Gavin Harrison here! [Archive] - Page 12 - DRUMMERWORLD OFFICIAL DISCUSSION FORUM

Gavin Harrison

10-30-2008, 09:21 PM

Hi Gus

Will be available for download at PT´s site, any concert from 'blank planet' tour? -like 'Rockpalast','XM'...-

We've got no plans to do that right now.

Hi voyaging

I'm very interested in working through your book Rhythmic Illusions. I've been playing drums for roughly three years, but have never really done any serious practicing as far as technique or coordination. I was wondering if I should work on such things as rudiments or out of, for example, Vinnie Colaiuta's Unreel Drum Book, or if you think I can and should begin your book. Thanks, and it's an honor to talk to you!

I would get a good teacher if I were you - might be able to save you a lot trouble in the future. You're still at quite an early stage of your development. You will need to do some really SERIOUS practice if you intend to really progress.

Hi communion

I have been trying to record the drums since the last time I asked about the mics thing.
There are 2 clips I recorded yesterday,it's glad if you could have a listen and give some comments on the sound.because Im not a drummer,I don't know if it sounds good to a real drummer's ears.

Are you the drummer on the recording? It sounds like the drummer is holding the sticks too tightly and not letting the drums breathe. Never underestimate how much the stick stroke can effect the actual sound of the instrument. I can't add much to what SantiBanks has already said. It's too strange having only one overhead and a big reverb. You really need to have a stereo mic placement - and it sounds like you're on your way to doing just that...so best of luck to you.

Hi Big_Philly

I was listening to The Sound of Muzak and found that there's a little polyrhythmic thing going on with your bass drum. In the 7/4 time signature, you basically play 4 identical 7/16 beats with your bass drum, playing notes on every 1st and fourth 16th note in a group of seven sixteenths. Is that something you did on purpose or did that just happen?

All part of the rhythmic design.

Many thanks to Terry B for his transcription.

kheddar

10-31-2008, 08:01 AM

Hey Gavin, I've got a couple of questions again :D

1. I know you like Tomas Haake's playing, but is Meshuggah's music in general your cup of tea? Learned any of their songs? Also, have you ever met Tomas in person? His English is pretty amazing.

2. I do almost all of my practicing with a click going, except for the rare case when I'm practicing a pattern gradually from slow to fast and back. Do you think this kind of speedup-slowdown practice is something one should do a lot, and is there some practice one NEEDS to do without a click as well?

3. Have you ever gone on one of those trademark metric modulations during Hatesong or whatever and completely confused the rest of the band as to where the one is? I kind of pity the poor sods sometimes when you do that. :D

4. What do you think of electronic drums?

5. Do you think you're awesome and kick ass?

Big_Philly

10-31-2008, 02:52 PM

Hi Big_Philly

I was listening to The Sound of Muzak and found that there's a little polyrhythmic thing going on with your bass drum. In the 7/4 time signature, you basically play 4 identical 7/16 beats with your bass drum, playing notes on every 1st and fourth 16th note in a group of seven sixteenths. Is that something you did on purpose or did that just happen?

All part of the rhythmic design.

That's awesome man! How do you come up with those designs!?
I just noticed that the snare drum part (or at least the accents) are also part of that same polyrhythm.

ponza91

11-01-2008, 08:51 PM

Hi Gavin !

I didn't find any drums transcriptions of Blackest eyes heavy parts...

Can somebody help me ?

Thanks in advance.

Salut,
Alex

Sol Good

11-01-2008, 11:20 PM

Hi Gavin !

I didn't find any drums transcriptions of Blackest eyes heavy parts...

Modern Drummer August 2005 issue (Roy Haynes on the cover) has a transcription of Blackest Eyes

Drizzle

11-03-2008, 12:31 AM

Hey Gavin...

Just want to congratulate you on your fellow countryman Lewis Hamilton for becoming the youngest driver ever to become F1 World Champion...

Did you see the race?? It was pretty damn close those last laps...but he pulled it off anyway...

Greetings,
Dre

Gavin Harrison

11-03-2008, 02:43 PM

Hi kheddar

1. I know you like Tomas Haake's playing, but is Meshuggah's music in general your cup of tea? Learned any of their songs? Also, have you ever met Tomas in person? His English is pretty amazing.

I really like "Destroy Erase Improve" - and no I haven't learned any of their songs. I know Tomas - and he's a really good guy.

2. I do almost all of my practicing with a click going, except for the rare case when I'm practicing a pattern gradually from slow to fast and back. Do you think this kind of speedup-slowdown practice is something one should do a lot, and is there some practice one NEEDS to do without a click as well?

I've never been in any situation where a band want me to gradually speed up or slow down (apart from an obvious ending). I don't practise speeding up or slowing down - I think it's really unhelpful.

3. Have you ever gone on one of those trademark metric modulations during Hatesong or whatever and completely confused the rest of the band as to where the one is? I kind of pity the poor sods sometimes when you do that. :D

I might have lost one person on a very rare occasion - but usually it's because they were not paying enough attention.

4. What do you think of electronic drums?

Really don't like playing them - or listening to them.

Hi Drizzle

Just want to congratulate you on your fellow countryman Lewis Hamilton for becoming the youngest driver ever to become F1 World Champion...Did you see the race?? It was pretty damn close those last laps...but he pulled it off anyway...

Yes I watched it - real nail biting stuff right up to the very end!!!!!

cheers
Gavin

12:5

11-03-2008, 05:42 PM

hi gavin
i recently listened to the clips on ed poole's myspacesite featuring you on drums...funky stuff...
i'm gonna purchase this as soon as possible
anyway what i wanted to ask is if you know richard bona?...and if so it would be awesome if you would collaborate with him for an album because that would be like the 'ultimate groove'...here is a short clip of him groovin'...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fibw2Xpfmo

should give you a good impression of his 'grooveskills'...

Gavin Harrison

11-03-2008, 07:14 PM

Hi 12:5,
yes Ed's record is really funky stuff. He changes the free playing tracks on his myspace page quite often - but at the moment anyone who's interested can hear me on 3 tracks
Twango - Smoulder - Rollin

http://www.myspace.com/edpoole

I don't know Richard Bona personally - but I'd love to play with him.

cheers
Gavin

PTEmil

11-03-2008, 10:47 PM

Hey Gavin!

I have a hard time coming up with nice polyrythmic stuff (such as Mother and Child divided, Sound of Muzak and a part of Halo)
Do you have any particular tactic when you think them out? Are you counting much or are you just sitting down and improvising? Either way, I would really like to know how you are thinking when you are creating those masterpieces

Best wishes / Emil

NeuroAxis

11-04-2008, 07:30 PM

anyway what i wanted to ask is if you know richard bona?...and if so it would be awesome if you would collaborate with him for an album because that would be like the 'ultimate groove'...here is a short clip of him groovin'...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_fibw2Xpfmo

should give you a good impression of his 'grooveskills'...

I think his best stuff was with the Zawinul Syndicate:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpNjZDX0-uc

Looking forward to Gavin's clinic at PASIC on Friday. As long as I can find someone to cover my shift at work I will be there all day.

Brodel

11-04-2008, 09:57 PM

Hi Gavin,
I was just curious about your double bass technique.. You may have touched on my question in previous posts but I wasn't able to find anything...I was just wondering how you perform fast beats with the double bass and what methods you use...For example, on the heavy breakdown of Open Car during live shows, for those six straight 32nd notes, do you just play those as single strokes and alternate each leg, or is it more of a double stroke with each foot, like maybe using heel-toe? I can't remember if you prefer playing heel down or up....Similar question for the super heavy part before the last chorus in the second part of Anesthetize...Any details on how you go about playing these parts would be helpful!
Also...any news on a release date for the new PT live album with material from the Atlanta show last year?

Thanks!

skripto

11-06-2008, 01:27 PM

Whew! Finished reading all 2779 posts and now I don't have a question. Maybe I'll think up something Friday at PASIC. Love your work - Drop, NIL Recurring, The Crimson show in Chicago, all your educational materials. It will be good to see you live. Thanks for being the best drummer who plays like Gavin Harrison!

-Greg

franklinj

11-07-2008, 10:09 PM

Hey Gavin,
Ive been wondering about the fill in the song "Shes Moved on" that you play about 30 seconds into the song. I couldnt find it and didnt really want to look through 70 pages of this thread to find it. If anyone has a transcription of this fill and could post it, I would really appreciate it.

hidde

11-08-2008, 12:01 AM

etnies12188

11-08-2008, 04:45 AM

Don't feel like reading through like 30 pages.

Anyway, my name is Joe I live in New York and Gavin Harrison is my favorite drummer of all time and Porcupine Tree is my favorite band.

Gavin, that fill that you do in "The Creator Had A Master Tape" I base my whole style off playing off of that one fill if that makes any sense.

Of course I bought your DVD and I have every porcupine tree song on my ipod.

Been playing for 4 years your drumming has really had a huge impact on mine.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3458114703521163144&hl=en

http://photos-733.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v372/37/13/678556733/n678556733_1044278_5475.jpg

SABIAN 6" SPLASH
SABIAN 8" SPLASH
SABIAN 10" SPLASH
SABIAN 12" SPLASH
SABIAN 14" ROCK HATS
SABIAN 20" ROCK RIDE
SABIAN 18" THIN CRASH
WUHAN 12" CHINA
WUHAN 14" CHINA
WUHAN 16" CHINA
WUHAN 18" CHINA
WUHAN 20" CHINA
STAGG 7" ICE BELL
ZILDJIAN 6.5" ZIL-BEL
ZILDJIAN 16" CRASH
ZILDJIAN 9.5" ZIL-BEL
ZILDJIAN 8" MINI-HATS

YAMAHA STAGE CUSTOM 5 PIECE
TAMA STEEL DRUMS
TAMA IRON COBRA DOUBLE PEDAL
PEARL HARDWARE
GIBRALTAR HARDWARE
GIBRALTAR DROP CLUTCH
LP COWBELL
LP WOODBLOCK

rmandelbaum

11-08-2008, 05:28 PM

Gavin,

It was great to see you play that PASIC. Very inspiring, informative and funny.

Thanks for a great time. I am now going to have to go buy all the Porcupine Tree CDs

etnies12188

11-08-2008, 10:54 PM

Gavin,

Thanks for a great time. I am now going to have to go buy all the Porcupine Tree CDs

Gavin only is on albums from 2002 - Present.

gibeachhead

11-09-2008, 08:04 AM

Gavin only is on albums from 2002 - Present.

He actually plays the drums on the re-mixed 2005 version of Up The Downstair as well.

Gavin Harrison

11-10-2008, 03:41 PM

Hi PTEmil

I have a hard time coming up with nice polyrythmic stuff (such as Mother and Child divided, Sound of Muzak and a part of Halo) Do you have any particular tactic when you think them out? Are you counting much or are you just sitting down and improvising? Either way, I would really like to know how you are thinking when you are creating those masterpieces

Most of them come from improvising and filtering. As with any creative process - it's easy to come up with things - but you need to filter out the stuff you consider to be crap...and that process in itself is very personal. Based on what I think is crap - or cliche - or over the top or whatever. I always look for an architectural balance in the design of the rhythm and how it's going to work inside the piece of music it was designed for. Sometimes it is the starting place for the music (as with "Mother & Child") but I later modified it once some of the music was written as I thought it was too funky for the style of the piece.

Hi Brodel

I was just curious about your double bass technique.. You may have touched on my question in previous posts but I wasn't able to find anything...I was just wondering how you perform fast beats with the double bass and what methods you use...For example, on the heavy breakdown of Open Car during live shows, for those six straight 32nd notes, do you just play those as single strokes and alternate each leg, or is it more of a double stroke with each foot, like maybe using heel-toe? I can't remember if you prefer playing heel down or up....Similar question for the super heavy part before the last chorus in the second part of Anesthetize...Any details on how you go about playing these parts would be helpful!

I always play heel up - I always play single strokes and I always start with the right foot. Thanks to DanJacobs for the posting of that section in Anesthetize.

Also...any news on a release date for the new PT live album with material from the Atlanta show last year?

No real news about that for now - but we have it - and will probably release it sometime next year.

Hi franklinj

Ive been wondering about the fill in the song "Shes Moved on" that you play about 30 seconds into the song.

22089

(Hi hidde you were 99% right!!).

Cheers
Gavin

Derek Roddy

11-10-2008, 08:13 PM

Gavin .........
You kicked butt at PASIC!!!!! You're such a great player!

Didn't get to say bye.....bu,t keep in touch and hope to see you soon.

Cheers brother.
D.

etnies12188

11-10-2008, 10:22 PM

He actually plays the drums on the re-mixed 2005 version of Up The Downstair as well.

Yea, Like I said 2002-

I finally learned the part in "halo" only I can't keep the hi hat steady =(

PTEmil

11-10-2008, 11:15 PM

Hey Gavin and thanks for the great answer!

When you wrote, I always look for an architectural balance in the design of the rhythm, what exactly did you mean?

My friend, who is a bassplayer, wonders if there is a similar forum where Colin Edwin is participating? He obviously got jealous and wanted some tips himself!

Cheers / Emil

Luis

11-11-2008, 03:44 PM

Hi all !
Hi Gavin ! I really dig your playing ! >>> Technical, creative and tasty.
Hope to see you and Porcupine Tree here in Brazil.
You guys have a lot of fans here.

My little question > Whats the time signature on the verse part of "Open Car" ?

* Can the transcribers here on this forum please post a transcription of the beggining of
the song "Mother & Child Divided" ?

Cheers !
LG

Gavin Harrison

11-11-2008, 04:02 PM

Hi PTEmil

When you wrote, I always look for an architectural balance in the design of the rhythm, what exactly did you mean?

Something that has a foundation & support and hopefully is more than just functional.

My friend, who is a bassplayer, wonders if there is a similar forum where Colin Edwin is participating?

I've no idea.

Hi Luis

My little question > Whats the time signature on the verse part of "Open Car" ?

17/8

* Can the transcribers here on this forum please post a transcription of the beggining of the song "Mother & Child Divided" ?

22108

Have a look at the "SEARCH THIS THREAD" function and you'll find a lot of stuff about it.

cheers
Gavin

gibeachhead

11-11-2008, 07:08 PM

Yea, Like I said 2002-

hehe, didn't think you were including that one.....

etnies12188

11-12-2008, 02:07 AM

Gavin, I'm working on "futile" I can't and never will be able to play the version on your DVD so instead I'm trying the regular version. During the chorus the "burnt out tracks" are you doing 1/4 notes or 1/8 notes on the bell? or going back and forth from the ride to the bell.

Thanks.

-Joe

*JOHN FAVICCHIA *

11-12-2008, 04:30 PM

Hey Gavin-

Great to meet you in Austin!!

Awesome Clinic

DTrocks

11-12-2008, 05:38 PM

Where can I watch a video from Gavin's clinic at pasic? I must see it!

NeuroAxis

11-12-2008, 07:01 PM

Alex P.

11-13-2008, 10:43 AM

Hi everyone,
Hi Gavin,

Here is a transcription I did of the PT song, Lazarus.
Tell me what you think about it, because I don't know if everything is wright. Sometimes it's more an interpretation of what I hear than the real drum part.
If you want, I can post more transcription on this forum.

See you soon on this forum!

Bye!

Alex P.

Gavin Harrison

11-13-2008, 02:12 PM

Hi etnies12188

Gavin, I'm working on "futile" I can't and never will be able to play the version on your DVD so instead I'm trying the regular version. During the chorus the "burnt out tracks" are you doing 1/4 notes or 1/8 notes on the bell? or going back and forth from the ride to the bell.

Yes it's 8th notes on the ride with 1/4 note accents on the bell.

Hi *JOHN FAVICCHIA *

Great to meet you in Austin!!

Great to meet you and see you play.

Hi DTrocks

Where can I watch a video from Gavin's clinic at pasic? I must see it!

As far as I know it wasn't recorded.

Hi Alex P.

Here is a transcription I did of the PT song, Lazarus. Tell me what you think about it, because I don't know if everything is wright. Sometimes it's more an interpretation of what I hear than the real drum part.

I would say it's 99% correct. There might be an extra bass drum here and there - but certainly not important. What other tunes have you transcribed?

cheers
Gavin

Alex P.

11-13-2008, 07:08 PM

What other tunes have you transcribed?

At the moment, i am transcribing Blackest Eyes.
I'll post it when it's done.

etnies12188

11-14-2008, 01:28 AM

Thanks for the reply Gavin.

Maybe I'll make a video of me playing it soon if I can do good enough.

Russkie

11-15-2008, 03:34 AM

Hey Gav...

I know it's totally an illegal question....how's drumming oriented on the next PT album...or..what's your tendency is gonna be... classic/jazzy... or deeper into the heavy aspects of ur latest drumming so far... What I mean, is if us mortals gonna be able to understand it? =)

Cheers,

Kalma

11-15-2008, 05:20 PM

Hi Gavin,

I wanted to ask you about Porcupine Tree Playalongs.

I want to play at a contest and i would like to play a song of you or porcupine tree.
maybe sound of muzak or so.

Do you have playalongs you could send me, or are some on dvds of you?

WOULD BE GREAT
David

Gavin Harrison

11-17-2008, 08:04 AM

Hi Russkie

I know it's totally an illegal question....how's drumming oriented on the next PT album...or..what's your tendency is gonna be... classic/jazzy... or deeper into the heavy aspects of ur latest drumming so far... What I mean, is if us mortals gonna be able to understand it? =)

I haven't really got that far. Very little has been written and I haven't had time to consider what to play yet.

Hi Kalma

I wanted to ask you about Porcupine Tree Playalongs. I want to play at a contest and i would like to play a song of you or porcupine tree.maybe sound of muzak or so.
Do you have playalongs you could send me, or are some on dvds of you?

I don't have any I can give you. I remember that a German magazine called "Drumhead" did their own playalong of "The Sound Of Muzak" 2 or 3 years ago. You might be able to find it somewhere.

Cheers
Gavin

Kalma

11-17-2008, 10:28 AM

.

Hi Kalma

I wanted to ask you about Porcupine Tree Playalongs. I want to play at a contest and i would like to play a song of you or porcupine tree.maybe sound of muzak or so.
Do you have playalongs you could send me, or are some on dvds of you?

I don't have any I can give you. I remember that a German magazine called "Drumhead" did their own playalong of "The Sound Of Muzak" 2 or 3 years ago. You might be able to find it somewhere.

Cheers
Gavin

Hi Gavin,

you played a sound of muzak on MD. Are your playalongs licensed?

Maybe somebody here can help me. Please mail me if you have a playalong or know, where i can get it!!!

pilot19

11-18-2008, 01:39 AM

Hi Gavin,

I have a nice collection of snare drums; about eleven pristine examples in my collection including an original Radio King and a Noble & Cooley US Civil War snare drum (circa 1862). However, all of my snares are 14 inch (the N&C is 15 inch). I notice you play a smaller, deeper snare drum. I love your snare drum nuances and dynamics. Can you tell me the dimensions and head combination?

Thanks,

pilot19

Alex P.

11-19-2008, 07:03 PM

Hi everybody,
Hi Gavin,

I finished the transcription of "Blackest Eyes".
I hope there are not too many mistakes.

( Bar 21 to 35: I think you play on a other snare drum, on the second "16nd note" of the third beat, but I'm not sure.)

Now, I'll try to transcribe "Nil Recurring".

Best wishes

Alex P.

etnies12188

11-20-2008, 04:48 AM

Gavin I need help badly, its driving me crazy the fill you do in "Slippin away part 2" Around the 1:56 mark when u hit the snare and choke the cymbals please tell me how to do it I've tried so many times.

Please help.

Gavin Harrison

11-20-2008, 02:45 PM

Hi Kalma,

you played a sound of muzak on MD. Are your playalongs licensed?

do you mean are they published and released somewhere? No.

Hi pilot19

I have a nice collection of snare drums; about eleven pristine examples in my collection including an original Radio King and a Noble & Cooley US Civil War snare drum (circa 1862). However, all of my snares are 14 inch (the N&C is 15 inch). I notice you play a smaller, deeper snare drum. I love your snare drum nuances and dynamics. Can you tell me the dimensions and head combination?

It depends which snare drum - or song - you're referring to. I tend to use 14x5 a lot with Porcupine Tree - and sometimes I use a 12x5 (you may have seen that little white Sonor one on a clip somewhere). On that drum is usually a Remo Coated Ambassador - and a snare side Ambassador too. On the 14x5 drums I use either a Remo C.S or a Coated Pinstripe. I rarely use a snare drum deeper than 5".

Hi Alex P.

I finished the transcription of "Blackest Eyes". I hope there are not too many mistakes. ( Bar 21 to 35: I think you play on a other snare drum, on the second "16nd note" of the third beat, but I'm not sure.)

Very good - I noticed a couple of tiny mistakes - but I know how hard it is to transcribe things. Yes I seem to remember there was a second snare drum off to my left for those hits.

Now, I'll try to transcribe "Nil Recurring".

Good luck - I look forward to seeing it.

Hi etnies12188

Gavin I need help badly, its driving me crazy the fill you do in "Slippin away part 2" Around the 1:56 mark when u hit the snare and choke the cymbals please tell me how to do it I've tried so many times.

It's just a snare hit leading onto a choked cymbal crash - but I play 3 notes on the bass drum leading onto that crash...so the 3rd bass drum lands exactly with the crash. It's quite easy to see that from the overhead camera shot.

Cheers
Gavin

etnies12188

11-20-2008, 08:09 PM

Thanks, I finally got it. I just made a video of me doing it by the way. I got the 1st fill as well.
I'm pretty sure its =

Bass+Crash, Snare, Tom, Tom.
Bass+Crash Tom, Tom.

Thanks for the help Gavin, I can't get enough of that fill.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7520822133212435178&hl=en

DTrocks

11-22-2008, 02:11 PM

any updates on the new OSI album? Long time since i've heard something...

Cheers!

Trains'

11-23-2008, 03:27 AM

Hey Gavin!

I try to improve the sound of my homestudio/basement. I see you use this (http://drummerworld.com/pics/drumpics8/gavinharrison67.jpg) kind of acousticelements.. my question is, which company make them or even where did you ordered them. Are they covert with this purplestuff or did you convert them? You use the lower one's to absorb your Bassdrum and the higher ones to kill echo from your room , am i right? Also i'd love to get an advice how you place them around your drumset ..

Thank you for your time.

Greetings,

Gavin Harrison

11-23-2008, 01:47 PM

Hi DTrocks

any updates on the new OSI album? Long time since i've heard something...

I believe they are mixing it (or will be soon). Other than that - I don't know when it will be released.

Hi Trains'

I try to improve the sound of my homestudio/basement. I see you use this kind of acousticelements.. my question is, which company make them or even where did you ordered them. Are they covert with this purplestuff or did you convert them? You use the lower one's to absorb your Bassdrum and the higher ones to kill echo from your room , am i right? Also i'd love to get an advice how you place them around your drumset ..

I have three Audio Kinetics maneuverable panels (about 3 foot high and 3 foot wide). I don't think that company exists anymore. You still see them in studios - and I bought them from a studio that closed. You can see the 3 of them around the kit in this video:

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/gavinharrisonswerve.html

Don't be fooled by the purple/blue stuff - that's just very thin material that I hung up for lighting/contrast reasons for the cameras when I shot my last DVD.

cheers
Gavin

Kalma

11-25-2008, 06:29 PM

Hi Gavin,

I have a question to Sound of Muzak from Arriving Somewhere and In Absentia.
Are the guitars played in the same way on Arriving as on In Absentia?

Because i Tried your fill at 3:11 in the In Absentia Version but it seemed not to fit.

Thanks David

At Terry:
I wanted to ask if you can transcribe me the fills in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mipTPyAmtK0
At 0:39 and 1:06
Thanks :)

drumbumhamza

11-26-2008, 01:06 PM

Hello Sir,
Iv decided to become one of those Gavin wannabes and cut an old crash ride and convert it into a Gavin Bell. Will it be better if i just take the cymbal to a local drum manufacturer and get it cut? I believe they do that pretty often.

Will the pitch of the cymbal change after i cut it? not that it really matters though, but right now its B unlike any of my other cymbals.

Also your snare sounds very deep low phat and crisp. I always thought one could get that sorta sound only with snares deeper than 6.5" but you manage to get that with 5". Howcome?

Finally, my snare seems to be tuned (and sounds) quite similar to your snare in Drop but that is only when its off. Once i put the snare on, it sounds crisp but thin and high. I was wondering if adding compression and reverb on a recording will do the trick because when i wear noise reduction earplugs it sounds a lot like your snare (ie deep low phat).
I know there are tons of parameters involved but im just confused cause when its off it sounds like your snare but not when its on :( ?

Cheers.

drumbumhamza

11-26-2008, 01:26 PM

oh oh oh and i was just watching Rhythmic Illusions DVD and in the first over-riding lesson you play an over-ride pattern in 5/16 with hits on 1 3 4 and rests on 2 and 5
im so excited because i inadvertently discovered that a couple of years ago and it was my first attempt at playing polyrhythms

i normally play that on the ride with my left hand playing notes 1 and 3 of a 4/8 pattern on the snare and legs playing bass hat hat in 3/8 :)
so its
legs - 3/8
left hand - 4/8
right hand - 5/16

i also like playing that with my right foot
and playing a 2 against 3 polyrhythm with my hands
sometimes i also fill in the empty spaces on 2 and 5 (of 5/16) with hat chokes
it adds a nice touch to that pattern

(im sure you already knew all of this, sorry couldnt contain my excitement)

Gavin Harrison

11-26-2008, 05:14 PM

Hi Kalma

I have a question to Sound of Muzak from Arriving Somewhere and In Absentia.
Are the guitars played in the same way on Arriving as on In Absentia?
Because i Tried your fill at 3:11 in the In Absentia Version but it seemed not to fit.

yes you're right it has changed - but it was never 'written in stone' in the first place. What happened on 'In Absentia' was probably a lucky accident that the drums and guitars played those accents together. As you'll be able to tell - the drum fills are quite different between the two performances.

Hi drumbumhamza

Iv decided to become one of those Gavin wannabes and cut an old crash ride and convert it into a Gavin Bell. Will it be better if i just take the cymbal to a local drum manufacturer and get it cut? I believe they do that pretty often.

Yes good idea.

Will the pitch of the cymbal change after i cut it? not that it really matters though, but right now its B unlike any of my other cymbals.

I think so.

Also your snare sounds very deep low phat and crisp. I always thought one could get that sorta sound only with snares deeper than 6.5" but you manage to get that with 5". Howcome?

I don't really get on well with 6.5" deep snare drums. I find I can get the sound I want from a 5".

Finally, my snare seems to be tuned (and sounds) quite similar to your snare in Drop but that is only when its off. Once i put the snare on, it sounds crisp but thin and high. I was wondering if adding compression and reverb on a recording will do the trick because when i wear noise reduction earplugs it sounds a lot like your snare (ie deep low phat). I know there are tons of parameters involved but im just confused cause when its off it sounds like your snare but not when its on :( ?

As you may have already read - I use Puresound snares cut down to 8 strands - and they are on pretty tightly. Yes the right compression settings will help make it sound a bit thicker - reverb usually helps too. You are correct - there are so many parameters that would effect it.

cheers
Gavin

Ogg

11-26-2008, 10:02 PM

Simply wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your playing on SW's amazing 'Insurgentes'. My fav' (so far) being the incredible 'NTWTCOTSun'...good stuff.

Lol@drumbumhamza's 'Gavin Bell' :) Copyright office here I come.

one-x_drummer

11-26-2008, 11:59 PM

he is a great drummer...recently one of my favourite...his playing is great and he has a great sense of groove and "floating rhythm" {if you understand what i mean..}..and in the MD Festival he was perfect...

Gus

11-27-2008, 05:26 PM

Hi Gavin

I think it´s time for a "Gavin Harrison custom signature snare" by Sonor ;-) Could be a good bussiness!!, or at least the end of questions about your snares :-)) -just joking-

By the way, using the infinite SQ2 configurator, what should be ordered? A vintage shell snare without re enforcement hoops and rounded bearing edges?

Most of us are expecting for the second with 05.

Best regards and many thanks.

Gustavo

Paul Nasstrom

11-27-2008, 11:22 PM

I just wanted to say that I really love Gavins drumming. And that Sonor-kit really sounds almost to awesome. Everything about it's so great (Snare, Toms and Bass).
My favourite drumtracks with PT/Gavin would have to be Nil Recurring, What Happens Now and The Creator Has A Mastertape. I just love it on Nil Recurring when everything goes quiet at 2 min and the drums come in. And the break five minutes in on Fear Of A Blank Planet. But honestly I can't think of one song with PT i don't like.

I also wanna thank Gavin for making making me wanna play drums in the first place and for still making me wanna play, progress and get better. When i'm listening to your music I just can't wait to get behind a kit.

I have some issues though with drumming that you maybe could give me a smart tip about. Some exersises or something, I don't know.
Well I have not been playing for very long. But one thing I find really hard is to keep the hi-hat going while im playing some groove on the ride. I find it really hard to do the same grooves between the kick, snare and ride when i'm playing the hi-hat with my foot. It would be really great if you had som tip or anything.

Peace out!

NeuroAxis

11-29-2008, 02:22 AM

Gavin -

Just picked up the Jan MD with your cover article--great stuff. It's great particularly to have full transcriptions of some of the 05 Ric stuff, and the Crim head in me really enjoyed all the inside stories about Pat Mastelotto and Robert Fripp.

My question was actually about the cover pic. You're using some interesting-looking tom mics that seem almost like Shure SM-98s in size and configuration but I can tell they are not. Just curious what kind of mics those are.

lucbeauchamp

11-29-2008, 03:15 AM

Hi Gavin, I really like your drumming style, you are a real inspiration for me. I really like the way your drums sound by the way. I want to know if it's possible to buy something like your 5 small splashes? It's just amazing the way you introduce them in songs and i need to own something like those. (p.s. excuse my bad english, i'm a 15 years old from montreal(canada))

Gavin Harrison

11-29-2008, 01:52 PM

Hi Ogg,

Simply wanted to say how much I'm enjoying your playing on SW's amazing 'Insurgentes'. My fav' (so far) being the incredible 'NTWTCOTSun'...good stuff.

Thanks - I haven't heard the finished album yet - but I remember that one being a good one...21/4 if I remember rightly.

Hi Gus

I think it´s time for a "Gavin Harrison custom signature snare" by Sonor ;-) Could be a good bussiness!!, or at least the end of questions about your snares :-)) -just joking-

I'd love to - Write to Sonor and request it!!

By the way, using the infinite SQ2 configurator, what should be ordered? A vintage shell snare without re enforcement hoops and rounded bearing edges?

The last snare they made me was "thin" shell (no support rings inside) and round bearing edges - but I don't think they offer that as a standard edge right now.

Hi Paul Nasstrom,

I have some issues though with drumming that you maybe could give me a smart tip about. Some exersises or something, I don't know. Well I have not been playing for very long. But one thing I find really hard is to keep the hi-hat going while im playing some groove on the ride. I find it really hard to do the same grooves between the kick, snare and ride when i'm playing the hi-hat with my foot. It would be really great if you had som tip or anything.

Yes it's a coordination thing - I spent ages practising a samba bass drum pattern ( K--K K--K K--K K--K ) whilst pedaling 8ths with my left foot on the hi hat and playing 16ths on the snare drum making sure they all line up properly.

Hi NeuroAxis

Just picked up the Jan MD with your cover article--great stuff. It's great particularly to have full transcriptions of some of the 05 Ric stuff,

Yes great work from my man Terry B.

My question was actually about the cover pic. You're using some interesting-looking tom mics that seem almost like Shure SM-98s in size and configuration but I can tell they are not. Just curious what kind of mics those are.

Beyer Opus 88 - great live tom mic and very easy to attach and position.

Hi lucbeauchamp

I want to know if it's possible to buy something like your 5 small splashes?

Not at the moment - but you could write to Zildjian and request them.

Cheers
Gavin

Frostilicus

11-29-2008, 02:18 PM

Gavin:

I have just received and listened to my copy of Insurgentes. Can I say what an amazing piece of music this is, and to pass my congratulations to yourself and also to Steven and all who collaborated on it? I am just blown away with everything from the playing to the production. Wow... time to listen again :D

PS: I am rarely so sycophantic!

Alex P.

11-29-2008, 08:24 PM

Hi Gavin,

I'm transcribing Nil Recurring, "as promised".
Can you tell me which of these two writing is the good one, please?

Thanks!

Joe P

11-29-2008, 08:40 PM

Hi Gavin,

I'm transcribing Nil Recurring, "as promised".
Can you tell me which of these two writing is the good one, please?

Thanks!

I'm pretty sure he doesn't voice the first sixteenth with his foot - it's all hands.

Gavin Harrison

11-30-2008, 12:40 AM

Hi Alex P,
I would say the first one - but I think of the opening section of that song in 6/8. After the stop I think of it in 3/4.

good luck
Gavin

stasz

11-30-2008, 02:23 AM

Hi Gavin,

Wow this thread is getting enormous. Just stopping by to let you know that I loved the cover feature in the latest modern drummer. What a great opportunity to pick your brain and see what drives you. I'm really impressed by the hard work that you put into your drumming. I really think that you will be remembered for a long time as far as drummers go.

Ian

joshisaces

11-30-2008, 05:50 AM

Just stopping by to let you know that I loved the cover feature in the latest modern drummer.

Yeah, that was amazing.

DTrocks

11-30-2008, 12:17 PM

Just some info. Vicfirth is soon going to upload Gavin's clinic at pasic on their site!

Really looking forward to seeing it!

jez-

11-30-2008, 02:22 PM

There is already a small clip from Gavins clinic!

http://vicfirth.com/features/PASIC2008.html

Ogg

11-30-2008, 03:55 PM

Paul Nasstrom

11-30-2008, 08:31 PM

Thank you Gavin for your reply!

I also have another question for you or anyone else who has tried out a few drumkits throughout their lifes. I'm planning on buying a kit sooner or later. Of course I want to by a Sonor Designer or something simular. But I don't think I can afford that one. I've been looking at a Sonor Delight and a Gretsch Renown Maple or Pure Wood. I'm just wondering if they're any good. If not, anyone is free to give me some advise on good drumkits.

Thank you!

PTEmil

12-02-2008, 01:21 PM

Hey Gavin!

Me and some of my friends are going to play Anesthetize the 17th of December on a school show. We are wondering if you could send me, or let us know where we can download or buy, the Anesthetize live background video, which you have when you play it. It would be very kind of you!

Btw, Morgan Ågren and Mats Öberg on thursday here in Umeå, will be sick!

Cheers/ Emil

Gus

12-02-2008, 02:01 PM

Hi PTemil

I think the video of 'anesthetize' is included in the 'Blank Planet' DVD-A edition.
Good luck with the concert!!

Best regards

Gustavo

Gavin Harrison

12-02-2008, 08:46 PM

Hi Ogg,

May I ask just what you're playing during the intro of the third track 'Salvaging'? I can't get it out of my head or get on top of it with my full kit. I locked into it using my djembe...sounds simple but of course it's not. Thanks for your time.

I play it with the left hand on the hi hat - the snare drum on 2 & 4 and pick out those tom hits with the right hand too. There's also some ghost 16th's on the snare.

Hi Paul Nasstrom

I've been looking at a Sonor Delight and a Gretsch Renown Maple or Pure Wood. I'm just wondering if they're any good.

I don't know the Gretsch Renown - but I can tell you that the Sonor DeLight is a beautiful kit and sounds great. I played one for 5 years with Porcupine Tree whenever we toured America.

Hi PTEmil

Me and some of my friends are going to play Anesthetize the 17th of December on a school show. We are wondering if you could send me, or let us know where we can download or buy, the Anesthetize live background video, which you have when you play it.

I don't have it - nor is it for sale - but Gus maybe right about it being on the DVDA

cheers
Gavin

DTrocks

12-02-2008, 10:56 PM

Hi!

What is the latest news on your new album with 05ric? Looking forward to it really much!

Cheers!

Paul Nasstrom

12-03-2008, 03:18 AM

I can tell you that the Sonor DeLight is a beautiful kit and sounds great. I played one for 5 years with Porcupine Tree whenever we toured America.

cheers
Gavin

Oh how lovely! That's the one then! Tanks! :)

gibeachhead

12-03-2008, 04:39 AM

Hi PTEmil

Me and some of my friends are going to play Anesthetize the 17th of December on a school show. We are wondering if you could send me, or let us know where we can download or buy, the Anesthetize live background video, which you have when you play it.

I don't have it - nor is it for sale - but Gus maybe right about it being on the DVDA

cheers
Gavin

I can verify that it is indeed on the FOABP DVD-A.

SantiBanks

12-03-2008, 10:14 AM

I can verify that it is indeed on the FOABP DVD-A.

In fact its on both DVD-a's. I have both (the first one in the deluxe edition with only foabp and the second edition with also nil recurring on it).
I believe its on youtube aswell. And I think that its on the myspace of lasse hoile (the creator of all porcupine tree media). You can mail him otherwise. He's a very nice guy.

Stijnn1990

12-03-2008, 05:24 PM

Hi gavin..

Do you still practice a lot or do you mainly perform and play gigs, and if you do, what are you practicing right now? I was just curious about how far you developed the the stuff in your books in the time they where publiced and now..

Thanks, Stijn

gongbass

12-03-2008, 08:23 PM

Has anyone heard whether Zildjian is going to market the "Crash bells" or "cup chimes" they have prototyped for Gavin? I've emailed them and they said maybe winter NAMM 2009? I really hope they do!

cantstandyourfunk

12-05-2008, 01:07 AM

^^^
now those will be some cool cup chimes I'd definitely want in my cymbal bag

DTrocks

12-05-2008, 10:59 PM

Hey there Gavin! Just wanted to say how much I love your drumming on steve's new album! Definetly the best drum sound I've ever heard!

Keep up the good work!

Cheers!

Gavin Harrison

12-06-2008, 05:55 PM

Hi DTrocks

What is the latest news on your new album with 05ric? Looking forward to it really much!

We're kind of half way through recording it. I'm really happy with the way it's turning out.

Hi Stijnn1990

Do you still practice a lot or do you mainly perform and play gigs, and if you do, what are you practicing right now? I was just curious about how far you developed the the stuff in your books in the time they where publiced and now..

I practise coordination things - and timing things. In fact here's something I've been practising. It's based on something I saw Steve Gadd do. The goal is not to play it fast - but to play it as accurately as possible. No flams between the hands and feet - try to really line up the snare notes EXACTLY with your feet. It's quite hard.
I normally start with ex.1 and then once I've got that comfortable move onto ex.2 and then go back to ex.1 as my 'home base' in between trying out ex.2 ex.3 and ex.4

After you feel comfortable with it there's an alternative bass drum and hi hat foot part below - go back and play all the snare drum line again but with that alternate foot ostinato.

22702

Then I improvise on the kit and try to create new rhythm ideas - and when I find something I like I try to record it - either in audio version or notation. Then I try to manipulate it with displacement and modulation to see if I can create more interesting variations of it.

cheers
Gavin

facu

12-06-2008, 07:14 PM

Hey! I'm from Spain, and I'm the organizer of "Sa Costa Barrakes" a festival we do in Catalonia. I want Porcupine Tree come to do a concert in this festival but I don't know who is your manager here.

Can you tell me about a website or a phone contact?

Thank you! and sorry for my poor English!!!!!

miha

12-07-2008, 05:40 PM

Hey Gavin,

recently I've bought few pro mics and entered the beautiful but also extraordinary world of audio drum recording. Well I have to admit it's tough, there are so many variables and I can safely say this will be a long journey (but hopefully a nice one too). :)

Well, I absolutely love your drum sound. And this is the standard I want to achieve someday. I'm very interested to hear how your drums sound before any EQ and effects are applied. Is it possible to hear some short sample of your recent clean mix (or link if it's already posted, I did search the topic but couldn't find any). Of course, if it's not too much trouble. ;)

Cheers, Miha

ItalianRicky

12-07-2008, 08:31 PM

Hi gavin, how're you?
i have only a simple question, on the videos of your last performances at MD i saw that you haven't your classic 13" K hats, but they seems to be a 13 K Hybrid hats...i'm wrong?
and your left crash, seems to be a crash of doom....that's a particular choice for MD or that's your new cymbal setup?

cheeers from Italy and Drumsportal.com!

London

12-08-2008, 07:50 AM

Hey Gavin, greetings from Chile

I truly admire your work and here too. I've been a PT fan since I was 14. Your drumming has inspired a lot of people here.

Two Questions:
What defines a good drummer? In your opinion

What do you think about this thread?
http://www.fiveeightforums.com/200-reasons-why-gavin-harrison-is-better-than-mike-portnoy-t62397/index.html?t=62397

The purpose of the thread is obviously stupid, but it may give you a good laugh

Drumsword

12-08-2008, 02:32 PM

Hey man, I saw in your MD interview this month, that you use one of the Hammerax effects cymbals, I am considering buying a couple for my setup as I use a LOT of effects in the music I play and was curious if you can describe the sound of the one you use and possibly one that would compliment it?

Thanks

Trip McNealy

12-08-2008, 06:47 PM

Gavin,

Brilliant article in this month's Modern Drummer. It's always a good read to find out how people come up with and execute ideas with the drums.

Also an equipment question - what kind of mics do you use on the toms? They had a small footprint and an interesting arm assembly!

Dominick

Gavin Harrison

12-09-2008, 02:15 AM

Hi miha

Well, I absolutely love your drum sound. And this is the standard I want to achieve someday. I'm very interested to hear how your drums sound before any EQ and effects are applied. Is it possible to hear some short sample of your recent clean mix (or link if it's already posted, I did search the topic but couldn't find any). Of course, if it's not too much trouble. ;)

I'm not at home at the moment so it's something I can't do.

Hi ItalianRicky

i have only a simple question, on the videos of your last performances at MD i saw that you haven't your classic 13" K hats, but they seems to be a 13 K Hybrid hats...i'm wrong? and your left crash, seems to be a crash of doom....that's a particular choice for MD or that's your new cymbal setup?

Yes they are just classic 13" K hi Hats - not hybrid. That crash was an 18" Crash Of Doom - I was using it in my King Crimson set up - and it seemed right for the MD Fest performance too.

Hi London

Two Questions:
What defines a good drummer? In your opinion

someone who has a nice groove. If they can play cool drum parts and fills - that's a bonus.

What do you think about this thread?
http://www.fiveeightforums.com/200-r...x.html?t=62397

I don't really think anything about it. It's a shame when people have to compare drummers - it happens all the time on YouTube. People always feel the need to keep imposing their list of favorite drummers on you. Music isn't a competition nor an Olympic event to me.

Hi Drumsword

Hey man, I saw in your MD interview this month, that you use one of the Hammerax effects cymbals, I am considering buying a couple for my setup as I use a LOT of effects in the music I play and was curious if you can describe the sound of the one you use and possibly one that would compliment it?

The guy from Hammerax lent myself and Pat Masteltto a few pieces to try in King Crimson. I just occasionally hit a very large gong type of piece.Sorry but I don't remember what it was called.

Hi Trip McNealy

Also an equipment question - what kind of mics do you use on the toms? They had a small footprint and an interesting arm assembly!

They are Beyer Opus 88 mics. Very nice in a live situation.

cheers
Gavin

Heitor

12-09-2008, 02:39 AM

Hey Gavin!

First, thanks for keep answering our questions! You're an incredible drummer, with a sense of groove that's out of this world and a creativity without any stopping!

Since PTree announced the first gig supporting the new album, could you tell us how's it been your recordings for the new album, approaches, experimentations with grooves and sounds, anything new and cool you might wanna share with us, without spoiling too much?

And did you feel any difference working with Steven Wilson on Insurgentes compared working with him at the PTree environment? Specially since his songs on his solo album were much more about textures and moods, different than the more clear and obvious song structures on PTree.

Thanks once again for your music, a constant source of endless inspiration for me and a million other drummers here!

Heitor.

DrummerDavid

12-09-2008, 05:08 AM

I need to pick up Steve's solo album.

New Album from PT-Sweet!

Can't wait to see them live again.

Gavin, I just want to add, I have been playing for about a year after being off for about 10 years.

You are a new influence for me. I hope to be able to play half as good as you.

Pandrex

12-09-2008, 08:36 PM

Hi Gavin, well done with your playing on Insurgentes.

Can you please give more insight on why you chose the Beyer Opus 88 mics on toms for playing live? I've been drumming for years now and have decided to finally take the plunge in buying professional mics, but I don't yet know the most about mic'ing equipment out there. Did you ever use the sennheiser 421's live, or are they really just mics for use in the studio?

Thanks,
Simon

Gavin Harrison

12-09-2008, 11:30 PM

Hi Heitor

Since PTree announced the first gig supporting the new album, could you tell us how's it been your recordings for the new album, approaches, experimentations with grooves and sounds, anything new and cool you might wanna share with us, without spoiling too much?

We are writing more songs at the moment. Can't really say more than that.

And did you feel any difference working with Steven Wilson on Insurgentes compared working with him at the PTree environment? Specially since his songs on his solo album were much more about textures and moods, different than the more clear and obvious song structures on PTree.

He had a pretty defined idea of what he wanted on his solo record - PT is more of an open platform for ideas.

Hi Pandrex

Can you please give more insight on why you chose the Beyer Opus 88 mics on toms for playing live? I've been drumming for years now and have decided to finally take the plunge in buying professional mics, but I don't yet know the most about mic'ing equipment out there. Did you ever use the sennheiser 421's live, or are they really just mics for use in the studio?

I love the 421 on the toms - it's my favorite - but it's not an easy mic to tour with because it's big and cumbersome (has a strange and delicate mounting arm) - and I've had problems with them breaking down. The Beyer Opus mics have a very small footprint and can happily sit there all night without moving. They can take the occasional hit from a wild drum stick too. I used them with King Crimson and enjoyed them. With PT our sound engineer likes the EV N/D468.

cheers
Gavin

kheddar

12-10-2008, 04:52 AM

Hey Gavin,

What is, in your opinion, the most effective strategy for developing good timing? Is playing a single drumbeat to a click for an hour straight a waste of time, i.e. could it be spent more effectively? What is the role of practising basic rudiments in developing good overall timing in drumset playing?

Trip McNealy

12-10-2008, 05:32 AM

Hi Trip McNealy

Also an equipment question - what kind of mics do you use on the toms? They had a small footprint and an interesting arm assembly!

They are Beyer Opus 88 mics. Very nice in a live situation.

cheers
Gavin

Thanks Gavin, I'll give them a researching... what is the rest of your typical KC setup along with the Opus 88 mics... snares, kick, overheads, etc.

Your time in answering our questions is always appreciated!

Gus

12-10-2008, 11:16 AM

Hi Gavin

Are your new -and famous- 'crash bells' similar in sound to those old 8" EFX 1, that Zildjian had long time ago?. I think you had one in your 'Horizons' DVD.

Many thanks in advance for your time...

Gustavo

gongbass

12-11-2008, 06:02 AM

I have become a bit of a "horder" of those EFX 8" and 10" cymbals. They pop up on ebay pretty frequently. From what I've been told Zildjian isn't introducing any "crash bells" or "cup chimes" at January NAMM.

I'm treated like gold my Tama (Hoshino) I'm not a "BIG" name artist but I do a consistent amount of live and session work and have played on major label and major indie label releases, as well as broadway, film sountracks. This is enough for Tama to build unusual and cusotm drums for me. I explain this to Zildjian and say "I own over a hundred Zildjian cymbals, percussion, gongs, etc... I'm not asking for any free gear, just want a few "sound lab" crash bells, which i'll happily pay full retail for". they simply said no every time. I'm sure Sabian would make them, they are much more customer service oriented but for some reason i'm loyal to Z!

jimmyC

12-11-2008, 06:28 AM

Hi, I've enjoyed reading the feature article in the January MD and the transcriptions are great to read and follow while listening. Gavin, we love the new project with 05Ric at our house - Brilliant!

I would love to get some insight into the verse section (beginning groove right after intro) for unsettled. The hi-hat work is escaping me. Perhaps it's straight forward but elusive for me with what's going on underneath. It's so crisp and really moves the music along I would love to work it up.

Any suggestions how to get at this? Thanks for your time.

drumbumhamza

12-11-2008, 02:22 PM

Hello Sir,
Okay now iv got this 16" crash that i want to cut to a 6" gavin splash bell....but i wana try something else with the remaining material on the cymbal.

Iv thought of cutting the rest of the cymbal (with the 6" splash cut out) into three equal parts
that would basically leave me with something like 3 pie slices with a portion of the tapering ends cut out.

Now with these three pieces aligned one on top of the other...i wana drill a hole in the center so i can mount it on a normal cymbal stand. Also i wana drill about 4 holes for rivets.

Hopefully if all goes well il get a new hybrid cymbal that will have the clank of a stack and the shimmer of the rivets added to it.

Now i was wondering if you have ever tried something like this.
Awaiting a quick reply...iv kept the cymbalsmith on hold :P.

thanks

Gavin Harrison

12-11-2008, 06:00 PM

Hi kheddar

What is, in your opinion, the most effective strategy for developing good timing? Is playing a single drumbeat to a click for an hour straight a waste of time, i.e. could it be spent more effectively? What is the role of practising basic rudiments in developing good overall timing in drumset playing?

It's more about the quality than the quantity. You could play to a click for an hour but if you're not VERY in time with the click in the first place it's not really going to do much good.
Really concentrating on being accurate with the click is the key thing. I use to record myself playing with a click and then slow down the playback to half speed. Then the errors are much more obvious. You need to develop your ears so they get good at recognising when things don't feel good - and that takes years.

Hi Trip McNealy

what is the rest of your typical KC setup along with the Opus 88 mics... snares, kick, overheads, etc.

I think I had Beyer 201's as overheads, snare bottom, hi hat and ride mics. Audix i5 on the snare top and a Shure SM91 in the bass drum.

Hi Gus

Are your new -and famous- 'crash bells' similar in sound to those old 8" EFX 1, that Zildjian had long time ago?. I think you had one in your 'Horizons' DVD.

No not really - they are much more splashy and crashy than the EFX (which I still have and like).

Hi jimmyC

I would love to get some insight into the verse section (beginning groove right after intro) for unsettled. The hi-hat work is escaping me. Perhaps it's straight forward but elusive for me with what's going on underneath. It's so crisp and really moves the music along I would love to work it up.

Yes - it's a groove I stole from Phil Gould (the first drummer of Level 42). Basically you play the first 3 16ths of every quarter note on the hi hat - but you pedal the hi hat so that just the second of those 3 hits are with an open hi hat. Easier to do than explain.

Hi drumbumhamza

Okay now iv got this 16" crash that i want to cut to a 6" gavin splash bell....but i wana try something else with the remaining material on the cymbal. Iv thought of cutting the rest of the cymbal (with the 6" splash cut out) into three equal parts that would basically leave me with something like 3 pie slices with a portion of the tapering ends cut out.
Hopefully if all goes well il get a new hybrid cymbal that will have the clank of a stack and the shimmer of the rivets added to it.Now i was wondering if you have ever tried something like this.

I have never tried that - good luck with it and please make a sample for us to hear the results.

cheers
Gavin

Alex P.

12-11-2008, 06:09 PM

Hi Alex P,
I would say the first one - but I think of the opening section of that song in 6/8. After the stop I think of it in 3/4.

good luck
Gavin

Ok, thanks!

And "BRAVO" for your drumming on Insurgentes, you did a great job!!
I think I will try to transcribe some drumparts of this album... but I have to finish "Nil Recurring" first !

Just one question:
I'd really like to see you at a clinic or masterclass (or something else). Do you do these kind of things in France?... or even in London, i would do the trip.

Thanks very much for your answer and for your time!

Alex P.

ItalianRicky

12-12-2008, 01:00 AM

hi gavin, i wanna ask you a little thing.
do you remember if when you played with claudio baglioni in live tour, your setup had 2 splashes?
Because i find a older photo, with you on the pearl set, and left to your gavin bells, there's a crash and a little splash...was that a 6" splash?

kheddar

12-12-2008, 10:44 AM

Drizzle

12-12-2008, 05:17 PM

Somebody on the House of Drumming forum found this.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=211uSoZ-7s8

Thought I'd share

PS Warm day Gavin??

ItalianRicky

12-12-2008, 07:41 PM

i remember this clinic drizzle...was in Verona, summer 2003...i was there!! ^^

Bernhard

12-13-2008, 04:36 PM

Just put up "Halo" - Transcription from the new book "Progressive Rock" by Rich Lakowski...and thanks Gavin for the Samples...!!!

http://www.drummerworld.com/Drumclinic/gavinharrisonhalo.html

This excerpt is a perfect demonstration of how Harrison can drive a complex odd-time rhythm with a fluent, relaxed feel. In fact, most listeners contentedly nod along to this groove without even noticing that it alternates between 9/8 and 4/4 time signatures. A steady accent played on every other hi-hat hit is a key aspect that helps this beat flow very smoothly and glues these alternating time signatures together nicely.

Bernhard

drumbumhamza

12-14-2008, 06:51 AM

Bernhard

12-14-2008, 10:09 AM

:) Great Work...nice alternate way of seeing this pattern because i always saw it as 4/4 and 17/16. Never noticed you could break the pattern into 9/8 and a perfect 4/4.
Any idea of which tool song is on that compilation ?

Vicarious - Ticks & Leeches - Eulogy

B.

Swiss Matthias

12-15-2008, 10:09 AM

Thanks for the reply! Slowing down a recording is actually what I've been doing myself :)

What do you think about setting the tempo to one click per 2 bars or so, or various kinds of click displacement (upbeats, the 'e' and 'a', etc)? Are those useful?

I used to be big into learning to play complex stuff, but lately I'm all about trying to perfect my time.
I'm feeling the same way :). For me that click idea worked and works wonderfully!! But don't have TOO few clicks, because I feel it's important to know when and where you're going out of time (i.e. a certain fill or movement), and if too much happens between two "milestones" of the metronome, you're probably not sure what caused the unaccuracy once you notice you're not with the click anymore. I hope you know what I'm trying to say.

Gavin Harrison

12-16-2008, 02:26 PM

Hi Alex P

Just one question:
I'd really like to see you at a clinic or masterclass (or something else). Do you do these kind of things in France?... or even in London, i would do the trip.

I have never made a drum clinic in France - and I haven't made one in the UK for 10 years - but I'm hoping something is happening next year in the UK. I'll let you know if and when it's confirmed.

Hi ItalianRicky

do you remember if when you played with claudio baglioni in live tour, your setup had 2 splashes? Because i find a older photo, with you on the pearl set, and left to your gavin bells, there's a crash and a little splash...was that a 6" splash?

That is correct...and here it is from the CB 2000 tour (and you can see how far back I'm holding the sticks there!!!!).
22850

Some interview and performance stuff on the VF site that I did at the PAS convention a few weeks ago:

http://www.vicfirth.com/artists/harrison.html

cheers

Gavin

ItalianRicky

12-16-2008, 11:13 PM

yeah! GRAZIE MILLE GAVIN ^_^

if you've other photos of that era, please send me some at: Riccardodoni@hotmail.com
only if you can!

thanks a lot master!
Riccardo

jez-

12-17-2008, 07:09 AM

I just have to say that the new Vic Firth videos from the PASIC event are stunning. Very solid performance, and really interesting interviews.

stikzNskinz

12-17-2008, 12:19 PM

Wow! What a long strange trip it's been! I've gone from not knowing who Gavin Harrison is, or who or what PT are, to actually being able to drop a line to the new main man of the skinz game, for me anyway...and all in just under two years!

I'm a late 40's, long time listener of RUSH and when they hit the road for the S&N tour in '07, I was there for the tour opener in Atlanta. I was also fortunate enough to see seven other shows after that in the Eastern and Southwestern U.S., including what was supposed to be the tour closer, also in Atlanta. Except for the New Orleans and Houston shows, which as result of late rescheduling of the shows interfered with my travel plans, I rode my motorcycle to all the shows, logging thirty-two days on the backroads of America. I even travelled as far north as Boston to catch the Father's Day show with my daughter, who flew up from Atlanta to be with me.

So what, you may be asking, does this have to do with Gavin Harrsion? It all ties together, I assure you. You see, I have Neil Peart to thank for giving rise to my intense interest in percussion, and all things percussive. And it was during the S&N tour, thanks to Neil that I first became exposed to PT. He assembles the playlist of pre-show music that is on the PA before every RUSH show, and PT was generously featured on that list throughout the tour. I became curious about the music I was hearing, asked around, did some research, and by process of elimination, figured out that it was PT.

Since then, I have set about discovering and consuming all things PT, which is to say EVERYTHING! That consumption, I'm happy to say, has led me here to share this little tale with all of you.

Besides being a new admirer of PT, I am, coincidentally, an old admirer of King Crimson, and still hold that 'In the Court of the Crimson King' is the greatest headphones album ever (particularly side two). And I do mean ALBUM, as in vinyl, which I still listen to through my AKG K340 (I think I keep these phones just for this album and for 'Riders On The Storm' by the Doors). So, it should go without saying that I am thrilled to see that Gavin is drumming for KC.

Fripp made a wise choice when he gave Gavin the call-up for the job. There is definitely something similar in the touch and sensitivity of Michael Giles playing to that of Gavin's. Not saying that Fripp was thinking that, or that KC is even covering any of that era of their catalog. Just saying that in my mind's eye, for that reason, it's a great choice. I only wish I'd known about this when KC was over here, I would definitely have made the Nashville show, and would even have flown up to NYC for the Nokia Theater gig.

But, ya snooze, ya lose...as they say. And I've been caught snoozin'. So, thanks Gavin, for the great moments and the highly professional and creative manner with which you approach your music. I'm looking forward to many more hours of listening pleasure, many more hours of frustration trying to play along, and many more years of consuming your work.

Gus

12-17-2008, 01:11 PM

Hi everyone

Another interview with Gavin from 10-10-08 in Madrid, before the concert.
Here's the link:

http://es.youtube.com/user/Frandrol

Best regards

Gustavo

12:5

12-17-2008, 08:00 PM

hi gavin

i've a question about nil recurring...the section which starts at 3:20 right before the 7/8 overriding part...what's the timesignature?...i think 9/8 but does it change during this part or is it all in 9/8?

by the way...steve's new album is fantastic particularly because you are drumming on it...the 5th song in 21/8 or 21/4 sounds like a really cool jam...did you just jammed along to it and recorded it?...anyway great stuff..there's not one track on this album i don't like

ciao

Inngwar

12-18-2008, 12:48 AM

technodoc

12-18-2008, 01:15 AM

Hi Gavin,
I am writing to heap some praise on you. After spotting your MD cover/interview, I went on a bit of a GH-binge, buying PT and Drop, as well as the Rhythmic Visions and Horizons combination DVD-set. After taking these in, I have to say that your technical ability is phenomenal, and your willingness and commitment to field questions on this forum is unheard of in drumming circles. Plus you seem to be a genuinely nice guy. As one of my mentors used to say, the three A's that make a good surgeon:
1. Availability
2. Affability
3. Ability

I daresay you are an example of all three.
Sincerely,
Yoav

NeuroAxis

12-18-2008, 06:30 PM

Ok, i have an interesting question...

I've come across some money recently and i'm thinking of buying an electronic drum set...
I would use it mostly for house practicing, because i don't have conditions for an acoustic drum set...

So i guess my question is what is your opinion on electronic drum set's? How will it influence dynamic of my playing? Will samples bore me after playing for some time?

I did this exact thing for awhile. I was living in a one bedroom upstairs apartment and I didn't have a place to practice my acoustic kit so I bought a Yamaha DTX-press from a friend of mine.

I think it's good and bad in certain ways. I think it increases your accuracy because you're striking a 6" pad instead of drum shells of varying sizes. Also, playing with triggers is a lot less forgiving when it comes to mistakes. Flams and inconsisties in your stroke velocities will become glaringly obvious on a digital kit, in a way that they might be more covered up by the resonance of the drums on an acoustic kit.

But after awhile of playing on them you do get tired of the sounds. After a few weeks of practicing on that digi kit I really just wanted to jump on a real drumkit again.

Inngwar

12-19-2008, 03:09 AM

well, tnx for answering my question...

Well the thing is, i do have an acoustic drum set. But i keep it in my studio, on the other side of the town. I don't have time to go there every day, because of my college obligations...
But i will still play an acoustic drum set (like 2 times a week). So i'm guessing that i can combine the two, and hope for better result's...

I would still like to hear what Gavin has to say on this subject....

Gavin Harrison

12-19-2008, 03:16 PM

Hi stikzNskinz & technodoc

thanks for the kind comments and support.

Hi 12:5

i've a question about nil recurring...the section which starts at 3:20 right before the 7/8 overriding part...what's the timesignature?...i think 9/8 but does it change during this part or is it all in 9/8?

Yes it's all in 9/8.

by the way...steve's new album is fantastic particularly because you are drumming on it...the 5th song in 21/8 or 21/4 sounds like a really cool jam...did you just jammed along to it and recorded it?...anyway great stuff..there's not one track on this album i don't li

No it was quite structured actually.

Hi Inngwar

So i guess my question is what is your opinion on electronic drum set's? How will it influence dynamic of my playing? Will samples bore me after playing for some time?

I hate playing electronic drums - and the samples bore me silly. It's nothing like playing real drums. I think DDrum 4 came the closest - but they still made quite a lot of noise because of the real drum heads on their pads. I can see that the kits with mesh heads might be a good way to practise without bothering the neighbours. When I'm in that situation I just use a regular practise pad and a pair of KAT pedals.

cheers
Gavin

ItalianRicky

12-20-2008, 04:12 AM

i recovered a old VHS of the claudio baglioni's "tour rosso"...and in this live tour claudio has a great couple on drums\percussion with you and elio rivagli on drums!
When you did the last live concert with claudio?
have you some photos?

CareyCopelandCameron

12-21-2008, 05:12 PM

Hello Gavin,
very nice that youre answering all our questions here!
Your drumming does mean a lot to me,its really the perfect interaction of a great technical drumming and the benefit for each song you play to.(Hope you understand me...the English lessons are over for years ;-) )

Ok,theres a little question I have....
Imagine theres only one snaredrum you could have...what would it be?

Thanks!

I wish you and your family happy holidays and merry christmas!

Paul Nasstrom

12-22-2008, 09:11 PM

Hi Gavin!

I broke my left arm/wrist a couple of days ago. It's horrible! I'm not going to be able to play drums for a month. Do you have advise for what I could/should do while i'm unable to use my left hand?

Maybe I should practise reading or buy one of your dvds to get ideas and such? Just tell me what is a good thing to do in my situation.

Thanks in advance!

thundafoot

12-23-2008, 08:11 AM

I see that u are on the cover of Modern Drummer and wanted to know what kind of snare u use. I've heard u play on videos and think your awesome and your set up is perfect. I too play some jazz and other types of music. I'm not in a band and have been playing for 25 years and I still need some improvement.........lol any hints I should know ?
I too have Sonors 2007 Force studio 1 double bass and a Pearl Export kit
Dan,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, thundafoot

Gavin Harrison

12-23-2008, 12:49 PM

Hi ItalianRicky

i recovered a old VHS of the claudio baglioni's "tour rosso"...and in this live tour claudio has a great couple on drums\percussion with you and elio rivagli on drums!
When you did the last live concert with claudio?

That was great fun working with Elio. The last tour I made with Claudio was in the summer of 2004.

Hi CareyCopelandCameron

Ok,theres a little question I have....
Imagine theres only one snaredrum you could have...what would it be?

That's a bit of a hard question. Something like a Ludwig 400 is a great all round drum. The drum I've used for 25 years (Yamaha RC 9000 1982) would also be good. There's so many great snare drums around now - I just got a 13x7 Sonor Amboina and it's fantastic.

Hi Paul Nasstrom

I broke my left arm/wrist a couple of days ago. It's horrible! I'm not going to be able to play drums for a month. Do you have advise for what I could/should do while i'm unable to use my left hand?

Sorry to hear it. This could be a good time to work on your reading and transcribing skills.

Hi thundafoot

I see that u are on the cover of Modern Drummer and wanted to know what kind of snare u use. I've heard u play on videos and think your awesome and your set up is perfect. I too play some jazz and other types of music. I'm not in a band and have been playing for 25 years and I still need some improvement.........lol any hints I should know ?

I use a few different snares. Maybe you've seen some stuff on YouTube where I use a small white snare drum? That is one of my favorite Sonor snares. 12 x5 six ply maple Designer Series. Also a larger 14x6 Cottonwood Sonor snare - sounds great too. Featured in the photos of the Modern Drummer article is a Sonor 14x5 SQ2 Maple snare that I sometimes use with that set.

cheers
Gavin

PTEmil

12-23-2008, 08:04 PM

miha

12-23-2008, 09:08 PM

Hi Paul Nasstrom

I broke my left arm/wrist a couple of days ago. It's horrible! I'm not going to be able to play drums for a month. Do you have advise for what I could/should do while i'm unable to use my left hand?

Sorry to hear it. This could be a good time to work on your reading and transcribing skills.

Hehe, nice advise. Any suggestions how to develop good transcribing skills? I can read to a certain degree, but transcribing is a lot tougher.

Alex P.

12-23-2008, 10:15 PM

Hello Gavin!

I really need to work my "fills". Do you have some tips, or a book to recommend me?

Thanks in advance!

I wish you a Merry Christmas and an happy New Year !!

Bye

Alex P.

PS: I'll post the "Nil Reccuring" transcription after the holidays.

ItalianRicky

12-24-2008, 08:39 PM

Hello Gavin!

I've been wondering about the fill you do 3:03 in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auztu_SQhY4. I can't really figure it out. I assume you are using both your feet and your hands, but in what order? I don't think it sounds like "double-hand, double-feet, double-hand etcetc.." That would sound to stiff.Could you just explain how you usually do those kinds of fill-ins? ... I'll give you a star if you even got a clue what I mean..

Ahwell, Happy holidays and thanks!

great question.
I hear another fill like the one trat PTEmil have talked, and it is in blackest eyes intro.
I've founded a lot of those fills in the DVD Arriving somewhere, and i wanna ask the same question, is it only a 2hands 2feets 2hands work?

Progdrummer160

12-25-2008, 12:57 AM

Hey Gavin!

Thanks for taking the time to look and even answer at all those questions here :D
Anyway, the thing I want to ask is about a fill in
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mipTPyAmtK0&feature=related
It's on 1:07, is there any chance you could break it down for me, please? (if thats good English :P). I saw this question bevore, but I haven't find an answer on it. I am sorry if I missed it.

Thanks a lot!

See you in London, in Octobre!

Frank

Edit: MERRY X-MASS :D

ItalianRicky

12-25-2008, 05:01 AM

Merry Christmas master Gavin ^_^

OriginJM

12-29-2008, 08:07 AM

Hey Gavin!

Small question, every time I play, I always feel like I'm falling into to same beat again. It feels like I'm locked to only doing one thing. When I try to do something else, it just doesn't sound right. Do you have any ideas on things that I can try doing/not doing, reading, etc. to try to expand my drumming?

Thanks so much!

Jon

Gavin Harrison

12-29-2008, 01:29 PM

Hi PTEmil

I've been wondering about the fill you do 3:03 in this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auztu_SQhY4. I can't really figure it out. I assume you are using both your feet and your hands, but in what order? I don't think it sounds like "double-hand, double-feet, double-hand etcetc..

I'm sure it has some "double hand - double feet" in there - and and some point quadruple hand too. (I think that's basically the same answer for ItalianRicky)

Hi miha,

Any suggestions how to develop good transcribing skills? I can read to a certain degree, but transcribing is a lot tougher.

You have to learn to really focus your ears - and be able to shut other things out - other than that - start with some easy things and progress. You've just got to try it. Maybe Alex P or Terry Branam can help you more than me.

Hi Progdrummer160

Anyway, the thing I want to ask is about a fill in
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mipTP...eature=related
It's on 1:07, is there any chance you could break it down for me, please?

Quite simple really. It's triplets in groups of 5 RLRRL.

Hi OriginJM

Small question, every time I play, I always feel like I'm falling into to same beat again. It feels like I'm locked to only doing one thing. When I try to do something else, it just doesn't sound right. Do you have any ideas on things that I can try doing/not doing, reading, etc. to try to expand my drumming?

How long have you been playing? Do you have a teacher? How's your reading?

cheers
Gavin

OriginJM

12-29-2008, 01:42 PM

I've been playing for about a year now, and I started taking lessons with a teacher about 3 months ago every Friday, and it's been going strong. I guess another thing I wanted to ask that has probably been asked before here is, how old were you when you started drumming? About how long before you felt complacent with your drumming and how many teachers have you had, if any?

Also, I know I'm just another face on the internet among many others and I'm positive you receive comments like this all the time, but you are a really inspiring player to me. Being able to sit down for as long as you have and answer people's questions just shows your phenomenal personality.

Thank you!

Jon

gibeachhead

12-29-2008, 10:51 PM

Hi OriginJM

Small question, every time I play, I always feel like I'm falling into to same beat again. It feels like I'm locked to only doing one thing. When I try to do something else, it just doesn't sound right. Do you have any ideas on things that I can try doing/not doing, reading, etc. to try to expand my drumming?

How long have you been playing? Do you have a teacher? How's your reading?

cheers
Gavin

I had the same problem when I first started playing. But as I progressed and began to advance my skill & playing this was no longer an issue.

supermac

12-31-2008, 12:31 PM

Hi Gavin,

Seasons Greetings.

I finally entered the 21st Century and got an iPod for Xmas.

The fiirst album I downloaded was Drop, after singularly failing to get hold of it in HMV, Amazon etc.

I've always been into odd times but it makes the stuff I learned from as a kid in the early 80s (Rush/Yes/Billy Cobham) sound as complex as Bits and Pieces by the Dave Clark Five!

The music is highly challenging but enjoyable - and the guy's got a great voice, a bit like a latter-day Scott Walker.

I just wish I could introduce a bit of 19/8 into my Newcastle bar band set!

Best wishes for 2009...

cantstandyourfunk

12-31-2008, 01:12 PM

Here's wishing everyone on this thread a very Happy New Year!

DTrocks

12-31-2008, 03:25 PM

Gus

01-01-2009, 12:09 PM

Hi!

Just saw some videos of you from pasic 08. Great job! But I was wondering...do you use two oriental chinas? One on the left and one on the right? What sizes are they?

I wish you a happy new year!

Cheers!
Sondre

Hi Dtrocks

12" -right- and 16" -left-, both oriental china. Also the gorgeous 18" Z china on the right.

Hope that helps.
Happy new year everyone!!!!!!!!!

Gus

Gavin Harrison

01-01-2009, 02:51 PM

Hi OriginJM

old were you when you started drumming? About how long before you felt complacent with your drumming and how many teachers have you had, if any?

I was six years old when I started drumming - I had a teacher Joe Hodson from when I was about ten - for about 6 years. Then I studied with Dave Cutler (when I was 18) for a couple of years on and off. Various other drummers helped me along the way. Other than that I just followed my own nose. Feeling complacent with my drumming is a relative thing. For instance I thought I was pretty good until I went for my first lesson with Dave Cutler - then I quickly realised that I sucked. There have been various times when I thought I could play ok - but when I listen back years later it's a different story. It's all progress I suppose.

Hi DTrocks

Just saw some videos of you from pasic 08. Great job! But I was wondering...do you use two oriental chinas? One on the left and one on the right? What sizes are they?

Gus is correct !!!

Happy new year to everyone that reads this thread.

cheers
Gavin

rockitman

01-01-2009, 03:35 PM

Gavin,

I enjoy the commentary from time to time and have gotten some really great suggestions regarding gear, technique etc.

Your remarks to the poster asking about your studies, complacency and what not are interesting.

I have been working on my over all feel. Whole and Half note metronome settings, staying very relaxed, consistency in technique. It is surprising to me to find that what I thought was a great feel could be so much better. Its really just a matter of mms.

Would you care to comment on feel, phrasing, and technique?

phil_EN

01-01-2009, 09:21 PM

Hey Gavin,

happy new year! My question is about this post of yours about your snares.

I use a few different snares. Maybe you've seen some stuff on YouTube where I use a small white snare drum? That is one of my favorite Sonor snares. 12 x5 six ply maple Designer Series.

I'm in love with this snare drum, really. But I don't find it at shops or even on the Sonor homepage. Or do you mean this (http://www.sonor.com/pbas/Sonor_FE/sonor/deutsch/detail.html?a-quicklink-n_katid=927&a-quicklink-n_artikelid=4543) snare? Could you give me the correct article name/description of it?
And I'm also interested in the one you use in the Futile clip on YouTube.

Thanks for taking the time to answer, and greetings from germany. Hope to see you back with PT here soon.

phil

Zildjian232

01-02-2009, 04:33 AM

Gavin,

Im really enjoying the interview/pasic clips on the vicfirth website. Im curious if there is going to be a release of your full pasic performance. Those small snippets in the interviews are really teasing me.

Best regards,

Mike.

DrummerDavid

01-02-2009, 10:34 AM

How was it like working with Iggy? Is he as crazy as he seems?

oh, and happy New Year.

ItalianRicky

01-02-2009, 08:23 PM

happy new year gavin!!!

Mikael_J@hasvik

01-03-2009, 09:01 AM

Hi Gav :D
Happy new year :)

First of all, I just have to say that you are an amazing person and an amazing drummer. You are one of the main reasons that I started to take drums seriously.

1 question though :P Can you please tell me what China cymbals you have? The smallest one, is it a 12" Oriental Trash? And if it is, would you recommend it?

phil_EN

01-03-2009, 12:11 PM

1 question though :P Can you please tell me what China cymbals you have? The smallest one, is it a 12" Oriental Trash? And if it is, would you recommend it?

There's an answer for that on this page. 16" Oriental Trash on the left, 12" on the right, and a 18" Z on the right also. You could also read that in his Wikipedia entry. ;)

What makes me look twice is the "EFX" in this listing. Never heard of that.

Gavin Harrison

01-03-2009, 12:57 PM

Hi phil_EN

That is one of my favorite Sonor snares. 12 x5 six ply maple Designer Series.
I'm in love with this snare drum, really. But I don't find it at shops or even on the Sonor homepage. Or do you mean this snare? Could you give me the correct article name/description of it?

They don't make the Designer Series anymore. It got replaced with their SQ2 series. It's just 6 ply Maple - so it's very similar to the drum that you pointed out.

And I'm also interested in the one you use in the Futile clip on YouTube.

That drum is a 14x6 Cottonwood and is part of their current "Artist Series" snares.

What makes me look twice is the "EFX" in this listing. Never heard of that.

It's an effect cymbal that they made back in the late 80's early 90's.

Hi Zildjian232

Im really enjoying the interview/pasic clips on the vicfirth website. Im curious if there is going to be a release of your full pasic performance. Those small snippets in the interviews are really teasing me.

No there won't be because I played a lot of the songs at the Modern Drummer Fest which should be out on DVD within a few months. I'm sure it will be advertised in MD and at the Hudson Music site. Most of the talking I did on that PASIC clinic is already up on the Vic Firth site.

Hi DrummerDavid

How was it like working with Iggy? Is he as crazy as he seems?

It was great fun to work with him. I've never seen anyone work harder on stage than he does. It was quite an education for me because I didn't know much about him or his music when I joined. I didn't feel he was crazy.

Hi Mikael_J@hasvik

The smallest one, is it a 12" Oriental Trash? And if it is, would you recommend it?

Correct, and yes I would recommend it.

trysthedrummer

01-03-2009, 02:08 PM

I have searched this thread with that link about the chimes you use, but never found out from what cymbals they were made from? (Unless I haven't looked properly!)

What were they (if you can remember!). I think I recall seeing a zildjian logo on one.

Oh and happy new year! :)

Gavin Harrison

01-03-2009, 05:28 PM

Hi trysthedrummer,

originally they were between 13"/17" Zildjian crash cymbals. They all have, what they call, the medium size cup. I had broken them many years before and they were sitting in my garage. Zildjian have subsequently made me some - that's why you can see their logo.

cheers
Gavin

Drizzle

01-03-2009, 05:38 PM

Hey Gavin any progress on th double drop clutch?

Cheers,
Andre

drumbumhamza

01-05-2009, 07:45 AM

I just got a 13x7 Sonor Amboina and it's fantastic.
cheers
Gavin

:) aah going deeper than 5"
i was wondering... exactly how the sound of that snare would differ from a 13x5 of the same series...same make...same wood and number of plies.... ?
(im guessing... deeper the snare the lower it would sound with the same tension on the skins
and it would probably produce some more reverb ?)

finally gettin my gavin bell tomorrow :D
and my experimental cymbal....im just hoping it doesnt sound like a kitchen vessel

JacentyS

01-05-2009, 08:52 AM

Hi Gavin,

I'm not a drummer but musicians like you, Martin Lopez and Chris Maitland really opened my eyes to how amazing the drums can be.

For fun and practice, I decided to try and recreate the sound of your kit based on 'She's moved on' from Deadwing. The sound was sculpted from scratch using Addictive Drums sampler.
As I went along, I thought 'what the heck', and recorded the bass and guitars.

http://www.sniecikowski.com/uploads/shesmovedon_jacek.mp3

Since there's no person that knows your sound better, can you tell me what could I improve?
My guess is that for the snare you are using a pretty short gate and make it up with a little of room reverb, which I probably have too much in this sample...

Edit:
I guess drum only version makes more sense:
http://www.sniecikowski.com/uploads/shesmovedon_drums.mp3

Cheers!

Alex P.

01-05-2009, 09:22 PM

Hello Gavin!

I have three little questions:

1 - In "Nil Recurring", at 4' 05", and 4' 14", between the hi-hat and the ride,
is it RLLRRLRL LRRLR, or, RLRLRLRL RLRLR, or, RLLRLLRL LRLLR ??
Or maybe it's something else...

2 - Still in "Nil Recurring" ; the end is very hard to transcribe... Do you think this is
good (picture below) ?

3 - Do you have some tips to work "fills", or a book to recommend me?

Thanks very much,sir !!

Alex P.

Nisstyre56

01-06-2009, 08:38 AM

Hi Gavin! I am a massive fan, you are a perfect drummer to me.

Anyway, on to the point. I am planning on applying to the Jazz program for percussion at the University of Toronto for 2010.

Now, I need to do an audition. I would love any advice you can give, because I will have to be playing on a completely new kit, and I will have to be playing with completely new musicians (rhythm section) along to the songs I am going to be learning.

Any advice on preparing for this? I will have over a year to prepare, take more lessons, etc...

I've been playing for nearly 5 years, 3 and a half with formal lessons.

"Drums

Drummers do not have a required piece but will be asked to play 3 contrasting selections. Choose from the list of 50 pre approved tunes. Please prepare 4 songs, one from each category. Swing, Ballad, and Straight Eight feel (Latin or even eighth jazz) and Waltz ¾. You may be asked to play an extended solo as well as trade 4’s or 8’s with the rhythm section.

You will prepare 4 selections but will only be asked to play 3 songs in total. "

Also, a link to all the pre-approved songs

http://www.music.utoronto.ca/students/prospective/undergrad/BMus_ArtD/Requirements/Audition/audreqjazz/suggestions.htm (http://www.music.utoronto.ca/students/prospective/undergrad/BMus_ArtD/Requirements/Audition/audreqjazz/suggestions.htm)

Any advice is appreciated, thanks in advance.

*JOHN FAVICCHIA *

01-06-2009, 04:41 PM

Hey Gavin-

Happy New Year!!! I had a blast in Austin!!!

Tom Sawyer

01-06-2009, 05:09 PM

Hey Gavin-

Happy New Year!!! I had a blast in Austin!!!
That is a great picture. You guys must have had loads of fun!

Gavin Harrison

01-08-2009, 10:24 PM

Hi Drizzle

Hey Gavin any progress on th double drop clutch?

No progress to report at this moment.

Hi drumbumhamza

I just got a 13x7 Sonor Amboina and it's fantastic. :) aah going deeper than 5"
i was wondering... exactly how the sound of that snare would differ from a 13x5 of the same series...same make...same wood and number of plies.... ?

It has a nice beefyness to it - I don't have a 13x5 of the same series - so I can't compare it.

Hi JacentyS

For fun and practice, I decided to try and recreate the sound of your kit based on 'She's moved on' from Deadwing. The sound was sculpted from scratch using Addictive Drums sampler.

I don't quite understand - are you playing an electronic kit and triggering sounds in a sampler? Maybe you can explain to me a bit more about "Addictive Drums Sampler".

Since there's no person that knows your sound better, can you tell me what could I improve?

The snare is sounding a bit "splat" to me - but I'm not sure what you're really trying to achieve here.

Hi Alex P.

1 - In "Nil Recurring", at 4' 05", and 4' 14", between the hi-hat and the ride,
is it RLLRRLRL LRRLR, or, RLRLRLRL RLRLR, or, RLLRLLRL LRLLR ??
Or maybe it's something else...

I think it's this R l r r l l R l r r l l R L . The "R"s are on the bell and with a bass drum the "l" are on the hi hat and the last "L" is the snare drum accent

2 - Still in "Nil Recurring" ; the end is very hard to transcribe... Do you think this is
good (picture below) ?

I don't know because it's going so fast. HAHAHAHA

Hi Nisstyre56

Anyway, on to the point. I am planning on applying to the Jazz program for percussion at the University of Toronto for 2010. Now, I need to do an audition. I would love any advice you can give, because I will have to be playing on a completely new kit, and I will have to be playing with completely new musicians (rhythm section) along to the songs I am going to be learning.Any advice on preparing for this? I will have over a year to prepare, take more lessons, etc...

My advice would be to learn the 4 songs inside out - and when the day of the audition comes - really open your ears and LISTEN - don't try to impress the judges with flashy stuff - they have seen it all before. Try to pick up on what the other musicians are playing and show the judges that you can play musically. Try to keep the time as nice as possible and play a supportive role.

cheers
Gavin

ItalianRicky

01-09-2009, 02:46 AM

hi gavin!
is everything ok?
i need 2 advices by you...
1 - i'm actually using a 17" and a 18" crashes, but i wanna extend my crash sounds...i play usually pop, what do you can suggest me?16"?15"?14"?there's a model of crash that you want to suggest me?i like A custom and K sounds...consider yourself free to tell me all that you want!!! ^_^
2 - i'm actually using a 14"x5.5" maple snare. and a 10"x5.5" brass piccolo snare.
i'm thinking about a new snare, for secondary role.
There's some sizes that you consideer very versatile?
12" snares?
thanks for your time gavin!
again happy new 2009!
Riccardo ^^

cantstandyourfunk

01-09-2009, 02:23 PM

ahhhh! Going to catch Opeth live at Chennai on Jan. 25. Can't wait to interview Mike Akerfeldt. PT will be a big part of that discussion, I presume :)

Gavin Harrison

01-10-2009, 12:43 PM

Hi ItalianRicky

1 - i'm actually using a 17" and a 18" crashes, but i wanna extend my crash sounds...i play usually pop, what do you can suggest me?16"?15"?14"?there's a model of crash that you want to suggest me?i like A custom and K sounds...consider yourself free to tell me all that you want!!! ^_^

I would suggest a 15" K Dark Crash thin.

2 - i'm actually using a 14"x5.5" maple snare. and a 10"x5.5" brass piccolo snare.
i'm thinking about a new snare, for secondary role.
There's some sizes that you consideer very versatile?12" snares?

I like 12x5 a lot.

cantstandyourfunk

ahhhh! Going to catch Opeth live at Chennai on Jan. 25. Can't wait to interview Mike Akerfeldt. PT will be a big part of that discussion, I presume :)

Mike is a great guy - you'll have a really nice time.

cheers
Gavin

ItalianRicky

01-10-2009, 02:44 PM

thank you master!
always helpful!!

Riccardo

Gus

01-10-2009, 05:59 PM

Hi Gavin

Thank you for the advice you did on Vic Firth interview of Art Farmer's 'Crawl Space', in one word: WOW!. I knew about 'big blues' -love Jim Hall-, but not about this. Unfortunately is not avalaible on cd -discontinued-, it´s a shame. So just mp3

Do you like Miles Davis 'In a silent way'?.
Is not very interesting for a drummer, but a lot of rhythm work behind from the three pianists.

Best regards
Gustavo

jez-

01-11-2009, 06:16 AM

ahhhh! Going to catch Opeth live at Chennai on Jan. 25. Can't wait to interview Mike Akerfeldt. PT will be a big part of that discussion, I presume :)

Where will you post the interview?

Joe P

01-11-2009, 09:20 AM

Gavin,
When you want to try out new ideas in a musical context, do you ever play along with songs (or even drumless tracks)? Do you ever just make a groove in a sequencer so you can play along to it?

Alex P.

01-11-2009, 03:32 PM

Hello everyone,
Hello Gavin,

I finally finished the transcription of "Nil Recurring" !
I hope everything is well-legible, especially the 7/8 part, and the end.

And i have some little questions:

1 - How did you work your "fills", find your "vocabulary" ? Because when I do jam session with other musicians, I am a bit lock, and I play often the same fills.

2 - Do you remember wich snare drum you use in the song "Sleep Together"? I really like the sound !

Thanks for the time you take to read and answer all these questions !!

Sincerely

Alex P.

Gavin Harrison

01-11-2009, 10:56 PM

Hi Gus

Thank you for the advice you did on Vic Firth interview of Art Farmer's 'Crawl Space', in one word: WOW!. I knew about 'big blues' -love Jim Hall-, but not about this. Unfortunately is not avalaible on cd -discontinued-, it´s a shame. So just mp3

Yes I was lucky to find it on CD in Japan. It's a must have record.

Do you like Miles Davis 'In a silent way'?.
Is not very interesting for a drummer, but a lot of rhythm work behind from the three pianists.

Yes it's a great record.

Hi Joe P

When you want to try out new ideas in a musical context, do you ever play along with songs (or even drumless tracks)? Do you ever just make a groove in a sequencer so you can play along to it?

When I think of new ideas - I don't really play them along to music to see how it fits - I do try to record it either on the computer as audio - or on paper as notation - which is actually more useful because from there it's easy to see how you can manipulate the idea by trying some displacement and modulation or adding or subtracting a beat or two to see how it feels in a different time signature. Sometimes I play along with albums and find that I have different ideas to the drummer on the record - and that can be a good place to start.

Hi Alex P.

I finally finished the transcription of "Nil Recurring" !
I hope everything is well-legible, especially the 7/8 part, and the end.

Fantastic work !!!!!!! Well done - that was a big project I'm sure.

1 - How did you work your "fills", find your "vocabulary" ? Because when I do jam session with other musicians, I am a bit lock, and I play often the same fills.

Of course like anyone I have some stock ideas and vocabulary - but I try to break them down into small segments that can be reshuffled to make newer ideas. When I play fills I try to think of concepts rather than actual fills - that way I'm more likey to play something new and surprise myself. For instance if (just before a fill) you tell yourself to "play a fill starting on the 2nd 16th note play some hand foot combinations and slip a triplet in there somewhere". - you make up the fill to fit the concept. Otherwise you keep relying on things you've worked out beforehand. To be creative and spontaneous is a hard thing and you have to put yourself mentally in the right space first. Thinking more abstractly is going to help you.

2 - Do you remember wich snare drum you use in the song "Sleep Together"? I really like the sound !

It would have been my old Yamaha RC 14x5.

Cheers
Gavin

colinjnk

01-12-2009, 04:03 AM

Hi Gavin,

Do you think an audio engineering job is any easier to get into than being a professional musician?

For the longest time I had thought I would "make it big" in the music business and make money being a professional musician, but eventually I realized that it might not be so easy to do and me practicing drums in my room all day wasn't going to help me get anywhere.

I decided to take classes on audio engineering, and I think that may be a lot better career wise.

Thanks a lot for taking the time to answer questions, keep up the fantastic work.

DTrocks

01-12-2009, 07:36 PM

Hi Gavin!

I recently got the january edition of modern drummer. Some really nice pictures of your kit there! I love it! Really great interview too.

But, what I was wondering was: Any news on PT's new live dvd? Really looking forward to it! It's going to be great to get some new live material from you guys!

Keep up the good work!

Cheers!

ItalianRicky

01-13-2009, 08:48 PM

hi master Gavin^^
i'm here just to tell you that i finally bought an 15" A custom fast crash ^^
I founded the crash that you suggest me, and i love it..amazing darker sound with a wonderful controlled decay, but the price was toom much expensive for me.
Thanks a lot for the advice, howewer.
I've tried a 12x5 maple snares without focus ring...i found it really nice!
But tell me...has a size like 12" a good tuning range?What head you'll put on it?

i'll show you my last custom "Gavin Bell"!!
it comes from a Sabian AAX 16" crash.
what do you think?
http://img65.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1130018na9.jpg
http://img397.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1130020fv5.jpg
http://img389.imageshack.us/my.php?image=p1130019ry7.jpg
Thanks!
Riccardo

Gavin Harrison

01-14-2009, 10:44 AM

Hi colinjnk

Do you think an audio engineering job is any easier to get into than being a professional musician?

I don't really know as I've never tried to be one - but I will say this - like many areas of the music world, recording studios are thin on the ground. There's lots of people out there with plenty of skill in that department who have no work.

Hi DTrocks

Any news on PT's new live dvd? Really looking forward to it! It's going to be great to get some new live material from you guys!

No news about it at the moment. We're busy writing and arranging the new album right now.

Hi ItalianRicky

I've tried a 12x5 maple snares without focus ring...i found it really nice!
But tell me...has a size like 12" a good tuning range?What head you'll put on it?

A 12" has a reasonable tuning range - obviously it won't go down very low. Normally I put a Remo Ambassador or C.S on it.

i'll show you my last custom "Gavin Bell"!! it comes from a Sabian AAX 16" crash.
what do you think?

It looks great - how does it sound?

cheers
Gavin

ItalianRicky

01-14-2009, 04:12 PM

Hi ItalianRicky

I've tried a 12x5 maple snares without focus ring...i found it really nice!
But tell me...has a size like 12" a good tuning range?What head you'll put on it?

A 12" has a reasonable tuning range - obviously it won't go down very low. Normally I put a Remo Ambassador or C.S on it.

i'll show you my last custom "Gavin Bell"!! it comes from a Sabian AAX 16" crash.
what do you think?

It looks great - how does it sound?

cheers
Gavin
I have the same idea about the 12" snare.It surely can't go down very low, but for that work there's my main snare.My interest are oriented in high pitches.I wanna understand if a 12" snare, in determined situations can be put in a high tension and have a sound that remember a 10" snare.This may be helpful, and give me the way to work with 2 snares, and no 3.I hope that you'll understand what i wanna say.This overall may be helpful in studio sessions.
Thanks.
The "Gavin bell"...
The bell seems to sound a little bit different from yours.
I remember a sound like a "TAiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinnnn" from your bells, my cymbal seems to be more focused.
i dunno if this is caused from the different cymbal type and making process (i'm comparing Zildjian and Sabian), if i remember well, i saw your bell in the rhytmic horizons clinic tour, and i recognize surely a cutted A custom and a cutted Z custom cymbal.
I thought that the mayor difference comes from the most bigger bell of my base cymbal.i remember that your bells have a little bell and a "plane" section larger than mine.
this may affect the sustain of my cymbal, probably.
But it seems to be pretty good, and this is howewer a point of start for my future custom works.
I want to try it in live contest, i think this may be the better way for understand the true utility of it.
i have another question.
next month i'll problably go in studio for a self producted pop recording session.
I play on a drumset very similar to your.and i wanna use if possible your sounds as reference for my drums, on this record.
I wanna ask you if you have a sample of you tom\floor toms,bassdrum sounds.i need to recognize as well each drum,and his sound.Or if won't take you so much time,if you can realize one for me.i don't need particolar sounds, i wanna hear as well you drum tuning.but i think that a lot of users may be helped from this =)
Thank you again.
thanks.
Riccardo

ps:under the bell, i'll wrote "Gavin Harrison ispirated" custom bell :D

loveporcupine

01-14-2009, 05:16 PM

Hi Gavin,

I've attented one year ago to your drum clinics in Basel and in Liestal.

got 3 questions:

- when will the tilburg dvd be released?
- will there be other recordings with 05Ric?
- In Basel I gave you a t-shirt printed with your name. was the size ok?

I have here 2 Jobs, one is my t-shirtshop www.domyshirt.ch and the other
is to make advertisment for your drumming!

hope to see you soon live again!
Lionel

MBruyere

01-14-2009, 11:29 PM

Hi Gavin!
I've been listening to "Drop" a lot lately and I was wondering if you and Ric had a producer or did you guys just do the whole album on your own? By the way, as a drummer with a lot of drum corps experience, mostly bass line, that is the kind of drumming I've always wanted to hear played! Thanks for making it happen!! Any word on when we can expect the new PT album, and any plans to tour the US to support it? Thanks for chatting us all up!!!

Marc

Gavin Harrison

01-15-2009, 12:41 PM

Hi ItalianRicky

I wanna ask you if you have a sample of you tom\floor toms,bassdrum sounds.i need to recognize as well each drum,and his sound., i wanna hear as well you drum tuning.but i think that a lot of users may be helped from this

You can clearly hear the pitches of my drums on my last DVD "Rhythmic Horizons" - Overriding Part 4 in the Lessons chapter. Last time I tested them the tuning of the 5 toms were this

tom 5 lowest
tom 4 augmented 5th above tom 5
tom 3 augmented 5th above tom 4
tom 2 perfect 4th above tom 3
tom 1 perfect 5th above tom 2

which would be in correspondence with

tom 5 G
tom 4 Eb
tom 3 A
tom 2 D
tom 1 A

Hi loveporcupine

- when will the tilburg dvd be released?

No news about that yet

- will there be other recordings with 05Ric?

Yes we're just finishing our new CD I predict a release around the end of February

- In Basel I gave you a t-shirt printed with your name. was the size ok?

Yes - thanks.

Hi MBruyere

I've been listening to "Drop" a lot lately and I was wondering if you and Ric had a producer or did you guys just do the whole album on your own?

No - we did the whole thing on our own.

Any word on when we can expect the new PT album, and any plans to tour the US to support it?

Yes we are expecting the new album to come out this autumn and there will be US and Euro gigs to support it.

cheers
Gavin

jez-

01-16-2009, 08:49 AM

Hi Gavin!

Just a quick question. Can you confirm that this video is from the upcoming PT DVD?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWoOF4tZ6yU

Or is it not?

Thanks a lot!

trkdrmr

01-16-2009, 09:09 AM

I thought I would add my non-drumming genius .02 pence:

Gavin Harrison: Voted MD's "Best prog drummer of the year."

MD is slow. I figured that out a long time ago.

Your other accomplishment is to make those watching your DVD humble.

I like to have clear drumming goals to strive for. It just hurts my brain when ONE musical genius provides a whole years worth of striving.

Great job! Great kit!

Excuse me, I must now lick my drumming wounds. ;)

Gavin Harrison

01-16-2009, 12:39 PM

Hi jez-

Just a quick question. Can you confirm that this video is from the upcoming PT DVD?

No - that has nothing to do with the DVD.

cheers
Gavin

drumbumhamza

01-16-2009, 04:18 PM

Hey,
I'l be conducting a Polyrhythm workshop in a week and would like any drummer's comments on my notes (especially Mr. Harrison's).
If you find any mistakes please let me know.

Also its a text file so make sure Word Wrap is on.

Cheers and thanks,
Hamza

Paul Nasstrom

01-16-2009, 08:24 PM

Hi again Gavin! You may rembember that I earlier mentioned my broken left wrist? Well the cast has been taken of! I'm so stoked to be back on the drumchair. It's like drumming is much more fun than before! I spend a lot more time practising than before. Just great.. Well back the questioning:

1. I'm wondering if you have ever injured yourself so that you couldn't play for a period of time? Anyway, if you did how did you deal with getting back on drums? Maybe it was no problem at all?

2. My drumteacher in school gave me homework yesterday. We sat down and he showed me how to play "50 ways to leave your lover" by Steve Gadd. I have only played for about 1 year more or less, and I think it fits my skill. Well, my question is what you think about the song from a drum point of view. Is it (the verse groove) a good groove practising for coordination and such? I personally think that it was a bit tricky at first playing with my left hand (the previously broken) on the hi-hat. And i normaly don't work the hi-hat pedal in that way.. Well to sum it up I basicly just wanted to tell you that I think it's a very fun groove and wanted to hear your thoughts on that Gadd classic. :)

Good luck with the new PT album! Can´t barely wait! And keep on inspiring guys like me! Bye!

Audiopusher

01-18-2009, 01:23 AM

Hello Mr. Harrison,

I was introduced to Porcupine Tree, and your drumming, back in 2002 with the release of "In Absentia." I've been a huge fan of the band's music ever since, have seen you live three times (New York and Los Angeles) and am always impressed with your playing.

You've also had a tremendous influence on my nephew Aaron, who continues to play drums everyday, using PT's music as a guide, along with a variety of other bands and musicians.

I wanted to thank you for your contributions to the landscape of drumming. You've had a great impact on people you don't even know. Please consider yourself very blessed!

I also owe you an apology. In 2005, I had the pleasure of attending a show at Irving Plaza in New York City, (the "Deadwing" tour). I attended the show with a friend of mine at the time, PT's then mastering engineer Andy VanDette.

We were able to go backstage before the show to meet the band - an experience I've never forgotten. On the way in, I tripped over a pair of shoes, and turned back to see someone picking them up from the floor, looking a bit displeased. To make matters worse, I didn't have the courtesy to apologize, and went into another room to meet the band. I had the pleasure of meeting Steven Wilson, Richard Barbieri, and had a really nice conversation with Colin Edwin. I was looking around for you however, as you were the one I was most anxious to meet (and frankly, really didn't know what you looked like at the time).

It occurred to me, as the band went up on the stage, that it was your shoes that I tripped over, and it was you I was looking at picking them up.

As I've no way to personally apologize for my rudeness, I felt it would be best posted here. With that sir, I humbly apologize for that unfortunate event back in 2005. You guys played an awesome set that night, and I left the show on a real natural high. It, strangely, has always been hampered with the remembrance of tripping over your shoes, and my impoliteness thereafter. I humbly apologize to you for that.

You remain a true inspiration to me as a musician, playing in one of the greatest bands I've had the pleasure of listening to. I hope you continue on a successful career with PT, and I look forward to hearing more music from PT in the future.

To the other members of this forum, please excuse my rambling. Thanks for reading.

Kindest Regards,

Dave

Gavin Harrison

01-18-2009, 04:07 PM

Hi drumbumhamza

I'l be conducting a Polyrhythm workshop in a week and would like any drummer's comments on my notes (especially Mr. Harrison's).
If you find any mistakes please let me know.

I had a quick look through - but I haven't got the time to read it all carefully - also I find it very hard to read tabs. Nothing jumped out at me as wrong - but as I said I didn't spend a long time studying it.

Hi Paul Nasstrom

1. I'm wondering if you have ever injured yourself so that you couldn't play for a period of time? Anyway, if you did how did you deal with getting back on drums? Maybe it was no problem at all?

No (touch wood) I haven't injured myself so much that I couldn't play.

2. My drumteacher in school gave me homework yesterday. We sat down and he showed me how to play "50 ways to leave your lover" by Steve Gadd.

It's a great fun pattern to play - but bear in mind that it's really hard to play it accurately and really in time. The way to check that would be to play it and record it. When you listen back to it - just play along to your recording with hand to hand 16ths on the hi hat - and see if it feels ok to you. Of course it's also really worth practising it to a metronome.

Cheers
Gavin

drumbumhamza

01-18-2009, 05:26 PM

Thanks a ton for your time...I'l be playing and explaining some of your parts (hope you dont mind).

I was wondering if you've had a chance to play the new Pearl Demondrive Pedals and if you've seen or heard about the new Danny Carey Signature 14x8 Bronze snare

rickpero

01-19-2009, 08:27 PM

Hello Mr Harrison it's a great pleasure to have the chance to chat directly with you. i(unfortunately) only discover PT just 2 months ago and i have to say that you rock my world!!!!!!. I've been playing drums on and off for about 17 years and for the last 14 years(i'm 35 now) i've been listening progressive kind of music but lately(5 years i think) i felt that something was missing. i started hearing Toto in my teens and then i heard a lot of music: trash, death, speed, power, etc and one day in a forum i heard about you and PT. of course Modern Drummer's award (i'm a portnoy fan but...) made my head turn toward you but was in december when i listened in Absentia and you turn on the light inside of me, you make practice again, and i have some questios for you.
How do you aproach your hi hat?(there's so much in your hi hat work than meets the ears!!!!)
What hi hat cymbals do you use?
any advice for timming? (i feel you precise but no mechanical at all!!!!!!!)
how do you develop your groove? it's insane my friend!!!(sorry to everybody but you bring Jeff Porcaro to my mind and i really love Mr Porcaro's playing)
i'm in awe with your chops to play ballads, rock, progressive, jazz. How do you acomplish that???
How do tou tune your drums (they sound completely amazing to me!!!)
After hear a lot of PT albums(specially those in which you play drums) my drum mates hear about you(of course i did that jeje) and they are charmed with your playing too.
Thanks for your playing and for be an inspirational player and person in other people's life!!!
I live in Colombia any chance of a live gig with PT?
thanks four your kindness(and sorry for my english), and thanks for make me love drums again and for show me a different aproach to them!!!! thanks for your music
atte
Richard

Paul Nasstrom

01-19-2009, 09:27 PM

Hi Gavin, Sorry to bother, but I have a question again. :)

I really love "no twilight between the courts of the sun" from Wilson's Inurgentes. It's probably my favourite on the entire album. One big reason I love it so much is the wicked groove in the intro and in all the other more mellow parts. I know I don't have chops enough to actually play it, but maybe if you could point out a few specific things about it maybe I could at least play along a little bit. So.. I'm not very good att counting odd times.. What time-signature is it in? Or do you have any other way of making it more clear how to play it?

Anyways, I reeeally love the drums in that song! Keep on inspiring, Gavin!
Thanks in advance!

Gavin Harrison

01-19-2009, 10:06 PM

Hi drumbumhamza

I was wondering if you've had a chance to play the new Pearl Demondrive Pedals and if you've seen or heard about the new Danny Carey Signature 14x8 Bronze snare

I haven't played or seen the Pearl pedals up close. I'm sure they feel good as the direct link (instead of a chain or strap) is the same kind of thing that Axis have been doing for years. I saw a photo of the Sonor Danny Carey snare drum - I haven't played one.

Hi rickpero

How do you aproach your hi hat?(there's so much in your hi hat work than meets the ears!!!!) What hi hat cymbals do you use?

I don't really know - it's obviously a very expressive part of the drumset and certainly one that can really define your sound and style. I spent a lot of time listening to Steve Gadd and Jeff Porcaro - and would try to emulate some of the things I heard them do with it.

any advice for timming? (i feel you precise but no mechanical at all!!!!!!!)
how do you develop your groove?

Yes - just spend your whole life working on it until it starts to sound good to you.

i'm in awe with your chops to play ballads, rock, progressive, jazz. How do you acomplish that???How do tou tune your drums (they sound completely amazing to me!!!)

I know you have a lot of questions and I don't want to bore other readers with the same old answers - so I suggest you have a search through this thread. When you are logged in - a new "search this thread" tool appears at the top of this page.

I live in Colombia any chance of a live gig with PT?

We have no plans to come to Columbia at the moment.

Hi Paul Nasstrom

I really love "no twilight between the courts of the sun" from Wilson's Inurgentes. It's probably my favourite on the entire album. What time-signature is it in? Or do you have any other way of making it more clear how to play it?

It's 21/8 but I was thinking of it as two bars of 4/4 followed by one bar of 5/8

Cheers
Gavin

NeuroAxis

01-20-2009, 07:02 PM

Gavin -

I just picked up Steven Wilson's 'Insurgentes,' excellent work. I particularly like Harmony Korine and No Twilight Within the Courts of the Sun.

I just had a question about the drum tracks. On certain tracks it's obvious that you are playing, but on others it sounds almost like Steven is using samples of your drumkit for drum loops. Do you know if he did this at all or was it all your playing?

supermac

01-21-2009, 01:34 PM

Hi Gavin,

I really enjoy how you put one, two or several-beat tom accents and patterns into your grooves.

Often they seem random, but they sound really nice.

I'd like to employ this approach more (when musically suitable), rather than just lay out straight hi-hat/snare and ride cymbal/snare grooves.

Clearly this comes from your fusion background and your interest in Steve Gadd etc.

How do you approach using your toms in grooves?

Cheers

Gavin Harrison

01-21-2009, 02:59 PM

Hi NeuroAxis

I just picked up Steven Wilson's 'Insurgentes,' excellent work. On certain tracks it's obvious that you are playing, but on others it sounds almost like Steven is using samples of your drumkit for drum loops. Do you know if he did this at all or was it all your playing?

Yes Steve does have samples of my drums which I think are on tracks like "Forgiveness" other tracks let "Get All You Deserve" that's me playing. There's quite a lot of straight drumming on the album.

Hi supermac

I really enjoy how you put one, two or several-beat tom accents and patterns into your grooves. Often they seem random, but they sound really nice. How do you approach using your toms in grooves?

Yes I like doing that (as you do) to spice up a drum part or just throw in some random accents. I think you might like my new project with 05Ric - there's some good examples of that.

cheers
Gavin

miha

01-21-2009, 11:07 PM

Yes I like doing that (as you do) to spice up a drum part or just throw in some random accents. I think you might like my new project with 05Ric - there's some good examples of that.

New demo is awesome! In MD interview you've said the drumming on Drop was the hardest thing you ever did. Are you raising the bar once more? ;))

Are you playing some additional instrument? I mean when you have ideas for new rhythms, do you just record the drum part, or play & write down music as well? I'm considering learning bass guitar, to be able to really get the grooves down. I think being a drummer and a bass guitarist is a golden combo. I just hope I'm not too much of an anti guitar talent... :P

Yes Steve does have samples of my drums which I think are on tracks like "Forgiveness" other tracks let "Get All You Deserve" that's me playing. There's quite a lot of straight drumming on the album.

Sorry for my poor English (it's been awhile since my last class ;), you're not drumming to "Get All You Deserve"?

ItalianRicky

01-22-2009, 12:38 AM

Hi Gavin,how're you?
i have a pair of questions for you.
1 - if i remember well, you usually put coated diplomat heads as tom's (and floor toms) bottom head.
can you explain me your choice?
2 - you bassdrum sound, especially on pasic video, is very hard, lot of attack and a little sustain.Is it an mixing effect?or is it caused by the drum head and something inside the drum?
what drumhead do you put on your bassdrum?

thanks a lot.
cheers from Italy
Riccardo

Gavin Harrison

01-22-2009, 03:37 PM

Hi miha

New demo is awesome! In MD interview you've said the drumming on Drop was the hardest thing you ever did. Are you raising the bar once more? ;))

I hope so!!!

Are you playing some additional instrument? I mean when you have ideas for new rhythms, do you just record the drum part, or play & write down music as well?

Yes I play bass and guitar - but not very well.

you're not drumming to "Get All You Deserve"?

sorry for the confusion - yes I play on that track.

Hi ItalianRicky

1 - if i remember well, you usually put coated diplomat heads as tom's (and floor toms) bottom head. can you explain me your choice?

For the past few years I actually prefer Remo Clear Ambassadors on the bottoms of the toms. I've tried all sorts of heads on the bottom - including snare reso heads - but finally I settled on the Ambassadors.

2 - you bassdrum sound, especially on pasic video, is very hard, lot of attack and a little sustain.Is it an mixing effect?or is it caused by the drum head and something inside the drum? what drumhead do you put on your bassdrum?

I have a large pillow in there - but please remember that you're hearing that PASIC bass drum is from a tiny camera mic about 10 metres away. I use the Remo Clear Powerstroke 3 on the batter side.

cheers
Gavin

trysthedrummer

01-22-2009, 08:45 PM

Hi miha

New demo is awesome! In MD interview you've said the drumming on Drop was the hardest thing you ever did. Are you raising the bar once more? ;))

I hope so!!!

My favourite track so far is 'Sometime.' I've never heard a piece of music so beautifully written. Such a melodic and sad sounding track, -lovely tom work. Does 05ric do those eerie sounds on his bass? And is it pronounced Osric?

-Trys

miha

01-22-2009, 09:40 PM

My favourite track so far is 'Sometime.' I've never heard a piece of music so beautifully written. Such a melodic and sad sounding track, -lovely tom work. Does 05ric do those eerie sounds on his bass? And is it pronounced Osric?

-Trys

Same here, mate! "Sometime" is my favourite track too, one of the best there is, even. This one is pure emotion. You hardly notice the technical stuff, it's so overwhelming and everything fits so damn well. Just beautiful...

ProgJazzy(QC)

01-23-2009, 04:15 AM

Hi Gavin, just saying hi from Quebec in Canada!!, cant wait to see Porcupine Tree back in Quebec City , it was so nice(September 2007), i hope you'll play again in Quebec for the next north american tour once the next album goes out!

I have 2 questions:

First: On Vic firth website ive watched your whole interview videos and i must say they are very inspiring, on the video where you play Slippin' Away , on the first few seconds of the video what is the pattern your using between your hi hat and snare drum. I might be mistaken but is this a paradiddle didle? or some kind of six stroke roll? and what is the sticking (this remind me the paradiddle groove of Steve Gadd!)

Second: I know you mentioned (somewhere in this forum) that recording yourself while practicing was the best method to show how precise both your arms and legs were, since i cant find any of this type of recorder do you any software that could useful or any machine that could help me out ?

By the way, sorry for any messy grammar , im a french canadian! , and your truly an inspiration for me !

Cheers and Thanks!!!

Gavin Harrison

01-24-2009, 02:08 PM

Hi trysthedrummer,

Does 05ric do those eerie sounds on his bass? And is it pronounced Osric?

Yes he does - and it's pronounced oh-five-Ric.

Hi ProgJazzy(QC)

First: On Vic firth website ive watched your whole interview videos and i must say they are very inspiring, on the video where you play Slippin' Away , on the first few seconds of the video what is the pattern your using between your hi hat and snare drum. I might be mistaken but is this a paradiddle didle? or some kind of six stroke roll? and what is the sticking (this remind me the paradiddle groove of Steve Gadd!)

Yes it's very Gadd inspired - it's triplet 16ths in a pattern of 5/8 (here is the whole pattern repeated twice to make a bar of 5/4)

24048

the hard part is repeating that pattern over 8 bars of 4/4 and coming out the other side of it.

Second: I know you mentioned (somewhere in this forum) that recording yourself while practicing was the best method to show how precise both your arms and legs were, since i cant find any of this type of recorder do you any software that could useful or any machine that could help me out ?

I use Logic Pro on a Mac computer - but there are lots of computer recording software that (once you've recorded yourself) you can zoom into the wave shapes and see what's going on.

cheers
Gavin

trysthedrummer

01-24-2009, 08:28 PM

Yes he does - and it's pronounced oh-five-Ric. That's ok then it's what I've been saying. Chearss.

drummer girl09

01-25-2009, 05:49 AM

Hey Gavin,

I don't know if this question has been asked before, but how often/long do you practice, and what does it consist of?

Do you have any songs one where you play things like the bongos or djembes, etc.? I am interested in hearing them.

Thanks!

ItalianRicky

01-25-2009, 04:13 PM

some pages ago, you gave me a older photo about you with claudio baglioni.
I saw that you're using 4 crashes.
if i'm right you has 18 K crash and a 15" K crash on your right side, and a 17" crash in front\left position.the crash in the most left position was a 16"???
the drums in that photo is an yamaha recording custom?if you have some photos of claudio's era, can you post (or send) me some?I saw on some photos that your cymbal setup have changed many times in that years.Overall the splash position...and i wanna study your setups, and find some good solutions for my set,especially for cymbals. ;)
like always...thanks master!!
good weekend!! ^_^

pzimmerdrummer03

01-25-2009, 09:09 PM

Hey Gavin,
Lemme start by first saying that you rule! I have not seen creativity like yours since Bruford; it is very welcoming. I assume it is a total trip to play for crimson!
Anyhow, I live in California and I was wondering when or if PT is coming near here; I would love to see you guys in concert!
Keep it up, You Annihilate!
-Paul

jez-

01-26-2009, 06:13 AM

Gavin Harrison

01-26-2009, 02:07 PM

Hi drummer girl09

I don't know if this question has been asked before, but how often/long do you practice, and what does it consist of?

I try to play everyday - and I'm lucky that I have my drums setup ready to go in my studio at home. I tend to practice concepts, coordination and timing exercises. I don't really do muscle exercises too much - occasionally on a pad just for a warm up. I like to improvise and try to create new ideas.

Do you have any songs one where you play things like the bongos or djembes, etc.? I am interested in hearing them.

I have played percussion on many tracks - but none that are a real feature.

Hi ItalianRicky

some pages ago, you gave me a older photo about you with claudio baglioni. I saw that you're using 4 crashes. if i'm right you has 18 K crash and a 15" K crash on your right side, and a 17" crash in front\left position.the crash in the most left position was a 16"???

If I remember correctly - from left to right it was : 17" 18" 16" 18"

the drums in that photo is an yamaha recording custom?

No, the snare drum is - the rest of that kit was Pearl. I took off my bells for that photo.

if you have some photos of claudio's era, can you post (or send) me some?I saw on some photos that your cymbal setup have changed many times in that years.Overall the splash position...and i wanna study your setups, and find some good solutions for my set,especially for cymbals. ;)

I don't think I have any more photos from Claudio's tours on my computer.

Hi pzimmerdrummer03

Anyhow, I live in California and I was wondering when or if PT is coming near here; I would love to see you guys in concert!

We have no definite dates yet - but I believe we will be out there sometime around September/October this year supporting our next record. The dates will be announced first at porcupinetree.com

cheers
Gavin

glen thomas

01-27-2009, 05:32 PM

Hi Gavin.. Congrats on making the front cover of Modern Drummer. Great article.
I'm sure I speak for many that it was long over due ;-)

Anyways. I have a recording question for you. I've been doing a lot of recording
with bands over the years in my area as a hired gun but only recently was I
asked during a recent recording session to tune my snare drum
to the song. Frankly, it was annoying because the tension of my top drum head for certain tunes was loosened which drives me nuts. I play a lot of ghost strokes and the tension (tuning) changes for this 10 song album just got under my skin. When I heard the final product, to be honest, I was not impressed. In the old days I'm sure drummers like Stewart Copeland, Neil Peart or Buddy Rich never tuned their snares to the key of the song. Sometimes their snare sound was part of their style and identifying style and I highly doubt it was tuned to the song. I could just see Buddy Rich telling the engineer to drop dead. :-)
Anyways.. I'm recording yet another bands album in this same recording studio and yet again I get the "tune the snare to the song" speech again. I basically said, no, let's try it without that and the guy almost had a fit. He really went anal on this and I find that mind boggling to say the least.

My question to you is simply, do you tune your snare to each song you record and if so, did you do that with every album? Don't get me wrong.. I can tune my kit to make it sound sweet, but is this tuning the snare to the song necessary? In my 30 years of playing this is a first for me. I can talk to 10 of my best experienced drum buddies and listen to a recording and I'm sure none of them will say.. "HEY that snare is out of tune with the song". Sure, you can have a bad sound or a good sound, but out of tune with the song? Please.. what's your take on this?

Also.. do you gate your snare sound? This is also a first in this recording studio for me. The engineer pretty much gates out the ghost strokes. He's "gate" happy. I personally don't think he understands "ghost strokes" or gates. ;-)

Thanks Gavin.

Alex P.

01-27-2009, 07:26 PM

[/URL]Hello

I can't see the picture of your Blackest Eyes transcription anymore.

I don't know why all the pictures in this forum disappeared.
I'm trying an other way to post them.

Blackest Eyes:
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/2020/blackesteyes1ld6.jpg
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/9871/blackesteyes2tn9.jpg
[url]http://img57.imageshack.us/img57/4364/blackesteyes3sc3.jpg (http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7219/nilrecurring4ii6.jpg)

Here are the other transcriptions:

Lazarus:
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2585/lazarus1tv0.jpg
http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/3663/lazarus2xu4.jpg

Nil Recurring :
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/1650/nilrecurring1jk2.jpg
http://img300.imageshack.us/img300/3323/nilrecurring2ph9.jpg
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/472/nilrecurring3uy9.jpg
http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7219/nilrecurring4ii6.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/3616/nilrecurring5fq1.jpg
http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/3735/nomenclaturenilrecurrinqz0.jpg

Bye !!

Alex P.

Gavin Harrison

01-27-2009, 07:55 PM

Hi glen thomas

My question to you is simply, do you tune your snare to each song you record and if so, did you do that with every album? Don't get me wrong.. I can tune my kit to make it sound sweet, but is this tuning the snare to the song necessary?

No I've never tuned my snare to the key of the song. I don't have a ringy snare drum with a lot of overtones or harmonics to it that would bother most people. I have tuned it up or down of course to suit the style of the track - but when you start becoming aware of the pitch of it - then you're in for a whole load of trouble. It sounds like this engineer has really got it in his head that it should be in tune. Maybe try dampening your snare so that any ringing note disappears. That might placate him a bit more. Is he asking you to do it because the pitch of your snare bothers him - or he just thinks that it's a really cool thing to do?

Hi Alex.P
thanks for re-posting those transcriptions.

cheers
Gavin

genericdrummingusername

01-27-2009, 09:49 PM

WHOA Garvin Harrison! I just LOVE Dont Hate Me!

12:5

01-27-2009, 11:36 PM

hi gavin

i just wanted to drop in and ask you something 'bout your pasic-performance of the song 'so what'.
so here is my question (in fact two): at about 1:56 into the song you are doing what i think is a little cool illusion...you hit your tom and the hihat at the same time and it gives me as a listener the impression as if the song is slowing down during this fill...so what exactly are you doing here?

furthermore at 3:30 you play this great fill...what's going on there? is it in quintuplets?
a transcription would be great..
it is really exciting to listen to you because of these little extra things you incorporate.
have i mentioned your fingerfill on the snare?!

thanks in advance

ps:one short question i forgot to ask...is there a recording with decent audioquality of this perfomance?

glen thomas

01-28-2009, 04:30 AM

Hi glen thomas

My question to you is simply, do you tune your snare to each song you record and if so, did you do that with every album? Don't get me wrong.. I can tune my kit to make it sound sweet, but is this tuning the snare to the song necessary?

No I've never tuned my snare to the key of the song. I don't have a ringy snare drum with a lot of overtones or harmonics to it that would bother most people. I have tuned it up or down of course to suit the style of the track - but when you start becoming aware of the pitch of it - then you're in for a whole load of trouble. It sounds like this engineer has really got it in his head that it should be in tune. Maybe try dampening your snare so that any ringing note disappears. That might placate him a bit more. Is he asking you to do it because the pitch of your snare bothers him - or he just thinks that it's a really cool thing to do?
cheers
Gavin

Once again you are "the man"! Thanks for your response Gavin. I just think someone pumped this engineers head with the "tune your snare to the key of the song" thing.
Needless to say I recorded 12 tracks today and not a peep from him after I told him I wasn't tuning to each song. :-)

Glen

Gavin Harrison

01-28-2009, 12:21 PM

Hi 12:5

i just wanted to drop in and ask you something 'bout your pasic-performance of the song 'so what': at about 1:56 into the song you are doing what i think is a little cool illusion...you hit your tom and the hihat at the same time and it gives me as a listener the impression as if the song is slowing down during this fill...so what exactly are you doing here?

It's just 1/4 note triplets.

furthermore at 3:30 you play this great fill...what's going on there? is it in quintuplets?
a transcription would be great

Triplets in a sticking of 5 like R L R R L.

ps:one short question i forgot to ask...is there a recording with decent audioquality of this perfomance?

Not to my knowledge. I did record this piece for my DVD Rhythmic Horizons.

Hi glen thomas

Once again you are "the man"! Thanks for your response Gavin. I just think someone pumped this engineers head with the "tune your snare to the key of the song" thing.
Needless to say I recorded 12 tracks today and not a peep from him after I told him I wasn't tuning to each song. :-)

Glad to hear it - good for you. I have fought engineers in the past because they wanted to take the front head off my bass drum - but I refused.

cheers
Gavin

glen thomas

01-28-2009, 02:34 PM

Hi glen thomas

Once again you are "the man"! Thanks for your response Gavin. I just think someone pumped this engineers head with the "tune your snare to the key of the song" thing.
Needless to say I recorded 12 tracks today and not a peep from him after I told him I wasn't tuning to each song. :-)

Glad to hear it - good for you. I have fought engineers in the past because they wanted to take the front head off my bass drum - but I refused.

cheers
Gavin

Hi Gavin...

|O| Funny you should bring that up. I forgot to mention that this engineer also wanted to remove the front head on my kit along with the snare tuned to the key of the song thing. Needless to say I said "NO" to both. haha. He was a bit peeved but all was good after the recording got going. :-)

Thanks again Gavin for your input.

NeuroAxis

01-28-2009, 11:58 PM

Gavin -

I had a simple question about a certain hi-hat technique; I'm not sure of the actual name for it. It's one I've seen or heard you do a number of times (towards the beginning of 'Normal' from Nil Recurring, for example), and it involves kind of glancing the hi-hat pedal to crash the two hi-hats together rather than choke them together and hold them there for a quick chick sound.

I've been trying to get this down for awhile but I'm so inconsistent with the technique that I lose it altogether when trying to play it during a beat.

Do you have any tips for troubleshooting the technique, or possibly have any drills or exercises that halped you develop this technique?

Thanks...

NeuroAxis

01-29-2009, 12:09 AM

NeuroAxis

01-29-2009, 12:10 AM

whoops sorry about the double post

jimmyC

01-29-2009, 01:02 AM

Hi Gavin, Just wanted to say a couple of things:

1)Thanks for posting that Slippin' Away groove (5/8) - I saw "half" of it on another post a while back and found that it works great as a really smooth sort of halftime 5/8 shuffle.
2) Also, I have been working up the hihat pattern you said you got from Mr. Gould that's incorporated so nicely into Unsettled. Love it.
3) I am finding the practice routine bit you posted a while back, where you try to line up bass and hands perfectly, to be a great challenge - playing hands and feet in unison is a LOT harder than it may seem to some but, like you said, practicing that way makes grooves you play afterwards very smooth. I've spent so much time concentrating on alternating and filling up space that I forget how important "in unison" and silence/rests are - and challenging!

Your generosity is inspiring. Take care.

*JOHN FAVICCHIA *

01-29-2009, 02:38 AM

Hey GH-

Can you share you Axis pedal settings?

JF

Gavin Harrison

01-29-2009, 01:31 PM

Hi NeuroAxis

I had a simple question about a certain hi-hat technique. It's one I've seen or heard you do a number of times (towards the beginning of 'Normal' from Nil Recurring, for example), and it involves kind of glancing the hi-hat pedal to crash the two hi-hats together rather than choke them together and hold them there for a quick chick sound. Do you have any tips for troubleshooting the technique, or possibly have any drills or exercises that halped you develop this technique?

I would call it 'splashing' the hi hats. Steve Gadd explains this very well in his first video "up close". Basically you keep the front part of your foot on the pedal at all times - and whilst keeping the cymbals reasonably close together - you then bang you lower part (heel) onto the pedal and that should cause the two cymbals to splash together. To do this successfully you do need a quite large space between the two cymbals about an inch (or 3cms) at least - it also helps if the top cymbal isn't held too tightly in the hi hat clutch. I'm always amazed when I see drummers who have their hi hat cymbals about a 1/4 of an inch apart - it means that they can't really make this 'splashing' sound or get a decent 'chick' sound out of them. Two very useful tones from the left foot.

For anyone unsure of what we're talking about you can see it at the start of this video

http://www.drummerworld.com/Videos/gavinharrisonfutile.html

Hi jimmyC

Thanks for posting that Slippin' Away groove (5/8) - I saw "half" of it on another post a while back and found that it works great as a really smooth sort of halftime 5/8 shuffle.

It's the same pattern that I use at the end of a Porcupine Tree track called "Cheating The Polygraph"

I am finding the practice routine bit you posted a while back, where you try to line up bass and hands perfectly, to be a great challenge - playing hands and feet in unison is a LOT harder than it may seem to some but, like you said, practicing that way makes grooves you play afterwards very smooth. I've spent so much time concentrating on alternating and filling up space that I forget how important "in unison" and silence/rests are - and challenging!

I'm still practicing it too. Actually another surprisingly hard thing to do is to just play a samba bass drum pattern whilst pedaling 8ths with the hi hat foot - and making sure they REALLY line up.

Hi *JOHN FAVICCHIA *

Can you share you Axis pedal settings?

I've got the beaters set back around 7.5 inches from the head and I would say they are leaning back close to 45 degrees. The springs are on a medium tension.

Cheers
Gavin

intooder

01-29-2009, 06:26 PM

Gavin,

Just thought I'd stop by and compliment you on the drum part for the song Unsettled. I have heard some of your work with Porcupine Tree and other miscellaneous songs but that one I was really impressed with. It seems like the drums on that, truly, come alive and turn into a shape-shifting monster. I'm a big fan of a musician making the best of a given musical context, more so than a display of intricate chops, independence, or speed (although those things do help with expression). In my mind that song defines your abilities and approach very well and just has that Gavin sound to it :) I know it isn't easy to say in words, but any ideas on how went about coming up with your part to that song would be helpful. Did you have any more freedom as a musician in playing with 05Ric than others you have played with?

Thanks

Gish

Gavin Harrison

01-29-2009, 07:09 PM

Hi intooder,

Thanks for the kind words. We had written most of the album at that point but we still didn't have what we thought was a great opening track. So one day I just sat at the drums and imagined "what would I like to hear as the opening"? I messed around a bit and then stumbled across that tom figure - so I recorded it along with a couple of the groove sections and sent it to Ric. He came up with a load of stuff for it and so it was born. Me and Ric have total freedom to do whatever we want - there's no record company - management - publishers - or even expectation from any fans - because we didn't have any. And that's how we've approached our next record too - which we are mixing right now.
Hopefully I should have some previews of it on MySpace soon.

cheers
Gavin

intooder

01-29-2009, 08:57 PM

It must be a welcome change to have that freedom, especially for someone who makes a living as a musician, where in most cases you're at the mercy of the producer. Anyways, hopefully you enjoy your masterpiece as much as I do. I'm looking forward to hearing more from your collaboration with Ric.

trysthedrummer

01-29-2009, 08:57 PM

Ah sweet! Another record?! Time does fly by!

Drizzle

01-31-2009, 05:23 AM

NeuroAxis

01-31-2009, 10:04 PM

Hi Gavin,

I am planning on putting new heads on this weekend..and I was wondering if you could share with us how you tune them, not in what pitch, but the steps you take from mounting the head, to tuningmethod..... how you seat the head....

It doesnt have to be very precise...just in short....

Many drummers have many different technique's for mounting a new head, so I was just curious for your method...

Take care,
Dre

PS. thanks so much for being here for us mere mortals

I'm not Gavin but I've picked up some techniques in the last few years that have made a world of difference in my approach to replacing drumheads.

One is to use the exact same head on the top and bottom of the toms and floor toms. This is something I almost never see drummers do, and of course a lot of drummers get great sounds using different heads, but I have found that it really opens up the drum and lets it sing. A drum resonates the most when both of the heads are vibrating perfectly in phase with each other. The more the two heads differ in their physical characteristics the harder a time they have going into phase. Again, it's not like you can't get a good sound using two different heads but I really like the effect it has on the tone of the drum.

The other thing is to use a direct heat source like a hair dryer or a space heater and once you have the head seated on there for the first time and the tension rods cranked down a little bit and go around slowly around the edge of the head two or three times, just until the head is slightly warm to the touch. What it does is actually melt the plastic slightly to the leading edge of the drum. Shells that are sold as the same size will actually differ from brand to brand by hundredths of a millimeter so drumhead manufacturers accomadate for this by making sort of one-size-fits-all drumheads (which is why a new head will always wiggle a little bit on the shell before it has been stretched out). Taking the time to melt the head to the leading edge of the drum makes a world of difference when it comes time to tune it.

I know you came here for Gavin's advice and not mine, but these tips have worked really well for me ever since I started doing them.

Also check out Bob Gatzen; if there was such a thing as a PhD in drum head placement and tuning technique, he would have one. He has a great DVD called Drum Tuning Sound and Design and loads of good stuff on Youtube.

Hope this helps...

Drizzle

02-01-2009, 04:06 PM

Hi NeuroAxis....thanks for the reply...

I know how to replace and tune my drums....but every drummer has a different technique and I was just curious for Gavin's method....maybe pick up a helpfull tip along the way...

I did use a hairdryer in the past...I think I saw Bob Gatzen do it in his DVD...I also use a Tama Tension Watch sometimes....it helps you get the tension right all over the head...but it doesnt tune it though....

I mainly do it as Dave Weckl does in his instructional DVD, cause I think he has the best drum sound in the world today...The sound of his drumset on Multiplicity is just phenomenal...Watch Your Step (http://www.last.fm/music/Dave+Weckl+Band/_/Watch+Your+Step)

But following his instructions did not make my drums sound as beautifull as his.....hummmm strange...

I guess the biggest problem is expierence...I just dont play enough for me to have my heads replaced that much...

Take care,
Andre

Alex P.

02-01-2009, 05:00 PM

Hi everyone,
Hi Gavin,

I did the transcription of "Mellotron Scratch".
I think there are more ghosts notes but it's difficult to hear everything...

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/6352/mellotronscratch1zk2.jpg
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/8879/mellotronscratch2qp4.jpg
http://img131.imageshack.us/img131/4315/mellotronscratch3id6.jpg

Bye.... and good luck with the new PT and 05Ric albums !!

Alex P.

miha

02-01-2009, 08:57 PM

Hey Alex, nice work. What software are you using for transcribing?

Alex P.

02-01-2009, 09:15 PM

Hey Alex, nice work. What software are you using for transcribing?

Hi Miha, thanks!

Well, once I transcribed the part on a paper, I write it with the "Finale" software.

gibeachhead

02-02-2009, 01:46 AM

Hi Miha, thanks!

Well, once I transcribed the part on a paper, I write it with the "Finale" software.

Great job man, your work is very helpful.

Finale is great, I use it in Music Theory.

Gavin Harrison

02-02-2009, 12:12 PM

Hi Drizzle

I am planning on putting new heads on this weekend..and I was wondering if you could share with us how you tune them, not in what pitch, but the steps you take from mounting the head, to tuningmethod..... how you seat the head....It doesnt have to be very precise...just in short....

I don't think I do anything so out of the norm. I tune the bottom head first (ideally without the top head on). I put on the new head place the rim on and tighten the screws until they are finger tight. Then I use two drum keys at opposite points of the drum and start turning in small amounts. Then I move criss cross around the drum (always with 2 keys) and keep turning up a little at a time. I don't like the "tension watch" kind of things - I have used it and didn't like the results. Then I check the pitch just in front of each lug - but I push my finger into the middle of the head and that can help with eliminating some harmonics that are coming from other parts of the head and I can artificially raise the pitch so it's easier to hear a clear note by the lugs.
There's quite a bit of instinct going on because I've done this for so many years - I don't follow pitches from a piano/guitar or something. Once it's reasonably close I stretch the head by pushing my palm into the middle on the drum a couple of times - then I need to re-tune as the head settles in.
That's about it. The Bob Gatzen videos out there are really informative - and I like his advice about tuning.

cheers
Gavin

Iamperjay

02-02-2009, 07:37 PM

Hello Gavin, 2 question about tuning. On tour, do you find that you have to tweak your snare(top and bottom)heads in each different venue to get that perfect feel and sound? and do you subscribe to the method of slightly detuning the tension rods on either side of the snare strainers to get a fatter snare sound. I had read that Larrie Londin used this technique to get his incredible snare sound in the studio.

Liquid_Drummer

02-02-2009, 09:31 PM

Enjoying the snow storm Gavin ? Plenty of time for a nice warm drink and some practice eh ?

I hear you guys dont get snow very often and that you are getting a thumping. Hope it is enjoyable. I live in Kentucky where we just had two days of ice storms and 250,000 without power in the middle of a cold winter. Hope you folks in the UK dont have to deal with that mess..

Gavin Harrison

02-03-2009, 01:25 AM

Hi Iamperjay

On tour, do you find that you have to tweak your snare(top and bottom)heads in each different venue to get that perfect feel and sound? and do you subscribe to the method of slightly detuning the tension rods on either side of the snare strainers to get a fatter snare sound.

I don't feel the need to retune for the venue because I'm always mic'd. I've never tuned my drums for feel - only for sound. Sometimes I have loosened the tension rods by the snare bed. Usually I'm trying to avoid the snares sympathetically vibrating when I play some of the toms.

cheers
Gavin

euphoric_anomaly

02-03-2009, 06:23 AM

Gavin,

Would there be an easy way to explain playing, for instance, 7/8 in a 4/4 subdivision. Is that possible? Or am I getting the term subdivision confused? Any explanation would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for continuing to be such an inspiration.

Eric

Gavin Harrison

02-03-2009, 01:09 PM

Hi euphoric_anomaly

Would there be an easy way to explain playing, for instance, 7/8 in a 4/4 subdivision. Is that possible? Or am I getting the term subdivision confused?

Yes you can play in 7/8 whilst in 4/4 (or at least while something or someone else is playing in 4/4). Try playing to a 4/4 song and then start playing in 7/8 and see what happens. See if you can keep one eye/ear on the 4/4 whilst you're playing a pattern in 7/8 so you'll know when you've completed a cycle and landed back in sync with the downbeat in 4/4 - it's good rhythmic brain training. There are 2 ways of looking at it. 1) you play and think in 7/8 and wait for your pattern to sync back to the 4/4 downbeat and the only thing that is holding it together is the 8th note subdivisions that are common to both rhythms - or 2) you play and think in 4/4 and those bass drums and snare drums are just syncopation giving the illusion of a 7/8 pattern. If you write out a 7/8 pattern in 4/4 you'll see what I mean.

This kind of 'rhythmic curiosity' is how I developed my ideas for the books "Rhythmic Illusions" and then (based on how many ways you may perceive an illusion) "Rhythmic Perspectives".

cheers
Gavin

trysthedrummer

02-03-2009, 09:05 PM

I hear you guys dont get snow very often and that you are getting a thumping. Hope it is enjoyable. I live in Kentucky where we just had two days of ice storms and 250,000 without power in the middle of a cold winter. Hope you folks in the UK dont have to deal with that mess..

It hasn't been THAT bad. They do make a big fuss of it over here, other countries cope but for some reason it has to be on the news for about a week when some schools have been closed. Hmm.

DT91

02-05-2009, 10:58 AM

Hi Gavin,

I thought I'd go for something a bit out the norm here. Seeing as we're on a drum forum and you're a drummer and I'm a drummer and everyone else here is a drummer......

Do you play guitar? Or any other kind of instrument? I've seen the video of 19 days and am I right to assume you composed and played each piece?

I've recently started the guitar because I feel you can let out a whole different range of musical emotions so to speak. Whats your opinion?

Gavin Harrison

02-05-2009, 06:24 PM

Hi DT91

Do you play guitar? Or any other kind of instrument? I've seen the video of 19 days and am I right to assume you composed and played each piece?

Yes I play guitar, bass and keyboards (all pretty badly). The only things that I play on 19 Days are the drums and the marimba. The piano and one of the gamelans were played by Dave Stewart plus various other keyboard things. The second gamelan was played by Barbara Gaskin. Bass: Laurence Cottle, Guitar: Phil Palmer Trumpets: John Thirkell. I co-composed the piece with Dave Stewart.

cheers
Gavin

colinjnk

02-07-2009, 09:09 AM

Hi Gavin, I just purchased both of your DVDs today and I love them. I can't wait to go to jazz band rehearsal tomorrow and play around with some of the ideas I got from the videos!

Sorry if this has been asked before, I searched a bit but didn't find any info; maybe another member could help..

Did you record Slippin' Away II and Quite Firm yourself? I bought both tracks off of iTunes to play along with and while they're both great songs I was wondering if the particular arrangements you used in the DVD are available to purchase?

ItalianRicky

02-08-2009, 04:52 AM

hi gavin
how're you?
i have a question for you.
actually i'm working on a italian pop project, and your recordings (especially live records with claudio baglioni) are very helpful.
You've passed a lot of years here in italy, and your knowledge of Italian style of playing music (in this case, drumming) is amazing..Franco battiato, eugenio finardi...and many others.
have you some advices for play pop music?some tricks and ideas that you apply to make the music sounds more "GROOVY"?some advices?
thanks a lot.
greetings from Italy.
Riccardo

atman

02-08-2009, 06:46 PM

Gavin Harrison

02-08-2009, 10:24 PM

Hi colinjnk

Did you record Slippin' Away II and Quite Firm yourself? I bought both tracks off of iTunes to play along with and while they're both great songs I was wondering if the particular arrangements you used in the DVD are available to purchase?

Yes I did, and no they can't be purchased separately - sorry.

Hi ItalianRicky

You've passed a lot of years here in italy, and your knowledge of Italian style of playing music (in this case, drumming) is amazing..Franco battiato, eugenio finardi...and many others. have you some advices for play pop music?some tricks and ideas that you apply to make the music sounds more "GROOVY"?some advices?

Funnily enough I'm doing a Claudio Baglioni session right now in Milan. Every time I do a pop session it reinforces the idea to me that the timing is the most important thing and has to be very consistent. I try to find little spaces between the vocal lines to slip in a little bit of colouring - whether that's a triplet on the hi hat or a little tom hit or whatever - you need to keep it small.

Hi atman

Hi Gavin, I wonder if you could explain to me what kind of fill you did on the song "Fear of a blank planet" at 2:37seconds. is it a displacement of groups of fives? snare and crashes???? how do you do it? thank you very much.

I don't really know. I just listened to it and it sounds like a group of six (32nds) to me.

cheers
Gavin

Lachrymologist

02-09-2009, 03:02 AM

Hi Gavin, I wonder if you could explain to me what kind of fill you did on the song "Fear of a blank planet" at 2:37seconds. is it a displacement of groups of fives? snare and crashes???? how do you do it? thank you very much.

I don't really know. I just listened to it and it sounds like a group of six (32nds) to me.

cheers
Gavin
LOL!
I just came here to say that you are a huge inspiration to me. Your music really opened me up to a lot of new ideas, and I definitely am planning on getting your books and DVDs once I feel I am at the skill level where I can handle them haha.
Once again, thanks for all of your great music and the time that you take out of your affairs to help other drummers the world round.

ItalianRicky

02-09-2009, 07:05 PM

wow! really???are you recording with claudio?amazing!
but you're in milan just now???
there's the possibility of a little meeting?i've tried to send you a pm but the drummerworld database have some problems!

kotras

02-10-2009, 02:26 PM

Hi Gavin,
A have small guestion for you.Will you be any concert with Porcupine tree in the Czech republic?
Thanks for your answear.
Mates

Gavin Harrison

02-12-2009, 12:50 PM

Hi ItalianRicky

wow! really???are you recording with claudio?amazing!
but you're in milan just now???

Sorry - I'm already back in London.

Hi kotras

A have small guestion for you.Will you be any concert with Porcupine tree in the Czech republic?

I don't think we will be anytime soon. From the dates I've seen so far - Czech Republic were not on the list. It's usually our agent and manager who decide the countries and venues based on offers they receive. Maybe a Czech promoter hasn't requested us?

cheers
Gavin

ItalianRicky

02-13-2009, 01:43 PM

Hi ItalianRicky

wow! really???are you recording with claudio?amazing!
but you're in milan just now???

Sorry - I'm already back in London.

don't worry, thanks anyway!

dahop

02-14-2009, 01:42 PM

Hey Gavin,
I've been getting heavily into your playing lately. I love finding a new drummer to gain inspiration from, as I've done in the past with Ian Paice, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Omar Hakim, Marco Minnemann, JoJo Mayer etc. Your insights in the Vic Firth interviews are something I encourage all my students to see and hear.
I write a lot of solos for high school drum assessments and am currently working on one loosely dedicated to your playing style (crisp, dazzling fills, solid grooves and overt musicality.) Let me know if you'd like to look it over when it's done (in Sibelius 5.) It'd be an honour.
Thanks again for your hip playing (the Porcupine Tree dvd is awesome.) I was stoked to hear you're working with King Crimson as well, one of the greatest bands ever. Are you still in PT?
Hope to catch you down under sometime.
Cheers,
Dave Hopgood.
Drummer and Percussion teacher, South Australia.

Marcos

02-16-2009, 05:11 AM

Hi Gavin,
I‘m talkin from Brazil.
Can you indicate a Sonor snare drum to me? I saw some Sonor artist series, but I don‘t know the sound of these snares. My sister will send it to me from switzerland.
I want a "versatile" snare to play songs like Incognito to progressive rock (like you play).
What is your Hi-hat cymbals? Did you already use Hybrid Hi-hat Zildjian cymbals? Do you like it?
Thanks

loser_user

02-16-2009, 04:05 PM

Hi Gavin,

recently you wrote "Usually I'm trying to avoid the snares sympathetically vibrating when I play some of the toms". How do you do that?

Thanks for your advice,
Gernot

P.S. I can hardly wait for the release of the PT live CD for members of ROABP 2.0.

Alex P.

02-17-2009, 08:25 PM

Hi Gavin,

I have two questions for you:

- In the "Open Car" live version, how do you think of the rhythm (beats 2 and 3) - (see the picture below) ?

- Did you find any mistakes in the "Mellotron Scratch" transcription I posted few weeks ago?

Thanks very much !!

Bye

Alex P.

Joe P

02-18-2009, 04:04 AM

Hi Gavin,
- In the "Open Car" live version, how do you think of the rhythm (beats 2 and 3) - (see the picture below) ?

I thought it was 32nd notes starting on 2e.

Gavin Harrison

02-18-2009, 10:10 AM

Hi dahop

I write a lot of solos for high school drum assessments and am currently working on one loosely dedicated to your playing style. Let me know if you'd like to look it over when it's done (in Sibelius 5.) It'd be an honour.

Thanks - I'll take a look at it - but I don't have Sibelius - can you make it a pdf?

Hi Marcos

Can you indicate a Sonor snare drum to me? I saw some Sonor artist series, but I don‘t know the sound of these snares. My sister will send it to me from switzerland.
I want a "versatile" snare to play songs like Incognito to progressive rock (like you play).
What is your Hi-hat cymbals? Did you already use Hybrid Hi-hat Zildjian cymbals? Do you like it?

Selecting snares is a pretty personal thing. You should try to play one first. I like a lot of their snares but for different reasons and for different applications. Normally I use Zildjian 13" K hi hats.

Hi loser_user

recently you wrote "Usually I'm trying to avoid the snares sympathetically vibrating when I play some of the toms". How do you do that?

By carefully tuning the toms in relation to the snare drum pitch. Having only 8 strand snare wires helps too.

Hi Alex P.

- In the "Open Car" live version, how do you think of the rhythm (beats 2 and 3) - (see the picture below) ?

I would say that Joe P is right - 32nd notes in groups of 3 starting on the 2e

- Did you find any mistakes in the "Mellotron Scratch" transcription I posted few weeks ago?

I haven't had the time to go through it carefully but I had a quick look and it seems very good.

cheers
Gavin