Drummers Archives
Keep It Groovy: Locking In With the Bo Diddley Beat
Ryan Madora and drummer George Sluppick break down the Bo Diddley beat, showing how bass and drums lock in and turn the groove funky at slower tempos.
The Lightbulb Moment: Drums and Bass – Complementary Flavors
Every so often, I’m asked about some of my favorite drummers to play with and why that is. Whether it’s for a gig referral or for the sake of conversation with my fellow musicians, it’s a question that doesn’t always have the same answer. The context of a gig, the type of music being played, and the other musicians involved...
Musical Diplomacy: Bassists, Drummers and Locking In
Q: I’m having trouble grooving with the drummer in my band. My bread and butter is hip-hop and R&B, and he is coming from the world of straight-ahead jazz. We play in a very backbeat-oriented group, and the only time there is ever a pocket is if I put him in mine and carry him around in it all night,...
Connecting with the Drummer: A Discussion for Bassists
Q: I’ve found myself in a situation where I can’t set up a musical connection with my drummer. It’s been three months of rehearsals, but I just don’t feel comfortable playing, the rhythm-sections suffers and we don’t sound good. In my other bands, the great, non-verbal communication came right after one or two rehearsals. I realize I am also responsible....