NikIsBigMeech
Member
Anybody else have this problem? There's a handful of songs I can play, but I just have a hard time playing anything I haven't written myself. Which kinda sucks because I'd like to start doing covers with friends..
There is no need to carbon-copy a song that you are covering. Stick to the idea but make it your own. Keeps it all interesting
If you are having difficulty playing covers, is it because you don't know the songs, or don't like the restriction of playing a certain thing?
I'd say it's a little of both, but even songs I've known my whole life I end up losing my rhythm.. maybe if I learned to read music this would come easier
In a way it's better than not being able to think for yourself and only copy what others do. So many people on YouTube playing songs note for note and its quite boring to think that they've combed through the chart and not used their ear or their own creativity.
1. Listen to the song
2. Listen to the drumming
3. Play along to the song
4. (Getting involved now) Record yourself playing to the song and listen back, see what's wrong.
If that fails you can try searching for a video of someone playing it. Or finding a tab or guitar pro file. I haven't used it but I hear anytune and some other apps have a transcribe function.
I have an app called tempo slow, it slows down music without sounding crappy like some other apps (anytune free edition for example). If you only have a desktop pc you can use audacity.
I'm learning a complex song right now and I haven't done this yet but my next plan of attack is to play along with just 1 or 2 limbs.
I would definitely work on it if I was you, it will help you on the originals front too.
Wait a minute - you guys are playing drums right?
I just wanted to be sure of that. Simply because the drum parts between original music trying to be heard, and music that is already out there and popular, aren't very different from one another. Or are you guys actually talking about writing songs for ukulele or something?
Is this an iOS app? It sounds really helpful..
And I completely agree that it's better than not being able to think for yourself, but it's no fun being restricted to it either. Watching drum covers on youtube definitely helps though
Is there anybody here that's vice versa? Like as in can only play covers..?
Not at all. You play in a Top 40 cover band, but your original band has a progressive vibe to it. The two styles are unlikely to be the same at all. One will give you a lot more room to express yourself and your own individuality than the other will.
Danny Carey doesn't sound anything like Ringo, for example.......however you try and cut it. Yet there is room for both. Just not in the same application. And more often than not, it's the application that dictates the playing approach. At least it should, if "musicianship" is your ultimate aim.
But once you create an original part, do you not repeat that part? Or do you make up an original part every time you play?
As cliche as it sounds, I play what I feel. I guess you'd call it improv.. but yes, if I play something I like I'll memorize it and add it into my playing
While I can't do covers, I still take influence from other drummers & what they play. But I guess this goes for everybody
So while I can understand getting to express yourself more in one situation as opposed to the other, would you call Steve Jordan laying down a highly musical funk groove less expressive?
This is why I say there isn't that much difference - the job for the drummer is basically the same, isn't it?