comfort zone -- AHHHH

[EternalArcadia]

I cant seem to break away from my comfort zone. I feel so limited to what i can play (and no im not that horrible of a drummer -- 2 1/2 years). im sure im not the only one who has experienced this. Help..?

[zambizzi]

I think everyone gets a creative block sometimes...that's probably all it is.

Try something new...go out and get some bongos and pound on those for a while. Take up something completely different like Tabla. Learn a new style...Reggae, Samba...whatever.

I like to see out new inspiration on YouTube (as I'm sure you've already discovered, as well.) I'll find something really far out that I'm not familiar with and just try it...or at least try to incorporate it into what I already know.

Maybe a new book and/or video to learn some new techniques you haven't tried?

Hell, bang on some tupperware w/ your hands...there's something to be learned in every experience.

[Salicete]

Just flip the radio to a station that you don't usually listen to, or a CD, tape, whatever, and jam to whatever comes on. Maybe pick up some instructional books on styles that you have not tried before, do anything out of the ordinary.

Chances are that in time, you will be able to assimilate the new styles into your drumming and spice things up a bit.

When drums get to be like work for me, I switch up to bass or guitar for a bit. I always come back to the drums soon, feeling refreshed and ready to play.

[Tenbroya]

Try listening to some Prog Rock/Metal and work out some of the beats they use (Dream Theater and Symphony X are my favourites)

They use some complicated Time Signatures (try listening to Streams of Consciousness) I know it is not to everyones taste but i hit the same barrier I think after 3 1/2 years of Self tutored playing. I just started playing round with the timing and including more poly-rhythm's and syncopation in my playing.

That opened up a whole new style of playing for me.

[jeffwj]

Find a teacher. Now that I am performing and teaching full time I don't take lessons on a weekly basis (although I'd love to if my teachers were closer to me.) But when I do take a lesson, I feel inspired. It seems to put me in a better mood and gives me a great outlook.

Through teaching, I have found that students often don't know what to practice, or how to prioritise. The teacher, being more experienced, will help you to do that. Don't just study with the first person in the phone book. Do some research, take some sample lessons, and then choose the teacher that you like best.

Hope this helps,
Jeff

[NUTHA JASON]

i second this last post but also find other drummers. meet on a friendly non competitive basis around a kit. i was taught triplets by a chinese drummer when i was in my third or fourth year of drumming. before that i thought everything had to be divisible by 2.

j

[jeffwj]

Yes, drum shops and jam sessions are great places to meet other drummers and can serve as a source of inspiration.

Also, don't be discouraged when you can't play something. I am actually happy at times when I find something I am uncomfortable with. That way I turn it into a practice goal. Sort of a "glass half full" outlook.

Hope this helps,
Jeff

[NUTHA JASON]

lol, yes. only problem is, like my gran at the end of a newyears eve party, i'm finding myself surrounded by more and more half full glasses.

j

[jeffwj]

lol, yes. only problem is, like my gran at the end of a newyears eve party, i'm finding myself surrounded by more and more half full glasses.

j

Yes, the "to do"lists for practice sessions get longer and longer. lol

Jeff