We’re all aware of the fact that being able to play in time is the most important aspect of being a good drummer. For some, this talent is more natural than for others. There’s nothing we can do about that. We can’t work to acquire more natural talent. However, there are a number of things we can do to improve our timing as drummers, by simply being aware, and working at it.
The Steps To Improving Your Time As A Drummer
- Learn how to relax as you practice and perform. I list this first, as it really is the most important key to playing good time on the drums.When I was in the Army Band, one of my friends told me one day that I was probably the most relaxed, laid back person that he ever met. I thought this was kind of funny, because I’m definitely a type A personality. I guess I really had learned how to relax!I took a college class called relaxation techniques. It was absolutely the most useful class I took in college for my drumming, even more useful than my private percussion lessons. I wrote an earlier post about the subject called “Relaxation Techniques For Drumming.” Practicing these techniques daily for 10-20 minutes will result in a big improvement in your drum timing and feel.
- Develop control over the instrument. This is what teachers are talking about when they tell students to practice with a metronome. You need to be able to play everything in perfect, or really close to perfect time. This includes all your subdivisions-quarter notes, eight notes, sixteenth notes, sextuplets, etc. It includes all the grooves and beats you play. It also includes drum fills and solos.I have found through teaching thousands of private drum lessons, that playing and practicing with a metronome doesn’t come easily or naturally to most drum students. I promise you though, that it gets easier the more your work with it. I wrote an earlier post about practicing drums with a metronome.
You need to develop good control over the drumsticks. It’s common sense that if you don’t have control over the drumsticks, you won’t be able to play in time. I’ve written numerous posts on this subject. I’d also recommend that you purchase “Stick Control” by George Lawrence Stone.You should also practice bass drum control exercises geared towards the types of drumming you want to be able to do. If you’re a metal drummer, you have to have great control over double bass patterns. If you’re a jazz drummer, gain control over a wide range of dynamics and a variety of ostinatos.
- Develop confidence. I was talking to a friend of mine the other who is a recording engineer. He made the observation that the reason people don’t play in time in the studio is that they get nervous. I agree 100%. This is caused by a lack of confidence.How do you develop more confidence as a drummer? The first thing is to develop control over what you play through lots of practice. The second is to gain experience.It is basic human nature to be uncomfortable or afraid when we go into new situations. This includes performing on stage with a band, or recording drums in the studio. The relaxation techniques I mentioned above will help, but there is no substitute for experience. The more you perform, the more confident and competent you will become. So to improve your time, perform as much as you can.
- Study your genre of music. Studying your genre of music and drumming will improve your confidence, which will improve your time and feel. If you walk into a blues or jazz jam, and you know hundreds of standards in those styles of music, you will be much more confident when you play. It will also improve your feel, because you will understand what the drumming normally sounds like and feels like in those musical genres. Study the music both by listening to it, and playing drums along to the recordings.
- Take care of your health. To play the drums with a good feel, you need energy. You also need to feel good. Exercise helps. Personally, I lift weights twice a week. I also run or do some other form of aerobic exercise 4 days a week.Watch what you eat or drink. Needless to say, if you walk on stage completely drunk, your time will probably be all over the place. If you drink 8 cups of coffee before a recording gig, you will probably rush.
- Most drummers can develop really good time and a good feel if they work at it. I hope you found these tips useful and that they really help you in your development as a player. I welcome your feedback and/or questions.
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