Does this work.

k3ng · #1 02-12-2007, 06:41 AM

I've had this theory in my head for a long time, but don't know if it actually works. I've had 2 experiments, 1 failed and 1 succeeded.

Lets say you start off learning to move around the kit. To learn to move faster, try positioning your toms and other parts further away from each other than you would normally. Then as you practice moving around the kit, as you get more comfortable with the distance, bring in the pieces slowly, and you get quicker with the shorter distance between the drums.

I'm interested to know if anyone of you has ever tried it and has it worked for you and if you would recommend others to do the same?

Mr. Pasquini · #2 02-12-2007, 07:07 AM

From what I've gathered, it's not the best way. It over complicates motions. Refining your technique with what you have seems more efficient. It's like learning to drive on a racetrack with no traffic. It's pretty useless on the road because you will never have an open road like that and you will never move at those speeds++ you will try to take civilian turns with race lines. Not too effective when oncoming traffic is involved. Though you may need the speed around the kit, you will learn the wrong placement. You'll end up hitting rims constantly, rather than hitting the sweet spot. I'd say just stick with what you already play on. Learn with what you will use at a gig or whatever. If you are only used to playing fast at a large range, you will only be fast a t a large range. You'll have to re-aim for short range.

vadrum · #3 02-12-2007, 04:27 PM

i dont think what youre doing is a waste of time. its an interesting experiment, but you will have to stick to it long term to see if it will work. at the very least it will get you used to working w/ unconventional setups.

however, if playing on unconventional setups is not a consant in your musical life then you might want to re-evaluate if you really need to spend time on this. perhaps it would be better spent playing on your setup if thats what use most of the time.

Tama Player · #4 02-12-2007, 05:26 PM

I'm in between. I guess you could, but then you would be "programming" your arms and wrists to play farther out. Then when you bring them in your arms kind of get confused and aren't sure where to go. If it works for you then I say do it. If you want to try something else to gain up speed on your toms, try doing some crossover triplets. While doing the triplets and crossing your arms switch from 8th noted to 16th notes. Then move your arms around the set while doing all of that. That built up my speed tremendously, but like I said whatever works for you.

Peace
AGR

Spreggy · #5 02-12-2007, 07:10 PM

K3ng, one of my hobbies is archery, and we use a similar approach to mastering certain distances. If you go for 40 yards as your top distance, and shoot out to 40, well you'll do alright. But if you practice at 50 and 60 yards, then 40 becomes a slam dunk. But, the big difference between archery and drums is that at all yardages, archery technique is exactly the same, and the distance increase pushes you to refine that same technique. Moving drums, however, means learning new technique, new muscle memory. So I don't think it will have the impact you're looking for. I would think that a book like Rod Morgenstein's warm up book, which works your accuracy around the kit in the extreme, would get you better results.
Good luck!
John

GRUNTERSDAD · #6 02-12-2007, 08:47 PM

I would say that method would require you to learn to play faster and to also learn your kit over each time. I would leave the kit alone and just increase the tempo a little at a time. I also don't think that one trial at each is enough to draw any conclusion. One doesnt practice shooting free throws in basketball by shooting from the three point line. You practice from the foul line. And the only problem I have with the archery scenario, and my experience is limited, you do change your aiming point when you go from shooting 40 yads and 60 yds. We did this in school and I remember moving the sight and then putting it on the target. I would learn to play my kit faster, and maybe the one time you did move it it was in a more comfortable spot for you. If you arent comfortable its difficult to learn any physical activity.

Raymond Bloom · #7 02-12-2007, 08:56 PM

The problem in this concept is coordination and muscle memory

having larger gaps between your drums will only build a bit muscle mass on your arms, probably your hands will be able to move around a bit faster but you may lack coordination and muscle memory

there are much more easyer ways how to get far better results, for example - parcticing singles (or whatever) around the drums for a long period of time at different tempos... :-)

skaman · #8 02-13-2007, 01:17 AM

Try this reather than moving toms arround the room. :)

Class A Drummer · #9 02-13-2007, 02:26 AM

In theory, sometimes it will work sometimes its not a good idea. For example, its probably not a good idea for what you are talking about.

But in a way it might work, Lets say you are trying to do 8th notes on each hand at 200 bpm. Try it at 210 or 215 first for about a min or two going on and off. Then go down to 200 bpm, it will seem alot easier than it did before.

jackothedrummer1 · #10 02-13-2007, 02:27 AM

I would say not to do that, muscle memory is a large part of playing a musical instrument. Plus, when you hit the toms, your goal is to try and hit the toms in the same exact place everytime to keep a consistent sound. It's up to you, but I don't think I would change the set up unless it was going to stay permanent.

Robdrmz · #11 02-13-2007, 08:47 AM

Well it's like when I play with my 15" quick beats in a 10X12 room and then use 12" jazz hats.

The control of the groove opens up temporarily, but your mind will re-learn the enviroment so unless you are a studio cat where you are just doing this for a track, I'd say use your time to practice co-ordination excercises.