What makes a good drummer?

[mentalextra]

I've read various threads describing drummers as good and bad. What is the definition of a good/bad drummer? Is it technical ability or is the whole good and bad thing just subjective?

[mikebass456]

One that helps to carry the majority of his OWN gear in and out of the van would be a good place to start.  

One that finishes a song at The same tempo as it started?

One that doesn't ALWAYS need a p*ss  halfway through the second set.....

????

[Blink]

The same as what makes a good guitarist, or bassist etc. First and foremost being a good musician very closely followed by being someone who is a pleasure be with.

[mikebass456]

I've played with less competent drummers who have been a far better band member, simply because of their attitude and contribution to all aspects of being in a band.

Current drummer is far better technically, but a right royal pain in the backside in all other aspects.  At the end of the day, it's about enjoying the whole experience rather than constantly grinding your teeth and bashing your Head against a wall (at the correct tempo).

[Tonteee]

Like I said on another topic, I would add to the above list the ability to listen and engage.

[fleabag]

One that can drool equally from both sides of the mouth

[fleabag]

Hmmm..   maybe just a level stage is all thats required for stereo drool

[FuNkShUi]

Depends on the genre you play, but for what we play, he has to "hit the one" as JB used to say

[discreet]

A good drummer MUST be able to do the following:

• Play in time.
• Properly tune their drums.
• Remember at least two sets' worth of material.
• Control volume of playing without compromise.
• Be consistent and play with tasteful economy.
• Develop an almost telepathic relationship with the bass player.
• Be groovy and funky as all-get-out when necessary.
• Avoid strewing the stage with boxes and cases when setting up.
• Set up a full kit in 15 minutes or less.
• Be a nice guy, diplomatic and easy to get on with.
• Resist the urge to have 'just one more drink/spliff/rock/tab'.
• Carry own drums and ancilliaries to and from transport.
• PROVIDE OWN BLOODY TRANSPORT!

I've only met two drummers in forty years who have been anywhere near this.
In conclusion: Finding a good drummer is HARD.

Edited November 23, 2017 by discreet

[mikebass456]

Buying a round wouldn't go amiss either.

I've also only ever played with a couple of drummers who've come anywhere near to meeting the brief!

Must be the way they have to train their brains to do four different things at once ...........

[discreet]

4 minutes ago, mikebass456 said:

Must be the way they have to train their brains to do four different things at once ...........

Rubbish, they only have to do two things, turn up on time and play the frigging drums. Most of 'em can't even do that!

 

[tonyquipment]

Playing tastefully, in time, with own transport and punctual. 

[oldbass]

This.

Turns up with ...One bass drum...One snare....One h-ihat.....One floor Tom....One overhead tom...one crash and a ride.

Anything more and I walk. I've had a lifetimes fill of "drummers" who turn up with double this, extra that,  walls of rotos that they can hide behind..etc etc...

I can remember one rehearsal where 3/4 of our time was taken up with the guy setting up the biggest kit Id ever seen..none of us could beleive it.

 

[discreet]

9 minutes ago, oldbass said:

I've had a lifetimes fill of "drummers" who turn up with double this, extra that,  walls of rotos that they can hide behind..etc etc...

I've had that, too. My conclusion is that the smaller the kit, the better they play.

[EssentialTension]

A good drummer is familiar with the use of brushes and beaters as well as sticks.

[Bluewine]

1 hour ago, discreet said:

A good drummer MUST be able to do the following:

• Play in time.
• Properly tune their drums.
• Remember at least two sets' worth of material.
• Control volume of playing without compromise.
• Be consistent and play with tasteful economy.
• Develop an almost telepathic relationship with the bass player.
• Be groovy and funky as all-get-out when necessary.
• Avoid strewing the stage with boxes and cases when setting up.
• Set up a full kit in 15 minutes or less.
• Be a nice guy, diplomatic and easy to get on with.
• Resist the urge to have 'just one more drink/spliff/rock/tab'.
• Carry own drums and ancilliaries to and from transport.
• PROVIDE OWN BLOODY TRANSPORT!

I've only met two drummers in forty years who have been anywhere near this.
In conclusion: Finding a good drummer is HARD.

I like your list, actually I love your list. 

It's taken a while but our new drummer has everything on your list.

Most important he sings fantastic high harmonies, has a great look, he's a great guy and people tend to gravitate towards him at every gig. Him and his wife set up and tear down his kit in 15 mins.

At first I didn't think he was going to work out. Boy was I wrong. We're lucky we found him ( open mic ).

Blue

Edited November 23, 2017 by Bluewine
Correction

[discreet]

6 minutes ago, Bluewine said:

...our new drummer has everything on your list.

I envy you. Good score.

[mentalextra]

Ok, so ignoring the humour, can someone point me towards an example of a good and bad drummer?

[Bluewine]

1 minute ago, discreet said:

I envy you. Good score.

The only bad thing about having a great Drummer, when you lose one they're so hard to replace.

Blue

 

 

[ivansc]

||(grin) The guy I use most these days even gets me GIGS!

Known him for a fair few years and initially he tended to speed up a lot.

I noticed and commented on how he suddenly improved a year or so back & he said he was taking lessons from a pro player.

What a transformation.

Rock solid, great feel and learns stuff so quickly we often go out and do new stuff cold. 

I love you, Tony!

 

[Tonteee]

8 minutes ago, Bluewine said:

The only bad thing about having a great Drummer, when you lose one they're so hard to replace.

Amen, brother!

[Les]

One that's available and doesn't cross loads of dates off.

We've never had a crap drummer (wouldn't last to be honest) but we've killed a few

off with the demands on time we make.

[discreet]

1 minute ago, ivansc said:

I love you, Tony!

Steady on old chap, let's not go too far.  They'll get ideas above their station and start wanting people food. Where will it end??

[ivansc]

I have had the luxury of playing with three of the best drummers in the country over the years - one of them even got a bit famous, too.

If you havent already found "your" drummer you have a treat in store when you do.

First guy I felt this level of connection with  was the main reason I have always preferred playing bass, even if I did spend a lot of my "career" playing guitar.

Look up John "Willie" Wilson.  Another lovely lad like Tony and about the same age difference between me and the pair of them.

Anyone else on here found their drummery "music match in heaven"?  

[Bluewine]

10 minutes ago, ivansc said:

||(grin) The guy I use most these days even gets me GIGS!

Known him for a fair few years and initially he tended to speed up a lot.

I noticed and commented on how he suddenly improved a year or so back & he said he was taking lessons from a pro player.

What a transformation.

Rock solid, great feel and learns stuff so quickly we often go out and do new stuff cold. 

I love you, Tony!

 

I love you Max!

Blue