P
plangentmusic
Guest
To be able to play at top speed? By that, I mean top speed for YOU?
I play several instruments and it seems to be the case across the board -- after playing a while, it becomes a part of you -- you can do it anytime -- to a degree. It's playing the real chop-sy stuff that requires you practice and stay on top of your game. Interestingly enough, the guys who are best at it DO IT TOO MUCH!!!
Case in point : On bass, I can slap pretty well, but don't do it too often because it's kinda dated. And those chops go quickly unless you do it a lot. And who are the guys who do it best? The guys who slap over EVERYTHING. Guitar playing is 90% rhythm playing. Pianists who can improvise substitution chords over substite to the point where you can't tell what it is. And DRUMMERS...they're the WORST! lol
Drums are the one instrument where practice consist of purely technique. By that I mean, a drummer doesn't play modes, scales, notes, harmonies etc. And who are the guys with the best chops? The guys who tend to overplay. And a LOT of drummers overplay. I've found drummers and pianists are the main culprits in this area -- probably because pianists often play by themselves and drummers don't get to show off unless they're soloing -- and how often do you get to play a solo?
Even some of the top guys do it. Hell, last time I saw Dave Weckel it seemed like he played every lick he knew every 4 measures. After 5 minutes I was bored and left the hall.
It's amazing how much diligence it takes to keep your chops up and yet HOLD BACK using them until just the right time.
What's your take on it? And who do you think is a good example of someone with monstrous technique who also uses taste and restraint? I mean, besides Steve Gadd. LOL
I play several instruments and it seems to be the case across the board -- after playing a while, it becomes a part of you -- you can do it anytime -- to a degree. It's playing the real chop-sy stuff that requires you practice and stay on top of your game. Interestingly enough, the guys who are best at it DO IT TOO MUCH!!!
Case in point : On bass, I can slap pretty well, but don't do it too often because it's kinda dated. And those chops go quickly unless you do it a lot. And who are the guys who do it best? The guys who slap over EVERYTHING. Guitar playing is 90% rhythm playing. Pianists who can improvise substitution chords over substite to the point where you can't tell what it is. And DRUMMERS...they're the WORST! lol
Drums are the one instrument where practice consist of purely technique. By that I mean, a drummer doesn't play modes, scales, notes, harmonies etc. And who are the guys with the best chops? The guys who tend to overplay. And a LOT of drummers overplay. I've found drummers and pianists are the main culprits in this area -- probably because pianists often play by themselves and drummers don't get to show off unless they're soloing -- and how often do you get to play a solo?
Even some of the top guys do it. Hell, last time I saw Dave Weckel it seemed like he played every lick he knew every 4 measures. After 5 minutes I was bored and left the hall.
It's amazing how much diligence it takes to keep your chops up and yet HOLD BACK using them until just the right time.
What's your take on it? And who do you think is a good example of someone with monstrous technique who also uses taste and restraint? I mean, besides Steve Gadd. LOL