego maniac like Bret Michaels a no talent singer has his own show called "Groupies wuth implants still Do me" ... and "50 Cent" actually calls that crap music and himself a musician

I GUESS ITS JUST ALL HOW YOU MEASURE SUCCESS

[Infernal Valkyrie]

I can't figure out how to do a gravity beat. I don't think I have the fulcrum part right, yet I've watched many videos on youtube about it. All I can do for the time being is fast single stroke blast beats. It works for the music that I play now, but I still can't get that "tank cruising at 60 mph through cobble streets" sound.


My other great weakness is I'm recovering from spinal cord and neck injuries. I was determined enough to return to playing death metal at the beginning of last year. I know that some drummers on here will know what I've been through. Drumming itself is harsh on the back. I have improved my posture quite a bit, because I had to. Which is good in a way because before the accident I had a who cares attitude towards it.
I don't practice in a band, and my drums are stored at a space. So my practice routine is 2-3 hours a night, 3 times a week. I'm wondering if this a good amount?

[zzdrummer]

Endurance and speed with right handed 16th note grooves.

[SGT_Drummer]

cymbal chokes. i'm not sure why, but i just can't do them. like, my sticks get in the way or i end up taking a chunk of flesh off my hand when i miss and instead of grabbing it I do more of an awkward backhand against the side of the cymbal. yeah, it hurts like hell.

my other weakness is when i really get into a song, i have the tendency to slap myself in the face with my sticks..repeatedly. and chunking the skin off my knuckles on the snare hoops. no matter how much i progress or how much technique i develop, i still end up walking away from a drum set looking like i just got into a fight.

[spirit]

Females...have no resistance! Lol

[Drumjack]

1. I am a real slowfoot (dirty-doubles).
2. Matching of right hand and right foot when playing right handed 16th notes grooves.
3. Reading music.
4. Shuffles and Latin grooves.
5. ...

It is nice to see that others have the same problems but it doesn't help.

[Lee Mangano]

1. I am a real slowfoot (dirty-doubles).
2. Matching of right hand and right foot when playing right handed 16th notes grooves.
3. Reading music.
4. Shuffles and Latin grooves.
5. ...

It is nice to see that others have the same problems but it doesn't help.

All basic stuff Jack...simply Get a metronome & practive every day with it...both hand & foot combinations...speed is never an issue...great timing & backbone with solid attack is plenty to be a great drummer...play from the heart & don't push anything that isn't 2nd nature

[Volentry]

Going around the toms with straight 32nd notes without sounding shitty. I still have no idea how does someone move their hands and don't mess up the even-ness of the roll.

[Ethan01]

Heres a little history class & a big secret in the drum world..or at least not many drummers even know this...I assume some older drummer taught you how to play traditional grip or your old yourself...or you were taught in drum corps or a marching band...

The "ONLY" reason the traditional grip was invented was if you look back at the old Fife & Snare Drummer from the revolutionary war etc...before a drum set/kit was even invented the snare drum had no leg -rest attachment and the snare hung at an angle on ther side of the knee

Picture that or find a picture then try and play a drum in that position matched grip...(1) its completely uncomfortable (2) your Left elbow is pointing towards the sky (3) And your attack is uneven because of the differant angles your arms are.

Switch to matched grip and never go back...

Traditional grip helps move around the drums better than matched, since your right stick can get over the left easier. It let's u do crossovers that you can't do with matched.

And, just my opinion, it gives you a better feel for the snare. But hey, if you are doing straight 16th notes over the same tom progression till the cows come home, then matched is all you need.

[RogerLudwig]

1. speeding up and slowing down during loud songs that really rock. When they're slow or quiet, I tend to pay more attention to the time....or so my bandmates tell me.

.2. Whiskey & Wimmen

3. complete independence...I'll work on this one 'till I die.

[supermac]

Right foot.

Can't for the life of me get it to 'skip'.

Very frustrating...

[FullMetaru]

Snare to Toms rolls. Even on simple ones, I can never get used to shuffling my hands around.

[Anne Beeche]

1. Pretty men.

2. I can't work myself up to an impressive speed. Yeah, I feel awkward when practicing rudiments.

3. I still can't get the flam right yet.

4. Separating my feet from my hands. I've been practicing with an imaginary kick drum lately and every time I play on the pad, any backbeat my foot's doing reverts to half or quarter notes.

[Volentry]

Snare to Toms rolls. Even on simple ones, I can never get used to shuffling my hands around.
Yeah that's my other problem as well, moving from the snare to the toms :\

Regarding traditional grip, I tried using it at a gig recently after practising by my own to get used to the movements. IMO, the sound quality of the snare is better than using matched grip. There are some bad points though. Trying to hit the left crash with your left hand is HARD. I can't seem to be able to hit the crash without it sounding really soft because I can't hit it with the shaft.

[Anne Beeche]

Yeah that's my other problem as well, moving from the snare to the toms :\

Regarding traditional grip, I tried using it at a gig recently after practising by my own to get used to the movements. IMO, the sound quality of the snare is better than using matched grip. There are some bad points though. Trying to hit the left crash with your left hand is HARD. I can't seem to be able to hit the crash without it sounding really soft because I can't hit it with the shaft.

Actually, a teacher at my school called Mr Smith (who was taught the traditional grip) said that the old-fashioned kit drummers who used the traditional grip hit their left-side cymbals by flicking the stick upwards. Or so he showed me. I don't know how you can get a good crash out of the crash that way, though, so if you want to use traditional grip, it might be in your best interest to rearrange your kit.

[Volentry]

Link (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGV0-R4R2PM) (add &fmt=18 at the end of the URL for HD version)

The video above shows Jason Costa of All That Remains performing. He hits his left crash with his left hand without it sounding sloppy though. His kit looks pretty much like how a matched grip player's kit would be like, too.

Wonder how does he do that? o.O

[ardvark666]

My right hand. I play a right handed (cross style) set up but I am left handed. I play bass and guitar righty but never had a problem with it. When it comes to drums I tend to rely on my left hand and my right hand just lacks the focus and intensity of the left (especially with doubles and fills, I often begin from the left). I should probably isolate it and play rudiments with my left hand tied behind my back. Maybe I should look into playing open style but who knows.

[CASP3Rdrummer]

when i play i always feel assured that i play correctly and in the right time... i don't realize that im rushing or not playing clearly..

[austin412]

my greatest weakness is the hand muscles in my left hand when i paradiddle the "diddle" part with my left hand is always draggn or sloppn or something stupid but i am workn to fix this problem by using the blue part of my promark x pad

I love that practice pad!! <3

[schist]

Left foot hi-hat balance/control.

Stick grip (thumb/index finger fulcrum) is still a big one - I'm seeking the services of a teacher very soon to assist me in this field. It's strange how I managed to pick up near-perfect foot technique on my own, but hand technique not so much.

[JT1]

Fills with the hands over the top of constant 16th note double bass. Bell patterns over double bass too, man Redneck is a god damn tough one! lol

[Lee Mangano]

Traditional grip helps move around the drums better than matched, since your right stick can get over the left easier. It let's u do crossovers that you can't do with matched.

And, just my opinion, it gives you a better feel for the snare. But hey, if you are doing straight 16th notes over the same tom progression till the cows come home, then matched is all you need.

Ethan you are defending the traditional grip, can I ask you how long youi have been playing and were you taught that way ?....also I'll bet you were in drumcorps !

I respectfully have to completely disagree with your comment on its better to move around the kit traditional over matched...and just watching alone the you can even see how uncomfortable & uneven it must be traditional grip

Don't get me wrong...Does Buddy Rich or Stewart Copeland lose any ability or any tecnique etc...by playing traditional ...no...they are 2 of the top 10 drummers in the world in my book...they were taught & brought up the wrong way to play the trap kit ...

And the bottom line is...and the way I see it...there is no best way to perform...as long as you can perform...I have seen classical guitar players play with their feet & toes because they have no arms ...

as a teacher I would never attempt to teach a drummer today to play traditional grip..and any treacher that would is wrong....if you noticed even marching band & drum corps drummers are taught matched grip because they have leg rests now and the snare drum is in front of them nor on the side ands level not slanted...which proves my theorie on matched vs traditional grip...

But play what ever makes you compfortable...

[Funkussionist]

Getting absorbed in what I'm doing and not watching other musicians in the band.

[chocorion]

left hand :( and i have to lengthen to at LEAST 20 characters, so there we go...

[Meat the beat]

left foot & general independence... as Journey said "it's a natural thing"!

[kevinegoavrilfan1]

Left hand, i can do everything fine with it, its just, i dont have enough speed to do doubles as well as i'd like to, i'm only off slightly, does anyone have any tips?