Drum Tabs or Drum Sheet Music?

Welcome Davey!

Not sure about that. I'm sure I could do some research on that if you like. I would assume that if you pay close attention you could get some just by listening, but then, maybe Dale or Debby can give you some more ideas, as they are percussionists. Sorry I can't help! But I applaud you for trying to learn!

 

I don't play the set a great deal (more congas/bongos/djembe etc.)...but I've never used tabs. Rather, I've listen closely to demos and mimicked. As I become comfortable with the song/rhythm, I will "interpret" it differently.

Give us some examples of songs you wish to learn/play. That will help me in knowing what style you will probably gravitate toward, and I could give you some ideas then.

One thing that helped me: I have an Ensoniq ZR series keyboard. It has a built-in drum machine that for a synth is outstanding. I learned a great deal by playing a set along with the keyboard, thus learning some pretty standard fare.

 

Drum Sheet Music or Drum Tabs?

Dear Davey,

I read your latest message and you're on the right track and I want to share with you some of my "drumming wisdom" that I've accrued over the past 30 years that I've played.

Joshua's right, I'm a percussionist, but the basic musical principals are the same, be it drumset or hand drums (congas,bongos,djembe,etc.) (Thanks for recommending me as a resource!) :thumbsup:

When I began playing in 1975, there weren't many resources for learning to play the congas,especially in Pittsburgh,Pa.!

I purchased a vinyl LP titled : " Understanding Latin Rhythms" put out by Latin Percussion (I'm dating myself !) :laugh: The record covered the basic hand strokes and how to play an authentic "Tumbao" (basic rhythm) and how that "Tumbao" is the basis for the Cha-Cha,Mambo, Guaguanco.etc.

There was a metronome playing on that record and how the songs related to it. It would be later on that I would learn about clave' and how many traditional Latin songs embody it. And the metronome helped me with clave'.

I also played snare drum rudiments in addition to the Latin beats. They helped me to train my hands to get an even sound from each. I mentioned Giovanni Hidalgo earlier and in his instructional video: "One on One",he incorporates them into his lessons. As he says:" A drum is a drum".

I also took live lessons with teachers and nothing beats it (forgive the pun):laugh: for getting feedback and correcting playing errors,making you a good drummer.

And I played to Motown, Latin Jazz, and Santana.

You should check out going on-line and see if you can learn the rudiments. They ARE THE FOUNDATION to all of contemporary drumming and mastering them will give you the confidence to tackle more complex drumming patterns.

There are many drummers, even the current "drum god's", whose drumming sounds as if they just picked up sticks and began playing. It leaves one very limited.

A good book for learning is George Lawrence Stone's: "Stick Control", I used it when I was learning.

Here are some links to get you started:

From Drum Bum:
http://www.drumbum.com/drumtabs/

http://www.drumsdatabase.com/

From Vic Firth:

http://www.vicfirth.com/education/studcentersnare.html

http://www.vicfirth.com/education/studcenterdrumset.html

I wasn't able to find any "Christian drum tabs" because no one seems to have transcribed them.

So start learning and become a very good drummer !:thumbsup:

In Christ,

Dale

 

Drum Music or Drum Tabs ?

Davey,

I wanted to add this to my previous post, begin playing with your fellow musicians at church so that you can get used to their playing styles (and they can get used to playing with you) and play your part appropriately. It will also help you to develop your sense of timing & taste as well as your individual style.

After I'd been learning the conga drum for a year, I began playing at a Bible study that I'd been attending. As I got better and better, I played for a local prayer meeting. From there, I began playing in my church for the Sunday service and have done so for the three churches that I've attended over the past 30 years.

In Christ,

Dale

 

Re: Drum Music

Dear Davey,

You're welcome! I am happy to help a fellow drummer!

While you say that the Vic Firth site mentions playing along with your favorite songs,which is fine,I did both and learned from both!

The metronome really helps with problems with "rushing" and "dragging" the beat.

If you go to the drumset link and to Ndugu Chancler's video lessons,he starts out with a metronome to demonstrate playing "time" and how the "time" starts and ends with the metronome.

I'm also glad that you have found software to help you write your drum music!

My music director writes all of his compositions using it and it looks great!

Your Fellow Drummer In Christ,

Dale

 

Great advice Dale!

Sorry I didn't jump in right away, but then I view things from a band/orchestra point of view, so everything already said is better than I could have done.

In my church, the durmmer just has to make sure he doesn't drown out the singing - that really makes the older folks mad! Most of the styles he uses are more subtle in nature, adding color more than heavy beat. But it all depends on what the people like.

God bless you as you make a joyful noise!