I need some tips for heavy drumming (metal)

[riya]

Hi!
I started playing in a new metal band, and i relaize that playing hard and stiff is not that easy as it looks.
Do you guys have any tips for a rock/metal drummer?
We are not death or scrimo, more sort of old school glam and hair rock.
There is also that Rimshot stroke thing when you hit both drum and rim, I wanted to know if there is a special or right way to use it.

Thanks!
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[alparrott]

I'm not sure what you mean by playing "stiff" - I hope you're talking about the feel, and not how you think you should play. Generally to hit hard and play fast, you have to keep pretty loose, only snapping tight at the moment of impact, not unlike a martial arts strike.

This is also good technique for your rim shot. As your snare hand comes down, you are aiming the meaty part of the stick on the rim between 7 o'clock and 8 o'clock (assuming you play right handed). As it's about to hit the rim, you whip your wrist and subtly press the tip of the stick forward. If you're doing it right, the shoulder of the stick should spank the head.

Keep in mind there's some simple choices you can make to make playing harder and faster easier. Position your drums flatter - steep angles don't allow you to get a full stroke in. Head selection is key - don't choose overly muffled heads. Choose larger cymbals and experiment with thicknesses to find what projects best. Upsize your stick to the point where it does a bit of the work for you, but don't overdo it and get a pair of tree trunks you will be struggling to drive after only three songs. Experiment with your pedal tension, too - your legs and feet will tire out if the pedal works against you instead of with you.

As with everything else, practice, practice, practice.

[armilos]

the only real advice i have for you is keep it simple. hair rock and glam require simple bits done perfectlly, simple fills and most inportentlly - feel.
i say don't be stiff, not ever, but in rock drumming what metters is the feel of the drumming and it's conction to the song.