Gavin Harrison here!

[Tolo]

Hi Gavin,

I would really pay to see you play Microburst Alert.....mindblowing, I hope you will use it in one of your clinics and someone post the video.....:-)

Ciao
Andrea

[zephead19]

Hi Gavin,

First of all I would like to say you are a mind blowing drummer. You truly are an inspiration for me to practice drumming more. I have one question on 19 days what is the splash mounted above your middle rack tom? and would you recommend it for more a rock style setting?

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Abhishek

Wanted to ask, the part before the main chorus, in 'Open Car', is that a very basic Illusion, or just displacing the back one note ahead?

Yes NeuroAxis is correct it's 17/8 but I try to disguise it to sound and feel like 4/4.

Hi Dont Taze Me Bro

First of all I have to ask, are you guys planning on adding on Arizona or Las Vegas dates over in the U.S. to your 2009 bill?

I'm pretty sure that we're not - but we will be back early next year for a much more extensive tour of the US - so there's a good chance we will play closer to where you live.

Another thing, I know you've probably been asked this plenty of times, whats the word on the new PT album? Can you give us a hint of what it may sound like and if you would, a potential release date?

I think it will be released around September time...but I can't describe what it sounds like.

Hi zephead19

I have one question on 19 days what is the splash mounted above your middle rack tom? and would you recommend it for more a rock style setting?

If you're talking about the film from my DVD - it's a Zildjian EFX 8" and it's very versatile - and I've used in many a rock setting too.

cheers
Gavin

[Muck]

Hi Gavin,

i love your drumming very much but haven't seen you live on stage yet. Maybe there will be an opportunity. Please allow me to ask you one question on behalf of a Porcupine Tree-Fan Group in a German social network community: We heard Porcupine Tree will be on tour in Germany in late 2009. Do you know when the complete schedule is ready? Some fans got first informations and some fear that in the surrounding of Cologne and Frankfurt won't be any concerts.
Can you give further information to that? (Please excuse our impatience ... ;-) )

Thank you very much for your time, your answer and most of all for your very great kind of drumming, which is absolutely inspiring. You are great!!

Greetings from Germany
Muck

[jez-]

Hi

Do you know who will be the supporting band in your upcoming Porcupine Tree gig in Helsinki, Finland? Thanks.

[Goran Lizdek]

Hey Gavin,

well first of all, just to let you that you have a fan in Sarajevo :)

Now, I have one question - if you could be so kind to tell me which snare drums did you use on these three songs (on their studio albums respectively):

1. The Start of Something Beautiful
2. Fear of a Blank Planet
3. Nil Recurring

Looking forward to next PT album!

Thanks

[daniele]

Hi Gavin,

Have you ever considered to use different heads on the toms? In studio too.I have thought this because sometimes i have little problem,like a very different sustain, for example...thank you!
P.S. I have listen the OSI album,and in "Terminal" your performance is fantastic!!!!! Very musical,expressive and fascinating,you're the usual genius..;)

[AndrewL]

Hey Gavin,

The drumming on Blood is amazing. One of the biggest standouts in the album for me was the time changes (or polyrythms?) about 2 minutes into False Start. I was wondering how that drum part came to be, from the fill to where it later speeds up. Jamming? Pre-concieved concepts? And what was it like playing in a much harder, more metal band than Porcupine Tree?

Can't wait to see you in Toronto this September, it'll be one of the best birthdays I could ask for!

[Trains']

Hey Gavin,

i have 2 questions for you.

1. Can you watch yourself playing? Like for reasons of tech. improvement or boredom? ;-)
2. I guess you've been to a lot of very different sounding studios, so i'd like to know what you think how big is the effect on your drumsound and for your playing ( dynamics? ).

Thank you very much!

B.

[Fox622003]

Hey Gavin, recently I've noticed there are days I don't feel I sound tight at all, and others I feel I sound way better, has this happened to you in the past? or even still happens? how do you cope with it? because it's been really annoying not to be able to really perform, and because of no apparent reason at all, the days seem randomly picked!
Thanks a lot.

Fox.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Muck

We heard Porcupine Tree will be on tour in Germany in late 2009. Do you know when the complete schedule is ready?

I don't know when the complete schedule is ready - the first place that any announcements are made is www.porcupinetree.com

Hi jez-

Do you know who will be the supporting band in your upcoming Porcupine Tree gig in Helsinki, Finland?

Yes we do have a support band - but I don't think it has been announced yet. Check our website above for the latest info.

Hi Goran Lizdek

Now, I have one question - if you could be so kind to tell me which snare drums did you use on these three songs (on their studio albums respectively):
1. The Start of Something Beautiful
2. Fear of a Blank Planet
3. Nil Recurring

On all of these songs it would be my old 1982 Yamaha RC 9000 14x5 - but as I've said before it's not all about the drum itself - there are many other factors that you're hearing as well. This is just a drum that I know very well and I'm very comfortable playing.

Hi daniele

Have you ever considered to use different heads on the toms? In studio too.

I've been using Remo coated Emperors on the toms since 1995. I haven't felt the need to change them as I'm very happy with the sound (live and in the studio).

Hi AndrewL

The drumming on Blood is amazing. One of the biggest standouts in the album for me was the time changes (or polyrythms?) about 2 minutes into False Start. I was wondering how that drum part came to be, from the fill to where it later speeds up. Jamming? Pre-concieved concepts? And what was it like playing in a much harder, more metal band than Porcupine Tree?

Thanks. I think I remember Jim asking me to do something 'creative' over that guitar riff - and I had an idea to play that polyrhythm. I worked it out so that 2/3 of the way through it seamlessly turned into a straight 4/4 beat. There's no speeding up - that's just part of the illusion - it's all in the same 4/4 tempo from start to end. It was good fun to play harder stuff - but I've never played it live so I don't know how strenuous that would be.

Hi Trains'

1. Can you watch yourself playing? Like for reasons of tech. improvement or boredom?

I don't quite understand your question - do you mean: 'can I bear to watch myself playing?' or 'do I have the facility to watch myself playing'?

2. I guess you've been to a lot of very different sounding studios, so i'd like to know what you think how big is the effect on your drumsound and for your playing ( dynamics? ).

The sound of the room is VERY important - it would effect the way that I play for sure. Some rooms can make you feel inspired - and others make it feel like a real struggle.

Hi Fox622003

Hey Gavin, recently I've noticed there are days I don't feel I sound tight at all, and others I feel I sound way better, has this happened to you in the past? or even still happens? how do you cope with it?

To play consistently from gig to gig is one of the hardest things to do - because some days you really don't feel like playing - sometimes you don't sleep well - or eat well - or you have flu - or food poisoning - or the sound in the room is very different to what you like - or it's too hot - or the lights are annoying you - or someone in the front row is smoking a massive joint...there's a million reasons why you might not feel good (and by the way I've had all those things and more on nearly every tour I've done) - but you have to remember that the folks who came to see you play - are not aware of that - so you must strive to put those things out of your mind and really concentrate on the songs.

cheers

Gavin

[Trains']

Hey,

Sorry "bear" is the right word.. i ment if you sometimes watch your own dvds or setup a camera while playing live .

Greetings

[mp3guy]

Hi Gavin,

I've had a long time interest in syncopation and rhythmic illusions in general, and I've spent some time studying your books and the work of other drummers like Tomas Haake. I was wondering what do you think of bands like Meshuggah, that take concepts like syncopation to such extremes?

Also, could you take a quick listen to a short syncopated piece I've written for one of my projects and tell me what you think of it? It's straight 4/4 but I try to make it interesting, I improvised the whole part. It was recorded on my electric kit which ran midi through Toontrack's Drumkit From Hell (Though for some reason this clip export has a few blips);

http://members.upc.ie/rachel.whelan/project.mp3

[daniele]

Hi Gavin,

Sorry,i don't have write well. I intended: What do you think (in your experience) of the idea to use different head on every tom? For example if i use pinstripe on the small tom and emperor on the floor tom in the same drumset for to attempt improved the "sound homogeneity"? I don't have tried again..

[Gunnarsen]

hi gavin,

what do you do, if the audience is clapping the pulse but speeds it up? do go along with it a little or do you strictly try to keep your tempo steady?

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Trains'

Sorry "bear" is the right word.. i ment if you sometimes watch your own dvds or setup a camera while playing live .

Yes it can be quite educational to see yourself playing - I don't love watching myself play (because I usually make too many bad faces).

Hi mp3guy

I've had a long time interest in syncopation and rhythmic illusions in general, and I've spent some time studying your books and the work of other drummers like Tomas Haake. I was wondering what do you think of bands like Meshuggah, that take concepts like syncopation to such extremes?

I love Meshuggah - and I love their rhythmic approach - it's some of the most interesting rhythmic designing I've ever heard.

Hi daniele

Sorry,i don't have write well. I intended: What do you think (in your experience) of the idea to use different head on every tom? For example if i use pinstripe on the small tom and emperor on the floor tom in the same drumset for to attempt improved the "sound homogeneity"?

I don't think I would try different heads on different toms if you're attempting to get a nice balanced tone from one to another. I have played on rented drumsets that have had that and to my ears it didn't make sense.

Hi Gunnarsen

what do you do, if the audience is clapping the pulse but speeds it up? do go along with it a little or do you strictly try to keep your tempo steady?

That is a tough situation and one that I've been in many times. For some reason Finland has it the worst - and I don't know why. Maybe they're just excited - but to have a whole audience speed up whilst you fight against them is very hard.

cheers
Gavin

[Overg]

Hi Gavin,

Love your drumming! , and it is so great that you find time to write on this forum, it is one of my favorite threads:)

Recently I decided to buy your booklet :
"Rhythm Illusions"

Yesterday I read it for the first time, and I have a question.
In your booklet you say, that rhythm illusions are about making small changes to our main beat (which means, that the drummer don't need to do much ) in order to create a complicated rhythm illusion.

But when I see the exercises, I see that in many cases to play "the illusion" (the B mode, which as far as I understand it, should be what the listener feel ) is much more easy then to create the illusion :) (the A mode) , then what is the idea?
Am I missing something here??

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Overg,

you ONLY play the A Status. The B Status is what it will sound like to the listener.

cheers
Gavin

[Overg]

Hi Overg,

you ONLY play the A Status. The B Status is what it will sound like to the listener.

cheers
Gavin

yes, this one I understand.

What I am saying is that playing B (in most cases ..) is much more easy then to play A, so the question is , why to play A in the first place? if I can just play B and get the same effect.

(I understand from the booklet, that you only play A, and you create a very complicated rhythmic illusion that sound LIKE B , but in many cases the B is much more easy to play.)

Or I am missing something here ?

Thanks!

[Kalma]

Hi Gavin,

can you tell me, what in ear system steve wilson uses and which radio station for it?

Edit:
By the way: Who sets up the new click for a new song live?


Thanks very much
David

[Joe P]

Hey Gavin,

As I've followed your playing for a while, I noticed that you never really use grooves with both hands playing sixteenth notes on the hi-hat (except for a few little parts where you might play it with both hands for a roll or something). Are you just indisposed to playing like that (and if so, why?), or did you just never try playing like that?

On a side note: I LOVE your playing on Paolo Gianolio's new album, it's incredible! So tasteful, as always.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Overg

What I am saying is that playing B (in most cases ..) is much more easy then to play A, so the question is , why to play A in the first place? if I can just play B and get the same effect.

I'm afraid to tell you that you are completely missing the point. Can you see that the B Status is not the same as the A Status - and therefore how could you hope to achieve the same effect?

(I understand from the booklet, that you only play A, and you create a very complicated rhythmic illusion that sound LIKE B , but in many cases the B is much more easy to play.)

I don't know how to explain better than it is in the book already. The B Status is only there to illustrate how the illusion should sound.

Hi Kalma

Who sets up the new click for a new song live?

We have an operator.

Hi Joe P

As I've followed your playing for a while, I noticed that you never really use grooves with both hands playing sixteenth notes on the hi-hat (except for a few little parts where you might play it with both hands for a roll or something). Are you just indisposed to playing like that (and if so, why?), or did you just never try playing like that?

Jeff Porcaro explains it very well in his instructional video: it's just because it can sound smoother played by one hand (only on tempi up to about 98bpm - after that it becomes too hard and you'd have to switch to two hands).

cheers
Gavin

[pedro_]

Hi everybody, hi Gavin! nice to meet you ( on internet )

I'm "super-ultra" new here... ( this is my first post ), i was reading some questions and let me say that people here are very curious, pretty nice!

also, i was listening your album "Drop" ( i don't have Circles yet... is really hard to get one from here... Peru ) ... I heard the song "for lack of" and I was fascinated by it. the completed recording is simply great! i love it.


: How did you manage the situation to compose that kind of songs?
i mean... ric with his elegant extended range bass and you in the drums.... a kind of improvisation????

anyway. Good luck everybody

Pedro


pd: I am embarrassed 'cause my grammar is terrible...I need to improve
by the way.... i like this photo ... http://byfiles.storage.live.com/y1p8TPkrUPzIng4VjWvnQzXMHGz454CYwyXqCEuK7HF88dDVhK 2WHeRRTvNs7x3yJZDtNygFCqx2KA

[Swiss Matthias]

yes, this one I understand.

What I am saying is that playing B (in most cases ..) is much more easy then to play A, so the question is , why to play A in the first place? if I can just play B and get the same effect.

(I understand from the booklet, that you only play A, and you create a very complicated rhythmic illusion that sound LIKE B , but in many cases the B is much more easy to play.)

Or I am missing something here ?

Thanks!
B is always an "easy" and recognizable groove, that's why the listener will most likely fall into that. But it will be a wrong pulse! You're placing the notes of the easy groove in an unusual way, and although the listener recognizes the pattern, it leads to a wrong tempo and pulse, the quarter note he hears isn't the actual one.
Of course you can - as a player - hear the same thing too, but you mustn't be tricked into the fake time signature by your own playing.
I hope maybe that clears it up a bit...? Otherwise you should Gavin's book aside, take up an easier one and go back to Gavin's in some time ;).

[Abhishek]

Searched this thread, but couldn't find it. Anyone has a transcription of Sound of Muzak?

[Swiss Matthias]

there you go .... *20 characters....*

[Overg]

B is always an "easy" and recognizable groove, that's why the listener will most likely fall into that. But it will be a wrong pulse! You're placing the notes of the easy groove in an unusual way, and although the listener recognizes the pattern, it leads to a wrong tempo and pulse, the quarter note he hears isn't the actual one.
Of course you can - as a player - hear the same thing too, but you mustn't be tricked into the fake time signature by your own playing.
I hope maybe that clears it up a bit...? Otherwise you should Gavin's book aside, take up an easier one and go back to Gavin's in some time ;).

THANKS YOU!
now it is crystal clear.

I was afraid to bother Gavin again :) ( it seems that he didn't understand the root of my prob.. and we were going around in circle, can;t blame him though he probably too busy to dwell on this :) )

[trysthedrummer]

Cheers Matthias for digging it out. Stored for later!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi pedro_

also, i was listening your album "Drop" ( i don't have Circles yet... is really hard to get one from here... Peru ) ... I heard the song "for lack of" and I was fascinated by it. the completed recording is simply great! i love it.

Thanks - it is available here http://www.burningshed.com/store/gavinharrison/
or iTunes too.


: How did you manage the situation to compose that kind of songs?
i mean... ric with his elegant extended range bass and you in the drums.... a kind of improvisation????

Some of the songs actually started with the drum rhythm other times it was a bass or guitar idea and I figured out a drum rhythm that I would like to go with those. I suppose they all began with some kind of improvisation - but that was on my own. I don't know exactly how Ric generates his ideas but I imagine it's a similar method to myself of picking up an instrument and just keep playing until something you like comes out. I guess that's when you intellectually edit your own ideas - applying your own personal style and taste.

When I'm just jamming on the drums I'm quite aware of what I've played before - and what I think are cliche ideas - and so I try to invite unusual things into my playing. I love it if I play something that doesn't sound like me.

cheers
Gavin

[leftyrightplayer]

Hi Gav!

Just registered on here so thought I would send you a message. As you can guess by my name im left handed but play right handed. Is that unusual? I chose to play right when I started 12 years ago, only as I didnt want to be a pain in the backside at gigs. My left is my strong side and my right is ok but not up to scratch. Any excercises I can do to balance both sides out?

Oh n one last question for now, my double pedal attachment rod for my iron cobras has play in it, Even tho I use it sparingly in music like you. A new one is £80! Can I get a cheaper one? Money is a lil non exsistent atm...

Cheers for now,

You are an inspiration - Chaz

[smemz]

Hey Gavin, I have been an avid fan of yout playing for years, all the PT stuff and I think I have watched just about every video of you on youtube. Especially Slippin' Away which is perhaps my favourite piece of yours.
Out of all the questions I could possibly ask, I have been dying to know how you made your custom splashes, like how you cut the old cymbals down and things like that? I am quite interested in the idea and would like to make my own but I would like a bit of help first!
Thanks for the years of contribution to my playing.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi leftyrightplayer

As you can guess by my name im left handed but play right handed. Is that unusual? I chose to play right when I started 12 years ago, only as I didnt want to be a pain in the backside at gigs. My left is my strong side and my right is ok but not up to scratch. Any excercises I can do to balance both sides out?

It's not that unusual. Do you play left lead? I think that's quite an advantage for a lefty to play on a right kit (as Simon Phillips/Billy Cobham do).

Oh n one last question for now, my double pedal attachment rod for my iron cobras has play in it, Even tho I use it sparingly in music like you. A new one is £80! Can I get a cheaper one? Money is a lil non exsistent atm...

I have no idea.

Hi smemz

Out of all the questions I could possibly ask, I have been dying to know how you made your custom splashes, like how you cut the old cymbals down and things like that?

have a look at this post from earlier in this thread...
http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=246160&postcount=507

...but I must warn you about the dangers of doing this. In fact I showed this method to an engineer friend of mine - and he freaked out and told me it was very dangerous - so I have stopped doing it. I found a local blacksmith who has cut down cymbals for me - it's obviously more expensive - but definitely worth it.

cheers
Gavin

[C.L. - Drum]

Hey Gavin,

I want to buy me a Sonor SQ². Do you think, that that set is good for playing
Jazz, Funk, but also Progressive Rock or Metal ??

best regards
C.L. - Drum

PS: You are the best!! ;-)

[NeuroAxis]

...but I must warn you about the dangers of doing this. In fact I showed this method to an engineer friend of mine - and he freaked out and told me it was very dangerous - so I have stopped doing it. I found a local blacksmith who has cut down cymbals for me - it's obviously more expensive - but definitely worth it.

Did he mention why it was dangerous? I recently replaced my whole cymbal lineup so I was planning on cutting down all my old ones into little chimes. Was it perhaps all the little shards of metal that would probably fly off once you smoothed the edges down against the emory cloth?

I was going to follow your method described in that thread but my electrician friend suggested using a bench grinder to smooth down the edges instead of attaching them to a drill and running them on emory cloth.

[Fox622003]

A lot more shards of metal will come off with a bench grinder, and unless you're extremely careful, you're possibly going to heavily damage the cymbal :-/ I can see how it can take way less time than using sand paper, but the result of sand paper is worth it, besides, it's a lot more difficult to get a perfect shape with the bench grinder.
I'd still recommend, as Gavin suggested, turning to an expert who will have both the tools and the expertise to do it not only better, but also safer.
Hope that helps!

Fox.

[trysthedrummer]

We've got the right tools at work. I tried it with a metal bit for a jigsaw and used that (after drilling a hole near the bell). Finish off on the grinder and sand the edges off. Obviously use eye protection when using drills and grinding machines. The second one I just gave it to a mate who's dad was an engineer, came back nicely cut and cleaned up!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi C.L. - Drum

I want to buy me a Sonor SQ². Do you think, that that set is good for playing
Jazz, Funk, but also Progressive Rock or Metal ??

Absolutely - there are very versatile drums.

Hi NeuroAxis

Did he mention why it was dangerous? I recently replaced my whole cymbal lineup so I was planning on cutting down all my old ones into little chimes. Was it perhaps all the little shards of metal that would probably fly off once you smoothed the edges down against the emory cloth?

To have the cymbal attached to a hand held drill on a make shift spindle is dangerous. If it became loose and flew off it would be going at incredible speed - enough to take your head off. I would recommend that you find a blacksmith - it will also take out all the hard work of cutting and sanding and he'll do a much more accurate job too.

cheers
Gavin

[Trip McNealy]

When I'm just jamming on the drums I'm quite aware of what I've played before - and what I think are cliche ideas - and so I try to invite unusual things into my playing. I love it if I play something that doesn't sound like me.

cheers
Gavin

I'm glad you and I share the same sentiments :)

[AronMapex]

Hello Gavin,

I wanted to know what you think of these drums = http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=49586&highlight=arcs+drums
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMQ5f16sd2M

My dad made them and I want to know what the master thinks of it ;)

Thanks!

[NeuroAxis]

Those are purrrty. Is your dad looking for endorsees? :-)

[AronMapex]

Those are purrrty. Is your dad looking for endorsees? :-)

Thanks, I just want to know what Gavin thinks of these drums, get a pro's opinion.

[Fox622003]

Hey Gavin, I'm really new at home recording, so I'm pretty much clueless, but would you recommend getting a really good sound card (one with 8+ inputs) and connecting the mics directly to the inputs? or getting a say, decent sound card and a good mixer, regulate from there, and have all the mics in just one track in the PC?
Thanks in advance, hope I'm not *that* clueless as to my question making little sense :P.

Fox.

[tommykry]

Hi All! First i would like to say that the fact that one of the worlds most creative and tastfull and talented Drummers, from one of the coolest bands on the earth takes his pesonal time to log on and answer peoples questions and gives expert advise is absolutly Insane, and im thankful for artists like this, that share valuable information so others can learn and hopfully become better musicians or better song writers or better people or whatever. What Gavin offers here is so much more then just musical advice, its inspiration and also very kind of him to do so. Im not a drummer but find his playing style and sound incredible!
Anyway here are my 3 questions:

1. My whole band and I ( sound tech, and stage people also ) Purchased tickets to see your show at The Moore Theatre, Tuesday September 15, 2009 in Seattle Wa, Why are you guys playing the Moore and not The Paramount? i think last time you were here it was the Paramount? And will you guys be supporting a new studio CD for this tour?

2. If you know or remember, On the Arriving somewhere live DVD recoding in Chicago, Were you using only one mic on the kick drum (sm91?) or 2 mics, i read your Faq and i think it says you use 2 in the studio but only one live, the kick sound on the live DVD is a perfect kick sound to me. And do you still only use one mic in the kick for live today or 2 mics?

3. If you know or rememer What kind of vocal mics are Steven and John using on the Arriving somewhere live DVD?
Thanks for your time, and we are looking foward to your show here in Seattle this summer!
Peace!
Tommy

[pedro_]

[...] When I'm just jamming on the drums I'm quite aware of what I've played before - and what I think are cliche ideas - and so I try to invite unusual things into my playing. I love it if I play something that doesn't sound like me.

cheers
Gavin

hello there, (again) Gavin.
wow, that is really great.

let me tell you something about me... i don't really have got a drumset at home... well really nowhere... (i should buy one... shouldn't i?)... i don't know if my method is stupid but it's useful to me.... when i am with friends... i try to create a rhythm with my mouth... and my hands... really economic!. then.. when i go to the studio ... i do the same thing i did before with my mouth.. but now on the drums...

anyway... i will buy my drumset.... and your new album.... too

good luck gavin.
Pedro.

[ageis1]

Hi Gavin,
First of all I must say you are one of my favourite drummers, and someone who continues to inspire me musically. I have been playing drums for 7 years and can't get enough of you playing!!
I’m writing to ask you a question about your books / dvd's. After confirming with my local drum store in Australia that I am able to order in your books and DVD's, I wondered which product of yours I should get. Originally, I was going to get your book 'Rhythmic Illusions', but once I realised that your DVD 'Rhythmic Visions' was pretty much the same thing except in video, I didn’t know what to get. Would you recommend getting the book, DVD or both? I should mention that this will be my first real study into rhythmic 'illusions'
I have a TV and DVD player in my drum room if that changes anything? haha
Thanks very much Gavin!
Andrew

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi AronMapex

I wanted to know what you think of these drums = http://drummerworld.com/forums/showt...ght=arcs+drums
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMQ5f16sd2M

they look very well made and sound good too!! Best of luck with them.

Hi Fox622003

would you recommend getting a really good sound card (one with 8+ inputs) and connecting the mics directly to the inputs? or getting a say, decent sound card and a good mixer, regulate from there, and have all the mics in just one track in the PC?

Personally I'd go with a mixer - but there's no need to have all the mics go down to one track in the computer. Of course it depends on the mixer and the card too. If you can find a mixer that has multiple outputs (some of the small Mackie's have 8) you can record on 8 discreet channels onto your computer and give yourself a lot more flexibility in mixing the drums inside the computer.

Hi tommykry

1. My whole band and I ( sound tech, and stage people also ) Purchased tickets to see your show at The Moore Theatre, Tuesday September 15, 2009 in Seattle Wa, Why are you guys playing the Moore and not The Paramount? i think last time you were here it was the Paramount? And will you guys be supporting a new studio CD for this tour?

We're not always in charge of exactly where we play. We have an agent for that. Sometimes it's down to the availability of certain venues on certain nights. I seem to remember playing at the Moore last time we were in Seattle. We will be supporting a new CD for this coming tour.

2. If you know or remember, On the Arriving somewhere live DVD recoding in Chicago, Were you using only one mic on the kick drum (sm91?) or 2 mics, i read your Faq and i think it says you use 2 in the studio but only one live, the kick sound on the live DVD is a perfect kick sound to me. And do you still only use one mic in the kick for live today or 2 mics?

I had one SM91 in the bass drum for that DVD recording. On the last tour I used an Audix D6 as well.

3. If you know or rememer What kind of vocal mics are Steven and John using on the Arriving somewhere live DVD?

I think they were Neumann KMS 105.

Hi ageis1

I’m writing to ask you a question about your books / dvd's. After confirming with my local drum store in Australia that I am able to order in your books and DVD's, I wondered which product of yours I should get. Originally, I was going to get your book 'Rhythmic Illusions', but once I realised that your DVD 'Rhythmic Visions' was pretty much the same thing except in video, I didn’t know what to get. Would you recommend getting the book, DVD or both? I should mention that this will be my first real study into rhythmic 'illusions'

I think a good place to start is with the first book "Rhythmic Illusions" and the DVD "Rhythmic Visions" and see how you get on with those. The book and the DVD are connected and explain my fundamental theories and concepts about creating 'illusions' in rhythm.

cheers
Gavin

[tommykry]

Perfect! Thank you my friend.

Tommy

[Fragile]

Hi Gavin,

I've (and so has my drum teacher) been trying to work out two drum fills in the song "Fear of a blank planet", The one at 4:30 and the one at 5:01. Could you you possibly explain them, maybe with drum notation?

Thanks

[Fox622003]

Hey Gavin, I've just noticed there's a windows error sound on the studio recording of "The Sound of Muzak" (at about 2:05) you guys are probably aware of it, but if not, a funny one to tell Steven about :P.
Oh and by the way, you mentioned checking out some of the small Mackie's, I searched on Amazon and thought this one (http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-ProFX12-Professional-Compact-Mixer/dp/B001GR3MAG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1243245581&sr=8-1) was pretty cool for recording and maybe small to medium venues, even for all the instruments. What do you think?
Thanks a lot for your answers, they've been really helpful.

All the best, Fox.

[SantiBanks]

Hi Fox622003

would you recommend getting a really good sound card (one with 8+ inputs) and connecting the mics directly to the inputs? or getting a say, decent sound card and a good mixer, regulate from there, and have all the mics in just one track in the PC?

Personally I'd go with a mixer - but there's no need to have all the mics go down to one track in the computer. Of course it depends on the mixer and the card too. If you can find a mixer that has multiple outputs (some of the small Mackie's have 8) you can record on 8 discreet channels onto your computer and give yourself a lot more flexibility in mixing the drums inside the computer.


To jump in on it a bit more; as Gavin says, its what you want to accomplish. You could make a mix of the drums on a mixer and record the stereo feed. You could also get a soundcard with mic inputs (I can recommend mackie and presonus. They both sound very nice with a not so high pricetag. Im not sure how focusrite sounds) which gives the advantage of having every piece on a separated track. You could do that with a mixer too (if it has direct outs or enough busses to suite your needs) but then you need two pieces of equipment.

The last option is using one of the newer generation mixers with a computer option (usually a firewire/usb expansion board fitted inside the mixer). If you want a full digital desk (which means that you can save presets, have flying faders) then the Tascam DM24 is a good choice aswel as Yamaha (they have more models but they cost more).
Soundwise (and a bit cheaper but not fully digital) the Mackie Onyx series is very good. You can have a 12 or 16 channel mixer with firewire option. That gives you a normal analog desk with everything on it (including very good preamps! the Onyx preamps really sound sweeeeet) but every channel can be recorded over firewire.

Allen & Heath has also a new range of mixers which do the same as the Mackie. They cost a bit more and I haven't heard them yet so I cannot comment on the quality of the pre's.

To be honest, a mackie desk with firewire option gives the best of both worlds and makes it a flexible setup (because mixers are always handy to have and if you can record them easy with no extra soundcard, then that seems a good feature to me).
Soundquality and buildquality are good (preamps are top!), I think their drivers are very reliable now they are out for a few years and the prices are not a lot if you concider the other options and functionality.

[Fox622003]

To jump in on it a bit more; as Gavin says, its what you want to accomplish. You could make a mix of the drums on a mixer and record the stereo feed. You could also get a soundcard with mic inputs (I can recommend mackie and presonus. They both sound very nice with a not so high pricetag. Im not sure how focusrite sounds) which gives the advantage of having every piece on a separated track. You could do that with a mixer too (if it has direct outs or enough busses to suite your needs) but then you need two pieces of equipment.

The last option is using one of the newer generation mixers with a computer option (usually a firewire/usb expansion board fitted inside the mixer). If you want a full digital desk (which means that you can save presets, have flying faders) then the Tascam DM24 is a good choice aswel as Yamaha (they have more models but they cost more).
Soundwise (and a bit cheaper but not fully digital) the Mackie Onyx series is very good. You can have a 12 or 16 channel mixer with firewire option. That gives you a normal analog desk with everything on it (including very good preamps! the Onyx preamps really sound sweeeeet) but every channel can be recorded over firewire.

Allen & Heath has also a new range of mixers which do the same as the Mackie. They cost a bit more and I haven't heard them yet so I cannot comment on the quality of the pre's.

To be honest, a mackie desk with firewire option gives the best of both worlds and makes it a flexible setup (because mixers are always handy to have and if you can record them easy with no extra soundcard, then that seems a good feature to me).
Soundquality and buildquality are good (preamps are top!), I think their drivers are very reliable now they are out for a few years and the prices are not a lot if you concider the other options and functionality.

Thanks a lot, that was very useful. Did you happen to check the one I am thinking of buying after Gavin mentioned Mackie? Here (http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-ProFX12-Professional-Compact-Mixer/dp/B001GR3MAG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1243269029&sr=8-1).
It seems like a decent option, it allows for USB recording, and also for just outputs through a sound card (AND it seems nice for up to medium live situations), although I'm not sure if you've had any experience with it, I still think you'll probably be able to tell me if it's a good idea to get it or not by the specifications. I need to get a decent soundcard anyway, since I invested some in a good PC, but left the onboard soundcard to expand it later.

Fox.

[Terry Branam]

Hi Gavin,

I've (and so has my drum teacher) been trying to work out two drum fills in the song "Fear of a blank planet", The one at 4:30 and the one at 5:01. Could you you possibly explain them, maybe with drum notation?

Thanks

Hey Fragile,

I transcribed one of the fills you're asking about. Here's a link for you:

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

Here is some more stuff to check out as well:

http://www.askgavinharrison.com/transcriptions

Hope it helps!

Terry

[Leper]

Hey Gavin,
I looked through askgavinharrison.com to no avail, so hopefully you haven't answered this already. I absolutely love the sound of your snare drum throughout In Absensia, in particular Gravity Eyelids. What snare are you using during that track? Thanks again!

[Gus]

Hi Gavin,

I´m mad about the groove of 'crisis'. I enjoy very much the way the notes are settled on the bar ... I´m feeling with this pattern the same excitation that i felt with 'muzak' time ago.
To me there are more hard things to play in 'circles', for instance 'scar', but 'crisis' is simply perfect: highly musical and elegant. Great 'fusion' groove.

See you in Madrid in november!

Best regards from Spain.
Gustavo

[SantiBanks]

Thanks a lot, that was very useful. Did you happen to check the one I am thinking of buying after Gavin mentioned Mackie? Here (http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-ProFX12-Professional-Compact-Mixer/dp/B001GR3MAG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1243269029&sr=8-1).
It seems like a decent option, it allows for USB recording, and also for just outputs through a sound card (AND it seems nice for up to medium live situations), although I'm not sure if you've had any experience with it, I still think you'll probably be able to tell me if it's a good idea to get it or not by the specifications. I need to get a decent soundcard anyway, since I invested some in a good PC, but left the onboard soundcard to expand it later.

Fox.

I wasn't aware that mackie had these new USB mixers out so I haven't been able to check them out in the store. From what I see they look pretty decent built (like the onyx series) and well you have usb which is more common nowadays then firewire (though I prefer firewire for harddisks and audio/video interfaces. Their speed is more consistent which I think is important when dealing with huge amounts of data in realtime).

I don't know about the soundquality but I think this one will be a great addition (i'm not convinced that anyone can go wrong with mackie nowadays. Their soundquality has improved over all their productranges, with the onyx leading but the other series like the vlz being improved a lot too). I'd say that this is a good value.

However, be aware of the following:
This desk allows for stereo channel usb recording which means that the master bus will be recorded, not the individual channels (which is why mackie choose usb. Two track usb recording is not a problem at all)
This is not a problem if you record stuff one by one or don't mind having everything on just a stereo track (which means you have to mix in realtime at this desk). If you want more control over the mix (lets say a drumkit miked up with 6 mics) then this is not possible after recording with this mixer.

[Fox622003]

This is not a problem if you record stuff one by one or don't mind having everything on just a stereo track (which means you have to mix in realtime at this desk). If you want more control over the mix (lets say a drumkit miked up with 6 mics) then this is not possible after recording with this mixer.
But aside from USB recording, doesn't each channel still have an output, which can be connected to a separate input on a soundcard? So, to record a miked a drumkit it would still allow for separate channels on the computer if not recorded via USB, right?

Fox.

[RollMyCoaster13]

Hey Gavin!

I know that Porcupine Tree (especially Steve) has a very strong connection with Opeth. Anyone who is a fan of both bands knows that there is a strong mutual respect between the two groups, but I'm wondering what you think about Opeth? Do you see the same beauty in Mikael Akerfeldt's writing that so many do? Any words on what you like/don't like?

Not really a pressing question, but it's something I've been wondering about for a while.

Thanks!


Alex

[gibeachhead]

Hey Gavin,

Any idea when we will start seeing information about the new Porcupine Tree album? Regarding audio previews, promotional images, title, etc.

Thank you as usual!

[colinjnk]

Hi Gavin,

I have been asked to add drums to two pieces of music that lack any sort of percussion. The music styling is very new to me, I have never played to this kind of music before - to me it sounds like a mixture of Latin, Reggae, and Soul.

I already have an idea of what to play for one of the pieces; just a light groove to keep things flowing and give it a soulful atmosphere.

However, for the more upbeat and Reggae-feeling song, I don't know how to tackle it! It's written in 4/4, with the pulse on 1 & 3 and guitar chords on upbeats.
My question is: how would you go about writing a drum part for music that's new to you?


I'm very excited to record drums for this person, I have never been asked to do something like this before (I'm only 15, haven't gotten out of the drum room much!).

[drumbumhamza]

Hey Gavin,
I was wondering why you dont follow the guitar riff (with your bass drum) on Open Car with a 4/4 on top, missing the last note (skipping the snare on the 17th note). Was it feel based or a conscious effort to not follow the guitars ?

Also I'm still kinda confused about Irrational polyrhythms. Any info on those ?

(PS I was at the Opeth press conference in Chennai, India and someone asked Mikhail which band would he have liked to play in, other than Opeth and he promptly replied with "Porcupine Tree". I'm sure you already knew this :) )

Cheers,
Hamza.

[SantiBanks]

But aside from USB recording, doesn't each channel still have an output, which can be connected to a separate input on a soundcard? So, to record a miked a drumkit it would still allow for separate channels on the computer if not recorded via USB, right?

Fox.
These don't as they are not really made for multitrack recording. Mixers suitable for gooed multitrack recordings have generally one (or more) of the following options:

Multiple groups (4, 8, 12, 16)
Direct outputs per channel (or on a number of channel)
A lot of auxes


Because with this, the routing facilities inside the mixer (the way the audio signal flows over the circuitboard) will generate more options and circuits which means that the price goes up. Mixers with these kind of functionalities cost a lot more. Plus you will need a multitrack soundcard too.
Now you can do two things if you want multitrack:

Get a mixer suitable for multitracks and a multitrack soundcard
Just go for a multitrack soundcard with enough inputs and mic channels (presonus, focusrite, mackie, motu offer those for example) but this doesn't give you a mixer, only a way to record your audio.
Get a mixer which streams enough channels to a computer. Mackie onyx and the newer Allen & Heath Zed series spring to mind.


Or of course, record everything one by one :)

[C.L. - Drum]

Hey Gavin,

do you play the Sonor SQ² with a walnut roots finish and golden hardware at the modern drummer festival??
Which Remo- Heads are you playing?

thanks for answering!!

Cheers
Clemens from Germany

[Gus]

Hey Gavin,

do you play the Sonor SQ² with a walnut roots finish and golden hardware at the modern drummer festival??
Which Remo- Heads are you playing?

thanks for answering!!

Cheers
Clemens from Germany

Hi C.L.-Drum
Check it out this: Golden Madrone!. This is the finish. Beautiful, isn´t it?.
Regards.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Leper

I absolutely love the sound of your snare drum throughout In Absensia, in particular Gravity Eyelids. What snare are you using during that track?

I think it's two different snares. In the early part it was an old Sonor 14x5 drum that I tuned pretty high. Later in the track I switch to my old Yamaha RC9000 drum which I used on the rest of the album.

Hi RollMyCoaster13

I'm wondering what you think about Opeth? Do you see the same beauty in Mikael Akerfeldt's writing that so many do? Any words on what you like/don't like?

I got to see a lot of Opeth when PT toured with them a few ago - and I was very impressed. Mikael is a great singer and guitarist - I really enjoyed listening to them.

Hi gibeachhead

Any idea when we will start seeing information about the new Porcupine Tree album? Regarding audio previews, promotional images, title, etc.

Watch porcupinetree.com for the first announcements - coming soon.

Hi colinjnk

However, for the more upbeat and Reggae-feeling song, I don't know how to tackle it! It's written in 4/4, with the pulse on 1 & 3 and guitar chords on upbeats. My question is: how would you go about writing a drum part for music that's new to you?

I have no idea without hearing it. I usually rely on gut instinct - and try to find a way that's not too obvious. Good luck.

Hi drumbumhamza

I was wondering why you dont follow the guitar riff (with your bass drum) on Open Car with a 4/4 on top, missing the last note (skipping the snare on the 17th note). Was it feel based or a conscious effort to not follow the guitars ?

It's quite simple - I didn't want to follow the guitar riff with my bass drum. I liked the way it turned out better.

Also I'm still kinda confused about Irrational polyrhythms. Any info on those ?

It's not a term that I'm familiar with or use - but when I did a little search it seems some people think of them as quintuplets, septuplets etc.- in fact anything that is not 2 or 3 based - but I wouldn't call them polyrhythms - they're just (not commonly used) subdivisions.

Hi C.L. - Drum

do you play the Sonor SQ² with a walnut roots finish and golden hardware at the modern drummer festival??

Yes Gus is correct - Golden Madrone.

Which Remo- Heads are you playing?

The tops of the toms have Remo Coated Emperors - and the bottoms have Clear Ambassadors. Bass drum batter side has a clear Powerstroke 3 and the snare drum has a coated CS head on it.

cheers
Gavin

[daniele]

Hi Gavin,

Good wish for your birthday (for the 28 may, i forgot..). I'm curious to know what crashes have you used in "Gravity eyelids". I like they sound, very colourful and particular. I think K Fast crashes (perhaps 15" and 18"), but i'm not sure..Thanks!

[Berethor]

Hi Gavin!

I love a lot your work with Porcupine Tree, is a very good job these records.


i have one question but isn't about drums... when we can have a porcupine tree south american tour? i know a LOT of people here in Chile waiting for the band visit...

well, that's all, thanks for everything.


PS: sorry for the bad inglish :)

[Toza]

Hi Gavin, what mic's you like to use when you are recording your snare drum?

[DT91]

Hey Gavin,

Congratulations on this thread first of all! 3000+ posts and who knows how many pages. Just a thousandth of this thread are my questions :P

So I was wondering, what was drumming with OSI like? Any new challenges? I heard what seems like a lot more of your custom chimes on some tracks. My favourite track is Be The Hero. Any memorable ones for you?

I do apologise if you've answered this kind of question before but theres just too many posts to trawl through :P

Thanks

[MisterBritt]

Hey Gavin,
Also I'm still kinda confused about Irrational polyrhythms. Any info on those ?
Cheers,
Hamza.

I saw that Gavin had already addressed this; however, I thought this link (cut and pasted below) might be of interest regarding tuplets, so-called irrational rhythms, polyrhythms and the like.

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

I've read this about four times and I think I get most of it. But I'm not sure what the 7:11 reference means? Anyhow, the link (above) is an easier format to read.

Tuplet
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
In music a tuplet (or irrational rhythm or, rarely, contrametric rhythm) is any consecutive group of notes whose note-values involve a fraction (other than a multiple of a power of 2). This is indicated by a number (or sometimes two), indicating the fraction involved. The notes involved are also often grouped with a bracket or (in older notation) a slur.
Contents [hide]
1 Terminology
2 Explanation
3 Triplet notation
4 Usage and purpose
5 See also
[edit]Terminology

The modern term 'tuplet', predating but popularized by computer software, comes from the -tuplet suffix of names for individual tuplets: quintuplet, sextuplet, etc.[citation needed] Previously, there was no general term for these individual tuplets. The alternative modern term of 'irrational rhythm' is a misnomer as, in mathematical terminology, the note-values are rational (i.e. fractions), not irrational.
The term polyrhythm, sometimes incorrectly used to mean a tuplet, refers to the complex rhythm produced when non-tuplet rhythms are played against tuplets.
[edit]Explanation

The most common tuplet is the triplet (G. triole), shown at right.

Tuplet: a standard triplet; a triplet denoted without a bracket; a tuplet denoted as a ratio
Whereas normally two quarter notes are the same duration as a half note, three triplet quarter notes total that same duration, so the duration of a triplet quarter note is 2/3 the duration of a standard quarter note. Similarly, three triplet eighth notes are equal in duration to one quarter note. If several note values appear under the triplet bracket, they are all affected the same way, reduced to their original 2/3 duration.
[edit]Triplet notation

If the notes of the triplet are beamed together, the bracket (or slur) may be omitted and the number written next to the beam, as shown in the second illustration.
For other tuplets, the number indicates a ratio to the next lower power of two. So a quintuplet indicated with the numeral 5 means that five of the indicated note value total the duration normally occupied by four, equivalent to the second higher note value; for example, five quintuplet eighth notes total the same duration as a half note. Some numbers are used inconsistently: for example septuplets are sometimes used to mean 7 notes in the duration of 4, but other times to mean 7 notes in the duration of 8. To avoid ambiguity, composers sometimes write the ratio explicitly instead of just a single number, as shown in the third illustration; this is also done for more complex cases, e.g. 7:11.
In compound metre, even-numbered tuplets can indicate that a note value is changed in relation to the dotted version of the next higher note value. Thus, two duplet eighth notes (most often used in 6/8 meter) take the time normally totaled by three eighth notes, equal to a dotted quarter note. Four quadruplet eighth notes would also equal a dotted quarter note. The duplet eighth note is thus exactly the same duration as a dotted eighth note, but the duplet notation is more often used in compound meters.
[edit]Usage and purpose

Tuplets can produce rhythms such as the hemiola, or may be used as polyrhythms when played against the regular duration. They are extrametric rhythmic units.
[edit

[C.L. - Drum]

Gavin,

are you using maple, medium shells??


Cheers
Clemens

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi daniele

I'm curious to know what crashes have you used in "Gravity eyelids". I like they sound, very colourful and particular. I think K Fast crashes (perhaps 15" and 18"), but i'm not sure..Thanks!

It's such a long time ago - but I think it would have been 18" K Custom Dark Crash and a 15" K crash plus another 18" K or A crash.

Hi Berethor

i have one question but isn't about drums... when we can have a porcupine tree south american tour? i know a LOT of people here in Chile waiting for the band visit...

thanks - but I don't know. We have no plans to tour South America at the moment.

Hi Toza

what mic's you like to use when you are recording your snare drum?

An Audix i5 on the top of the snare and a Shure SM57 on the bottom.

Hi DT91

So I was wondering, what was drumming with OSI like? Any new challenges? I heard what seems like a lot more of your custom chimes on some tracks. My favourite track is Be The Hero. Any memorable ones for you?

It was all good fun to play - a bit heavier than I normally go with PT but I enjoyed it. Jim and Kevin were very nice to work with even if I've never actually met them in person. I like "Be The Hero" too.

Hi C.L. - Drum

are you using maple, medium shells??

On my European set the first three rack toms are thin shells - then the floor toms are medium shells and the bass drum is heavy shell. All maple.

cheers
Gavin

[michael drums]

Well...


Gavin. It certainly is obvious that you've helped so many DW members which is a testament to you and your professionalism. Not only as a fabulous drummer but as a drumming partner who "gives back".

Thank You So Much for taking the time from your VERY busy schedule to answer so many questions from all of us here on DrummerWorld.

Your humility is unwavering.

Great thread, sir! ;-)


All The Best!


michael

[glen thomas]

Hi Gavin

First, congrats on the MD readers pole. In my opinion, totally well deserved ;-)
Your drumming on the last 2 Porcupine Tree outings are superb.

2nd, will you be doing any performances on the Drum Channel in the
near future?

All the best on the tour and I hope to see you for the show in Toronto Canada with my
other favourite band King's X. What a great double bill !!!!!

Glen Thomas

[Kongo]

When I see you in NY on September 24th, I'm going to yell - Gavin Harrison Rules!

[Clint Hopkins]

When I see you in NY on September 24th, I'm going to yell - Gavin Harrison Rules!

Not an improviser are you? You'll ruin the surprise! Of course I'm only kidding. I wish I could be in NY to see 'em too.


Gavin,
Any word on when your new book will be available? Will it be through Hudson or another publisher?

Thanks so much,
Clint

[Fabio]

Hi Gavin!!

I wanted to ask you of "Via" in "Acustico" album of Claudio Baglioni live.
The solo start with tom.. like a jungle, but evolves like in a fast funk pattern. (i think ^.^)

Wich kind of pattern you make with Elio?? As it plays??
(I refer to the piece with charleston, snare and bass. And various snare ghost notes)

I hope that i explained well :P
It's really corious this solo.. colorful and accurate to listen :)

Thanx to the availability :)
Nice weekend and good work Master!!

[SantiBanks]

Hi Gavin,

If I recall correctly, you are using the M-audio FW410 in your livesetup right? What is your experience with using this interface in a live setting? I'm thinking of getting one as they are offered for cheap second hand. I don't want to use my presonus card for live (as its rack mounted and I need something more portable).

I did own the FW1814 for a time. Apart from the coloured sound, there where some issues with hotplugging the device (which could break the firewire connection on your mac) so I'm still hasitating.
Did you ever experienced any issues with the drivers, stability or other strange stuff for that matter?
Id like to use it for sending backingtracks to the FOH, delivering clicktracks to myself and the drummer and also for a softsynth I use.

Thanks,
Santi

[daniele]

Hi Gavin,

When you play a song in a recording situation, i think you write only the most important reference, like the fills or another. But i ask me: For example,in "Terminal",with OSI, you play with great interpretation followed the music and the singer voice for all the song (i hope you have understand me). From 03.45 to 04.25 you play a beautiful part. Is it improvised remember some things which you have think before and follow the music which you have in the headphone? Do you remember what parts have you write? I don't think you have write all the song.. Sorry the bad english,thanks!!!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi glen thomas

First, congrats on the MD readers pole. In my opinion, totally well deserved ;-)
Your drumming on the last 2 Porcupine Tree outings are superb. 2nd, will you be doing any performances on the Drum Channel in the near future?

Thanks. They haven't asked me to - so I suppose I won't be.

Hi Clint Hopkins

Any word on when your new book will be available? Will it be through Hudson or another publisher?

I'm still working out the details - it'll be some time yet!!

Hi Fabio

I wanted to ask you of "Via" in "Acustico" album of Claudio Baglioni live.
The solo start with tom.. like a jungle, but evolves like in a fast funk pattern. (i think ^.^)
Wich kind of pattern you make with Elio?? As it plays??

It was so long ago that I can't really remember. We are both playing fast patterns with ghost notes and I can't figure it out. I think there was a DVD of that tour - maybe that would help you if you saw it?

Hi SantiBanks

If I recall correctly, you are using the M-audio FW410 in your livesetup right? What is your experience with using this interface in a live setting?

Very good - but the outputs are very low so you will need DI boxes for the channels that you'll be sending to the PA.

I did own the FW1814 for a time. Apart from the coloured sound, there where some issues with hotplugging the device (which could break the firewire connection on your mac) so I'm still hasitating.Did you ever experienced any issues with the drivers, stability or other strange stuff for that matter?

We have experienced problems - but never got to the bottom of what was causing them. 98% of the time it was perfect. One thing to bear in mind is that it can be powered via firewire or a separate power adapter. If you're doing it via firewire and the power on stage flickers for a second it won't upset the FW410 (assuming that's connected to a powerbook). If it's taking it's power externally and that happens - then the computer will lose site of it and will require a restart (which is not much fun in the middle of a performance).

Hi daniele

When you play a song in a recording situation, i think you write only the most important reference, like the fills or another. But i ask me: For example,in "Terminal",with OSI, you play with great interpretation followed the music and the singer voice for all the song (i hope you have understand me). From 03.45 to 04.25 you play a beautiful part. Is it improvised remember some things which you have think before and follow the music which you have in the headphone? Do you remember what parts have you write?

I wrote all the drums parts in that song. Yes 3:45 to 4:25 is a free improvisation. There's is a much longer version of that song on the bonus disc version of the album - and has a much longer 'improvisation' section towards the end of the song.

cheers
Gavin

[Terry Branam]

Hey everybody,

I just wanted to let you all know to check out the latest issue of Drumhead magazine (the May/June issue with Gary Husband on the cover).

There is a cool track from GH/05Ric's album called "Source"on the accompanying CD, as well as some highlighted transcriptions inside the mag.

I'm very excited to see it as a preview for Gavin's upcoming book!!

Stay tuned!

Terry

[Fragile]

Hey Fragile,

I transcribed one of the fills you're asking about. Here's a link for you:

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

Here is some more stuff to check out as well:

http://www.askgavinharrison.com/transcriptions

Hope it helps!

Terry

Thank you very much, that was the trickier fill, but does anyone still not have any word on the other one?

[TomasHakkesBrain]

Hi Gavin, im trying to do groups of 3 bass drums, like i've heard you do yourself. Are you doing RLR LRL?

cheers

[Hurlza]

hi gavin. id like to thank you for the impact you have had on my drumming over the years. its not your chops but the ideas you come up with are fantastic. at the moment im over playing a fair bit in trying to create magic like yours. how can i avoid this over playing and start sounding mature as a player?

[SantiBanks]

Hi SantiBanks

If I recall correctly, you are using the M-audio FW410 in your livesetup right? What is your experience with using this interface in a live setting?

Very good - but the outputs are very low so you will need DI boxes for the channels that you'll be sending to the PA.

I did own the FW1814 for a time. Apart from the coloured sound, there where some issues with hotplugging the device (which could break the firewire connection on your mac) so I'm still hasitating.Did you ever experienced any issues with the drivers, stability or other strange stuff for that matter?

We have experienced problems - but never got to the bottom of what was causing them. 98% of the time it was perfect. One thing to bear in mind is that it can be powered via firewire or a separate power adapter. If you're doing it via firewire and the power on stage flickers for a second it won't upset the FW410 (assuming that's connected to a powerbook). If it's taking it's power externally and that happens - then the computer will lose site of it and will require a restart (which is not much fun in the middle of a performance).

cheers
Gavin

Hi Gavin,

Thanks a lot for your very honest answer! I appreciate that a lot.
To be honest, I never thought of powerdips on stage so running the power from the macbook would be a much better option.

have you ever encountred a reboot during the middle of a performance (or at a gig in general)? Also, I noticed that Richard uses the Motu 828 MKII. Do you perhaps know if he ever had any trouble on stage? I'm very much concidering Motu as I think it's drivers should work better with mac.

Oh and here is a small story I'd like to share. I tried the new backingtrack system (macbook+presonus firestudio) on a gig and it worked very well. I followed your advice to give the FOH a stereo mixdown of everything and to use separate outputs for clicktracks which we take care of ourselves instead of the monitor engineer.
That worked well until "Mama" (we are a genesis tribute). The low drone came in and they blew one of the PA speakers. It seemed that the volume was set too loud on the mixingdesk and I think they didn't use limiters. It certainly was one of the most interesting basstones I ever heard and felt… But still, the system works very good and in fact I was never so happy with having a click in my ears because I had no monitor feed.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi TomasHakkesBrain

Hi Gavin, im trying to do groups of 3 bass drums, like i've heard you do yourself. Are you doing RLR LRL?

No I always do just RLR.

Hi Hurlza

at the moment im over playing a fair bit in trying to create magic like yours. how can i avoid this over playing and start sounding mature as a player?

I guess the first thing is that you realise that you're over playing. Try recording yourself and make mental notes about what is too 'over the top'. Having control of your playing is a hard thing - it can take many years.

Hi SantiBanks

have you ever encountred a reboot during the middle of a performance (or at a gig in general)? Also, I noticed that Richard uses the Motu 828 MKII. Do you perhaps know if he ever had any trouble on stage? I'm very much concidering Motu as I think it's drivers should work better with mac.

Yes I think we did a couple of times when it was crashing a lot in the first tour we used the powerbook. Richard has had the power going off problem with the MOTU 828. I remember we played a club in Phoenix Arizona and the power went off in almost every song. The vibration from the drums was making a bad power connection get really loose. He had to reboot about 15 times that night. Another problem we've encountered is extremely low on stage power becuase of air conditioning units. I have a Furman power supply in my rack and in a club in Chicago it was barely registering 50 volts instead of 110v.

cheers
Gavin

[Ogg]

"Porcupine Tree are happy to announce the forthcoming release of their tenth studio album "The Incident". The record is set to be released via Roadrunner Records worldwide on 21st September, as a double CD..." Excellent news, Just made my day :)

[Hurlza]

Thanks for the tip gavin. What would be a cheap reliable way of recording myself?

[miha]

"Porcupine Tree are happy to announce the forthcoming release of their tenth studio album "The Incident". The record is set to be released via Roadrunner Records worldwide on 21st September, as a double CD..." Excellent news, Just made my day :)

Great news indeed!

And Gavin, congrats for the Modern Drummer award!

[recordinghacks]

Gavin - I'm working on an interview with Paul Northfield. We briefly discussed the tracking for "In Absentia" at Avatar. If you have any recollections or photos from that session to share, I'd very much appreciate it! You can reach me via http://recordinghacks.com/contact/

Thank you.

--
matt.

[Tolo]

Gavin - I'm working on an interview with Paul Northfield. We briefly discussed the tracking for "In Absentia" at Avatar. If you have any recollections or photos from that session to share, I'd very much appreciate it! You can reach me via http://recordinghacks.com/contact/

Thank you.

--
matt.

...and then, please, tell us where & when will be published :-)

[Drum-R]

Hey Gavin, can you tell what crashes are you using. Are they K Custom Dark Crash or just K Dark Crash!

[dwsabianguy]

Congratulations on yet another Best Prog Drummer by MD. Normally, the big companies will wish the winners that endorse their products a big congratulations, and I noticed that you weren't listed in the Remo ad. This had me wondering what's going on, and it's just going to puzzle me until I know for sure; what IS going on with that? Did you change drumhead companies?


Thanks for your time
- Ryan

[Kalma]

Hi Gavin,

I recorded Sound of Muzak to the Playalong.


You can find it here:
http://www.ifloegel.de/sound_of_muzak.mp3

What do you think?
Please don't look on the sound as it's not very good..


Thanks very much
David

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Hurlza

What would be a cheap reliable way of recording myself?

I guess any of those Zoom stereo recorders would do fine. I used to do it on a Sony walkman in my day - the quality of the audio isn't so important - as long as it doesn't distort and you can hear all the drums.

Hi recordinghacks

Gavin - I'm working on an interview with Paul Northfield. We briefly discussed the tracking for "In Absentia" at Avatar. If you have any recollections or photos from that session to share, I'd very much appreciate it!

I don't think I've got any photos. There was some video shot of those sessions - but nothing I can give you. I remember the session quite well - and I'll look forward to reading your interview with Paul.

Hi Drum-R

Hey Gavin, can you tell what crashes are you using. Are they K Custom Dark Crash or just K Dark Crash!

I use the K Custom Dark Crash 18" it's a magic cymbal !!!!

Hi dwsabianguy

Congratulations on yet another Best Prog Drummer by MD. Normally, the big companies will wish the winners that endorse their products a big congratulations, and I noticed that you weren't listed in the Remo ad. This had me wondering what's going on, and it's just going to puzzle me until I know for sure; what IS going on with that? Did you change drumhead companies?

I don't know what happened there - I guess they just forgot about me. I haven't changed company.

Hi Kalma

I recorded Sound of Muzak to the Playalong.
What do you think? Please don't look on the sound as it's not very good..

I generally don't like to do this because I don't want to have to comment on everyone's recordings....and you might not like what I say about them anyway.
Overall I think you sounded fine.

cheers
Gavin

[SantiBanks]

Yes I think we did a couple of times when it was crashing a lot in the first tour we used the powerbook. Richard has had the power going off problem with the MOTU 828. I remember we played a club in Phoenix Arizona and the power went off in almost every song. The vibration from the drums was making a bad power connection get really loose. He had to reboot about 15 times that night. Another problem we've encountered is extremely low on stage power becuase of air conditioning units. I have a Furman power supply in my rack and in a club in Chicago it was barely registering 50 volts instead of 110v.

cheers
Gavin

Oh man that sounds awful. Low power on stage is something I'm afraid of as we usually play on small festivals (a bit on the "amateurish" side, organisation wise). I might buy an UPS or a furman power supply. My old vintage gear doesn't like bad power sources :(

I thank you for all your very helpful advice. I think I'll go with the portable ultralite or maybe the FW410 if I can find that one for cheap.

Besides, I read about the new album on the PT website. Sounds very ambitious! A 50+ minute song is always interesting. I'm really looking forward to it. Last time I heard a band do a 50+ minute song was the Pat Metheny Group in 2005 with the Way Up (which I really highly recommend if you are still a fan of Metheny, it has some very interesting polyrythmic sections).


@Hurzla: a cheap microphone connected to your soundcard will do also (or in case you have a mac, it's internal microphone is good too. I know Phil Collins used it a lot to work out drum ideas for a drumduet on the last Genesis tour)
Edirol has a portable recorder too (and I believe tascam too). The edirol is very good (we use it in the band) but I honestly don't know how much they cost.

And there are also DAT recorders for cheap on ebay and craigslist. The ones with microphone input will do well too (microphone is usually delivered with too).

[Drum-R]

Hi Gavin, I know the new album is coming on September 21th... I'm going to your show at the Metropolis(MTL) on September 29th... Will you play some tracks of the new album??

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Drum-R

Hi Gavin, I know the new album is coming on September 21th... I'm going to your show at the Metropolis(MTL) on September 29th... Will you play some tracks of the new album??

Of course we will - that's the whole point of going on tour straight after the release of a new album.

See you there

cheers
Gavin

[KevShephard]

Hey Gavin!

I'm sure you get this all the time, but I just wanted to thank you. I just recently discovered your playing (videos on YouTube) and was blown away. I have been playing drums now for about 20 years, influenced by guys like Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, Stewart Copeland. Hearing your playing in the videos inspired me like these guys did when I first heard them. For about a week I would watch your videos every day - anything I could find (and I must say there is not near enough - which is why I am going to get your DVDs - great marketing that YouTube does), and the gig I had that weekend was, in my opinion, and the opinion of others, the best I had ever played. It wasn't because I learned your chops (would take me a lifetime, I suspect), it was because your playing inspired me.

Anyways, a little long-winded, but....thank you Gavin! Keep it coming!

Kevin

[NeuroAxis]

For those who haven't seen it yet, there is some awesome footage of PT in the studio recording 'The Incident:'

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/video/view.aspx?songID=2503

[danielkenjr]

Hi Gavin,

thanx for your inspiration. You are one of the reasons I found my way back to drumming....thanks

I am just into buying a sonor sq2 drumset and wonder what you would prefer. Maple vintage or beech vintage? I like both but i don't know whether the maples aren't a little too soft sounding with too little attack?

what was your drumset at the MD festival 2008?

the best thing would be to have both and to switch depending on style. I don't know....

so what do you think?

thanx

[hauk]

Gavin, I'm excited to hear about The Incident - can't wait until September. And I have a few questions for you about it:
I get the impression from the video and the press releases that this album was mostly recorded together in a studio - as opposed to everybody recording at home & exchanging files. Is that right? What did you think of the studio you used?
Who wrote the album? I know Steven wrote the title track, but are there band compositions or other collaborations on the other disc?
Speaking of the title track, can you tell us how you plan to play it live (if you know yet)? Perhaps a version with only some of the movements?
The video on Roadrunner is nice (thanks NeuroAxis for posting), but a little choppy & incomplete - do you know if there will be any more video of the recording sessions posted? Was a lot filmed?
Finally, did you guys record any extra material that might feature on a Nil Recurring/Futile type release in the future? I think that worked quite well for the FOABP extras.
Thanks for your time

[shortsman]

Hi Gavin,
It's a great honour to be able to write to you, hoping that you'll answer!
First of all i shall say that you're my favourite, not one of my favourites...MY FAVOURITE!!!

I find your style the most inspiring, your sound is more than amazing and your musical choices also! I wish one day i will be able to play as good as you do, with that amazing groove and your ability to play in different styles! I wish i will be able to have my own personal style, just like you. Whenever i hear even one note of your playing, i know it's you!

I bought the 2 albums you made with 05ric and i have to say that they are both A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! I listen to them 2-3 times every day for the last one month!

I hope you'll answer and have a discussion...and maybe you'll explain some of your breaks (for example on the Break song)...

And a question...Will we see you here in Greece?

Thank you very much.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi KevShephard

I have been playing drums now for about 20 years, influenced by guys like Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, Stewart Copeland.

Thanks for the comments - those guys influenced and inspired me too.

Hi danielkenjr

I am just into buying a sonor sq2 drumset and wonder what you would prefer. Maple vintage or beech vintage? I like both but i don't know whether the maples aren't a little too soft sounding with too little attack? what was your drumset at the MD festival 2008?

I haven't tried the beech shells yet. The set I used on the MD Fest was vintage Maple.

Hi hauk

I get the impression from the video and the press releases that this album was mostly recorded together in a studio - as opposed to everybody recording at home & exchanging files. Is that right? What did you think of the studio you used?

We did record a lot in studios (the drums were recorded at AIR Lyndhurst in London) one of my favourite studios - but we didn't record together.

Who wrote the album? I know Steven wrote the title track, but are there band compositions or other collaborations on the other disc?

Two segments of the title track were composed by the band as a whole. Yes there are other band compositions on the record.

Speaking of the title track, can you tell us how you plan to play it live (if you know yet)? Perhaps a version with only some of the movements?

Don't know yet.

The video on Roadrunner is nice (thanks NeuroAxis for posting), but a little choppy & incomplete - do you know if there will be any more video of the recording sessions posted? Was a lot filmed?

Not much was filmed - it was only what we did with our own cameras. A couple of drum performances were filmed - but I doubt they'll ever see the light of day.

Finally, did you guys record any extra material that might feature on a Nil Recurring/Futile type release in the future?

We recorded a lot of stuff - and it's all going to come out together. There were other things written - but they didn't get finished.

Hi shortsman

I bought the 2 albums you made with 05ric and i have to say that they are both A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! I listen to them 2-3 times every day for the last one month! I hope you'll answer and have a discussion...and maybe you'll explain some of your breaks (for example on the Break song)...

Funny you should mention that - I'm working on a Book/DVD package about those two albums - together with Terry Branam. He's skillfully transcribed every single note I play on both albums - and I'm working on a DVD to accompany the book right now.

And a question...Will we see you here in Greece?

We hope so - but there's no plan right at this moment.

cheers
Gavin

[shortsman]

Hi shortsman

I bought the 2 albums you made with 05ric and i have to say that they are both A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! I listen to them 2-3 times every day for the last one month! I hope you'll answer and have a discussion...and maybe you'll explain some of your breaks (for example on the Break song)...

Funny you should mention that - I'm working on a Book/DVD package about those two albums - together with Terry Branam. He's skillfully transcribed every single note I play on both albums - and I'm working on a DVD to accompany the book right now.

And a question...Will we see you here in Greece?

We hope so - but there's no plan right at this moment.

cheers
Gavin

First of all thanks for answering my post...

Now something i was wondering about. Will you release any other album together with 05ric or just those 2(i really hope there will be much more than only these 2!!!)?

I also try to find the sanity and gravity album but it is out of stock...will we ever be able to find this album?! I also want to buy every single album you've played in but unfortunately they're truly difficult to be found :(

Thanks once again...

[danielkenjr]

tnaks a lot for your reply gavin....

Hi KevShephard

I have been playing drums now for about 20 years, influenced by guys like Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, Stewart Copeland.

Thanks for the comments - those guys influenced and inspired me too.

Hi danielkenjr

I am just into buying a sonor sq2 drumset and wonder what you would prefer. Maple vintage or beech vintage? I like both but i don't know whether the maples aren't a little too soft sounding with too little attack? what was your drumset at the MD festival 2008?

I haven't tried the beech shells yet. The set I used on the MD Fest was vintage Maple.

Hi hauk

I get the impression from the video and the press releases that this album was mostly recorded together in a studio - as opposed to everybody recording at home & exchanging files. Is that right? What did you think of the studio you used?

We did record a lot in studios (the drums were recorded at AIR Lyndhurst in London) one of my favourite studios - but we didn't record together.

Who wrote the album? I know Steven wrote the title track, but are there band compositions or other collaborations on the other disc?

Two segments of the title track were composed by the band as a whole. Yes there are other band compositions on the record.

Speaking of the title track, can you tell us how you plan to play it live (if you know yet)? Perhaps a version with only some of the movements?

Don't know yet.

The video on Roadrunner is nice (thanks NeuroAxis for posting), but a little choppy & incomplete - do you know if there will be any more video of the recording sessions posted? Was a lot filmed?

Not much was filmed - it was only what we did with our own cameras. A couple of drum performances were filmed - but I doubt they'll ever see the light of day.

Finally, did you guys record any extra material that might feature on a Nil Recurring/Futile type release in the future?

We recorded a lot of stuff - and it's all going to come out together. There were other things written - but they didn't get finished.

Hi shortsman

I bought the 2 albums you made with 05ric and i have to say that they are both A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! I listen to them 2-3 times every day for the last one month! I hope you'll answer and have a discussion...and maybe you'll explain some of your breaks (for example on the Break song)...

Funny you should mention that - I'm working on a Book/DVD package about those two albums - together with Terry Branam. He's skillfully transcribed every single note I play on both albums - and I'm working on a DVD to accompany the book right now.

And a question...Will we see you here in Greece?

We hope so - but there's no plan right at this moment.

cheers
Gavin

[danielkenjr]

thanks a lot for your reply gavin....

Hi KevShephard

I have been playing drums now for about 20 years, influenced by guys like Jeff Porcaro, Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, Stewart Copeland.

Thanks for the comments - those guys influenced and inspired me too.

Hi danielkenjr

I am just into buying a sonor sq2 drumset and wonder what you would prefer. Maple vintage or beech vintage? I like both but i don't know whether the maples aren't a little too soft sounding with too little attack? what was your drumset at the MD festival 2008?

I haven't tried the beech shells yet. The set I used on the MD Fest was vintage Maple.

Hi hauk

I get the impression from the video and the press releases that this album was mostly recorded together in a studio - as opposed to everybody recording at home & exchanging files. Is that right? What did you think of the studio you used?

We did record a lot in studios (the drums were recorded at AIR Lyndhurst in London) one of my favourite studios - but we didn't record together.

Who wrote the album? I know Steven wrote the title track, but are there band compositions or other collaborations on the other disc?

Two segments of the title track were composed by the band as a whole. Yes there are other band compositions on the record.

Speaking of the title track, can you tell us how you plan to play it live (if you know yet)? Perhaps a version with only some of the movements?

Don't know yet.

The video on Roadrunner is nice (thanks NeuroAxis for posting), but a little choppy & incomplete - do you know if there will be any more video of the recording sessions posted? Was a lot filmed?

Not much was filmed - it was only what we did with our own cameras. A couple of drum performances were filmed - but I doubt they'll ever see the light of day.

Finally, did you guys record any extra material that might feature on a Nil Recurring/Futile type release in the future?

We recorded a lot of stuff - and it's all going to come out together. There were other things written - but they didn't get finished.

Hi shortsman

I bought the 2 albums you made with 05ric and i have to say that they are both A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! I listen to them 2-3 times every day for the last one month! I hope you'll answer and have a discussion...and maybe you'll explain some of your breaks (for example on the Break song)...

Funny you should mention that - I'm working on a Book/DVD package about those two albums - together with Terry Branam. He's skillfully transcribed every single note I play on both albums - and I'm working on a DVD to accompany the book right now.

And a question...Will we see you here in Greece?

We hope so - but there's no plan right at this moment.

cheers
Gavin

[Joe P]

First of all thanks for answering my post...

Now something i was wondering about. Will you release any other album together with 05ric or just those 2(i really hope there will be much more than only these 2!!!)?

I also try to find the sanity and gravity album but it is out of stock...will we ever be able to find this album?! I also want to buy every single album you've played in but unfortunately they're truly difficult to be found :(

Thanks once again...

iTunes has it.
202020

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi shortsman

Now something i was wondering about. Will you release any other album together with 05ric or just those 2(i really hope there will be much more than only these 2!!!)?

Yes we will make more in the future.

I also try to find the sanity and gravity album but it is out of stock...will we ever be able to find this album?! I also want to buy every single album you've played in but unfortunately they're truly difficult to be found :(

Sanity & Gravity is out of print at the moment but it can be downloaded from iTunes or from me via

http://www.burningshed.com/store/gavinharrison/

Hi danielkenjr,
if log in you can erase your double post - there's probably no need to 'quote my reply' in your answer. Thanks.

cheers
Gavin

[hauk]

Thanks for all your answers Gavin - I'm especially glad to hear that the extra Incident tracks will see release together - I much prefer that to the "Deadwing method." It's also good to hear that there will be more GH05 recordings as I think Circles even surpasses Drop.

[shortsman]

I really don't know which of the 2 albums is better! Maybe i prefer Circles but then i think about Unsettled, Sometime, Okay and i rethink the whole thing! :)

But i think i know which is my favorite song of these albums... I guess Break is the chosen one!!! I believe that Gavin and Ric named the song Break because of that AMAZING BREAK Gavin does on 3.37, lol!!! Can you explain to us maybe the best break the world's ever listened Gavin?

Also i don't want to download the Sanity And Gravity album. I am the type of guy who wants every album in the original version, you know, to open the package and see the cd, the booklet, everything...i'm a romantic guy! So i will be waiting until the album is printed again! Is there any possibility???

[ax0r7ag0z]

Hello people, Hello Gavin!!!

I registered just to be able to say thank you for being so talented and thank you for
taking the time, especially now that you are working on a new album to chat with us and
respond to our questions!!!

I think that you are for the 90s and 00s what John Bonham was for the 60s and 70s,
archetypical, simple when you need to and "effectively complex" when you want to. never idle, never
off beat, never miss a mark. I think that you are a crossbreed with a metronome :P
Perfect concept of time and rhythm, not a novelty decoration, but an active part of the
band. You don't just accent on what the others are playing, you also make music, not just
sound, you play along, you have more talent on your left hand than I'll eve have on all
four of my limbs, you give reason to drummers and drumming in general to exist!!!!

Now, on to the questions:

Have you had many skins/cymbals brake on you live?

Having read that you come from a jazz background, who is
the artist you would most have liked to play with, that's not among us any more

What would you say was the worst sounding kit you ever played?

Have you used electronic drums? If so, whole kits or just pieces?

I thought you gave all you had IN the studio, but when i got Arriving somewhere
as a gift, i realized you're holding back on us!! You are even better live!!!
You think that is because you've had more time to listen to the tracks and improve on
them or as you've said before, because you like to make the songs sound a bit different
each time?

Does that "trick" you do in Slippin' Away, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WKCIUpW3q9s)on the 1:02 minute mark have a name?


Thank you, thank you. THANK YOU!!!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi shortsman

But i think i know which is my favorite song of these albums... I guess Break is the chosen one!!! I believe that Gavin and Ric named the song Break because of that AMAZING BREAK Gavin does on 3.37, lol!!! Can you explain to us maybe the best break the world's ever listened Gavin?

It's your lucky day!!! It just so happens that Terry Branam has transcribed both GH05 albums for a book/DVD package that we are currently working on. Here's that fill..(the time signature is 6/8 of course)

27296

Also i don't want to download the Sanity And Gravity album. I am the type of guy who wants every album in the original version, you know, to open the package and see the cd, the booklet, everything...i'm a romantic guy! So i will be waiting until the album is printed again! Is there any possibility???

There's very little chance of it getting reprinted at the moment. You might find one on ebay?

Hi ax0r7ag0z

Have you had many skins/cymbals brake on you live?

I have broken a few snare drum skins live - and bottom snare heads have blown out too. Yes I have broken a lot of cymbals in live situations - but recently I've been developing some new kind of cymbal washers that absorb some of the shock - and since then I haven't broken any cymbals.

Having read that you come from a jazz background, who is
the artist you would most have liked to play with, that's not among us any more?

Joe Zawinul, Chet Baker, Art Farmer and many others too

What would you say was the worst sounding kit you ever played?

I once had to play a hybrid kit of Maxwin concert toms with drum heads that must have been 25 years old. It wasn't great.

Have you used electronic drums? If so, whole kits or just pieces?

I have played DDrums and VDrums.

I thought you gave all you had IN the studio, but when i got Arriving somewhere
as a gift, i realized you're holding back on us!! You are even better live!!!
You think that is because you've had more time to listen to the tracks and improve on
them or as you've said before, because you like to make the songs sound a bit different
each time?

The more I play a song - the more new ideas might come to me over time.

Does that "trick" you do in Slippin' Away,on the 1:02 minute mark have a name?

Not really - it started as a joke fill that I used to do in rehearsals sometimes just to amuse the other musicians.

Cheers
Gavin

[ItalianRicky]

hi gavin!
i hope that everything is ok for you!
last saturday i bought the tickets for PT date here in padova!! ^_^

and in saturday evening i played in a concert with my band.We play the themes of the anime like DRAGONBALL, LUPIN, and many others of 80's :)

I decided for that night to use a setup like yours, a little tribute to a person that gave me a lot, in a simple, gentle way.If i can play drums in a decent way, i gotta say thanks to many persons, and you are one of these.

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/2518/battam.jpg

i hope that you recognize your setup!!! ^^

cheers from Italy!

[SantiBanks]

i hope that you recognize your setup!!! ^^

cheers from Italy!

I certainly recognise it! Looks great and I bet it sounds great too!

[phil_EN]

Hi Gavin,

I do know that you play to metronome to most (all?) of your PT songs live. Which kind of metronome do you use? My band and I want to use click too, but I dont really know how to get everyone involved in it. Is there a way to get every band member hearing the click with a metronome such as the "Tama Rhythm Watch" or something like that? Can you recommend anything (with having no notebook)?

Thanks for answering and see you in Cologne


@Italian Ricky: Looks very nice, I'd love to play it. :)

[Renard]

Hi Gavin!
I just want to say that you are my favorite drummer, I wonder how could you play the drums so well, your drumplaying gives me dreamless nights (listen it a lot and try to find out what and how you play...then I write it down to myself, I think it improves my skills too) and a lot of inspiration.

I was very happy when I read Porcupine Tree come in Hungary! I think itt will be a "killer" show! I can't wait november!

Were you ever been in Hungary?
It's a beautiful country, I hope that you will have some time to look around!


(sorry for my mistakes)

[NeuroAxis]

Hi Gavin,

I do know that you play to metronome to most (all?) of your PT songs live. Which kind of metronome do you use? My band and I want to use click too, but I dont really know how to get everyone involved in it. Is there a way to get every band member hearing the click with a metronome such as the "Tama Rhythm Watch" or something like that? Can you recommend anything (with having no notebook)?

Thanks for answering and see you in Cologne


@Italian Ricky: Looks very nice, I'd love to play it. :)


It depends on what you are trying to do. If you are just playing to a click for the tightness you can run the headphone out of a Tama Rhythmwatch-style metronome to a headphone mixer with several headphone outputs that you could run to your bandmates' headphones. If you are trying to run samples to a click you will need a sampler or a computer to run the samples lined up to a click; and you could do something similar with this setup. Just run the master headphone out of whatever you are using to sample into an inexpensive headphone mixer with several headphone outs.

Now in most bands only the drummer will play to the click and the rest of the band will play to him/her, but if you have a lot of gaps in the music where there are other instruments playing with no drum parts it can get tedious to sit there and click your hi-hats the whole time. This would be one advantage of having everyone in the band hear the click.

Of course I've only been doing this for the last 2 yrs or so, Gavin could probably provide much more wisdom on this than me, but I hope this helps either way.

[supermac]

Hi Gavin,

Still enjoying your music and 'borrowing' heavily from it as I practice on my new Roland kit.

Among the many things I enjoy in your playing is your ride cymbal work.

For example, the quarter note ride feel you get (even though your're actually playing a lot of notes) on the Sound Of Muzak chorus is almost hypnotic. Most drummers, I'm sure, would have just tapped out eight notes.

Anyway, on over-riding: You mention you heard it on a record back in the day.

I was wondering when 'over-riding' was done for the fist time.

I heard Neil Peart dabble with it in the early 80s, but I recently heard Jeff Beck's 1976 Wired album and Narada Michael Walden was over-riding to a 7/8 groove on Led Boots.

Might this be the track you heard?

[Kongo]

Gavin, what do you think of Morgan Ågren's drumming?

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi ItalianRicky

I decided for that night to use a setup like yours, a little tribute to a person that gave me a lot, in a simple, gentle way.If i can play drums in a decent way, i gotta say thanks to many persons, and you are one of these.

Your kit looks great - I would feel at home playing that setup!!!

Hi phil_EN

I do know that you play to metronome to most (all?) of your PT songs live. Which kind of metronome do you use? My band and I want to use click too, but I dont really know how to get everyone involved in it. Is there a way to get every band member hearing the click with a metronome such as the "Tama Rhythm Watch" or something like that? Can you recommend anything (with having no notebook)?

Yes as NeuroAxis says you could just run any drum machine through a headphone amp and pass the click along to your band mates. Do they all wear 'in ear' monitors?
I have a Yamaha Click Station but I have to say I don't love the sound of that particular click.

Hi Renard

Were you ever been in Hungary?
It's a beautiful country, I hope that you will have some time to look around!

Yes I was in Budapest in 1995 for one concert with Eros Ramazzotti. I'd love to have more time to look around but usually the tour schedule doesn't allow for sightseeing.

Hi supermac

Anyway, on over-riding: You mention you heard it on a record back in the day.
I was wondering when 'over-riding' was done for the fist time.

I don't know when it was done for the first time (probably jazz drummers were doing many years before) - but I became aware of it in the 80's with the sting song "Straight To My Heart"

Hi Kongo

Gavin, what do you think of Morgan Ågren's drumming?

I LOVE his drumming.

cheers
Gavin

[Kongo]

hi gavin!
i hope that everything is ok for you!
last saturday i bought the tickets for PT date here in padova!! ^_^

and in saturday evening i played in a concert with my band.We play the themes of the anime like DRAGONBALL, LUPIN, and many others of 80's :)

I decided for that night to use a setup like yours, a little tribute to a person that gave me a lot, in a simple, gentle way.If i can play drums in a decent way, i gotta say thanks to many persons, and you are one of these.

http://img341.imageshack.us/img341/2518/battam.jpg

i hope that you recognize your setup!!! ^^

cheers from Italy!

WOW!!!!!!!

I was born in Italy, but my drum set doesn't look like that.

[Fox622003]

I have a Yamaha Click Station but I have to say I don't love the sound of that particular click.
Gavin

Hey Gavin!
I thought you programmed your clicks, in what sort of situation do you use your Clickstation? And would you recommend it as a metronome? (even though you don't like the sound) As in it having options to program a whole song in it, odd times and so on?
Thanks again, all the best.

Fox.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Fox622003,
yes I do use Logic and program all my clicks. I bought the Click Station just for rehearsal and practise situations - and it's quite well thought out and has some nice features - but I just don't like the sound of the click and there's no way to change it.

cheers
Gavin

[SantiBanks]

I bought the Click Station just for rehearsal and practise situations

Do you guys rehearse a lot with metronome for the other songs that are not synced up to sequences, video etc.?
And does everyone on stage hear the click in their monitor?
Cheers,
santi

[Merting]

Hi Mr.Harrison

I've been listening to your drumming for a year and I completely adore the way you groove and your usage of cymbals, very creative for sure! Your inspiration made me start drumming and I bought my first drum set last summer (Sonor).
In addition I have some questions in mind:

-What is your Porcupine Tree track to play live?

-Is PT planning to visit any countries they haven't visited before? I have lots of friends impatient to see you guys live in here, Turkey!

-And do you have any suggestions for a young drummer?

Thank you!
(English may not be good, only 14 and not native ^^)

[Hurlza]

hi gavin i was intrigued reading about the cymbal washers you mentioned earlier in the thread and i wondered what they were like. e.g. felt rubber, and will there possibly be a commercial release of them. also to everyone. has anyone actually tryed casting gavins chimes like melting the tin and copper down. and making them that way. if so how did it go?

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi SantiBanks,

Do you guys rehearse a lot with metronome for the other songs that are not synced up to sequences, video etc.? And does everyone on stage hear the click in their monitor?

I might use the metronome just to help get the tempo before counting in. When there is a click - everyone has it in their 'in ear' monitors only in the parts when I'm not playing the drums.

Hi Merting

-What is your Porcupine Tree track to play live?

I don't really have a 'favourite' song - it varies from tour to tour - and even from night to night. We play them all so many times - the challenge for me is to try to stay fresh with them.

-Is PT planning to visit any countries they haven't visited before? I have lots of friends impatient to see you guys live in here, Turkey!

We'd love to come to Turkey - but I don't think it's part of the plans at the moment. The decision is usually left up to our agent and manager.

-And do you have any suggestions for a young drummer?

Keep practising and always work on your timing!!!!!

Hi Hurlza

hi gavin i was intrigued reading about the cymbal washers you mentioned earlier in the thread and i wondered what they were like. e.g. felt rubber, and will there possibly be a commercial release of them.

They are made of a very special rubber material combined with felt. Once I'm done testing them I would hope to make them commercially available.

cheers
Gavin

[smemz]

Hey thanks for the advice you gave ages ago on making your chimes, i have finally gotten around to trying it and i must say they sound very nice, it beats paying for a brand new chime from zildjian and sounds just as nice. For anyone else attempting to make them, cutting them with the tin snips is harder than you might initially imagine! It takes a good half an hour to make one chime, and furthermore anything above six inches doesn't sound too pleasing in my opinion. Anyway, thanks for the help Gavin.

[supermac]

Hi Gavin,

Great to see Porcupine Tree will be playing in Newcastle, UK, in December.

As well as being a drummer, I'm a journalist on the city's big evening newspaper and I'll be reviewing the gig.

Clearly it's months off, but how would you be fixed later in the year for a telephone interview to promote the show, the new album, the band and even talk about drums?

If you'd be agreeable, let me know what would be the best way to approach.

I'm concious you mightn't want to go into detail on here, but maybe you could let me know your management company's contact details, or maybe send me a private message.


Cheers.

[Fox622003]

Hey Gavin,
What do you think of Sonor Force 3007 kits? because they are very tempting for the price, nice finishes, 9 plies of maple, decent sound for what I've heard. It's just that the difference with higher end kits is too much and I'd prefer to get better cymbals, hardware and equipment in general for it. With decent Mic'ing, would they do for live and studio situations? (I'm not expecting to get the sound you get out of your SQ2s, but at least something decent) or would you still go for a higher end kit?

Thanks, Fox.

[Renard]

Hi Gavin!
I know it is a stupid question, but: There is a little cat in The Incident video, what is her/his name? (maybe Bonnie? :P)

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi supermac

Clearly it's months off, but how would you be fixed later in the year for a telephone interview to promote the show, the new album, the band and even talk about drums?

It's possible. I've sent you a private message with the record company's 'press person' email address.

Hi Fox622003

What do you think of Sonor Force 3007 kits?

I haven't played them but I've seen a few up close at the Frankfurt Music show and I was very impressed by their build and quality. I'm sure you can make a good sound on them.

Hi Renard

I know it is a stupid question, but: There is a little cat in The Incident video, what is her/his name? (maybe Bonnie? :P)

That is in fact the studio cat...and you guessed right - her name is Bonnie.

cheers
Gavin

[Drum-R]

Hi Gavin,

I just want to know how many ply has your sq2 (thin vintage shells). I just want to know how many ply has your toms. your floor toms and the bass drum.

I think the toms are 4 ply... but maybe I'm wrong.

Thanks in advance!

[KevShephard]

Hey Gavin! Thanks for the reply! In relation to having Jeff Porcaro as an influence, I think you would be a perfect fit for Toto (nothing against Simon of course).

I just noticed you played on Sam Brown's stop! album. Great stuff! The title track is a fantastic tune.....

I am almost certain I will be catching Porcupine Tree's show in Montreal in the fall. It will be great to see you perform live!

Kevin

[AlonsoLópezMatus]

Hi Gavin! I'm Alonso and i'm from Mexico

You are an incredible drummer. I love PT, you guys are my favorite band. I saw you guys on the Mexico City show. Great performance!

By the way congratulations for being in King Crimson, great band! I once met Tony Levin when he came to Mexico.

Cheers from México!

Alonso

[Hurlza]

G'day gavin. i was just wondering from your dvd Visions. were your floor toms hanging? If so what sizes. and what kind of ride were you using? it had a lovely sound and i wouldnt mind tracking it down. itd make a great replacment for my planet Z model.

Also is australia penciled in to your tour plans yet? I know a fair few people itching for you to come to melbourne.

Cheers Hurlza.

[ItalianRicky]

G'day gavin. i was just wondering from your dvd Visions. were your floor toms hanging? If so what sizes. and what kind of ride were you using? it had a lovely sound and i wouldnt mind tracking it down. itd make a great replacment for my planet Z model.

Also is australia penciled in to your tour plans yet? I know a fair few people itching for you to come to melbourne.

Cheers Hurlza.
if i try to remember well, Gavin in that dvd play a Zildjian costantinople ride 20" or 22"...seems bigger than the actual and usual 20"K ride...i don't remember if He use his vintage Zildjian 20" ride in that dvd.

[the whale]

Gavin let me start with this...

I love your work and your a huge influence on my playing... Its good to see that your down to earth enough to come on here and mingle with all of us. Thank You.

Second I so love your work with PT but the idea of you in King Crimson with two drummers blew my mind. Any chance you will continue to work with Fripp and the boys?

Take care,

Jeramie

[the whale]

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=15140
Cheers
Gavin

Gavin,

I thought you used 13" K hats? and do you use 3 A custom's for crashs live or do you use any of the K's?

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Drum-R

I just want to know how many ply has your sq2 (thin vintage shells). I just want to know how many ply has your toms. your floor toms and the bass drum.

The SQ2 set that I have in America has the vintage shells. All the drums are 4 ply (with support rings inside).

Hi Hurlza

i was just wondering from your dvd Visions. were your floor toms hanging? If so what sizes. and what kind of ride were you using? it had a lovely sound and i wouldnt mind tracking it down. itd make a great replacment for my planet Z model.

Yes they were hanging floor toms and I believe there were 14x12 and 16x14. That ride cymbal was a 20" Constantinople.

Also is australia penciled in to your tour plans yet?

Not yet - but we hope to back over there next year.

Hi the whale

Second I so love your work with PT but the idea of you in King Crimson with two drummers blew my mind. Any chance you will continue to work with Fripp and the boys?

I hope so. There's nothing planned right now - but hopefully something will emerge over the next year.

I thought you used 13" K hats? and do you use 3 A custom's for crashs live or do you use any of the K's?

Yes I do normally use 13" K Hi Hats - looks like my 12" Remix Hi Hats in that photo. My crashes vary from year to year - I do sometimes use the A Customs.

cheers
Gavin

[shortsman]

The first thing i want to write on this post is that you are an amazing guy! i mean...you sit in front of your laptop and answer to every question we make! You sent me the break in the Break song (thanks a lot!!!)! I don't think that anyone would do it...it's an amazing thing and thank you very much!!!

Now i was trying to find the album with the song Slippin' Away and of course i couldn't...can you help me with it?

And another thing...these bells you've got on the left can i buy them? Are they available or just for you? if they are available how can i find them!!! They're a huge love of mine!!!

[XboxIsAGodToMe]

Hey Gavin!

Quick question...do you ever get cramps in your thighs from sitting so low? We're the same height (6'2) and I also sit fairly low, but I seem to cramp up sometimes. When I sit higher, it just doesn't feel right, and I can't get the same bass drum technique. Anything you can think of that I may be doing wrong or not doing at all that could help? THANKS SO MUCH!

Oh, btw...I sent a drummer friend of mine the youtube video of your performance of Slippin' Away from PASIC and he was blown away. I've been telling him to check you out for awhile, but he just never got around to it. When he finally saw this video, he send me a text message, saying how mesmerized he was by your playing. Just figured I'd let you know. I can't wait to see you with PT in September in Philly!!!

[huXler]

Hi Gavin!

I wanted to ask your opinion on Thomas Pridgen's performance at the Modern Drummer Festival '08.
I just saw it, and it was really impressing, but for me, it was a little over the top. I find, that sometimes it was really too much.

Cheers

[dannypenalver]

Hi Gavin!!


Could you explain to me a bit your decision to change to Longboards?? People tell me you trie them and don´t come back!! is it the comfort or agility?? You might have been playing them for ages but well, in Spain news comes late...

Cheers
Danny Penalver

[massive prog fan]

hello gavin
i was just wondering if you had any tips in regards to licking a finger and sliding it across a tom? i've tried to do it recently and i can't seem to replicate how you do it on your dvd's, arriving somewhere etc.
any help is appreciated
thanks

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi shortsman

Now i was trying to find the album with the song Slippin' Away and of course i couldn't...can you help me with it?

there is a version of it on my DVD Rhythmic Horizons but I haven't recorded it on any album. The original version (I believe) is on a James Newton Howard album (with Jeff Porcaro on drums). I heard it first on a plastic flexi disc that came free with Modern Drummer in about 1983 featuring Jeff promoting Paiste cymbals.

And another thing...these bells you've got on the left can i buy them? Are they available or just for you?

No they are not commercially available. If you're interested in more info about them - do a search on this thread.

Hi XboxIsAGodToMe

Quick question...do you ever get cramps in your thighs from sitting so low?

Can't say I have.

Hi huXler

I wanted to ask your opinion on Thomas Pridgen's performance at the Modern Drummer Festival '08.

Yes Thomas played great. I was watching it from backstage. A lot of energy going on.

Hi dannypenalver

Could you explain to me a bit your decision to change to Longboards?? People tell me you trie them and don´t come back!! is it the comfort or agility?

Really it's the power you can get from them. I found could play articulate stuff on them - but at louder volumes. Sitting at home playing double pedal is one thing - but when you get in a band situation - everything becomes MUCH louder and I was struggling to get the volume I wanted from my previous pedals. I think it's the long board that makes a big difference - if you play heel up - and halfway down the board - you've got a lot of leverage = power = volume.

Hi massive prog fan

i was just wondering if you had any tips in regards to licking a finger and sliding it across a tom?

really it's a conga player's trick. First the drum can't be too small - I get the best results from my 12" tom with the head not very tensioned. Secondly it really needs to be a coated head. Thirdly you need to wet your (middle) finger a bit to get the right amount of surface friction going - and you need to hit the drum first with your other hand to get the skin in motion before you lightly rub your middle finger over it.

cheers
Gavin

[DTrocks]

Hey Gavin!

Are the samples from the new album coming up online soon? I want to hear more from the incident. Really exited for this one! Which one of your kits are you using on the new record? The one you used for the modern drummer festival?

Cheers!

[NeuroAxis]

Gavin -

I was wondering if you could clarify the snare roll that you do at 0:37 in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e9cPH6q0Rs

Are you playing singles or doubles? I am having trouble hearing the exact sticking for some reason.

[D-a-n-i-e-l]

hi gavin,

first of all - since this is my first posting - thanks a lot for answering all those questions. i've learned so much just from reading your answers, thank you so much ! needless to say, that i love your drumming....

so here is my question: songtempos - what is your method of memorizing them ? do you use a metronome for your count-in ? being a professional drummer for quite some years, i still find it hard to get the tempo right everytime - and so do most of my colleagues.

thanks a lot,
and greetings from austria
daniel

[dannypenalver]

Cheers for the info !! makes a lot of sense!!

Danny..

[shortsman]

As i wrote some posts ago...you are my favorite drummer and i mean it! So i uploaded a video on youtube yesterday and i would like to know your opinion, if you have time to see the video of course! It's one-take of some patterns i've been working on lately

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUpA1ztKxhY

[Gus]

Hi Gavin

Just a simple thing that i´m not sure to have understood correctly... You said you put your mics, into a digital converter and then through your Mac. Even when you´re playing on stage, are you sending this way your signal to the main desk??.

Thanks for your time here and for so much inspiration!

Gustavo

[Swiss Matthias]

Hi Gavin

I know I somewhat got bashed from another member or two, but I'd still be interested in your opinion about Virgil Donati's playing. I'm quite a fan of his, and since he's very much interested in bending, manipulating and pushing grooves and rhythm in general, I'm wondering if you like his playing too. My favourite record with him on drums would be Serious Young Insects by On The Virg, that one never stops amazing me. I'd very much recommend to check it out :) !!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi DTrocks

Are the samples from the new album coming up online soon? I want to hear more from the incident. Really exited for this one! Which one of your kits are you using on the new record? The one you used for the modern drummer festival?

There probably will be some samples coming soon. Check the PT MySpace site - we'd put them there if anywhere. I used my Tribal finish UK kit on the record - not the Golden Madrone kit (that is in the USA) I used on the MD Fest.

Hi NeuroAxis

I was wondering if you could clarify the snare roll that you do at 0:37 in this video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6e9cPH6q0Rs Are you playing singles or doubles?

I'm playing doubles.

Hi D-a-n-i-e-l

so here is my question: songtempos - what is your method of memorizing them ? do you use a metronome for your count-in ?

Yes I use a metronome. The days of me counting in from memory are long gone. Folks are much more anal about tempos being exact these days.

Hi shortsman

So i uploaded a video on youtube yesterday and i would like to know your opinion, if you have time to see the video of course!

I'm sorry but I'm trying not to make comments on peoples video/audio samples. I get asked the same thing about 20 times a day on MySpace.

Hi Gus

Just a simple thing that i´m not sure to have understood correctly... You said you put your mics, into a digital converter and then through your Mac. Even when you´re playing on stage, are you sending this way your signal to the main desk??.

No that's only for recording. In a live situation the drums are sent to the front of house - and the monitor desk simultaneously. I don't have my converters or my Mac with me on stage.

Hi Swiss Matthias

I know I somewhat got bashed from another member or two, but I'd still be interested in your opinion about Virgil Donati's playing.

Yes he's a great drummer - I met him a couple of years ago in LA. Very nice guy too.

cheers
Gavin

[shortsman]

Hi shortsman

I'm sorry but I'm trying not to make comments on peoples video/audio samples. I get asked the same thing about 20 times a day on MySpace.

cheers
Gavin

I thought so...you're right about that...all right now a thing i was wondering about and i think is one of the biggest ''advantages'' of your style is the table of time in your playing! I mean you are able to play any note in the table of time and various groupings of these not just 16th notes or 8th note triplets etc. How did you improve this ability? Any exercise?

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi shortsman,
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "table of time" ?

cheers
Gavin

[shortsman]

Hi shortsman,
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by "table of time" ?

cheers
Gavin

I mean the rhythmic values of notes for example 16th notes, 16th triplets,8th notes etc. You play countless groupings of these values! How did you achieve that level in doing this? (Sorry my English are not that good :()

[Swiss Matthias]

Gary Chaffee, "Rhythm & Meter Patterns" ! :)

[Fox622003]

Hey Gavin,
There's a heavy double bass section in Anesthetize which I can't quite figure out, the one you play here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udrfOJBi14o) from about 5:12 to 5:30. I think there are triplet notes going on on the the bass drum, but I'm not sure, and I don't think the time signature is 4/4 either. The slightest enlightment on that section will help figuring it out!

Thanks a lot, Fox.

UPDATE: Ok, I think I figured some of it out, the music is in 4/4, and your playing in groupings of three, switching between ride and crash each eighth note, (is this correct?) Now, the question remains, what the heck's going on in the double pedal there, man :P?

[indiadrummer]

Hey Gavin,

First off your a huge inspiration for me as a drummer, so thanks XD!

Second, I was curious what your favorite PT song is.

[cantstandyourfunk]

The first thing i want to write on this post is that you are an amazing guy! i mean...you sit in front of your laptop and answer to every question we make! You sent me the break in the Break song (thanks a lot!!!)! I don't think that anyone would do it...it's an amazing thing and thank you very much!!!

Now i was trying to find the album with the song Slippin' Away and of course i couldn't...can you help me with it?

And another thing...these bells you've got on the left can i buy them? Are they available or just for you? if they are available how can i find them!!! They're a huge love of mine!!!

I am saying cheers to that post. Tonnes of great drummers, but great drummers who are great guys as well is rare!
I think Gavin's bells are now available from Zildjian.

[JeffV71]

Hi Gavin,

There are a lot of different ways to achieve a good recorded tom sound. Of course well tuned drums, the drummer, and the way the drums are hit are key. But getting into the technical side of micing and recording: some like to have 80% of the toms come from the overheads and use the close mics on the toms for attack (compression/gating etc). Some use overheads for cymbals only and use the close mics to pick up 100% percent of the toms. I was curious as to what percentage between overheads and close tom mics do you use...if any? You also have another 2-4 extra ambient mics setup at times, correct? Does this make it that much harder to mix your sound?

Thanks!
Jeff

[ItalianRicky]

hi gavin, is everything ok?
i have a question for you, or, i can say, i need an advice.
Actually i'm using an Tama starclassic Maple snare drum.Nothing out of standards...4plies of maple with reinforcement rings, equipped with a pinstripe coated and a puresound snare wire.
It is a versatile snare, and i'm happy about his sound.
2 days ago i found a private customer from Milan that sell a vintage yamaha recording custom snare drum.it's a 14x6 birch snare, i'll link the photo to you, so you can told me if this snare is similar to your.
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/1856/yamahasd096.jpg
my question is: may this snare be more versatile than mine?And overall, what do you think about its size.May be a 14x6 with an high tuning on batter head similar to a 14x5\14x5.5?
i gotta say that i don't need this snare a lot, i'm good equipped.But i understand that we are talkin' about a snare out of stock from years, and probably very hard to find.So this may be an "extra" snare...what do you think?
thanks a lot master.
Have a nice week!
Cheers from Italy
Riccardo

[Alex P.]

Hi Gavin,
Hi everyone,

I continue to post the « Deadwing » transcriptions. I didn’t have the time to do it sooner. So, now, I proceed the work…
Here is the “Open Car” live version, from the DVD.

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/8523/opencar1.jpg
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/7103/opencar2.jpg
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/6742/opencar3.jpg

On bars 26 and 81, the snare is played a bit before the floor tom (like a flam). (I wrote it this way because it’s easier to read).
But I’m not sure about those two bars and bar 72.

And Gavin, thanks for the help, for the middle part…

I listened to the “Incident” preview and….. I want to hear more of it !! It will be great.
And I really look forward to see your new book… a lot of transcriptions… yummy!

Take care.

Alex P.

[miha]

The Incident preview... damn! Very dynamic stuff (loved the heavy parts) & impeccable drumming and drum sound. Can't wait the actual release + I'm dying to see & hear live performance (finally you're visiting Slovenia in November)... :))

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi shortsman,

I mean the rhythmic values of notes for example 16th notes, 16th triplets,8th notes etc. You play countless groupings of these values! How did you achieve that level in doing this?


Ah ok you mean subdivisions. To switch from one to another you need to be able to do it accurately - so practise them slowly with a metronome until you can make the transition from one to another smoothly. It's a hard thing to do.

Hi Fox622003

There's a heavy double bass section in Anesthetize which I can't quite figure out, the one you play here from about 5:12 to 5:30. I think there are triplet notes going on on the the bass drum, but I'm not sure, and I don't think the time signature is 4/4 either. The slightest enlightment on that section will help figuring it out!

This was discussed a couple of years ago and I transcribed a couple of things from there. Be sure to check the "search this thread" function at the top of the page when you're logged in ;-)

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=343578&postcount=1407

Hi indiadrummer

Second, I was curious what your favorite PT song is.

I don't really have one - it changes from week to week whilst we're touring.

Hi JeffV71

I was curious as to what percentage between overheads and close tom mics do you use...if any? You also have another 2-4 extra ambient mics setup at times, correct? Does this make it that much harder to mix your sound?

The mix of those mics depends on the song and the kind of sound I'm trying to get. If the song doesn't call for very big ambient tom sounds then I just don't use those mics in the mix. The ambient mics can sound great - but you lose clarity in the mix - so I use some digital reverbs too on the close mics.

Hi ItalianRicky

my question is: may this snare be more versatile than mine?And overall, what do you think about its size.May be a 14x6 with an high tuning on batter head similar to a 14x5\14x5.5?

I've no idea how versatile your other snare drum is. Personally I find it hard to get my sound on deeper snare drums. I'm sure it will be a quality drum - how old is it? If you get the serial number I can tell which month/year it is.

Hi Alex P.

I continue to post the « Deadwing » transcriptions. I didn’t have the time to do it sooner. So, now, I proceed the work…
Here is the “Open Car” live version, from the DVD.

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/8523/opencar1.jpg
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/7103/opencar2.jpg
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/6742/opencar3.jpg

great work - thanks for posting!!!

cheers
Gavin

[Slike...]

THE GAV. THE GAV FOR FUCK'S SAKE !!!!!!

[<3Josh<3]

Hey Gavin!

Are there any talks about King Crimson possibly doing another short tour (with you on drums of course!) maybe after PT finishes touring in support of the new album? Your playing was ridiculous when I saw you with KC last year, and would love to see that again. Of course, I also can't wait to see you with PT in September!!

[ItalianRicky]

Hi ItalianRicky

my question is: may this snare be more versatile than mine?And overall, what do you think about its size.May be a 14x6 with an high tuning on batter head similar to a 14x5\14x5.5?

I've no idea how versatile your other snare drum is. Personally I find it hard to get my sound on deeper snare drums. I'm sure it will be a quality drum - how old is it? If you get the serial number I can tell which month/year it is.

Gavin

i'm here! the serial number of the snare is "NK-0868"
thanks a lot.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi <3Josh<3

Are there any talks about King Crimson possibly doing another short tour (with you on drums of course!) maybe after PT finishes touring in support of the new album?

Nothing I know about right now. It's not out of the question - of course.

Hi ItalianRicky

the serial number of the snare is "NK-0868"

This serial number doesn't make sense. If it was made in the 1980's it can't have started with "N" - if it was made in the 1990's it should have 3 letters.

here's the info


************************************************** *****************************
For RC's made from 1980-1989
The first letter in the serial number indicates the year and the second letter indicates the month

Here is the Chart:

H I J K L M O P Q S X Y Z

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 . 10 11 12

. Indicates research model or first run in production.

For example: This drum's serial number is KH. KH = a built date of January/1984

************************************************** *****************************

For RC's made from 1990 - Present
The drums are coded with a three-letter prefix on the serial number.

The First two letters indicate the year, the third
letter indicates the month.

H I J K L M N O P X Y Z Q

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 00

Example: PPI=1999/February - PJZ=1993/December

cheers
Gavin

[ItalianRicky]

...i gotta ask as well at the customer.
Stay tuned ;)

cheers from Italy
Riccardo

[Merting]

I am saying cheers to that post. Tonnes of great drummers, but great drummers who are great guys as well is rare!
I think Gavin's bells are now available from Zildjian.

I don't think they're on Zildjian-at least I couldn't find 'em.

[GavManB]

Hi Gavin,

Yesterday i was recording some tracks for my band and I really want to have an easier time (ha) with the click track as were trying to use the click sounds in Logic which i'm sure you can guess are all pretty horrible! However I remember reading this article some time ago:

http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/aug03/articles/clicktracks.htm

At the end of the article it said I could find your Midi and Click samples on your website but I have just trawled through that and couldn't find it anywhere, is there a chance I can get it from somewhere else or if you could kindly re upload it if it has been removed please?


All the best

GavManB

P.s. Your playing still keeps blowing my mind and you are one of only a few drummers who make me strive to play more tastefully while trying to create new and interesting fills!

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi GavManB

At the end of the article it said I could find your Midi and Click samples on your website but I have just trawled through that and couldn't find it anywhere, is there a chance I can get it from somewhere else or if you could kindly re upload it if it has been removed please?

here's the original post about them.

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=318787&postcount=1141

cheers
Gavin

[shauntdrums]

Hi Gavin,

I've been working through your books - Rhythmic Illusions and Rhythmic Perspectives
These books have really helped me develop a greater rhythmic awareness!

I love the idea you mention of rhythmic chops as oppossed to the drummers athletic approach to musicianship.
I have really enjoyed working through these books.
My problem is finding a way of taking these ideas and developing them in a musical setting. ie ensemble or duo, instead of a click.
Just wondering if while you were practicing/developing these ideas you had an outlet to try out some of these ideas?

Also, I was woking on these books months ago but am now finding myself picking them back up again... and also finding out how 'rusty' I am! Do you still continually practice and develop these ideas in your practice today?

I'm really interested to find out what groups/musicians may of inspired some of ideas in these books.

Lastly, thankyou for these books! They have really inspired me to challenge myself to become a better musician!

Cheers, Shaun.

[bdevlin]

Gavin,
I assume you do session work at home based on the article I read. Do you take on the average 'Joe' for clients? If so, how do I go about it? It would be for something that would not be sold or used commercially at all. I could supply more details if this is even possible.

Regards,
Brian

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi shauntdrums

I have really enjoyed working through these books.
My problem is finding a way of taking these ideas and developing them in a musical setting. ie ensemble or duo, instead of a click.
Just wondering if while you were practicing/developing these ideas you had an outlet to try out some of these ideas?

I do get to use some of the concepts from those books in my project with O5Ric. Some also get used in the band Porcupine Tree.

Also, I was woking on these books months ago but am now finding myself picking them back up again... and also finding out how 'rusty' I am! Do you still continually practice and develop these ideas in your practice today?

Absolutely!

cheers
Gavin

[chongzilla]

Hey Gavin,
I tried searching the thread on here before asking this. I wanted to buy your books, but your shop says they are sold out. Is that indefinitely or are you going to be getting any more in stock soon? Also, I just got the modern drummer festival DVD and was looking at your set up. What are the small cymbals that are mounted infront of your toms? They look mounted upside down. I checked the Zildjian site, but they said they were cymbals that didn't look like the ones in the video. I like the tone of those cymbals, but have no clue what they are. Great job by the way. Your performance stuck out a lot.
-Stan

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi chongzilla,

I don't think I'll have any more books in stock soon. Amazon is probably your best bet.
The cymbals that you're referring to are prototype "Crash Bells" that I'm developing with Zildjian. Not available at the moment.

cheers
Gavin

[chongzilla]

Thanks! They had them in stock! I got them and Rhythmic Horizons. It must be fun to design your own cymbals with Zildjian! I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions.
-Stan

[gongbass]

Yes please tell Zildjian to actually mass produce those things!!!

[<3Josh<3]

GAVIN!!!!!

My band is going into the studio at the end of August to record our first EP. This is our first time in the studio (both as a band and just in general) and I was wondering about the click tracks. We have a good amount of time/tempo changes throughout our songs, and I was going to use Reason to create a click track for each song, just so I had the click change tempos and such. Well, my question was, do you find it difficult to stay with the click during the tempo changes? I mean, I plan on making these within the next couple days, just so I can start practicing with them, but I just wasn't sure if maybe there was a more efficient way of going about it. Your help is endlessly appreciated!!

Oh, and by the way...the new preview of The Incident is amazing. I seriously cannot wait for this to come out!!!!! One of the parts that plays towards the end reminded me of Meshuggah, and I was like HOLY CRAP!!!!

Sorry for writing so much...I'll let you go now lol.

All the best!

-Josh

[Fox622003]

Hey Gavin,
Alright, I searched the thread and found someone asked about that improvised intro at the beginning of Halo live (from the Arriving Somewhere DVD) I read that and wrote something after hearing it a couple of times. (As a side note, I can't believe you improvised that, it sounds great)
Ok, don't laugh at it as it's probably not very close, but if you could give me a few tips on how to get it working I'd really appreciate it.

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2150/halointro.th.jpg (http://img43.imageshack.us/i/halointro.jpg/)

The notes that can't be seen are hi hats, and there's also a ghosted (or not accented) snare towards the end. Yeah, Guitar Pro is not the best software for drum notation :-/ .

Fox.

[drumbumhamza]

Hello Sir,
I got my shipment of Porcupine Tree CDs and T-shirts (I wasn't aware that burningshed shipped to India). I got your new album as well :)
Just heard the first song...lovely intro groove (it's 9/8 + 9/8 + 5/8 if I'm not mistaken?)
It would be a real treat to see you play it live.

[Marcos]

Hi Gavin!!!

My name‘s Marcos. I live in Brazil.

First I want give my congratulations for your DVDs. I bought all and it help me to understand your style and ideas and to use it when I‘m playing drums.

Secondly, I‘m looking for a new (and my first) snare drum. I really like the sound of Sonor snare drum, but here in Brazil there‘s none Sonor seller and I can‘t test and compare the sound of these snares. I found little information on internet about the sound Sonor artist amboina 13x7 snare drum. I know that you have this snare and describe it as "fantastic" in your forum, but can you tell me more about the sound for me? I like to use "ghost" notes on snare drum, is this snare sensitive to light touches?
My parents will visit Berlin on next month and they can bring it for me.

Thank you Gavin

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi <3Josh<3

Well, my question was, do you find it difficult to stay with the click during the tempo changes?

That can be tricky if the tempos are not related - and they happen suddenly - without warning. You have to guess what that next tempo will be. All that can help is to practise to them as many times as you can. I sometimes have a problem when people program a rallentando (when the tempo really slows down at the end of a song) I've never found a computer generated rallentando to feel right so sometimes it's just best to stop the click and let the drummer do it.

Hi Fox622003

Alright, I searched the thread and found someone asked about that improvised intro at the beginning of Halo live (from the Arriving Somewhere DVD) I read that and wrote something after hearing it a couple of times.

I can't really follow what you done there...but I can give you a massive clue about that fill. I'm pretty sure that it's 16th note triplets in groups of five. R L R R L.

drumbumhamza

I got my shipment of Porcupine Tree CDs and T-shirts (I wasn't aware that burningshed shipped to India). I got your new album as well :)
Just heard the first song...lovely intro groove (it's 9/8 + 9/8 + 5/8 if I'm not mistaken?)

Glad you like "Circles". Yes it's 9/8 + 9/8 + 5/8 in the verse and piano solo.

Hi Marcos

I found little information on internet about the sound Sonor artist amboina 13x7 snare drum. I know that you have this snare and describe it as "fantastic" in your forum, but can you tell me more about the sound for me? I like to use "ghost" notes on snare drum, is this snare sensitive to light touches?

It's a beautiful drum - and yes it has a good sensitivity to it for ghost notes.

cheers
Gavin

[revianblue]

Hi Gavin,

I'm studying your rhythms and fills since the first time i heard your job on Porcupine Tree, every single piece of these partitions was very educational for me. Thank you :)

My question is about What Happens Now? song from Nil Recurring EP. Around the 05:30 of the song (there are some Anesthetize samples on the background) you are playing a very interesting (and incredibly hard) ride part, i think it goes as a polyrhythm, but i'm not sure.

Can you describe that partition of the song?

[Alex P.]

My question is about What Happens Now? song from Nil Recurring EP. Around the 05:30 of the song (there are some Anesthetize samples on the background) you are playing a very interesting (and incredibly hard) ride part, i think it goes as a polyrhythm, but i'm not sure.

Can you describe that partition of the song?


Hi revianblue,

Here is the transcription of the "What Happens Now" groove.
(I think Gavin posted it some times ago, but I didn't find it...)

[miha]

Circles is purely phenomenal, I'm listening to it for days now, over and over again and I can't stop. You guys are geniuses. It's another step forward from Drop. So dynamic, so profound and melodic. It's so technical, but you really don't notice, because you're only noticing music. This album is a real peace of art. Thank you.

Gavin, you ever thought about doing a DVD about recording drums & getting proper drum sound in a studio & live situation? I think a lot of drummers & techs would dig that.

[SantiBanks]

Hi revianblue,

Here is the transcription of the "What Happens Now" groove.
(I think Gavin posted it some times ago, but I didn't find it...)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2ReDqc3aFs

Gavin demonstrates it in this video. Its a 3 16s override.

Besides that, I have a question for Gavin;
I know you love jazz a lot but I was curious if you like the more avant garde/free jazz kind of jazz (like Ornette Coleman, some of the stuff Pat Metheny did?)

[Renard]

Hey Alex P.!
Thanks for your transcriptions! They are very good! I downloaded some of them and they very useful! I think it is a very hard work to write down those damn hard grooves and fills...so thanks again! And please give us more :)

[Gus]

Hi Gavin

What about the forthcoming event at Village London Elstree?
Some kind of clinic or master classes?
Mike Dolbear seems to be a strong name at drummers world in Britain. I´ve seen many reviews, interviews etc at web from him.
I´d love to be there. Many great drummers, and two of my favourites Steve and you!

Summer regards from Spain

Gustavo

[zacharr]

Gavin,
In one interview you said that you use Axis pedals becouse you can play lauder with them. How could it be? I use DW 5002 pedals for about 2 years now. Few weaks ago I have tried my friend's Axis pedals and I couldn't play so hard. I don't think I could play much faster either:-) . Those pedals are so light that I can't belive they can be lauder.
I don't think of myself as a double pedal player. Even though I can play nearly the same stuff on my DW pedals as my "metal playing" friends on Axis. Don't you think the volume of playing it is all about microphones?
Sorry for any grammar mistakes:-)
Regards from Poland
Tom

[Gavin Harrison]

Thanks to Alex P for transcribing that little piece for revianblue.

Hi miha

Gavin, you ever thought about doing a DVD about recording drums & getting proper drum sound in a studio & live situation?

I have thought about it - but - as with all 'drum sounds' it's a very personal thing - and there are so many variables I think it would be a very hard thing to cover. In a studio situation - usually I'm in control of the sound - in a live situation - it's the engineer at the front of house of course. I work very closely with PT's engineer - but during the concert I have no idea what my drums REALLY sound like to the audience. I just have to trust the engineer.

Hi SantiBanks

I know you love jazz a lot but I was curious if you like the more avant garde/free jazz kind of jazz (like Ornette Coleman, some of the stuff Pat Metheny did?)

I'm not crazy about it.

Hi Gus

What about the forthcoming event at Village London Elstree?
Some kind of clinic or master classes?

you have confused me - what is the event? Am I advertised to play there? Because I don't think I am.

Hi zacharr

In one interview you said that you use Axis pedals becouse you can play lauder with them. How could it be? I use DW 5002 pedals for about 2 years now. Few weaks ago I have tried my friend's Axis pedals and I couldn't play so hard. I don't think I could play much faster either:-) . Those pedals are so light that I can't belive they can be lauder.
Don't you think the volume of playing it is all about microphones?

It depends how you have them set up. I have the (Axis Marksman) beater quite a long way back. That is to say the measurement from the top of my beater to the skin is 20.5cms - and the beater sticks out of the Axis pedal 16.5cms (to the top of the beater). Also it can depend how tightly you have the springs set on the pedal.

cheers
Gavin

[Gus]

Hi Gavin

I am confused too!
Just check this link of Sonor news (it´s at the bottom of the page) 27-31 july

http://www.sonor.com/pbas/Sonor_FE/sonor/english/nachricht-detail_qf.html?a-news-n_SearchId=352

Maybe some wrong notice.

Gus

[Fox622003]

Hi Gavin

I am confused too!
Just check this link of Sonor news (it´s at the bottom of the page) 27-31 july

http://www.sonor.com/pbas/Sonor_FE/sonor/english/nachricht-detail_qf.html?a-news-n_SearchId=352

Maybe some wrong notice.

Gus

LOL Gavin must be going WTH? with the Sonor guys :P!

[tommorello]

Hi Gavin,
Many thanks for being so awesome.
Here's my question, and I'm quite sure you've been asked this often before (for which I apologise...): I have been wondering at what point in your drumming career did you start to explore rhythms beyond the conventions of 'western' time-keeping? I mean, did you start out with something like that in mind, or was there something that made you think differently about your approach to the beat/groove in the course of your learning curve?

By the way, I'm super psyched about Circles, I hope it blows my mind like Drop did last year. I just got the.flac version off BurningShed or whatever it's called and am now going to the electronics store now to buy me some new high-quality loudspeakers for my PC; I need the best for this!

[Kalma]

Hi Gavin,

one question about your precise playing.


How long did you need to get the fear of a blank planet fill at 5:01 sound as it sounds?
Did you do some tricks on sound to let it sound so amazing?


Thanks
David

[Marcos]

Hi Gavin,

A couple of days I wrote to you asking about sonor amboina artist snare drum. I found little information on internet about the sound of this drum. I want buy one but I‘m not shure if this is the best snare for me.
Do you have some record using this drum?

Thanks Gavin,
Sorry to ask you again about this subject.

Marcos

[ItalianRicky]

hi master Gavin, how're you?
I need some advices from you again!
i found a yamaha birch custom snare, and i bought it for 150 euro.
Some photos! =)
http://yfrog.com/5730072009276j
http://yfrog.com/4230072009277j
http://yfrog.com/6h30072009278j
the specs of this snare is:
14"x5" birch 6 ply.The shell is the same as the old recording custom snares, with the internal ply laquered in black for better focused sound.power hoops. the main difference is that this snare drum haven't the "super sensitive" snare strainer system, but a normal snare strainer, with tension screw on both sides.
I've mounted a puresound snare wire, and a Pinstripe coated batter head.i tried it yesterday in a gig, and it is powerful and clean.but this is only the beginning...i want some more!
It's not a mistery that i love your snare sound, especially the sounds that you've obtained in live sessions with claudio baglioni.i love that focused, powerful and clean sound that you gave to the sounds.
You'll probably know this kind of snare better than me, what you can suggest me to obtain a good pop sound?head, snare wire, tuning...all be welcome.
i hope that you understand my ORRIBLE english :D
GRAZIE!!! =)

cheers from Italy!
Riccardo

[chongzilla]

Hey Gavin,
I was wondering if you had any suggestions for my current predicament. I've seemed to have gotten into a band situation where the skill levels are somewhat polar. The singer and I are more on the progressive side and the other two are more straight ahead rock. I started the group with the singer. We got a guitarist who's new to actually playing in a band situation. He has some issues like taking a ton of time tuning on stage and switching effects ontime. These things I think are fixable. Going into the studio I've come to realize that he can't play to a click. The bassist who is normally covered up in normal practice times is also not able to play with a click track. Ontop of that he seems to have skipped over some of the bassics because he's self-taught. He has issues with 16th note rests. I included examples of what I'm talking about (there's like 3 other songs with beats like this). I've tried to teach him by learning the bass part myself and showing him. I tried doing it by writing the music out. I tried by giving him tab and midi file. I tried by having him hum it. I tried by mimicking the sounds on the drums. He seems to even out the beat and add a pause. What do I do? I don't know what to do to fix all of this. He also has a consistency issue when it comes to bringing riffs in. The number of notes changes and he doesn't realize. I said "play with a metronome with it." He's like "what's the tempo?" I'm like "I'm not sure, just set it to eighth notes and speed it up until it matches." Then he says "What's the standard tempo for an eighth note?" Me: "Um... there is no standard tempo for an eighth note. It's just two times as fast as a quarter note." Him: "What's the standard tempo of a quater note?" I tried to explain, but I don't think he gets it. I've been trying to get things to improve, but I haven't seen them actually improve (it's been 9 months). Have you ever been in such a situation?
Thanks,
Stan

[Fox622003]

Hey Gavin,
I was wondering if you had any suggestions for my current predicament.

Well, I know you're looking for Gavin's input, but I happen to have *tried* to work with the (I think) kind of musicians you're describing. Let me tell you, I am not a very talented musician when it comes to rhythm myself, but reading and working with music a lot has gotten me to a point where I can pick up most rhythmic configurations and notes, and execute them fairly well, all of which, as I mentioned, can only be achieved if you really work on it. The people you're talking about, either haven't worked on it enough, or just don't acknowledge what they do wrong as mistakes. And it's kind of a big deal, because the examples you put were quite simple. I'd recommend telling them to go to a teacher that's heavy on the rhythmic side of music (most guitar/bass teachers don't focus as much on rhythm and reading as on other aspects), because if they didn't get it with all the efforts you've been making to help them (and in 9 months)...there's not much of a chance they'll get it with you, maybe a teacher can get through better.
Hope that helps.

Fox.

[Tryx_With_Some_Styx]

wow this is a really really popular thread here. whats up gavin? heard circles and i thought it was epic! The changing time signatures and occasionaly abstract rythyms are great. sure you dont have a giant kit like mike portnoy, but you dont need one. heck, you are there to make music, not to make people's mouths water when they see a huge kit. Is Sonor a really good drum line? im interested in purchasing a new kit

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi tommorello

I have been wondering at what point in your drumming career did you start to explore rhythms beyond the conventions of 'western' time-keeping? I mean, did you start out with something like that in mind, or was there something that made you think differently about your approach to the beat/groove in the course of your learning curve?

I guess I really started getting into it when I was about 19 years old. I had lessons when I was younger and I knew how to read and transcribe (to a degree). I got an audition with a band called Renaissance and they sent me some tapes to learn before the audition. I carefully charted out all the odd time signatures (of which there were many) and luckily got the job. I was listening to "Joe's Garage" (by Frank Zappa) and my ears were becoming accustomed to the sound of unusual time signatures. I went to New York and found the Frank Zappa Guitar Book (by Steve Vai) and I saw rhythmical notation in there I hadn't even dreamt of. I also bought the Gary Chaffee books (Patterns 1, 2, & 3 ) and got fascinated with odd subdivisions (quintuplets, septuplets etc). I suppose from that point I always had an interest in 'thinking outside the box' rhythmically.

Hi Kalma

one question about your precise playing.
How long did you need to get the fear of a blank planet fill at 5:01 sound as it sounds?
Did you do some tricks on sound to let it sound so amazing?

I think I got it down in a couple of takes - there's no 'sound' tricks - that's what it sounded like when I played it.

Hi Marcos

A couple of days I wrote to you asking about sonor amboina artist snare drum. I found little information on internet about the sound of this drum. I want buy one but I‘m not shure if this is the best snare for me. Do you have some record using this drum?

I haven't used this drum on a recording yet. You probably need to try it to decide if it's the right drum for you.

Hi ItalianRicky

14"x5" birch 6 ply.The shell is the same as the old recording custom snares, with the internal ply laquered in black for better focused sound.power hoops. the main difference is that this snare drum haven't the "super sensitive" snare strainer system, but a normal snare strainer, with tension screw on both sides. You'll probably know this kind of snare better than me, what you can suggest me to obtain a good pop sound?head, snare wire, tuning...all be welcome.

I can only tell you what setup I have used on my drum - all drums are slightly different even if they are the same make/size/model - such is the nature of real wood. My drum has rounded bearing edges (like Gretsch) I use Coated Pinstripe or Coated C.S on the top - and ambassador on the snare side. 8 strand Puresound snare wires and an S-Hoop on the top. Don't expect it to sound exactly the same as mine does on some record - there's a lot of other factors (mics/eq/reverb/room/mix/mastering and the way that I hit it). Good luck with it.

Hi chongzilla

He has some issues like taking a ton of time tuning on stage and switching effects ontime. These things I think are fixable. Going into the studio I've come to realize that he can't play to a click. The bassist who is normally covered up in normal practice times is also not able to play with a click track. On top of that he seems to have skipped over some of the bassics because he's self-taught. What do I do?

the short answer - buy a gun!!!

He needs to go back to the beginning and have some lessons. Learning to read rhythmic notation can sometimes help people understand how it works. It seems like he trying to just do it by ear - but without the understanding. Understanding is the most important part - but that still doesn't mean that he'd be able to play it accurately. He obviously doesn't hear where he's going wrong - so it will be very frustrating for him having you tell him that it's wrong - and might feel it's a bit demeaning you suggesting that he needs to go back to basics and have lessons. In which case go back to the short answer above.

Hi Tryx_With_Some_Styx

Is Sonor a really good drum line? im interested in purchasing a new kit

They are great drums - I'm very happy with them.

cheers
Gavin

[jez-]

Hi

I was wondering what time signatures the new song "Scar" contains? The chorus sounds interesting.

Thanks!

[tommorello]

I guess I really started getting into it when I was about 19 years old. I had lessons when I was younger and I knew how to read and transcribe (to a degree). I got an audition with a band called Renaissance and they sent me some tapes to learn before the audition. I carefully charted out all the odd time signatures (of which there were many) and luckily got the job. I was listening to "Joe's Garage" (by Frank Zappa) and my ears were becoming accustomed to the sound of unusual time signatures. I went to New York and found the Frank Zappa Guitar Book (by Steve Vai) and I saw rhythmical notation in there I hadn't even dreamt of.
Haha yeah Zappa can do some stuff no one even wants to see/hear. I recently saw the sheet music to The Black Page; one would think Zappa was actively trying to scare people away with that stuff... Oh, and as for Joe's Garage... Keep It Greasy?

Can't read music myself, not unless it's a right handed piano transcription of Mary Had A Little Lamb. My drum teacher, with whom I had lessons for three years only taught me how to love the drums and treat them well. I'm totally thankful for that, because if he had taught me how to read sheet music, I probably would not have stuck by it at all. I've only been able to play stuff if I can see or hear it done clearly (that's why I got your Rhythmic Visions+Horizons DVDs, and not the books). Like a pattern in 7/8 I think it is, I learned to play that by listening to a lot of Deliverance by Opeth. There's another one of my favourites, Martin Lopez, and it's a bloody shame he left Opeth. Obviously you work with Steven Wilson quite often; did you ever get the chance to meet Lopez? I understand Steven produced a few Opeth records and if it were my bandmate working with Martin Lopez I wouldn't think twice about running over there and checking out how he lays down the Ghost Of Perdition or something!

Oh and kudos on Circles. I'd say Unsettled from Drop still has my favourite drumming on it, but the overall work on Circles is an improvement I think.

[DrummerStan]

Hello. Ive been drumming for about 2 and a half years now and your playing has been a big influence on me. When I found you actually posted on here I was excited to get some advice from someone of your talent.

1. What would you consider the most difficult Porcupine Tree song to date(could be off the new album)?
2. Do you have any tips on time keeping? It seems I can only get so far with a metronome. Is it one of those things that just happens over time as you practice more?
3. Do you play more than one instrument? Do you think learning to play bass or guitar could help a drummer develop musically? I think I phrased that weird but I think the basic idea is there. I say this because im debating buying a bass or guitar to play at night because my neighbors get mad when I play past about 7pm here.

I might see Porcupine Tree in Philadelphia in September at the Electric Factory(I think). I don't know if Im working that night or not yet.
Thanks in advance. And another thank you for all the great music!

[Heitor]

Hi Gavin!

Just wanted to know something... I received the download code to "Time Flies (Edit)" and there's no kick drum... is that right?!?

If so, you just BLEW MY MIND! That would be the ultimate risk at trying something different on a song... "Hey, let's play it without any bass drum!"

If not, I think Steven needs to make a little recall =)

Top notch song, great to see you guys expanding even more your sound on this new album! Congratulations and all the best!

Heitor.

[chongzilla]

Hey Gavin,
Thanks for the reply! I got my bassist to agree to go take lessons. Or atleast he has the intention. Following through on such things sometimes doesn't happen so time will tell! haha, otherwise your plan A will go into effect! haha

I just taught my guitarist how to play the most basic rhythm for a pattern of 7/8, 7/8, and then 6/8 (1-3-5-- 1-3-5-- 1--4--). I'm basically tricking him into that so that I can play a guitar riff over that that is 4 bars of 5/8. Plus if I teach him alternating time signatures he'll think 7/8 by itself is easier! haha

Thanks for the suggestions. I appreciate the time you've taken to answer my questions.
-Stan


Hey Fox622003,
Thanks for your input also. I'm glad you responded too. I'm trying to see what people think to help me decide for myself what to do. I've had responses like "fire the guitarist and bassist and keep the singer." to "Leave and find people that are just as progressive minded as you." to "Give them lessons/have them take lessons." to "Quit that band and move to California!" All, perfectly fine ideas. haha, I just have to figure what's best for me. It's good to hear what other musicians think. Hopefully things will get better with patience and them either learning from me or taking lessons.
Thanks,
Stan

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi jez-

I was wondering what time signatures the new song "Scar" contains? The chorus sounds interesting.

The verse is in 11/8 (could be thought of as 3/4 + 5/8) and the chorus is in 4/4. Guitar solo section is 11/8 as well.

Hi tommorello,

yes I met Martin Lopez when Opeth and PT we're touring together around 2003.

Hi DrummerStan

1. What would you consider the most difficult Porcupine Tree song to date(could be off the new album)?

Technically speaking - the end of "What Happens Now" is quite tricky - "Futile" is another quite hard piece to play live.

2. Do you have any tips on time keeping? It seems I can only get so far with a metronome. Is it one of those things that just happens over time as you practice more?

Recording yourself and listening back to check for timing is a good thing to do. I don't really understand what you mean by "only get so far with a metronome"?

3. Do you play more than one instrument? Do you think learning to play bass or guitar could help a drummer develop musically?

I play bass, guitar and keyboards - all pretty badly - but yes I think it definitely helps my drumming.

Hi Heitor

Just wanted to know something... I received the download code to "Time Flies (Edit)" and there's no kick drum... is that right?!?

I haven't heard that particular edit - but yes there should be bass drum in there.

cheers
Gavin

[DrummerStan]

Hi jez-

Recording yourself and listening back to check for timing is a good thing to do. I don't really understand what you mean by "only get so far with a metronome"?

cheers
Gavin

Sorry if it was confusing. I worded it wrong, I apologize. After rereading what I asked that part didn't make sense to me either. What I meant was are there are tricks to timekeeping other than working with a metronome and developing an internal clock so to speak?

Thank you for the replies. Im gonna look around for a means of recording my practices

[chongzilla]

Hey Gavin,
I just wanted to double check. Is this noted right or am I totally off on what I think I hear? Is it more studdered with the feet? On the Modern Drummer Festival it looks more stop and go than what I think I'm hearing. I get the hands, just alternate the right between the crash and ride. The left hand is spaced equally 6 times over the bar of 4/4. What's going on with the feet?
Thanks,
Stan

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi DrummerStan

What I meant was are there are tricks to timekeeping other than working with a metronome and developing an internal clock so to speak?

Ultimately you just need to listen. Open your ears and hear your playing. Can you tell if your timing sounds good/bad? speeding up/slowing down? Never give up working with that metronome - if you know how to listen - it will show you many things.

Hi chongzilla

I just wanted to double check. Is this noted right or am I totally off on what I think I hear? Is it more studdered with the feet? On the Modern Drummer Festival it looks more stop and go than what I think I'm hearing. I get the hands, just alternate the right between the crash and ride. The left hand is spaced equally 6 times over the bar of 4/4. What's going on with the feet?

You haven't got it right - it's actually very simple indeed. (We've discussed this here already quite a bit so here's a link to my transcription).

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showpost.php?p=343578&postcount=1407

cheers
Gavin

[chongzilla]

Oops! Sorry, didn't mean to repeat. I looked on the www.askgavinharrison.com first, but didn't see it in the transcriptions tab. I'll search the thread more thoroughly. Thanks though!

[stoneymonster]

Just had a listen to the new album medley and Time Flies. Just a quick question: on Time Flies, it sounds like there is no kick drum in the mix! Is it just really low or was it intentionally played without it?

Looking forward to the tour, maybe this is the song you rest your legs on? ;)

[jez-]

Just had a listen to the new album medley and Time Flies. Just a quick question: on Time Flies, it sounds like there is no kick drum in the mix! Is it just really low or was it intentionally played without it?

Looking forward to the tour, maybe this is the song you rest your legs on? ;)

Gavin already answered that, read a few posts back. :)

[cygnify]

[QUOTE=stoneymonster;600551]Just had a listen to the new album medley and Time Flies. Just a quick question: on Time Flies, it sounds like there is no kick drum in the mix! Is it just really low or was it intentionally played without it?
[QUOTE]

Hey Stoney - I noticed the same thing regarding the "Time Flies" edit - and as Gavin responded, there should be a kick in there (but it certainly does seem to be absent in the pre-order mp3 I heard.) If you go to the PT myspace page or roadrunner records you can hear the preview edit for the new album, there definitely is a kick in the mix (Time Flies included.) Either the pre-order edit was purposely mixed with no kick or it's some sort of mistake - personally, I hope that the final work has a more pronounced kick drum as it accentuates the rhythm and makes that ride and ghost strokes sound all the more tasty!

Gavin - is that a special ride that you used for "Time Flies" or is it your usual K ride? It sounds particularly shimmering, almost like a flat top.

[stoneymonster]

Gavin already answered that, read a few posts back. :)

Oops. Hard to keep up around here ;)

[loveporcupine]

Hi Gavin,

got a question, is this you on that clip (Sam Brown, Formel eins) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEviI2gC1ws)?

If yes i just won ten box, my friend says no!

Besides this time flies and I cannot wait to hear the full incident and watch that tilburg dvd!
see you on tour!

cheers

Lionel from Basel

[Fox622003]

Hello Gavin, two quick questions here!
You've played countless live shows, but I've never seen extra sticks lying around, where do you keep them? I mean, you must have dropped a stick once at least somewhere between all those shows!
Also, why did you chose the black Evans EQ patch over the clear patch? because I've got to change mine and was thinking of trying the black, but not sure what the main difference is.
Alright, thanks for your time Gavin.


All the best, Fox.

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi cygnify

is that a special ride that you used for "Time Flies" or is it your usual K ride? It sounds particularly shimmering, almost like a flat top.

Yes I think it's my K 20" ride. There's a section you haven't heard yet that features the bell of the ride quite clearly.

Hi loveporcupine

got a question, is this you on that clip (Sam Brown, Formel eins)? If yes i just won ten box, my friend says no!

The track has my drumming on it - but that's not me there with blond hair on the drumset. In fact I don't think I ever did a TV show with Sam.

Hi Fox622003

You've played countless live shows, but I've never seen extra sticks lying around, where do you keep them?

I keep them in a bag leaning against my first floor tom - and there's another couple of sticks attached to a holder on the lower part of the hi hat stand.

Also, why did you chose the black Evans EQ patch over the clear patch?

I just like the attack from the black one.

cheers
Gavin

[zacharr]

Hi Gavin!
Many people ask you about double bass drum "tips". You always direct them to the Derek Roddy. Do you really think he is such a good drummer? His playing, is only about very fast single strokes!! Even when he is playing drum solo there are just few blasts! That is not something that really interest me. Of course I am far away from his speed, but even if I could play so fast,I won't use it! For me it is not what music is about.
Cheers
Tom
Sorry for any grammar mistakes
By the way,Chongzilla, in my opinion, you are not a drummer if you have a problems with playing with click. Those are basics.

[Kalma]

Hi Gavin,

any tips which programm to use for drum (and maybe other instrument) transcriptions on mac..??


I'm searching and searching but I cannot find any good programm...


Thanks very much
David

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi zacharr

Many people ask you about double bass drum "tips". You always direct them to the Derek Roddy. Do you really think he is such a good drummer?

Yes I think he's great. I had chance to spend a little bit of time with him at the Modern Drummer Fest and PASIC and he's a very nice guy too. Maybe you don't like the style of music that he tends to play the most but I really appreciate what he does on the instrument. I really like this video and it shows a bit of a different side to his approach.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxQHM0M6TGg

Hi Kalma

any tips which programm to use for drum (and maybe other instrument) transcriptions on mac..??

I understand both Finale and Sibelius are both really good on the Mac - I have friends that use both. Terry Branam could probably tell you his thoughts about this. Are you out there Terry?

cheers
Gavin

[krayziemex99]

Although I have been drumming for about 2 years now Gavin's playing has been a HUGE inspiration to me. Top notch stuff it's great I am in the process of buying the books and DVD's I hear they are ridiculously hard and not for the beginner but i don't care i am looking forward to it.

[Terry Branam]

Are you out there Terry?


I'm here somewhere!!

Kalma,

As Gavin said, Finale and Sibelius are the two most popular notation programs for the Mac. I personally use Finale, but I have messed around with Sibelius as well. I started with Finale years ago and I just stuck with it because I know it really well, and it can do virtually anything I want it to.

As far as the "learning curve", I found Sibelius to be a slight bit more user friendly at first, but harder to tweak stuff to a certain degree. Finale was the exact opposite kind of experience (if that makes any sense).

Either way, if you are looking to get started with working with notation, these two programs are the way to go.

FYI: I used Finale for all of the transcriptions in Gavin's upcoming book. If I can get through both GH/05ric albums without breaking it, it's good software!!!

Good luck,

Terry

[SantiBanks]

I downloaded the freeware program MuseScore (for mac, windows and linux versions available too) and it looked pretty impressive for a freeware program. There seems to be support for drumscores (only tried making a lead sheet). I can recommend it for people who like to give scoring music a try. It might not be as feature rich as finale or sibilius but I think it will do the trick for most musicians who want their idea on paper quick.

http://www.musescore.org/

[AndrewL]

Hi Gavin!

I don't really have a question. That link to the Derek Roddy video was great. Have you checked this one out? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6b_-Qql7alM Dave and Derek are both monster players.

Also, I didn't buy tickets to the Porcupine Tree show for Toronto (Sept 30th) when I should have (I needed to see if anybody I knew wanted to go) and now tickets are selling online for (minimum) $200 a ticket, and at some places over $450 a ticket!!! It's absolutely ridiculous, and the concert is still 2 months away. I've compared the ticket prices for the Toronto show with prices for almost every other place PT is playing and by far, the Toronto concert was the most expensive. Unless I can find some for under $100 a ticket, I don't think I'll be able to go :'( . At least I'll be able to enjoy The Incident; I'm very excited for it.

[Gus]

Hi Terry

Can Finale play the music written with it? Or may need another program, midi module or something?

Thanks in advance.

Best Regards
Gustavo

[Alex P.]

Can Finale play the music written with it? Or may need another program, midi module or something?



Hi Gus,

Yes Finale can play the music written. The sounds are not great, and there is no "feeling", no "groove" (like all the midi files), but it still helps.

[supermac]

Hi Gavin,

Thanks for getting back to me about the possible newspaper interview before PT play at Newcastle Academy in December.

My question is about 19 Days from your DVD. I've ust started working with it. I can happily playing along to marimba 19/8 section - but when the piano - and especially the accoustic guitar - come in, all the different accents and phrases throw me.

When you're playing the song, are you 'singing' the marimba pattern to yourself, or are you just 'eeling the 19/8 groove?


Cheers

[Alex P.]

Hi everyone,
Hi Gavin,

Here is the “Shallow” ‘s transcription. It’s a bit difficult to hear the bass drum on the chorus, and the ghost-notes. So, I hope this is good.

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8408/shallow1.jpg
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/1024/shallow2.jpg
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9695/shallow3.jpg

I just received “Circles”… and it’s really great music! One of the thing I like the most, is, even if there are a lot of odd time signatures, we don’t feel the “effort”; it’s not difficult only to do something difficult, but to do good music… and I appreciate that !!! (don’t know if I’m clear..)

Do you know when your next book will be saleable?

Once again, thanks for the time you take to answer all our questions !

Bye !

Alex P.

[Kalma]

Hi Gavin,

how long did you work on this solo?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s604Pa-waH0

Thanks
David

[supermac]

Hi Gavin,

Further to post 2/3 days ago. After intesive study, I have got my head around the 19/8 riff on 19 Days and can play along to it quite freely.

Still have to count from 2mins 45 to 3min 30 though!

Lovely piece of music and great time signature to play with.

One of my favourite ever time signatures to is from the Billy Cobham album Crosswinds where he plays in 15/16, but it grooves brilliantly. I've been jamming to it for years.

Have you ever come across it?

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi supermac

When you're playing the song, are you 'singing' the marimba pattern to yourself, or are you just 'eeling the 19/8 groove?

I think in the beginning I did carry on singing that marimba pattern just to keep myself in the 19. After a while you just start to feel it.

Hi Alex P.

Here is the “Shallow” ‘s transcription. It’s a bit difficult to hear the bass drum on the chorus, and the ghost-notes. So, I hope this is good.

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/8408/shallow1.jpg
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/1024/shallow2.jpg
http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9695/shallow3.jpg

Many thanks for these - they look great - good job!

Do you know when your next book will be saleable?

We don't know at the moment - myself and Terry are putting the final touches to it right now. I would hope it will be available before the end of this year.

Hi Kalma

how long did you work on this solo?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s604Pa-waH0

I wrote a couple of drum patterns to play over (as you see in the cut in) and then I just improvised for about 10 minutes. What ended up on the DVD is an edited down version of that 10 minute solo. So as far as "how long did I work on the solo"? - about 10 minutes.

cheers
Gavin

[The Bassist]

Hey Gavin, I have a couple of questions that I've wanted to ask you, so here they are:

1) Are there any disadvantages to playing primarily open handed on the drums? I'm right handed, but play on the hi hat with my left, and have played like that since I began, but I've been told before that it limits me, although I don't really see how.

2) Around how long did it take you to at least begin to master stuff like playing a jazzy rhythm on the ride, and ghost notes on the snare without breaking the ride rhythm? I've been trying to do this for a while now, but it seems I'm not catching on.

and a couple of PT related questions: I'm going to go see you guys at the Boston House of Blues on sept 27, and was wondering if the live film will be playing in the background there. I've been to the venue before to see Opeth, and there was nothing there. I was also wondering if there would be a chance afterwards to meet you guys :P

Thanks in advanced. You've been my favorite drummer for a long time, and after learning that you take the time to personally answer fans' questions, that just made me respect you even more.
Have a great day!

[Overg]

Hey Gavin,

I can't believe that you are still here :) finding the time to answer the infinite questions, this is so great, I always read this thread.

I have a question as well.. :

was wondering, in a live show, how do u tune the headphones, is the bass guitar is the one you want to hear the most?
or maybe the guitar ? and the vocals ?

Thanks again for your time :)

O

[nanrick]

Hello Gavin,

Huge fan of your drumming here. Your latest work with OSI is a masterpiece. I like the tracks; The Escape Artist, False Start, Radiolougue and Be The Hero. But I must say that I'm in real awe with your drumming on Stockholm, I just love the subtleties you laid on that track, truly magnificent.

On with my question, you mentioned that you never personally met Kevin and James for that session, so we're you exchanging audio files back and forth? And if yes, how much are you involved in terms of your drum sound, did you use (aside from your usual drum setup) other drum, cymbals or percussion instruments?

And on your drum mics to DAW recording hook-up, how do they show in your Logic Pro, do they all show as a one track or are they all showing 16 separate tracks?

Apologies for the many questions. It's my first time.

Thanks

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi The Bassist

1) Are there any disadvantages to playing primarily open handed on the drums? I'm right handed, but play on the hi hat with my left, and have played like that since I began, but I've been told before that it limits me, although I don't really see how.

I would say that it's actually an advantage to play open handed - as long as you're left hand is better and smoother at holding the time.

2) Around how long did it take you to at least begin to master stuff like playing a jazzy rhythm on the ride, and ghost notes on the snare without breaking the ride rhythm? I've been trying to do this for a while now, but it seems I'm not catching on.

I can't really say - because that was the very first thing I learnt to do. My Dad was a jazz musician and that's all I was listening to when I was very young. He played a little bit of drums - so I guess I picked it up from him.

I'm going to go see you guys at the Boston House of Blues on sept 27, and was wondering if the live film will be playing in the background there.

Yes there should be. I haven't been to that venue - but I'm assuming that the stage is big enough (and high enough) to set up a screen? The only times we don't use the screen is if the venue simply isn't big enough at the back to put it up. Occasionally at festivals it's too difficult to organise it.

I was also wondering if there would be a chance afterwards to meet you guys

I can't promise to meet anyone after a show. Sometimes it happens and other times it doesn't. Sorry to be vague.

Hi Overg

I was wondering, in a live show, how do u tune the headphones, is the bass guitar is the one you want to hear the most? or maybe the guitar ? and the vocals ?

I try to make a pretty even balance of all the instruments and vocals - I don''t really have one much louder than another.

Hi nanrick

On with my question, you mentioned that you never personally met Kevin and James for that session, so we're you exchanging audio files back and forth? And if yes, how much are you involved in terms of your drum sound, did you use (aside from your usual drum setup) other drum, cymbals or percussion instruments?

Yes we just sent files to each other. I used my usual drumset and mics here at my home studio - and that's pretty much what it sounds like on the record. We didn't discuss that drum sound - they seemed to like it from the start of the process. I changed ride cymbals and snare a couple of times where I thought it needed it.

And on your drum mics to DAW recording hook-up, how do they show in your Logic Pro, do they all show as a one track or are they all showing 16 separate tracks?

Yes they turn up as 16 separate tracks in Logic.

cheers
Gavin

[Gus]

Hi Gavin,

In your previous dvds you enclosed Italian and German subtitles. Have you thought in doing Spanish subtitles for you forthcoming one?.

Just saw the MD2008 dvd and you were brilliant. Great sound. Was a surprise to me see you playing 'life', one of my favourites, and what a great farewell with 'quite firm'!. Love that horn section and your drumming around.

Best regards
Gus

[huXler]

Hi Gavin!

Me and my cousin just got our tickets for the 25th November in Wettingen. We could convince our drum teacher to come with us, and we all can't wait to see you guys live.
Is there anything special planned for that show?

Cheers

[kvri]

Hi Gavin,

First of all, I have to say that you are one of my favorite drummers ever. I just love the melodic way of drumming, that too few rock drummers have.. Maybe its a jazz background thing..

Anyway, I got the Rhythmic Horizons DVD and that has helped me a lot as a drummer. Now I am finally able to somehow tackle through Porcupine Tree songs like Halo and Sound of Muzak! When trying to play these songs I too usually hum the bass melody in my head.

However, when the guitar or bass is playing in another time than drums I'll get confused (especially in odd time signatures). I noticed that PT has many songs that utilize these polyrhythms between different instruments. So what's your trick to keep in time in these songs? I guess you use same tricks when displacing beats in fills, do you just ignore the bass track in your head? I guess I just havent got that sixth sense you mentioned in the DVD to feel where I am in the beat.

On another note, I already preordered the new album. So the second question is, how does it feel to be able to play with such great musicians? I mean all the guys in PT are virtuosos on their instruments, not to mention other bands like KC you have worked with.

Cheers,
Jukka

[zacharr]

Hi Gavin!

Me and my cousin just got our tickets for the 25th November in Wettingen. We could convince our drum teacher to come with us, and we all can't wait to see you guys live.
Is there anything special planned for that show?

Cheers

If Gavin would tell you, it won't be special anymore, right? :-)
Cheers
Tom

[Gavin Harrison]

Hi Gus

In your previous dvds you enclosed Italian and German subtitles. Have you thought in doing Spanish subtitles for you forthcoming one?.

There will not be any subtitles on the next DVD. I don't think anyone actually appreciated them on the previous DVDs - and it was a MASSIVE amount of work/time/money to do them.

Hi huXler

Me and my cousin just got our tickets for the 25th November in Wettingen.
Is there anything special planned for that show?

Every night is a special night ;-) Is there any particular reason that you think we should be doing something 'special' in Wettingen?

Hi kvri

However, when the guitar or bass is playing in another time than drums I'll get confused (especially in odd time signatures). I noticed that PT has many songs that utilize these polyrhythms between different instruments. So what's your trick to keep in time in these songs? I guess you use same tricks when displacing beats in fills, do you just ignore the bass track in your head? I guess I just havent got that sixth sense you mentioned in the DVD to feel where I am in the beat.

Actually I like to know what everyone else is playing and how it relates to what I'm doing. Otherwise it's like "1,2,3,4 see you at the end of the song" and just hope that you all finish together.

cheers
Gavin

[huXler]

Hi huXler

Me and my cousin just got our tickets for the 25th November in Wettingen.
Is there anything special planned for that show?

Every night is a special night ;-) Is there any particular reason that you think we should be doing something 'special' in Wettingen?



No, no particular reason, but I had to ask something after all :-D

[Kalma]

Hi Gavin,

I'm not sure if my questions were answered already, so I just ask...

-1- How do you program your clicktracks?
-2- How do you get such an dry sound to your snares without dampening?
I use an Sonor Artist Vintage Maple Snare in 14*5. Standard Sonor Resohead and an Evans 2layer Head.
Without dampening I don't get a good sound out of the snare and I was tuning it for 4 hours yesterday.. I also watched the Bob Gatzen videos on youtube.

Maybe you can give me some tips?


Thanks again
David

[NeuroAxis]

Hi Gavin,

I'm not sure if my questions were answered already, so I just ask...

-1- How do you program your clicktracks?
-2- How do you get such an dry sound to your snares without dampening?
I use an Sonor Artist Vintage Maple Snare in 14*5. Standard Sonor Resohead and an Evans 2layer Head.
Without dampening I don't get a good sound out of the snare and I was tuning it for 4 hours yesterday.. I also watched the Bob Gatzen videos on youtube.

Maybe you can give me some tips?


Thanks again
David

There was a website setup www.askgavinharrison.com which arhives all past posts so that you can search for the answers to things that have already been asked. I believe there is ample material on both of your questions at that website.

[Drum-R]

Hi Gavin!

Did you get an 20'' Oriental Crash of Doom and cut it down to 18''...
Because on Zildjian site there's no 18'' Crash of Doom

[dwsabianguy]

Drum-R - For a while, Zildjian offered an 18" Oriental Crash of Doom as well. My assumption is that there are ways to get them if you're an endorser.

[KevShephard]

I've ordered my tickets to the Sept 29 show in Montreal!!! Woohoo!!

So Gavin, do you guys take requests? Free Bird? Sweet Home Alabama maybe? Sweet Caroline? ;) Kidding of course - they're the kind of requests my band gets.....:(

How about Anesthetize? That'd be smokin'......my fave.

What is the usual rule around bringing a camera into a Porcupine Tree show (just a Sony Cybershot, nothing pro)? It seems most bands have become more lenient in what they allow into a concert lately.

Very very hyped for the show....it will be great to see and hear you play the PT stuff live.

Thanks for all of the inspiration, and answering everyone's barrage of questions!!!!

Kevin