Practicing songs?

[bonhamdrummer123]

I was wondering if practicing songs would help certain skills. I don't mean practicing songs like, to get the songs perfect and play them live or record them, I mean practicing a fast song to improve speed or, for me playing Zep's Achilles Last Stand for some speed and endurance, instead of just playing singles and doubles at different tempos for extended amounts of time. Has anyone had success with this or believe this is useful because if it works I think it would be much more interesting than just singles and rudiments on a pad....not saying I would cut them out all together.

[Lachrymologist]

Although practicing songs can help improve chops and speed, I think it is much more important to have these things down beforehand and when it comes to practicing a song focus on feel and dynamics.
Playing along to songs is a great way to inspire creativity as well as work on fitting into a song with the right feel.
Edit: In a general sense..practice what you know, but don't drive yourself crazy sitting on a pad busting out rudiments. Explore what you don't know and try to develop ideas that seem to be blossoming. Overall, find a variety of approaches to practicing and work on a balanced routine.

[RhythmDrums]

Its good to have some variation in your practicing and also, i think that playing along with songs helps you improve your timing and creativity. So yes i believe its useful to practice songs.

[KnockOut86]

I find that practicing songs from different styles and drummers opens the doors for creativity.

[wy yung]

I was wondering if practicing songs would help certain skills. I don't mean practicing songs like, to get the songs perfect and play them live or record them, I mean practicing a fast song to improve speed or, for me playing Zep's Achilles Last Stand for some speed and endurance, instead of just playing singles and doubles at different tempos for extended amounts of time. Has anyone had success with this or believe this is useful because if it works I think it would be much more interesting than just singles and rudiments on a pad....not saying I would cut them out all together.

Well it is just one aspect of practice. The song you mention has a drum pattern. You can learn the pattern and play it slowly focusing on accuracy with a metronome set to slow speeds. Doing this tends to focus your attention upon your playing. Rather than the song. You will be able to hear of your subdivisions are accurate. If your dynamics are accurate. If your time is accurate. Not many focus on this when playing along to a favorite track. Plus the track has a finite time. You can keep going with the metronome for hours and it wont speed up or slow down.

The metronome is your friend. It wont cheat, borrow money, steal, talk behind your back. Even a dog dies. But a metronome is there for you always. A much better investment than a wife too.

[topgun2021]

I would only do that if I am working a feel or new style. If it is a style you are familiar with, figuring out the groove and practicing that by itself seems to help me more.

Lately I have been only practicing songs I am preforming.