THE DRUMMING DICTIONARY.

[NUTHA JASON]

Let'c collect all the odd terms and phrases that surround our instrument and make an online dictionary. to standardise responses please print out the term or phrase in bold capital letters, with a brief and above all accurate description of its meaning beneath. like so....



CUT TIME
this is a marching beat description so the time signature would be 2/2. There is a strong upbeat - downbeat feel, oom-pah oom-pah...etc. sometimes with lots of syncopation. it often occours in musical theatre and circus music. an example would be: 'The Stars and Stripes Forever'

PERMUTATION
Taking a sticking phrase and moving it so that the phrase is started at different points, thus creating a new rudiment or phrase. for example: paradiddle:
RLRRLRLL can change to LRRLRLLR and also RRLRLLRL and then RLRLLRLR.
from the above example it can be seen that permutations can provide new patterns and also that the number of patterns possible depends on the number of strokes in the basic unit. a paraddidle has four strokes so we get four variations. a double paradiddle has six strokes so we could get six variations. this concept can be very effectively applied to grooves as well, particularly in funk music.

SEXTUPLETS AND SEPTUPLETS
don't get them confused. 'sex' and 'sept' are numerical prefixes based on latin. sex means 'six' and sept means 'seven'. in terms of difficulty the latter is harder to play, and count since the word seven is the first number with two syllables in it. i count it like this: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, tack, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, tack ...etc.

[Anduin]

GHOST NOTE

A note played very lightly, usually on the snare, and usually interpolated between other notes.

For instance, a typical rock groove plays 8th notes on the hi hat. To add ghost notes, play the snare on the off-beat 16ths: (1) E (&) A (2) E (&) A. The result is you're playing RLRLRLRL etc. in 16th notes between hi hat and snare.

Play ghost notes very very delicately. They should be felt more than heard. Their purpose is to give a extra sense of forward motion to the groove.

[If I'm missing something, let me know and I'll update this entry.]

Ghost notes should not be confused with grace notes (flams).

[jackothedrummer1]

HEMIOLA
When say a series of 3/4 bars (or other odd time) are articulated in a 2/4 or 4/4 feel.

Example: An example would be Led Zeppelin - Kashmir. John Bonham is playing 4/4 time over the 3/4 bar phrasings. So essentially, Bonham is playing 3 bars of 4/4, while the rest play 4 bars of 3/4.

POLYRHYTHM
When two or more rhythms are played simultaneously.
(A polyrhythm is NOT a hemiola because a polyrhythm is 2 different rhythms in a measure. A hemiola is 2 different time signatures coming together.)

Example: One of the most simplistic example is playing 3 over 2. Or triplets over eigth notes. You can hear this on some metronomes or play it yourself.

METRIC MODULATION
When you use different notes values to decrease or increase the tempo or feel of the song. Say the tempo is at quarter note equals 120. You are playing backbeat on 2 and 4. Then we begin to play triplets. We transform our "backbeat" from 2 and 4 to every other note of the triplet beginning with the second part of the triplet. This makes them tempo feel as though it has jumped from 120 to 180 in a very smooth transition. This can be used to help change the tempos throughout songs.

Examples: I can't remember the song, but Vital Information with Steve Smith is the band. Also, Dream Theater - The Mirror. The song seems so much slower and heavier, then soon picks up tempo maintaining the heaviness of the song. Very good listen to for Metric Modulation.

[mlehnertz]

Some examples of metric modulation...

Lionel Ritchie - Say You, Say Me. It might not sound like it, but there's metric modulation and it's somewhat tricky. The slow part, before it goes into the quick part has a triplet fill and those triplets become 8th notes in the new time signature - which then goes back to the old time signature.

Dave Weckl - Here and There. More forward and backward triplets to 8th notes.

There's another semi-popular tune out there that has it as well, but I can't put my finger on it. I'm sure I'll remember when Winamp finally decides it's time to play it.

What shocks me is I can't find any examples with Yes, Sting or Dave Matthews that are what I'd consider "true" metric modulation. In fact, I'm looking at my Frank Zappa stuff and I really don't see any in there.

As for Hemiola - Vinnie on Ten Summoner's Tales loads it up. Probably 1/2 of the songs.

[NUTHA JASON]

POCKET
a drummer with good time-
plays all his notes exactly on the beat. dynamics aside he would sound like a programmed drumbeat.

a drummer with good pocket-
plays his notes close enough to the point of the beat to be acceptable and faithful to the rhythm of the song but is able to put the strokes slightly (we're talking milliseconds here) ahead or behind the actual beat point to create tension/edginess (if ahead) or fatness/swing (if behind). most of the time drummers are talking about playing behind, particularly on the back-beat. the more behind you are able to play without actually slowing down, the more deeper your pockets are. mixing 'on', 'ahead' and 'behind' the beat snare strokes can be immensely effective (listen to the rolling stones - 'anybody seen my baby' [bridges to babylon], watts has so much pocket that his loose chane hits his ankles when he walks!)

[mlehnertz]

Nutha, give some examples. "In the pocket" is one of those terms that is better understood if you can put it to music. Much like "laying back" in a swing tune.

FYI - laying back is being behind the beat but not to the point of dragging the tune. Pull out any medium-swing big band tune with any of the legends and you'll get the idea.

In the pocket - Vinnie Colaiuta on "Fields of Gold". God, that is SO right-there.

POCKET
a drummer with good time-
plays all his notes exactly on the beat. dynamics aside he would sound like a programmed drumbeat.

a drummer with good pocket-
plays his notes close enough to the point of the beat to be acceptable and faithful to the rhythm of the song but is able to put the strokes slightly (we're talking milliseconds here) ahead or behind the actual beat point to create tension/edginess (if ahead) or fatness/swing (if behind). most of the time drummers are talking about playing behind, particularly on the back-beat. the more behind you are able to play without actually slowing down, the more deeper your pockets are. mixing 'on', 'ahead' and 'behind' the beat snare strokes can be immensely effective (listen to the rolling stones - 'anybody seen my baby' [bridges to babylon], watts has so much pocket that his loose chane hits his ankles when he walks!)

[Ashbash]

i must be the only drummer who doesn't know the exact meaning of "chops"
enlighten me, please

[cicatrizoo]

could someone come up with good def's for:

Double Time
Half time
Vamp

[Ducky]

can someone explain what a batter drum is?

[NUTHA JASON]

Chops
most people agree that this refers to the technical skill of a drummer. a drummer with 'great chops' has loads of different rudiments and applications that they can draw on in a solo or gig setting. chops can be thought of as tools. its an abstract concept for the accumnulation of tecnical applied and thouroughly applicable drumming knowledge. it is often used when describing guitarists as well.

Double Time and Half time
are what they say they are. a song may be played at a certain tempo, lets say 120 b/min, the bridge may be a half time bridge so the band or part of it (the drummer while the rest continue as normal) halves their time and plays at 60b/min. at the end of the song for example there might be a double time section where things are sped up exactly twice. so then the time jumps to 240. the important thing with doubling and halving is that through out the song the actual tempo stays the same and the people who are dancing needn't adjust, metronomes needn't be reset. its just the density of notes/strokes that changes. try it. it is a great exercise and can be a wonderful way of pumping energy into a song or leaving oceans of space for the melody or guitar solo to breathe.
j

[mlehnertz]

Vamp - a woman of loose morals. Vamps are something that a backing band will do when there is an (for lack of a better term) "pre-song activity that cannot be timed". For instance, it's a cabaret gig and the MC does "Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we blah blah blah" and this goes on for an indefinite length of time. How does the band time something like this? They'll pick 4, 8 or 12 measures of intro or chorus and repeat it over and over. This is a vamp. Once the MC is done talking with the audience, it's a natural progression for the vamp to end, proceeding into the opening number.

Another good example is something like "the bride cuts the cake". You'll vamp in that tune as well.

I've actually seen "vamp" written over 2-bar patterns in some times. You just repeat it. More of a formal vamp than what I listed above.

could someone come up with good def's for:
Vamp

[k3ng]

Could I get a definition for 'comping'? I know what it is, I just have a little trouble explaining it to my students. (And I must not let them know how horrible a teacher I am)

Also the difference between ruffs and drags( or are they the same?)

[TitanSound]

can someone explain what a batter drum is?

I personally have never heard of a batter drum but that does not mean it doesnt exsist!

Maybe where you heard it they were referring the the batter head on the drum.

The top head which you strike with the stick is the batter head where as the head on the bottom of your drum is the resonant head.

[mlehnertz]

"Comping" is not something I think of when it comes to drums. Comping is what the other rhythm section players are doing during solos. Piano and guitar tend to comp more than anything and it's basically playing chord changes through the solo, but not really structured chord playing. I guess drums could do it, providing light fill work through a solo.

Ruffs and drags are the same thing according to Vic Firth.

Could I get a definition for 'comping'? I know what it is, I just have a little trouble explaining it to my students. (And I must not let them know how horrible a teacher I am)

Also the difference between ruffs and drags( or are they the same?)

[Ducky]

I personally have never heard of a batter drum but that does not mean it doesnt exsist!

Maybe where you heard it they were referring the the batter head on the drum.

The top head which you strike with the stick is the batter head where as the head on the bottom of your drum is the resonant head.oops,yes, i am an idiot. i meant batter head. but thanks for the explanation.

[NUTHA JASON]

BATTER HEAD
also known as the top head is the drum head/skin that you hit with your stick or pedal. it is usually made of thicker materials than the...

RESO HEAD
or resonant head or bottom head. the skin on the bottom of the drum or the front of the bass drum which is usually designed to vibrate and is activated by the pule of pressure formed when you hit the top head. it is ususlly quite thin and will not survive gig level drumming should you put it on the wrong side.

j

[RMS]

Double Bass Pedal

http://www.americanmusical.com/images/d/p2652d.jpg

Two foot pedals joined together with linkage, meant to replace a second bass drum.

[RMS]

Rimshot

Hitting, with a drumstick, the drum head and rim simultaneously, producing a sharp, distinct tone. A rimshot is usually performed on the snare drum.

[finnhiggins]

"Comping" is not something I think of when it comes to drums. Comping is what the other rhythm section players are doing during solos. Piano and guitar tend to comp more than anything and it's basically playing chord changes through the solo, but not really structured chord playing. I guess drums could do it, providing light fill work through a solo.


Comping, to me, is basically anything you do in jazz playing which is:

* Additional to the basic "ten-ten-to-ten-ten-to" ride pattern and hi-hat chick on 2 & 4; and
* Improvised by the drummer to fit in with what the rest of the band is doing, both the soloist and comping done by other parts of the rhythm section.

Typically this means snare/bass material co-ordinated against the ride line, the kind of stuff you develop using the Ted Reed book.

[finnhiggins]

Double Time and Half time
are what they say they are. a song may be played at a certain tempo, lets say 120 b/min, the bridge may be a half time bridge so the band or part of it (the drummer while the rest continue as normal) halves their time and plays at 60b/min. at the end of the song for example there might be a double time section where things are sped up exactly twice. so then the time jumps to 240. the important thing with doubling and halving is that through out the song the actual tempo stays the same and the people who are dancing needn't adjust, metronomes needn't be reset. its just the density of notes/strokes that changes. try it. it is a great exercise and can be a wonderful way of pumping energy into a song or leaving oceans of space for the melody or guitar solo to breathe.
j

I think that's maybe a little complex. You don't need to get into the BPM thing to define half and double time, the simple way would be to go:

STANDARD TIME (rock or pop)
A 4/4 groove with snare backbeats on the "2" and "4" of the bar and bass drum downbeats on the "1" and "3". Bass drum notes can be varied, often to follow a bass line, but excessive syncopation of the snare drum backbeat can cause confusion in some songs.

DOUBLE TIME (rock or pop)
A 4/4 groove with snare backbeats on the "and" (8th note off-beat) of every beat. Common in punk music and some heavy rock styles as a "gear change" upwards.

HALF TIME (rock or pop)
A 4/4 groove with a snare backbeat on the "3" of the bar and a bass drum downbeat on the "1". Common in some rock ballads and often used during heavy "rock out" bridges in songs to bring a heavier, slower feel into play.

[ChazH]

Ruff

This is a stroke predessed by three ghost notes. (according to Guildhall School of Music and Drama) e.g 3 semiquavered ghost notes (not part of the beat; decoration if you will) followed by a prominet stroke.

Drag

Same as above except with two strokes predesesing the prominet stroke (according to Guildhall School of Music and Drama)

[Latin Groover]

Ruff

This is a stroke predessed by three ghost notes. (according to Guildhall School of Music and Drama) e.g 3 semiquavered ghost notes (not part of the beat; decoration if you will) followed by a prominet stroke.

Drag

Same as above except with two strokes predesesing the prominet stroke (according to Guildhall School of Music and Drama)

Isn't it like this?

Flam- One grace note before the prominent stroke.

Drag- Two grace notes before the prominent stroke.

[Derek Matthews]

could someone tell me what triggers are? I have a general idea but would love clarification.

[NUTHA JASON]

TRIGGERS
are velocity sensitive peizo electric switches. the harder they are hit the higher the voltage the send back to a computer (module) which then converts the information into a sound and a volume. some triggers are purpose built pads while others are designed to be connected to an accoustic drum so that the two sounds are mixed when the drum is struck.
http://media.zzounds.com/media/fit,325by400/quality,85/brand,zzounds/p15282b-67d8bdcd0a09b55226c8daa74986dbba.jpg
http://www.mooresmusicemporium.com/images/16529.jpg
http://www.drumjunction.com/picts/rim-triggers.jpg

[RMS]

You can also build your own triggers with parts from RadioShack...Total cost less than ten dollars a trigger. Of course you still need a module to connect the triggers to...but they work, I've used them. I made a thread explaining how...(I'd put the link here, but I don't know how)

[Derek Matthews]

thanks for that explanation! Now here another....Crosstick

[NUTHA JASON]

crosstick
sometimes mistakingly called rimshots (particularly by guitarists).
played with the hand resting on the snare thusly:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y290/nuthajason/werderd.jpg (http://photobucket.com/albums/y290/nuthajason/?)

[Derek Matthews]

crosstick
sometimes mistakingly called rimshots (particularly by guitarists).
played with the hand resting on the snare thusly: That's why I asked... I was confused crosstick vs. rimshot. Great thread!

[Anduin]

Double Time and Half time
are what they say they are.

I think what you're defining are double time feel and half time feel. It's a subtle difference, and one that only applies if you're reading music or having a technical discussion about it.

If you're reading a chart and playing at quarter note = 120, and then you start playing at twice that speed (240) even thought the written material still says 120, then you're playing a double time feel. If a similar piece of music actually notates the change to 240, then you're playing real double time.

It's a minor point that probably means just about squat to anybody who plays by ear or writes his own charts. But if, for instance, you're on a reading gig and the chart says "double time feel," you'll still count the same tempo while playing twice the speed. The point being that if you went into actual double time, the bars would go by twice as fast, and you'd be on your second beer by the time the rest of the band finishes. (Come to think of it, that might not be such a bad thing!)

[NUTHA JASON]

as requested by a member here are some common drumming adjectives:

Bright - Sounds that are high-pitched; they offer increased cut.

Dark - Low-pitched, warm tones that combine for a 'dark' response that blends into surrounding music.

Attack - The response rate of the cymbal or drum. Some models are faster (more attack) than others. how fast an instrument reaches its peak volume after it is struck.

Fast - rate of response when the cymbal is struck: how fast or slow it makes a sound and how that sound decays. A smaller or thinner cymbal responds and decays faster than larger, heavier models.

Dry - A minimum of tone ensures a very definite stroke response or stick response.

Sustain - The duration of the sound before it decays. Bigger cymbals sustain longer than smaller models.

Timbre - The general sound characteristics of a cymbal. its voice.

Trashy - Raw and dirty responses associated with Chinese cymbals and some special models. The trashiness of an 18" B8 Pro Chinese is raw, funky and Oriental.

Warm - A softer response that focuses on a blend of low-pitched, musical tones.



these terms are lifted and slightly modified from http://sabian.com/english/education/Edu_Cymbals.cfm?RI=4

i will add to them later so watch this space.

j

[inarticulate]

Erm, another noob question.. whats a paradiddle?

[NUTHA JASON]

A paradiddle is a rudiment that combines single and double strokes in such a way that alows drummers to make more interesting patterns, free up a hand so that it can move somewhere else on the drums and of course makes for a lovley variety of beats particularly in the funk genre.

here are the major paradiddles and their most common names then:

paradiddle
RLRR LRLL

double paradiddle
RLRLRR LRLRLL

triple paradiddle
RLRL RLRR LRLR LRLL

paradiddlediddle
RLRRLL or LRLLRR

paradiddlediddlediddle
RLRR LLRR LRLL RRLL

inverted paradiddle
RRLR LLRL

permutated paradiddle
RLLR LRRL

double inverted paradiddle
RLRRLR LRLLRL

double permutated paradiddle
RLRLLR LRLRRL

triple inverted paradiddle
RLRLRRLR LRLRLLRL

triple permutated paradiddle
RLRLRLLR LRLRLRRL


J

[inarticulate]

Ah, i see.. they look difficult... thanks anyway :)

[NUTHA JASON]

no dude... just take them slow and start with the top one for a month or so and develope it.

j

[ECVail]

Ostinato?

Been reading the forums a lot - see it referred to but need a little help on the tech description.

Thanks all.

[LumberjackIvan]

Some more on rimshots.

PING SHOT
A rimshot played in such a way that only the top few inches of the stick strike the drum. When played correctly it produces a 'ping' sound.

GOCK SHOT
A rimshot played so that the stick strikes the rim at nearly the half way point or even a little further down. When played correctly this rimshot produces a very loud and full shot that resembles the word 'gock.'

NOTE: Both should be played like a rimshot in that they both should strike the head and rim simultaneously.

[finnhiggins]

OSTINATO - a repeating pattern carried in one or more limbs while other limbs play parts across the pattern. The most simple ostinato you're likely to hear is the 8th note hi-hat line, which is kept consistent while the snare drum and bass drum plays around it. However, this generally isn't what people talk about when they refer to an ostinato in drumming - these are usually longer phrases of two or more beats, often played with the feet and sometimes including multiple sound sources. A typical ostinato-based approach to playing is the samba, which often keeps a particular bass drum / hi-hat pattern going while the hands phrase freely over the top.

Terry Bozzio was a notable innovator in this field, he was one of the first to develop foot-ostinato based soloing to an extremely high level - although he was not the first to record solos featuring ostinatos. Today this approach is popular with drummers like Thomas Lang, Virgil Donati, Grant Collins, Marco Minneman and Benny Greb.

[LumberjackIvan]

CHEESE
A Flam played so that the accented note is a drag.

[nhzoso]

What about a Dotted eigth note, In my book it says "a dot placed after or before a note increases its value by one half the value of the original note" WHA? If it's an eighth note then I hit the drum once so what am I supposed to be doing for a dotted note thats different from that? Please feel free to use Lament terms. Thanks guys I am new so excuse me if this is numb question I cant find an answer anywhere.

[NUTHA JASON]

DOTTED NOTES
lets look at quarter notes in 4/4 timing for this. 4/4 timing means we're allowed 4 quarter notes to a bar OR 2 half notes OR 1 whole note. now since a half note is the same length as two quarters then a dotted half note is i set of 2 quarters plus a half a set of two so its equal to three quarters. if you have a dotted half note in the bar you must have either a quarter note or a quarternote rest (or 2 eighth note) to complete the mathematics of the bar. once you understand this in 4/4 with halves and quarters then eights and sixteenths become more clear.
See
http://www.fifedrum.org/crfd/Guide/PG14.gif
but tied together. in terms or drumming...hit the thing and wait a little longer before you hit it again (for how long you have to wait see the description above . lol)
have a look at this and see if it makes it clearer (note the time signature)
http://se-ed.net/kitatann/notes/dotted.gif
Pic.2
http://se-ed.net/kitatann/notes/dotted2.gif

[nhzoso]

Ok I think I got it, so basically if you see a dotted eighth note you should expect to see another 8th note on the 3rd count? I wish I could put up some music sheet to help explain what I am thinking.

1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +
X.----- X

BD for example each x is a beat so with a dotted 8th I would hit on 1, then the next hit would be on the and after 2?

If thats right than I get that part but not 100% yet on why I need the dot. I mean if I saw it written that way without the dot I would still play it the same way. I dont see the advantage to it.

Oh and Much Thanks Nutha I really appreciate you taking the time to explain this.

[RJ2k8]

What is Accent and backbeat? I see it alot on the forums.

[Afrolicious]

An Accent is mainly a louder played note so you hear it more than the others. You could probably produce accents with other methods as well.

@ nhzoso

When you use dotted notes you don't need to use pauses. The difference is that you'd theoretically have to stop the sound of your drum during a pause by muffling it or something like that. Still I think dotted notes have way more importance for instruments like trumpets where you have to hold the sound insted of just beating once.

[mlehnertz]

Accent - a note with simply a little more emphasis than the other notes.

Backbeat - A section of playing with you really emphasis the 2 & 4 beats of each measure. For example, in a big band tune, you really lay down the 2 & 4 during full ensemble sections. Like, at the end of New York, New York (not sure if you youngerns know the tune or not), the drummer plays with a heavy backbeat.

What is Accent and backbeat? I see it alot on the forums.

[RJ2k8]

I dont really know what your talking about for backbeat. Im confused.
Accent - a note with simply a little more emphasis than the other notes.

Backbeat - A section of playing with you really emphasis the 2 & 4 beats of each measure. For example, in a big band tune, you really lay down the 2 & 4 during full ensemble sections. Like, at the end of New York, New York (not sure if you youngerns know the tune or not), the drummer plays with a heavy backbeat.

[finnhiggins]

I dont really know what your talking about for backbeat. Im confused.

A backbeat is a feature of a drum beat. Most drum beats - not all - feature a strong, accented snare drum note in a constant position in the bar. Usually this is on the "two" and the "four": Count "one-TWO-three-FOUR" over a few of your favourite songs and you'll see what I mean. Sometimes the backbeat can occur less frequently (on the "three" - see "Half time") or more frequently (on the "and" of each beat - see "Double time").

Strong snare backbeats are a common feature of a lot of rock, pop, funk, hip-hop and metal playing. They're less common in jazz, although even here it is common for the left foot to still keep a "backbeat" of sorts on the hi-hat.

[PreppieNerd]

What's the difference between Resonance and Overtones?

[mlehnertz]

Overtones are subtle higher pitches that blend in with a primary sound or note. In stringed instruments (piano, guitar) overtones can occur when the primary note excites neighboring strings, relating to the played note, and they vibrate as well. In cymbals (which is probably what you're referring to), the overtones are created by the air that is excited by the vibration of the cymbal. The air must vibrate at higher frequencies than the cymbal which creates the overtones you hear.

Resonance is a term defining the intensity and duration of tone/sound.

What's the difference between Resonance and Overtones?

[PreppieNerd]

As I can imagine, clearly defining descriptive words (dark, warm, bright, etc.) of cymbals and drums would be extremely difficult, could someone just tell me which apply to cymbals, which apply to drums, and which descriptors are opposites of eachother?

[Fur drummer]

Well I don't know what level of drumming this dictionary is for but here are some for beginning drummers.

Single Stroke Roll
RLRLRLRLRLRL and so on

Double Stroke Roll
RRLLRRLLRRLLRRLLRRLL and so on

Right Flam
RL RL RL RL Strokes almost done at the same time but R just a little ahead of the L.

Left Flam
LR LR LR LR Like Right Flam but reveresed.

Drum Key
What you use to turn the lugs and tune the drum.

Drum Throne
The seat you sit on.

[pete_on_drums]

hey
what does "Cam" mean , ive heard people talking about it when talking about pedals?
also, nice thread

[mlehnertz]

Cam - same thing as in an engine. Same principal, different effect.

Picture a bass drum pedal in your head. You have the actual pedal. Connected to the pedal is a strap or chain which attaches to a 3/4 circular object that has either teeth (chain) or a smooth, flat piece that the strap attaches too. This is the cam.

Depending on the shape of the cam, the same motion of the foot can create different speeds with a bass drum beater. An "egg shaped" cam is going have much more acceleration than a "rounder" cam, requiring less effort with the foot but won't have as smooth of a feel.

Find a video of a trebuchet. It can give you an idea of how a cam works, or the physics behind it.

hey
what does "Cam" mean , ive heard people talking about it when talking about pedals?
also, nice thread

[Pete Stoltman]

Every area of skill has lots of words that become common for people in that job to use. Some are shortcuts or abreviations that outsiders don't understand. Some develop from other locations or new developments. I was thinking a little bit about this in regards to drumming and thought it might be interesting to put together a list of some drumming linguistics and what they mean or where they come from. Here are a few that I thought of.

Rack or rack tom - used to be called the small tom-tom seems to be a term that the studio industry labeled and we picked it up.
Ride tom -same as above but never could figure out why
Kick drum - bass drum and again another studio invention
Kit or drumkit- I remember this term coming into existence here in the US it was commonly used to describe the drumset in the UK and when the British Invasion bands started talking about their drums we thought the term was cool and started using it.
Pies- Cymbals, I think this one came from the be-bop guys. Don't hear it used much anymore except by cymbal freaks.
Skins- drum heads and an obvious reference to the heads that were made of calfskin.

There are a few to get things started.

[Guinness]

A few I can think of-

Four on the floor
Cut time
Break beat
Pocket

[Loge]

A lot of older guys remember the term, Trap set. The term was still widely used back when I started playing in the 60's but has been replaced by ' drum kit' or 'drumset' It was only a few years that I found out that it came from the term 'contraption' , a reference to the early single drummer setups. I used to think it meant something about 'trapping' the sound -hehe. And we all know that Buddy's child star stage name was 'Traps the Wonder Drummer'.

[Pete Stoltman]

To amplify on Loge's post the old time drummers especially guys playing vaudeville, theatre acts, etc, not only had to play the drums but numerous sound effects and auxillary instruments. If you ever get a chance to see photos of the great Roy Knapps set up it included temple blocks, cowbells,woodblocks, chinese toms,tympani, xylophone, and all kinds of contraptions. I believe Roys set is at the Percussive Arts Society museum now and can be viewed on their website. Good one Loge.

[Loge]

A few I can think of-

Four on the floor
Cut time
Break beat
Pocket

Backbeat - the great 2 and 4 rock groove (used in other genres also).
Comping - from 'accompaniment' - in Jazz, the various supporting snare patterns in a swing groove.
Feathering - playing the bass drum softly - often on quarters and eighths in a swing groove.
Ghost note- dynamically soft notes on the snare that 'fill' between the prominent notes of a beat.

I think a lot of these terms are already in the forum 'dictionary'(?)

[somedrummer]

I believe "burying the beater" is a term used by jazz cats and the like to describe how some rock drummers tend to slam the beater into the head and leave it there until the next stroke. They say it kills the sound (but thats what rock drummers want.. right?). It is not meant to be done in jazz, which is where "feathering" is generally required. Feathering just means playing generally lightly, so that the bass drum is not too overpowering to the rest of the band.

[Pete Stoltman]

Ghost note is an interesting one because most other instrumental musicians would refer to that as a grace note. Anyone know the origin of ghost note? Ever hear other musicians use that term? I think it's unique to us.

Ok here's an edit. Found this info on ghost notes.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_notes

[lilblakdak]

Tubs
Skins
HAAA! I can beat the 20 charactures!

[Paradiddle my snizzle]

Hi

(i'm from denmark so i need to know some common stuff to)
1. the fulcrum
2. rudiments
3. the fingers, what are they called?
the thumb
the mouseclicking finger
THE finger
the wedding ring finger
the ear scratching finger
or what do you call them?
4. the -itis when you hear a ringing in your ears

[RMS]

Fulcrum is basically where in your hand the stick pivots. The hinge, if you will.

Rudiments are practice excersises and also the foundation of all drum patterns. They are the basics.

Fingers are called:

Thumb
Index Finger
Middle Finger
Ring Finger
Pinky

[Paradiddle my snizzle]

Thx for the answer, though i'm not sure i understand.

"Fulcrum is basically where in your hand the stick pivots. The hinge, if you will."
Does this mean that the fulcrum is moved when you switch grips?
If it's the hinge, then it must be where you hold on to the stick?

"Rudiments are practice excersises and also the foundation of all drum patterns. They are the basics."
So when someone is practising their rudiments, then they are practising some basic drum patterns?

[RMS]

Yes and Yes. I should have said the fulcrum is where you are supposed to hold the stick. It's that balance point.

[Paradiddle my snizzle]

What is "die cast rims"??

[Pete Stoltman]

I'm not a metalurgy expert but here's my "drummers take" on die-cast rims. These are rims that are formed by pouring molten metal into a form or die. This would be the alternative to a rim that is formed by bending and stamping a piece of existing metal. Die cast rims are usually considered to be more rigid than stamped rims. Both have different qualities that can affect sound and tuning. Neither style is necessarily better than the other.

[Paradiddle my snizzle]

Cool, i was kindof suspecting that from when people talk about this stuff, but i wasn't sure - so thank you for clearing that up! :)

[drozzy]

They are hoops/rims that are poured into a mold, and not 'flanged' or bent in anyway, thus there is no mechanical stress on the rims.

Technique wise, this has a greater effect on the tuning of drums, as they distribute the tension more evenly than triple flanged hoops, allowing for easier and clearer tuning.

Oh - and they look better!

[RaTaMaCue]

Hy there......

I don't know if this comes in here, but i am very curious about all possible signs that could appear in a chart, especially for drums! Could you bomb your examples and explanations?

Thanks in advance!
Paulo

[X22]

How about you post the picture of a chart and I'll answer.

[RaTaMaCue]

I was rather more thinking of real generalyze what could appear in a chart! There are the well-known signs like repeat dots, coda etc! The idea was to make a list with an explanation of each sign that could appear and the name of the sign!


Paulo

[Alex H]

Three pages and I was sure I would see syncopation. I've been dying to get an exact definition of this one. I asked my guitar and bass player, but they gave me vague definitions (i.e. they don't really know themselves).

Also, thanks for the definition of the different kinds of hoops, that was another I'd been wanting to get.

[BIG_c]

Can someone tell me what a 'lick' is?

[Mr. Pasquini]

Nutha, give some examples. "In the pocket" is one of those terms that is better understood if you can put it to music. Much like "laying back" in a swing tune.

FYI - laying back is being behind the beat but not to the point of dragging the tune. Pull out any medium-swing big band tune with any of the legends and you'll get the idea.

In the pocket - Vinnie Colaiuta on "Fields of Gold". God, that is SO right-there.

In the pocket drummers
Wierd Al Yankovich's drummer from the album "Bad Hair Day" on the song "The Alternative Polka"

[TitanSound]

Can someone tell me what a 'lick' is?

A lick is just a small part of a song/solo. So just say you did a cool fill some one may say "wow...that was a great lick"

[GRUNTERSDAD]

could someone tell me what triggers are? I have a general idea but would love clarification.

They are quite simply something that turns sound energy into electrical energy. If you have watched track meets, the starters pistol has one on the end of it that turns the firing sound into electrical energy to start the timing mechanism. At the Olympics you will see the starter with a pistol and a wire running down from his raised hand to a timer. Best analogy I can think of. Better know as a transducer.

[X22]

In very simple terms syncopation is emphasis, or a note, anywhere except for the downbeat.

Three pages and I was sure I would see syncopation. I've been dying to get an exact definition of this one. I asked my guitar and bass player, but they gave me vague definitions (i.e. they don't really know themselves).

[NUTHA JASON]

yes so think in terms of
1...2...3...4...1...2...3...4

or

1 . & . 2 . & . 3 . & . 4 . & . 1 . & . 2 . & . 3 . & . 4 . & .

[Paradiddle my snizzle]

Isn't syncopation like transposing, just with rythms instead of tones?

I mean if you put the emphasis on the &'s, as in Jason's example, throughout the hole song then there isn't any syncopation is there? So syncopation is only when the emphasis changes, right?

[GRUNTERSDAD]

In music, syncopation is the stressing of a normally unstressed beat in a bar or the failure to sound a tone on an accented beat.

Syncopation is used on occasion in many musical styles, including classical music, but it is fundamental in such styles as ragtime and jazz. In the form of a back beat, syncopation is used in virtually all contemporary popular music.

From Wikipedia, I like going to the source

[Auger]

I don't know about the transposing thing, but that's right sniz (at least as I understand it)

Syncopation’s more about the emphasis of a note in an unexpected place (which can be a down beat, actually) and it can also be done by not playing a note where you'd expect one (at least as I understand it). But, unless you're describing the specific situation of reggae -which the word syncopation is often used to describe in an arguably inaccurate way, syncopation doesn't imply a regular pulse like you're showing, J, but part of a phrase that's used to contrast the beat.

Think about funk.

The beat, or pulse of the music is:


"ONE . . . TWO . . . THREE . . . FOUR . . . " ...etc


you might play something like:


"ONE . . . TWO . . . THREE . . DUH . . AND . . . . . TWO . . . THREE" ...etc


so, it's not so much thinking "one AND two AND..." as it is thinking about combinations or phrases that put the accent in an unexpected place. A good reference for developing the ability to do this (aside from going to the source and listening to music) is (big surprise) Ted Reed's Progressive Steps to Syncopation.

hope this helps!

[Alex H]

Thanks very much. All of your definitions were pretty straightforward.

[BIG_c]

A lick is just a small part of a song/solo. So just say you did a cool fill some one may say "wow...that was a great lick"

so in other words, a lick is just another way of saying a kick ass fill. cool thanks.

[X22]

A sax player is going to disagree with you. I also think a lick and a fill are different animals.

so in other words, a lick is just another way of saying a kick ass fill. cool thanks.

[AjminSko]

Thought this question would fit in the dictionary.

I´ve always been a bit puzzled about the difference between independence and INTERdependence...
To me it sounds like to words for the same thing?

Anyone feel like explaining the diff?

Thanks

[Mr. Pasquini]

Independence is the complete coordination of each limb individually. EX: You can do 3 with your right foot, 4 with your right hand 6 with your left foot and 2 with your left hand.

Interdependence is when you can only do like 1234 with each limb because they depend on each other's motions. When you can not do a 3 over 4 polyrythm with your right hand and right foot because they move together.

Hope that makes sense.

[AjminSko]

I think I get it...
So interdependence is more like the limbs working together and independence is the limbs working independently?

[Wavelength]

Independence is the complete coordination of each limb individually. EX: You can do 3 with your right foot, 4 with your right hand 6 with your left foot and 2 with your left hand.

Interdependence is when you can only do like 1234 with each limb because they depend on each other's motions. When you can not do a 3 over 4 polyrythm with your right hand and right foot because they move together.

I think your examples are a bit flawed: polyrhythms can certainly be played interdependantly. The difference is in the train of thought: independence would have you think about and play four separate and individual things, whereas interdependence sees the polyrhythm (or any phrase) as a single unit created by different limbs' co-ordinated movements.

[AjminSko]

Got another question.
Feel free to kick and scream when my questions get annoying! =)
Anyone got a good definition of the term "beat displacement"?

[AjminSko]

And one more. =)
Could anyone give me an explanation of the difference between a hoop and a rim?
To me it sounds like two words for the same thing?

[mofle]

And one more. =)
Could anyone give me an explanation of the difference between a hoop and a rim?
To me it sounds like two words for the same thing?

Correct.

Twenty 20

[Big_Philly]

I've been wondering for a while...
<dumb question> What does "twenty characters" mean here on the forum? </dumb question>

[Wavelength]

I've been wondering for a while...
<dumb question> What does "twenty characters" mean here on the forum? </dumb question>

You cannot submit a post that is shorter than twenty characters. The 202020-stuff is used as a filler for those short and to the point replies. Try it out: just attempt to reply with a simple "Ok" and you'll see what I mean.

[Big_Philly]

well I tried to simply reply with "LoL" and that didn't work indeed... haha! Thanks!

[BIG_c]

might sound like a stupid question but what exactly is a snare bed? can someone post a picture?
thanks

[TitanSound]

Google images is your friend :)

http://www.mikedrums.com/tuning/oaksnarebed67.jpg

Its pretty much a curve in the bearing edge to allow the snares to fit.

[BIG_c]

thanks bro, i've actually never noticed that on my snare before lol

[Deathmetalconga]

"Spank": The sound a ride cymbal produces when struck on the bell, usually with the shoulder of the stick.

[DrumBuster]

Could someone please tell me what a triple flanged hoop is? From what I have gathered it is where the edge of a hoop is bent away from the drum.

Correct?

[Deathmetalconga]

Could someone please tell me what a triple flanged hoop is? From what I have gathered it is where the edge of a hoop is bent away from the drum.

Correct?

That's a good question. I only count two flanges: One around the top rim of the hoop, which your stick hits in rimshots; and the second flange, which has holes drilled in it for the tuning bolts. Am I missing something?

[ghuyuiq]

That's a good question. I only count two flanges: One around the top rim of the hoop, which your stick hits in rimshots; and the second flange, which has holes drilled in it for the tuning bolts. Am I missing something?
Where the lug has to be, it's also flanged... two times.

[AjminSko]

Could any of you drum gurus and oracles give a good explanation of what quaver triplets and crotchet triplets are?

[lochday]

Could any of you drum gurus and oracles give a good explanation of what quaver triplets and crotchet triplets are?

A crotchet is a quarter note whose time value is a quarter of a whole note. There are 4 crotchets in a bar in common time.
You have a crotchet triplet when 3 crotchets are evenly placed within 2 beats (3 over 2)
ex 1
1 e + 2 e + 3 e + 4 e +
c _ c _ c
ex2
1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a
_ c _ c _ c

As for quaver triplets, I would say they are just 3 evenly placed 8th notes inside one or 2 beats
I am not a drum guru, so my explanation might be flawed. Correct me if I wrote silly things.

[AjminSko]

Thanks for the explanation.
Did I get it wrong if I say a that a crotchet triple is the same as quarter note triplets and quaver the same as eight note triplets?
By the way you wouldn´t have a link to an audio ex?

[lochday]

Thanks for the explanation.
Did I get it wrong if I say a that a crotchet triple is the same as quarter note triplets and quaver the same as eight note triplets?

No, you didn't get it wrong. Crotchet triplet are the same as quarter note triplets, and quaver triplets are the same as 8th note triplets.

[AjminSko]

Well there ya go.
Thanks again!

[ghuyuiq]

What is
- projection (cymbal-related)
- body (snaredrum sound-related)

Thanks!!

[Jeremy Bender]

Hi-hats...where did that name come from ?!

[lochday]

Hi-hats...where did that name come from ?!

Before the hi hat was invented drummers used a similar instrument called the "low boy" or "low hat" because you could only play it with the foot. The charley started to be called "hihat" from the moment it became high enough to be played by hands as well as with the foot. "Hi" is a short for "high" and "hat" is just a metaphoric way to désignate the cymbals whose shape and place are like a hat over, say, the boy (-;

[Wavelength]

What is
- projection (cymbal-related)
- body (snaredrum sound-related)

Projection is the ability to cut clearly through the mix (in a loud situation). It usually translates to loud, bright sounding cymbals. Tightly tuned drums also project more than loosely tuned drums. Body means essentially the amount of lower frequencies in a drum's sound.

[bermuda]

PAT-BOONE-DEBBIE-BOONE fill

http://www.bermudaschwartz.com/images/pbdb.gif

[babliku]

Before the hi hat was invented drummers used a similar instrument called the "low boy" or "low hat" because you could only play it with the foot. The charley started to be called "hihat" from the moment it became high enough to be played by hands as well as with the foot. "Hi" is a short for "high" and "hat" is just a metaphoric way to désignate the cymbals whose shape and place are like a hat over, say, the boy (-;

More specifically, I read somewhere that the hat was in reference to some Chinese hats, that are essentially very short and and very broad cones.

[lochday]

More specifically, I read somewhere that the hat was in reference to some Chinese hats, that are essentially very short and and very broad cones.

I hadn't thought about that but what you say makes sense: hihat because of Chinese hats ... why not, good explanation as well. I don't know but may be there are yet more explanations ...
Let's ask Mr Hihat on this forum, too.

[hitman050]

Whats the difference between a beat and a groove?

[rhythmjunkie]

Whats the difference between a beat and a groove?

A beat is a rhythm played on the drums. A groove is a transcendant force of empowerment that brings life to all those who hear it, in my mind.

[rhythmjunkie]

could someone come up with good def's for:

Double Time
Half time
Vamp

I think the easiest way to define these terms is this example:

Begin tapping 8th notes on your computer desk. Now increase those eight notes to 16th notes. This would be indicative to double time. Now return to 8th notes. While tapping 8th notes, begin tapping 1/4 notes. This would be indicative to half-time. However, I'm not completely sure of this definition. Hand me a little feed back or a thumbs up if you know for certain.

I think a "vamp" is a continous pattern that is played on top of, usually performed by a chording instrument (guitar, bass, sax, piano, etc.). (?)

[lochday]

... I think a "vamp" is a continous pattern that is played on top of, usually performed by a chording instrument (guitar, bass, sax, piano, etc.). (?)

Ha hah! A vamp is a vampire or also a fatal woman who brings about the downfall of those she seduces.
More seriously a vamp is what yoou say: an improvised simple accompaniment often repeated several times by the band while someone is for example introducing the band or the show...

[aydee]

Ha hah! A vamp is a vampire or also a fatal woman who brings about the downfall of those she seduces.
More seriously a vamp is what yoou say: an improvised simple accompaniment often repeated several times by the band while someone is for example introducing the band or the show...

..also its 'ramp' for somebody with a lisp. As in " Look, here comes Beyonfe, walking down the vamp"

[hitman050]

Very noobish question. What's a drum rack? What are it's advantages, disadvantages etc?

[cnw60]

drum rack - a hardware system consisting of legs and horizontal bars that is assembled into a 'rack' - used for mounting drums (toms, aux snares, etc), cymbals and other assorted percussion pieces. It is an alternative to using individual stands and/or the bass drum for mounting these items.

A rack system has more advantages for players with large, complex setups because it reduces the number of stands that you have to carry. Plus - individual stands can get so congested that there just isn't enough room for everything to fit. And with the use of memory locks - a rack makes it easy to make sure that your drums are set up exactly the same way every time.

not so sure about disadvantages, other than that if you play a small, simple kit, a rack is kind of overkill. Cheap racks can slip and not be very sturdy (but of course, the same is true of cheap stands). Also - if you already own a collection of stands, converting to a rack system means starting over from scratch, which costs $.

[Sesh]

PAT-BOONE-DEBBIE-BOONE fill

http://www.bermudaschwartz.com/images/pbdb.gif

incidentally, that rhythm (and commonly that voicing, but it can be any) is also know in the UK as 'Flats In Dagenham' (pronounced: DAG-UN-EM for anyone who isn't sure).

And on a related note, a 'phil collins fill' is anything with a simple rhythm played very hard down the toms, where every part of the rhythm is played as a flam on the relavent drum. Basically, it's what phil does all the time, and a good example is the current Cadbury's advert - see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbLr2NEV_7o

[j45000]

Back to CHOPS for a moment. The term has also been applied to other musicians like horn players. I suppose, loosely, any instrument player who demonstrates good technique, control and savvy has good chops. He has practiced and his chops are up to snuff.

[ihitdrumz]

CHOKE

When you hit a cymbal, then catch it quickly afterwards, restricting or "choking" its sound.

[Jeff Almeyda]

Independence is the complete coordination of each limb individually. EX: You can do 3 with your right foot, 4 with your right hand 6 with your left foot and 2 with your left hand.

Interdependence is when you can only do like 1234 with each limb because they depend on each other's motions. When you can not do a 3 over 4 polyrythm with your right hand and right foot because they move together.

Hope that makes sense.

I believe you may be in error:

Dom Famularo helped Marco Minneman coin the term interdependence. Here is what they mean by it:

Independence, as in Chapin's book, is the concept of playing a certain ostinato with one or more limbs and playing the remaining limbs independently of the ostinato.

Interdependence is a more advanced concept. There is not necessarily an ostinato being played. Every limb is playing a specific voice of the musical statement. Together they make a cohesive statement, they are working interdependently.

So, actually, the example you gave for independence is an interdependent one. There is not necessarily an ostinato, every limb is playing something different, yet they all relate to something (the beat). They are interdependent.

[hitman050]

What is an ostinato?

[Dibalo Jonze]

IN THE CRACK A swanky feel between straight eighth notes and swung eighth notes. Nearly impossible to notate, the in the crack feel is best learned by experiencing its feel often lent by styles such New Orleans 2nd Line and a few shuffles. Also good for developing a pocket.


(hope I didn't miss a mention of this in this thread already)

[apples]

Hi there, I`d like to ask what does this mean exactly? "To play in the pocket", "this guy has a deep pocket" etc. Thanks.

[thiscocks]

I think it means just playing 'tight' (not speeding up or slowing down), while grooving in harmony with other musicians, mainly the bass. I think its one of those phrases that will have a slightly different meaning to every person, but generally its about timing with other musicians.

Tim

[aydee]

It means just that.

that you've got the groove and the downbeat in you pocket..and not on the floor, or by the bedside table, or in the kitchen or left it in your car..or at your girlfriend's place..

...its right there. In your pocket.

[Deltadrummer]

I learned more about the pocket from my little kids who come from the Pentacostal Church, who have grown up with that music. They can play in the pocket naturally. It is a settling in to the beat or groove, I guess almost like a V or a pocket. You either know where it is, or you don't. it is the place of feeling.

[Guillermo]

How deep is your sense of groove... how solid it feels.

In the pocket, as mentioned, means your playing is tight, focused, free of mistakes, yet it flows and grooves... it feels good...

Having a good pocket means you feel good to play with.

Musically that is!

[balboa]

it means your sense of groove. not playing behind the time or infront, but rather playing with it.

[balboa]

FILL IN

A musical orchestration mainly used to bridge parts together. Also known as a FILL, is commonly used at the end of a measure in the form of a groove (different from the one being played), or can be a simple roll. However, it can be placed anywhere in the said measure.

[stasz]

What is an ostinato?

An ostinato is a repeating pattern over which other patterns or soloing can be played. There are many drummers nowadays who for example will repeat a pattern such as a clave pattern with their feet (which is the ostinato) and then solo over the pattern.

Example: beginning of this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6x3k4VxE2o&feature=related

Dictionary definition: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ostinato

[aydee]

I learned more about the pocket from my little kids who come from the Pentacostal Church, who have grown up with that music. They can play in the pocket naturally. It is a settling in to the beat or groove, I guess almost like a V or a pocket. You either know where it is, or you don't. it is the place of feeling.

heres what it really means..

[cnw60]

it is the place of feeling.

Feel is the key - which is why a metronome or drum machine has no pocket...

[jonescrusher]

it means your sense of groove. not playing behind the time or infront, but rather playing with it.


You'll hear other definitions that contradict that; Dennis Chambers for example learnt the concept from George Clinton, who taught him to place the groove slightly behind the beat. Doing so gives the groove a relaxed yet in control vibe. Others take it to mean having your inner clock working to the extent that you can play all over the beat, ahead, behind, on top, and yet have your band always confident that you have not lost the time.

[Deltadrummer]

You'll hear other definitions that contradict that; Dennis Chambers for example learnt the concept from George Clinton, who taught him to place the groove slightly behind the beat. Doing so gives the groove a relaxed yet in control vibe. Others take it to mean having your inner clock working to the extent that you can play all over the beat, ahead, behind, on top, and yet have your band always confident that you have not lost the time.

Good stuff,

it's really about placement, where everything is in the scope of the bar. Is the kick late? Is the snare early? and more importantly, Does it feel right that way?

I was also thinking of the exercise that Stanton Moore does to show where exactly the eighth note can be place in the concept of the beat. It can be just about anywhere. But once you set the placement, you have to set a feel so that everything falls into that placement in 'time.' In that sense, feel is time; but not with a strict metronomic sense of the concept. The time does not exist outside of the feel.

[Pat Petrillo]

In my new book with Carl Fischer Music "The Roots of Groove" from The Drummers Collective series, I have a chapter on pocket...Here is an excerpt..

“The Pocket”

The “pocket” is a term musicians began to use for a great groove, like when you place something in your pocket so it is secure, doesn’t move, and won’t get lost!...What better way to describe a groove! It’s a feeling of the groove “sitting” and not rushing, while presenting an attitude of “danceability”, and steadiness. It does NOT however, mean “laid back”, necessarily. This is the element that people latch onto; the infectious and repetitious groove of the rhythm section.

Many people have tried to describe what a “pocket” is and what it means.
The way I can describe it is by telling you what it isn’t, as well as what it is:

• It isn’t perfect metronomic time.
• It’s the space between the notes. A “settled”, “unhurried” groove that works at any tempo.
• It’s a groove that is “breathing” and alive, not “stiff” and robotic.
• It’s not playing “behind the beat”… that’s dragging!
• It’s NOT A BUSY GROOVE

It's a great question, but basically, you know it when you hear it and feel it.

Hope that helps!

All the Best!

[balboa]

You'll hear other definitions that contradict that; Dennis Chambers for example learnt the concept from George Clinton, who taught him to place the groove slightly behind the beat. Doing so gives the groove a relaxed yet in control vibe. Others take it to mean having your inner clock working to the extent that you can play all over the beat, ahead, behind, on top, and yet have your band always confident that you have not lost the time.

you actually are correct jonescrusher. stop correcting me so much man, your really making me look stupid! lol

[Deltadrummer]

In my new book with Carl Fischer Music "The Roots of Groove" from The Drummers Collective series, I have a chapter on pocket...Here is an excerpt..

“The Pocket”

The “pocket” is a term musicians began to use for a great groove, like when you place something in your pocket so it is secure, doesn’t move, and won’t get lost!...What better way to describe a groove!

!

Pat,

Great definition. I would just add that when you are in the pocket, you do not have the groove in 'your' pocket, the groove has you in 'its' pocket. :)

Ken

[AjminSko]

I think this qualifies for the dictionary.

In Morello´s Master Studies i found this quote in the description on how to practice the "Stone Killer".

"Once you have worked your way through all six sections, you can move on to the triplet exercises, and then the duple exercises"

What does duple mean?
I´ve got a feeling it´s the same as double-time i.e. double the speed?
Or am I wrong

[gusty]

I think this qualifies for the dictionary.

In Morello´s Master Studies i found this quote in the description on how to practice the "Stone Killer".

"Once you have worked your way through all six sections, you can move on to the triplet exercises, and then the duple exercises"

What does duple mean?
I´ve got a feeling it´s the same as double-time i.e. double the speed?
Or am I wrong

Duple = 2
Exercises in 2 (beats). 2/4.

[12:5]

Rhythmic Illusion

If you perceive another time signature than what is actually played or if you hear a new tempo whereas in reality it hasn't changed.
Examples are:what happens now, halo, mother and child divided,...Porcupine Tree incorporates them quite often in their songs

[Bob Smith]

An ostinato is a repeating pattern over which other patterns or soloing can be played. There are many drummers nowadays who for example will repeat a pattern such as a clave pattern with their feet (which is the ostinato) and then solo over the pattern.

Example: beginning of this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6x3k4VxE2o&feature=related

Dictionary definition: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ostinato

also it could be a pattern under a song http://youtube.com/watch?v=v1x3QoibhlY

[slingerland755]

a musical figure repeated persistently at the same pitch throughout a composition

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ostinato

[Old Doc Yak]

Back when I was jazz drumming during the '50s, crossticking was keeping the tip of the left stick on the snare head and striking it across the shaft with the right stick. You would get different sounds by striking it at different spots. Does anybody do this anymore? Or am I really that old?

[Wavelength]

Back when I was jazz drumming during the '50s, crossticking was keeping the tip of the left stick on the snare head and striking it across the shaft with the right stick. You would get different sounds by striking it at different spots. Does anybody do this anymore? Or am I really that old?

According to my experience, cross-sticking could mean

- playing a "stick-click" (or a "rim click", or a "rim shot", which also means hitting the head and the rim at the same time)
- playing a "stick-on-stick" or a "stick shot" (the thing you described)
- playing cross-over figures one hand over another.

And yeah, people still do that.

[Idrumwithmythumb]

Can some only define these terms, it would help alot,

Fat
Attack
resonance
and other terms like that

Thanks!!!!!

[tamadrm]

Read the beginning of the thread,or use google or the search function of this forum.The questions you ask have been asked,answered and beaten to death already.

Steve B

[Otto]

I vote we sticky this thread and prolifically reference it...

Anyone want to second this?