Ever have that "I'm the best" thought?

[thunderess drummer]

you know that message in your mind you keep telling yourself im the best drummer ever, im going to be the best drummer on earth,or (one of my personal favorites) im going to be a famous drummer with a record label and an awesome go to he!! band. well ive read that in order to get good you have to think like you're already a pro. what are your comments on this?
p.s. check out my new kit
MY MAPEX SET

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

Don't ever get that feeling.

Cockiness may well be your undoing.

[jonescrusher]

Definitely. Be aware of the difference between cockiness and self-confidence. Self confidence is necessary to make it, as is humility. Get the right balance and you'll be easy to work with.

[LeftRightBack]

No, I think I'm pretty good for how long I've been playing, but I never think I'm the best.

[fourstringdrums]

On the contrary, I usually think "I'm the worst drummer on earth" *lol*

[hawk9290]

NO NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!!

never think that- ask Neil Peart if he thinks he's the best drummer; Vinnie Colaiuta, Mike Portnoy, etc... they will all tell you a firm no.

Thinking that way will get you kicked out of any band you join, studio's will hate you, and you will find yourself spending hours wondering why everyone thinks that way about you.

Its fine to think "I am playing to the best of my current abilities and it feels great" but it would be to commit career suicide to think yourself as the best drummer ever. There is a big difference between the two. Doing your best and acknowleding is positive; saying your the best ever is a huge negative. And Rob I think we've all said that about ourselves from time to time...

[Fur drummer]

No I never have had that thought. I think I'm a good drummer but not the best.

[T.Underhill]

No. I do feel sometimes that I played a particular song the best I've ever done before or played the best fill I've ever created kinda off-the-cuff.

[elpol]

the subject header on this thread reminded me of an recent article on Idris Muhammad in Traps Magazine - Autumn 07 issue:

Speaking on his one formal drum lesson ($2, by the way), with Paul Barbarin. As the lesson was nearing its end, Mr. Barbarin said to Idris "Listen, I'm a very busy man. I've got things to do. One day you're going to be a great drummer, but when people say "You're great", let it go in one ear and out the other. Now give me my $2" That was the end of Idris Muhammad's one formal drum lesson.

From reading the article, is seemed to me that Mr. Muhammad truly took that $2 lesson to heart.

Perhaps, so should we all... I have personally believed for a long time that once you think you are the shite, you no longer do any of the things that made you, and people stop wanting to work with you. this isn't to be confused w/ being confident, btw. there's a difference.

[brennenlesser]

weird thread...If you think that way, plz prove it!

[aydee]

Good god, no! I come more from Rob's school of thought. Even when I play well, I think I suck!

And when I really suck, I I think my parents should'nt have had me.

[zappafan]

Absolutely. For about 2 minutes yesterday when I nailed the Fool in the Rain Shuffle...then of course it went all to hell when my right foot abandoned me......

I'm certainly the best at pretending to be Bonzo, but that's about it. :)
The pros don't even believe they are the best (except Carmine - just ask him, he'll tell ya) :)
Confidence = Good
Arrogance = Bad

A great point was made about Weckl and Peart. They still take lessons. And they aren't half bad drummers. ;)

If you really believe you are the best - listen to Buddy Rich. Yez will change your mind after about 3 minutes.

Peace.

[Erik Lund]

absolutely not - but as others have said - self-confidence is key.

I know a lot of people here might not care about him, but the improvisational-music world reveres Joe McPhee and he's my favorite musician of all time - and I got to play with him because I approached him and...Hold on go back further - I saw him playing in NYC and thought to myself "He should be playing with me instead!" THEN the next time I saw him I simply said "we should play together" "Ok. Can I hear something?" "Here you go" "I'll listen. If it's good, I'll call you."

He called me and I pooped my pants.

He did a CD that is very good with a drummer by the name of John McLellan called "Grand Marquis" - John McLellan thinks he is the best drummer and is completely arrogant (I think he's a hell of a drummer though...and I really like the album...) and I know a lot of people in the improv world who won't ever play with him because of his attitude. I've never met the guy, and he may be an absolute delight but I have heard stories from many others who would argue against that.

[rockinrider]

"Ever have that "I'm the best" thought?"

Nope! Can't say that I have...

I've thought and still think that I'm competent in most cases, but certainly not the "best".

[brennenlesser]

we could be dealing with the best drummer in the world everyone?! I must see a video!

[the skin man]

There have been times when I was proud, but there have also been times when I've been ashamed.

[GRUNTERSDAD]

Sorry I have never suffered from delusions of grandeur. I only say to myself, that was a fun song. I hope to play that again soon.
Maybe you could provide us with a video when you are having these thoughts.

[zambizzi]

Never...and if I ever do I should just give up altogether and start taking tennis lessons. You should too, however don't feel limited to tennis.

When I nail something and have one of those "holy crap" moments...I just think "man, I'm only one step further along than I was yesterday and still a billion miles from those I consider the best...but I'll be one step closer still, after tomorrow!"

[spleen]

the subject header on this thread reminded me of an recent article on Idris Muhammad in Traps Magazine - Autumn 07 issue:

Speaking on his one formal drum lesson ($2, by the way), with Paul Barbarin. As the lesson was nearing its end, Mr. Barbarin said to Idris "Listen, I'm a very busy man. I've got things to do. One day you're going to be a great drummer, but when people say "You're great", let it go in one ear and out the other. Now give me my $2" That was the end of Idris Muhammad's one formal drum lesson.

From reading the article, is seemed to me that Mr. Muhammad truly took that $2 lesson to heart.



Ah, I remember reading that--great magazine, eh?

Anyway, if you don't mind, how old are you Thunderess Drummer?

thanks,

spleen

[Guillermo]

Strive to be the best... strive to love it as much as you can... one thing is what you think, another what you do... when both coincide the best comes from you.

I've never thought of myself as the best... of course not!... but you can FEEL like you're the best, there's nothing wrong with that... feeling as good as you can with drumming and yourself will only bring on to you good things when you play... self conceit is bad.. but self loathing is as bad or worse!.

[bonzolead]

There's a fine line between confendence and cockiness it's good too have confendence but cockiness is for ROOSTERS so unless you're growing any feathers I'd say stay confendent.just remember as good as anybody can think how good they are there is always somebody that's gonna be better.

Bonzolead

[Skacatz]

Nothng wrong with being confident but keep it in perspective. This holds true for everything in life.

Someone may think he is the "toughest guy on the block" when in reality if he looks hard enough he will find somebody two or three blocks away that can kick his can,. If you brag enough your competition may seek you out.

[stevedrum]

Self confidence is good but thinking you're the best when seeing videos of buddy rich and dave weckl makes it look nonsense. But if one day you feel you are better than these always think that you can get better.

[elpol]

Ah, I remember reading that--great magazine, eh?

Anyway, if you don't mind, how old are you Thunderess Drummer?

thanks,

spleen
"Thunderess"?? Wha?

I've just turned 43. Why is that relevant? (curious)

[Drummer Karl]

No, never ever.
I think also because being the best shall not be a goal (which actually doesn`t even exist).

Hey, it`s just waking up and making music. Sometimes you have good times, sometimes they`re not so cool...but it`s just about doing it.

I seriously guess that well-known and sought-after drummers are not thinking how good they are while drumming.

Karl

[Karaboo]

I've had the "I want to be the best thought" but i know that's impossible.
You should NEVER think that you are the best.
Be confident but it is also important to spend a lot of time focusing on your weakness so you have the means and awareness to improve. If you think you are the best you are lying to yourself and preventing yourself from actually working towards improvement.

But cockiness is great for stage presence, the crowd will eat you up.

[Dibalo Jonze]

Self-confidence is important, but untestable cockiness isn't.

I had that feeling ten years ago as a naive high schooler when I thought I could have been in the top 300 best drummers in the world at the time. Since then I've listed to a LOT more music, practiced more than ever, and improved enormously and now I don't even think i'm in the top several hundred in this state. lol

In fact, I found that there was a reverse correlation between how much better I got at drums and where I thought I stood in terms of "the best."

Furthermore, if you think you are the best in the world (even if you are the best and your last name is Weckl or Coulatia or Gadd...) then you've lost a big motivation to keep getting better, which every drummer can always do.

[Jon Cable]

I thought I was the best the other night....right before the rest of the Jack Daniels kicked in and I pitched sideways off my stool [still playing along to Nazareth as I slid to the floor!!]

When I'm sober [hey, it happens sometimes....but not recently!] I have delusions of inadequacy, thats how confident I am in my 'abilities'!!! But to be fair; I'm having a ball recording stuff and bashing away so who cares that I aint Buddy?? [glad I'm not, cos Erik L would shout at me!!!]

[Salicete]

Even the drummers you most admire still study with and learn from other drummers. There is always room to improve.

I find myself incomplete agreement with Meidocrefunkybeat, pride comes before the fall.

Always take pride in your skills and performance, but don't get too cocky.

(The only person who ever thought I was the best drummer in the world was my 8-year old, and that is just fine with me.)

[spleen]

"Thunderess"?? Wha?

I've just turned 43. Why is that relevant? (curious)

Yeah, the question was directed to the thread's creator, "Thunderess Drummer." I'm just wondering if he's a young guy, as it seems the older I get the more I realize how many great drummers there are in the world.

Sorry for the confusion!

spleen

[Steamer]

Build realistic self confidence combined with as much hands on musical experience as possible and always keep and open mind musically speaking to lots of difference influences. Base how you feel about your own playing by developing a good solid musical foundation combined with excellent listening skills in a ensemble. If you ever feel you've "arrived" the game is over IMHO. All the drum greats i've ever talked with have all thought this about their own playing no matter if the fans/listeners felt they had arrived at a plateau of excellence and with always the expressed desire to continue to developing to be even "better" musicians in the context of music. Having great killer drum chops means nothing if you have no idea how to play in a band. You have to have the whole package concept thing going on musically speaking to even start to play the game. End of sermon.

In regards to feeling "I'm the best" having sat 10 ft from Elvin Jones,Tony Williams and Jack Dejohnette at various occasions during my lifetime that has certainly put that comment into it's own unique and humble perspective need I say more.

[ledzepjb]

I'm confident, not arrogant...

[Geoff Tipps]

Oh ya, when I was a kid.I also thought I was the smartest and funniest and the most good looking guy on the planet and that I would be a millionaire by the time I was 30.Then I grew up, found I was shorter than average, got zits, gained a few pounds, failed to impress the ladies and saw other drummers that had groove and technique concepts I wasn't even aware of and ended up working at Burger King...and got fired.
But ya, I had those thoughts.

[Pinner]

In my dreams I am on stage kicking ass nailing all the fills, rocking out, hair flying, sticks flying out to fans, I am dripping wet with sweat and my heart is pounding.
Then I wake up and feel great knowing I can only get better.
I may not be the best but I sure am cute.
Pinner Pinner Pinner LOL

[Erik Lund]

"so who cares that I aint Buddy?? [glad I'm not, cos Erik L would shout at me!!!]"


I'm glad too. So I'll just give you a "shout out"

Whattup Jon!

[fat in the middle]

No, never ever.
I think also because being the best shall not be a goal (which actually doesn`t even exist).

Hey, it`s just waking up and making music. Sometimes you have good times, sometimes they`re not so cool...but it`s just about doing it.

I seriously guess that well-known and sought-after drummers are not thinking how good they are while drumming.

Karl

This is well said,,..music is not a competitive thing like sports. We are in the business of expression, and we have to find that from things like squirrels and trees....just be ready for when it comes...

[Wavelength]

When I'm playing (jazz), I often listen to and look at my band mates and think: "Man, they are the best!"

[bonzolead]

When I'm playing (jazz), I often listen to and look at my band mates and think: "Man, they are the best!"
Just remember a band is only as good as it's. weakest member.it's kinda like one bad apple spoils the bunch.I'm sure you guys are good through would love too hear some material original or covers it doesn't. matter.

Bonzolead

[thunderess drummer]

so would it be safe to think that im the best at my own drumming?

[Jon Cable]

so would it be safe to think that im the best at my own drumming?
No, I'm sorry bro but theres a guy in Michigan thats better at your drumming than you!! Doesn't that suck??? I thought I was the best 'Jon Cable' type drummer in the world....then Erik L. found this guy in Tunisia that plays 'Jon Cable' so much better than me....

[rockinrider]

...I may not be the best but I sure am cute.
Pinner Pinner Pinner LOL

Hey Pinner,

In my opinion, cute counts!!! LOL!

[justJon]

Robert Plant is rumored to have said, "John Bonham is the greatest drummer in the world. I know because he told me so!"
................?

[Tazdrummer]

I kinda know what the guy means by thinking you are the best.....

I know I am the best drummer on my block who has 15 years of rust built up on his playing skills.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v90/tazdrummer/smilies/rofl.gif

[aydee]

No, I'm sorry bro but theres a guy in Michigan thats better at your drumming than you!! Doesn't that suck??? I thought I was the best 'Jon Cable' type drummer in the world....then Erik L. found this guy in Tunisia that plays 'Jon Cable' so much better than me....

Lol, Jon, you're the best!

[Jon Cable]

Lol, Jon, you're the best!
You see guys; I can inspire OTHERS to believe that I am the Best!!! LMBFAO!!

[burnthehero]

I've always had the mindset that no matter how good I am, there's always somebody out there that's 10 times better. I stopped trying to be the best a long time. Now I put most of my energy into being creative.

[Erik Lund]

Man have you even heard the guy from Tunisia I told you to check out? Seriously, one of the greatest Jon Cable innovators of the past 10 years.

I'll find the video where he does some sick double Cable work. Mind blowing!

[k3ng]

hmm I've had the 'I'm one of the crappiest' thought... never 'best'.

I don't deserve that thought.

[Wavelength]

I'll find the video where he does some sick double Cable work. Mind blowing!

Are you talking about those Cable-driven remote hi-hats? That's just sick!

[gmrakich]

The closest I ever come to that is ....Well that didn't suck too bad."
When I play I have a check list of things I monitor and a list of A B C fills etc that I could play. The A list is very inticate but still with in the music, B is solid, yet a bit creative, and C is my arm hurts..KISS (keep it simple stupid)
As long as I can do an A or two, with solid Bs, I feel good about the playing...Bs abd Cs are OK, but usually when I am not on top of my game for what ever reason. For me, every time out is a whole new ballgame so I never really know what is gonna happen. The difference are so minor that no one but a drummer would pick it up..but its there.

[Big_Philly]

Definitely. Be aware of the difference between cockiness and self-confidence. Self confidence is necessary to make it, as is humility. Get the right balance and you'll be easy to work with.

I couldn't have said it better myself. Kudos!
I even think a certain amount of confidence is essential to be a good drummer. I've seen drummers being very insecure behind the drums, and even though their technique was alright the overall sound was just bad.

[moonfire298]

I'm definitely one of the "I'm the worst" ones. Lately I'm even having trouble practising at home because I think I'm so bad even though I know I can only get better if I practice. I just sit there thinking that people can hear how bad I am. I bought a set of drum mutes and its helped me pratice more, but sometimes I just feel like I'm getting no where and I should just give up. I'm definitely stuck in a rut with drumming right now and I don't know how to build my confidence.

[Erik Lund]

"I'm definitely stuck in a rut with drumming right now and I don't know how to build my confidence."


Try pretending your drums are naked.

[Quadruple Groove]

Well, I'm definitely the best drummer in my village...for now.

[nhzoso]

I am the best drummer in my house...Thats about it.. Although my cat was playing with a rattle the other day and I could have sworn she was counting 8th notes with a closed rattle on the &...I am working on it now!

[ermghoti]

No. Hell no. I'm generally not the best drummer in the room, unless I'm alone.

I once thought "I don't suck all that bad," then I hit Record, and returned to reality. I could make an Admiral seasick.

[Wavelength]

Just remember a band is only as good as it's. weakest member.it's kinda like one bad apple spoils the bunch.

What I'm saying is that I enjoy the others' playing so much it makes me feel happier and play better.

[Jon Cable]

Man have you even heard the guy from Tunisia I told you to check out? Seriously, one of the greatest Jon Cable innovators of the past 10 years.

I'll find the video where he does some sick double Cable work. Mind blowing!
Yeah that Tunisian is awesome; only criticism is that he keeps much better time than the original JC!!
Does this make me an imitator of my own work??
Help me Erik...my brain...it's...it's....aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrgh!!!!!!!

[gmrakich]

Keith Moon used to say he was the best Keith Moon style drummer he had seen. : )

[georgeman]

they are the people we kick out of the drum line at school and when i say kick...

-george

[thunderess drummer]

so be self confident but not like a total @$$. ok that sounds good. So what do you say to people when they ask you "How good are you on drums?"

[Michael G]

so be self confident but not like a total @$$. ok that sounds good. So what do you say to people when they ask you "How good are you on drums?"

"Better then I was yesterday."

[brittc89]

No, but I get that "Im the worst" feeling all the time.

[imispgh]

Best drummer?

Since there is not an adjective in front or that referring to style (jazz - rock etc) I assume this would be an all around player?

In that case wouldn't one have to be able to be more than proficient at most styles including being able to listen to or read a new track and jump right in and even be able to fill/solo a bit in each on the fly and improvise?

Additionally wouldn't one be able to play the "standard" kits for each type? Rock and jazz have smaller sets while fusion, latin and progressive have larger kits. Seems to me the best "drummer" would have to negotiate several kit types and musical styles.

Curious. Given this outline what professional drummers actually stack up? Weckl? Gadd? Cobham? Peart?

Lastly - isn't it easier to move from fusion to any other style than to move from rock or jazz up to fusion given the kit size, complexity and wide range of musical possibilitites?