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Thread: Do Cover Bands 'Simplify' Songs?

  1. #1

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    Default Do Cover Bands 'Simplify' Songs?

    I've noticed that a lot of cover bands (at local clubs or casinos) seem to be simplifying songs (drum parts)? Is this a common practice for the most part? I see A LOT of really simple beats/grooves (money beat, 4 on the floor, basic shuffle, etc.) being played to songs that I know have a more difficult pattern. Furthermore, I notice fills are improvised (simplified) and are not played note for note.... and I realize there are many reasons for this.

    I just wonder if this is typical and if it is still possible to gig and get away with this on a regular basis. Or, do you have to learn every song in its entirety to "make it work"? I'm not talking about taking shortcuts and not putting in the work needed but I'm wondering if one could start jamming/gig'n before actually knowing every song that the band is playing.

    For instance, if a band were covering Roseanna would the drummer be required to have that exact half-time shuffle dialed even though a more basic half-time shuffle would fit in? Perhaps not all the ghost notes in between the hats or every bass drum hit every time.

    Your thoughts?

  2. #2

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    As far as Roseanna...yes indeed. That half time shuffle is the trademark of the song in my opinion. I give props to any coverband that can include trademark drum and guitar riffs. The Eagles is one band that has must do lead guitar riffs. But on the other hand, I do enjoy a band when a cover tune is done in their own style by making it their "own".

    I asked Todd Sucherman the same question concerning note for note playing at the drum clinic we both unknowingly attended together at Sac State last year. His answer surprised me but it made sense.

    He told "us" at the clinic that he will play the framework of his orginal compositions just to "get by" at times during a drum clinic tour. He was referring to a 9 month grueling world tour with his band Styx that he just completed before the first leg of his clinic tour. He was so beat from touring that he played the very first composition at the clinic without any feeling and in his words..."it was flat".

    I guess my take is that even seasoned pros will sometimes cut just enough corners to get by but a coverband in my opinion has got to include the trademark riffs of any song just to keep true to the intentions of the orginal artist and keep the song recognizable.

  3. #3

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    My take is there are different types of cover bands. Some really strive to sound like the original, with note for note playing on all instruments. Others, like mine, learn songs by ear a bit and then by playing our version. Honestly, in 23 years of playing in a band I can't remember when I've ever worried about playing a song "the right way". I don't even play fills the same every time (even on our originals).

    That being said, there is not question that there are "signature" elements to a song that you have to hit for the song to be the song if you are a cover band. Could be backup vocals, drum part, guitar riffs, it all depends.
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    the way i think about it is ,, if its an important part of a song ,ill play it like the record,, but most of the time ,i play it the way i feel it shouldbe played ,, the most important thing to me when im playing is to make it easy for people to dance . if that means to make the beat simple ,then thats what i do.. cause my job as a drummer is to keep the baet for the band , and keep the dancefloor full...
    Tamaholic

  5. #5
    MisterMixelpix Guest

    Default Re: Do Cover Bands 'Simplify' Songs?

    Two things worth mentioning:

    1) Most of the drummers on the record don't emulate exactly what they did during recording. A lot of it is by feel. Seems like every live video/show I see is a little different from the last, as long as the feel remains.

    2) If you're a cover drummer, you have to dabble into a LOT of different styles, and to expect someone to mimic 50 different drummers exactly would just be insanity.

  6. #6

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    A lot of bands simplify songs! To me the most important thing is for the bass and drums to lock up making the listener want to move to the beat.
    As mentioned, some songs have a signature sound or phrase that the audience relates to that song.
    I've played in several bands and jammed with a lot of musicians.
    They have been all over the map in how true they want to be to the original song.

    What drives me nuts is when guitar players read a chord chart, that may be simplified, then just churn out the chords with no regard to the feel of the song. I guess that applies to any instrument.

    The nice thing about music is there are no rules. You make it your own just by playing it no matter how true to the original you are.

  7. #7

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    Here are some of my personal ground rules for doing cover tunes :

    1. If you're in a tribute band, you gotta play everything note per note. You might even have to look like the guy you're impersonating.

    2. If you're in a cover band, you have a little bit of leeway. But, you gotta do signature stuff that makes the song.

    3. If you're in an original band, you're expected to provide your version of the song based on your style. For example, Roy Orbison's Pretty Woman and Van Halen's Pretty Woman.

    However, being in an original band, when I record a song, I bring the complexity down a notch to simplify it (80%). When I play them live, I fill the other 20% with improv. It makes it more interesting and makes each performance a little bit different every time.
    Last edited by nio; 03-08-2010 at 09:14 PM.

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    The thing I notice most cover bands cut out or simplify is solos especially guitar, but tis not always simplifying. The guitar player I jam with usually adds solos to songs that don't have them, and generally has no idea how the real solo in a song is played except Metallica solos he does learn those because he thinks kirks solos are amazing, so do I. When we play my own worst enemy out rhythm guitar player will play the solo from the song, and he'll play a solo over it. I think it just depends on the band and how confident they are with certain parts of songs and how accurately they want to play them.

    I agree with nio on simplifying recording and giving people something extra when they come to see you live.

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    Quote Originally Posted by atomcorr2 View Post
    the way i think about it is ,, if its an important part of a song ,ill play it like the record,, but most of the time ,i play it the way i feel it shouldbe played ,, the most important thing to me when im playing is to make it easy for people to dance . if that means to make the beat simple ,then thats what i do.. cause my job as a drummer is to keep the baet for the band , and keep the dancefloor full...
    Exactly.

    OP, my cover band gigs constantly at least 3 weekends a month. We have a song list of about 100 songs and have had 3 practices.

  10. #10

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    What if you have the foundation of the groove (main beat/pattern) down but you don't necessarily crash at every exact time as the original or play the same fills... can the job get done?

    I totally understand changing the drum parts to suit your tastes and all. But I'm talking more of playing an easier beat/groove simply cause you either don't know the cover song that well or you are not an advanced drummer yet.... can you still go out and gig and get away with it in the sense of still being accepted? If you cannot play a complex groove to cover a song but you can play a nice simple groove that fits well within the context of the song would you feel confident joining a band? Or, is it better to wait until you know all the complex grooves to a T before approaching bands and/or auditions?

    Thanks for all the input from the gigging drummers - your experience helps in how to approach a cover band.
    Last edited by Sopranos; 03-09-2010 at 02:28 AM.

  11. #11

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    Quote Originally Posted by Sopranos View Post
    So if someone goes through a set list for the most part using the money beat or 4 on the floor - or other simple beats with fills - but it fits fine within the context of the songs, would they most likely be fired or booted from the band soon after?

    Or, what if you have the foundation of the groove (main beat/pattern) down but you don't necessarily crash at every exact time as the original or play the same fills... can the job get done?

    I totally understand changing the drum parts to suit your tastes and all. But I'm talking more of playing an easier beat/groove simply cause you either don't know the cover song that well or you are not an advanced drummer yet.... can you still go out and gig and get away with it in the sense of still being accepted? If you cannot play a complex groove to cover a song but you can play a nice simple groove that fits well within the context of the song would you feel confident joining a band? Or, is it better to wait until you know all the complex grooves to a T before approaching bands and/or auditions?

    Thanks for all the input from the gigging drummers - your experience helps in how to approach a cover band.
    I personally started playing with bands as soon as I could/ If you want to play with a a band there is no better way to learn.

    When I started playing I would offer to fill in at band practices that the band's drummer couldn't make it to (and still do). I wasn't trying to take anyones place I do it for the practice and to learn, they also appreciate someone to keep time.

    If your worried about auditioning and not meeting someone's expectations thats a fear you just have to get over. I audition for bands I know probably won't take me because it's a good way to meet people, and find out what people want form a drummer. One of the bands I tried for I clicked with the bassist and we jam occasionally even though I'm not part of the band. The plus side is that I'm the first drummer a lot of people call when they need a fill in for practice or a gig. The only way to find out if a band is going to be happy with what your capable of on the kit is to try out. This has also given me the opportunity build up my network. I've met so many musicians, club owners, sound guys etc that once my band gets a singer I can get us gigs in a lot of places, and bigger gigs opening for bands I know.

    The only way to find out if your ready to be in a band is to give it a try. There are also a lot of people that aren't very experienced with their instrument that try starting jam bands just to learn which is a great way tog et yourself ready to be in a cover or original band.

  12. #12

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    Overall I think it depends - put it this way, every cover band I see that DOESN'T bother to nail the songs properly from a musical standpoint - doesn't seem to get that many gigs. BUT drums seem to be something of an exception - drummers can get away with moving from the original allot more, mainly I think because unless it's a very specific and famous drum fill, most people have NO IDEA what the drummer is doing. As long as you hit the accents, stop when you should, fill when you should the average listener won't know 1 bit what your doing or care for that matter.

    The biggest bands I know of however, - and of course this is somewhat local and country related too - either perfect the songs note for note, or are so good they play above and beyond the originals. The guys who do enough "just to get by" don't seem to be in the big leagues and then complain there isn't enough money in music or they don't get enough gigs.
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  13. #13

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    By all means. When I do a song, I approach it as if it is my song. I simplify the arrangement so that it can fit into my playing style. If I hire you to play, I don't want it to sound like a record, or else get lost! I can just play the record and save the money. LOL

    all the best...

  14. #14

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    As long as you hit the hook of a song, the audience will be happy.

  15. #15

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    Quote Originally Posted by Sopranos View Post
    What if you have the foundation of the groove (main beat/pattern) down but you don't necessarily crash at every exact time as the original or play the same fills... can the job get done?

    I totally understand changing the drum parts to suit your tastes and all. But I'm talking more of playing an easier beat/groove simply cause you either don't know the cover song that well or you are not an advanced drummer yet.... can you still go out and gig and get away with it in the sense of still being accepted? If you cannot play a complex groove to cover a song but you can play a nice simple groove that fits well within the context of the song would you feel confident joining a band? Or, is it better to wait until you know all the complex grooves to a T before approaching bands and/or auditions?

    Thanks for all the input from the gigging drummers - your experience helps in how to approach a cover band.
    For a cover band, I would say Yes, most of the time. But, there are certain songs that you have to play exactly. For example, "Tom Sawyer" by Rush....everybody air-drums to it and knows where the kicks are. However, if you're playing a song like "Celebration" by Kool and the Gang....shoot, you can play that song with a reggae beat as long as its danceable. My recommendation is to play whats good for you. If it feels right to you, then its right. Rock on !

  16. #16

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    Well, imo it's not simplifying. All drummers play differently, have different styles and like to do different fills... hence the 'simplifying'

    I do change some fills but still the 'main' fills and the beat cant be changed
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    maybe im just old and hardheadded , but i dont want to sound like somebody else when i play ,when somebody tells me that i sound just like so and so ,,, i dont think of that as a good thing ..
    i play in a band that plays 100% covers, we play almost every weekend ,and i'll say 75% of the times we play in places where there is a dance floor.. if people arnt dancing, the club owner isnt making money selling drinks .. if the club owner doesnt make money when your band plays ,he doesnt hire your band again . so as a band ,,, your job is to fill the dance floor or mosh pit ,or whatever,, because dancing = money to a club owner..
    i think that for a cover band there are 2 real important things to remember,
    1, pick your tunes carefully, dont pick songs that your singer cant sing well ,most people watch the singer,not the drummer,and nothing sounds as bad as your singer not being able to hit the notes
    2, make the songs that you play , easy to dance to ,, not many time changes,only musicans understand crazy time sigs. and probaly 99.8% of the people watching are not musicians...they just want to move to your music,make it easy for them . pretty tough to dance to dream theater eh?
    Tamaholic

  18. #18

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    Quote Originally Posted by Northern Redneck View Post
    As long as you hit the hook of a song, the audience will be happy.
    Yeah that is it. I do try to maintain the original spirit of the tune but do it in a way that is my own. That could be doing it a little faster of slower tempo, shortening or lengthing a verse, chorus or break, what ever. Usually change the key so I can hit all the notes and chords.

    all the best...

  19. #19

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    I'm not so sure I simplify but there are a lot of songs I can't play. Lido Shuffle was a real challenge and I don't think I ever got the real groove. It was a nightmare but the band had to play it.

    If I can't play the song right, I'd just as soon pick a different song.
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  20. #20

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    My oldies cover band has been together for a very short time, just over one year. Today we have 100 songs covered. The cats on guitar, bass and keyboards practice with chord charts, but as a drummer, all of the songs are in my head, I've played these tunes so many times in other bands in the past that I have each drum hook for each particular tune down pat but as I listen to each practice session back on cd, I'm improvising in between the sig. drum fills (i.e Eagles "Heartbreak Tonight") gotta have that drum "clap" in the intro, middle and at the end but I'm all over the place and holding the groove and listening to the other members perform their sig parts for cueing.

    The biggest challenge for me is our next attempt to cover "Won't Get Fooled Again" by The Who. I ain't Keith Moon but I can't flam, triplet and paradiddle my way around the kit enough to give the impression and the feel of what that songs "says" to me as a drummer. I listened to our very first attempt back last week and I surprised myself....not too shabby.

  21. #21

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    Yup! All over the map!

    It seems the simpler the song the more the general public likes it.
    Gloria, Tequila, Louie Louie and the like.
    Another thing is to enjoy yourself when you play. If the band looks like it is have a good time it is infectious. And when the crowd is enoying your music you just feed off each other. Probably the coolest high there is!

  22. #22

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    You can't expect everyone to play the song note for note. I like watching and listening to the varying style and way each drummer handles a song. It's what makes them unique and different from every other guy who played that venue.
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    This is all great info. guys. I don't play in a band at the moment but aspire to in the near future. I've found there are songs that I can't handle on the kick but simplified sounds pretty good. In short, alot of the time I get frustrated when I can't play something to the tee but at the same time I really prefer to have my own individual style. If playing the drums meant I had to sit down and read sheet music in order to play proper I would've never took em up.

  24. #24

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    Keeping the groove or feel of the song, with certain trademark stops, accents, & fills is the goal, but you can't replicate the recording.

    Kieth Moon is impossible to replicate unless you have endless hours to listen, memorize, and practice. IMO, he is the most un imitateable drummer that has ever lived. Not the best chops, but his mind and style-you can't duplicate it.

    I'm guessing that is why you rarely hear of any Who tribute bands or hear their stuff covered. That is a shame.

    I don't agreee that a tribute band has to play every song note for note like the original. Its a tribute band, not the group itself.

    Striving for perfection is fine, but its delusional to think the audience would demand that a song be played exactly like the recording. The real groups can't do it themselves, and its unrealistic to think others could or would want to.

  25. #25

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    Quote Originally Posted by Mac View Post
    Keeping the groove or feel of the song, with certain trademark stops, accents, & fills is the goal, but you can't replicate the recording.

    Kieth Moon is impossible to replicate unless you have endless hours to listen, memorize, and practice. IMO, he is the most un imitateable drummer that has ever lived. Not the best chops, but his mind and style-you can't duplicate it.

    I'm guessing that is why you rarely hear of any Who tribute bands or hear their stuff covered. That is a shame.

    I don't agreee that a tribute band has to play every song note for note like the original. Its a tribute band, not the group itself.

    Striving for perfection is fine, but its delusional to think the audience would demand that a song be played exactly like the recording. The real groups can't do it themselves, and its unrealistic to think others could or would want to.
    Totally agreed! They do the best they can, but it's not always the same way it was done in the studio. That's what makes it cool though, you get a different show each time you go see them.
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