What are your ‘Pro tips’?

S

Stickman

Silver Member
Just for fun.. if you had to give a ‘pro tip’ to another drummer… what would it be? One point for a real tip or 2 points if you get a laff!

Here’s one I use once in a while:
One of the benefits of using shiny, clear tom heads - when you are on stage and want to make sure you don’t look like an idiot.. lean forward and look in your tom to check your hair!
 
Dynamics, dynamics, dynamics!

It's really what separates the pros from the amateurs. As a young drummer, I just hammered away at the kit like it owed me money. Only until way later (much longer than it should've been), did I learn to actually serve the song & the singer. Now that I have this knowledge, I can't get a job to save my life...:rolleyes: :LOL:
 
Have a form of dependable transporation. Someone who is habitually late or doesn't show up can do a lot of damage to their reputation.

Arrive early ready to play and it'll be part of your routine. This helps reduce stress by giving you time to adapt to any last minute surprises.
 
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Study a lot, be an excellent musician!

All the conditions of behavior that are considered moral and of integrity are necessary but it doesn't matter if you are punctual or a nice guy if you can't play the music.
 
Rather than learning a pattern or concept and moving on to another, invest more time in exploring that concept's full potential with dynamics, moving accents and ghost notes around.

I've watched JoJo play KRL and make it sound like a proper drum solo.

This completely changed my perception of my drumming vocabulary. I now think in terms of range of expression more than quantity of individual drum licks, and I prioritize those two areas in that order.
 
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Cmdr. Ross said:
Dynamics, dynamics, dynamics!

It's really what separates the pros from the amateurs. As a young drummer, I just hammered away at the kit like it owed me money. Only until way later (much longer than it should've been), did I learn to actually serve the song & the singer. Now that I have this knowledge, I can't get a job to save my life...:rolleyes: :LOL:
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THIS. I can still hear my band / jazz band conductors yelling, 'Dynamics!'
 
Al Strange said:
Play nicely with others…and never upset the sound guy!!😬(y)
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THIS!!

Attitude is everything & I make it a point to go up to the sound guy & introduce myself. Even just small talk will put you on their good side. Then when you ask for more bass in your monitor, they're happy to do it.
 
Cmdr. Ross said:
THIS!!

Attitude is everything & I make it a point to go up to the sound guy & introduce myself. Even just small talk will put you on their good side. Then when you ask for more bass in your monitor, they're happy to do it.
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Right. Always make nice with the soundman. He can make you sound great, or make you sound lousy, depending on your attitude!
 
Its so much easier and faster to tear down your kit when sitting on your drum chair. Why run around for nothing when you can relax in a chair? for extra points, bag em at the same time..
 
Travel as light as possible.
Gels and o-rings take up no extra room and are a god send when you end up in a crap sounding room
Hydrate yourself before a gig and stay hydrated
Comfort is everything, comfy shoes, stool height, kit setup
3in1 oil keeps all your moving parts moving as they should
Keep you gear in tip top condition and it will take care of you on stage
 
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