Inside the mind of a drummer | Think Like A Musician

Key Concepts

• Boom Bap: A fundamental, simple drum beat (e.g., "boom bap, boom bap").
• Rudiments: The foundational "periodic chart of drumming," consisting of various sticking patterns (e.g., five-stroke roll).
• Groove: The rhythmic signature of a piece of music, forming its foundation and often making people dance.
• Timekeeping: The drummer's crucial role in maintaining a consistent tempo and rhythm for the entire band.
• Metronome: A device used for practicing and internalizing precise timekeeping.
• Feel: The intuitive, non-mathematical aspect of rhythm and cadence that brings music to life.
• Subdivision: Breaking down musical beats into smaller, equal parts (e.g., 8, 16, 32 beats per bar).

Introduction to Drumming and Early Influences

The speaker, Matt Johnson, recounts his first drum lesson where his teacher introduced him to the "boom bap" beat, stating it was the simplest beat but one he would "never master"—a prediction that proved true. He emphasizes that music resides within everyone. Johnson's musical journey began at a very young age due to his parents, leading him to play drums in a family band by age 13. Other early influences included hearing KC and The Sunshine Band at age five, which instantly sparked his desire to pursue drumming, and watching Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard, whose flamboyance and showmanship inspired him to initially want to be a "piano player playing loud music," despite being a "very mediocre piano player." His first formal drum lesson at age 10 inspired him to double the recommended 20 minutes of daily practice to 40 minutes.

The Drummer's Essential Role

The drummer is described as the "heartbeat of the band" and the "spinal cord of the entire body," responsible for keeping everyone together. Drummers team up with bass players to form the "bedrock of a song," creating the foundation upon which all other melodic elements (guitars, keys, singing) are built. A "wishy-washy" drummer can ruin a band's sound, making other musicians tentative and unable to "dig in." The pressure of being a consistent timekeeper is a significant challenge for drummers, as any error is immediately audible to everyone. Drummers must maintain perfect time, ensuring their emotions do not cause them to speed up or slow down, as the entire band performs to their tempo. Johnson admits to a tendency to pick up the pace during exciting song moments, viewing it as a genuine emotional response to the music. The unique style of drummers like John Bonham (Led Zeppelin) and Keith Moon (The Who) is highlighted as a key factor in defining their respective bands' sounds, underscoring that drumming is about connecting with the instrument "as if it was a part of your soul," not just hitting drums.

Foundational Techniques: Rudiments and Grooves

Rudiments are presented as the "periodic chart of drumming," essentially sticking patterns. An example given is the "five stroke roll": left, left, right, right, left, right, right, left, left, right, likened to "kung fu." After learning rudiments, the next step is typically foundational grooves. A groove is defined as the "rhythmic signature of a piece of music." A simple four-bar groove, when looped, can make people dance. The "unbelievably primal groove" of rock music is mentioned, noting that it will sound distinct with every drummer who plays it. Most grooves primarily require the hi-hat, snare, and kick drum, with tom-toms used for fills and accents.

The Diverse World of Percussion

The drumming world is described as an "endless world of possibilities" due to the vast array of drum types. This includes the traditional drum set, classical percussion, and Latin percussion instruments such as timbales, congas, and bongo. Despite this diversity, all drumming is based on one fundamental principle: rhythm.

Effective Practice Methodologies

While learning basic techniques is important, practicing and playing with other musicians is deemed "the most important thing." Musicians are advised not to "play just in your bedroom" but to "get out, play with people" as this "informs your playing better than anything else." A good drum instructor will strongly recommend practicing with a metronome. Although initially perceived as "not inspirational," consistent metronome practice helps internalize timekeeping. Johnson personally ensures he plays for at least "half an hour" daily to maintain the connection between his brain and limbs.

The "Feel" vs. The Mathematical Aspect

Drumming can be viewed mathematically, with concepts like a bar having eight beats and further subdivisions (8, 16, 32). However, the speaker emphasizes that ultimately, "you have to be able to feel it, it’s about the feel." This "cadence" is not always "100% squared," meaning what looks good on paper doesn't always translate effectively in practice. Drummers must continually listen, trust their judgment, and respond to how the music "makes you feel."

Overcoming Discouragement and Developing Your Voice

The prevalence of "amazing" drummers online can be discouraging. The advice is to "filter out that stuff" for one's "own peace of mind" and instead focus on personal development. It's crucial to identify and develop one's strengths and "further develop whatever voice it is you have." The journey is about "doing it over and over and over again."

Conclusion: The Importance of Continuous Playing

The overarching message is the importance of continuous engagement with the instrument: "it doesn’t matter who you play with, as long as you play." The speaker concludes with an encouraging mantra: "You’re never too cool for anything. Just play, play, play, play."