Re: 16ths vs 8ths vs Quarters: When to play
Originally Posted by
trickg
I think that listening to the original recordings is a key component to knowing what to to play and I think that it's often overlooked. I'm not saying we should try to cover parts stroke for stroke, but sometimes knowing when or how to set up a transition, or to change up a part is crucial to the success of getting it to sound right. Then again, there is always something to be said for originality and doing your own thing.
But getting back to the original question, I think that a basic rule seems to apply when it comes to playing drums regarding rhythm - in general 8th notes seem to be the default for a lot of music from multiple genres, but with that in mind, always look for the right feel. Sometimes it's quarter notes, sometimes it's 16ths, and sometimes it's syncopated quarters on the off-beat. A TON of disco was recorded with the basic 4 on the floor bass drum, basic 2/4 back beats, but with hats being played on the '&' of the beat.
Of course this doesn't even begin to cover swing grooves and shuffles.
There are some pretty valid points in that discussion mate! Yeah, I always map out the transitions in my mind's eye, provided that I have had the chance to play the song on previous occasions or at least gone over them in my own personal practice. Once you've heard and can map out a number of tunes, and know how, for instance, a twelve bar blues goes, and you can hear how sections like that start and finish, then you can sort of jump in with both feet, so to speak. However, it can be a very different ballgame if it is say Latin where you do need to know clavés, or certain progressive, jazz and even ethnic styles where you might need to know not only the form of a particular piece, but say a familiarity with the meter or meters that you're dealing with, or any other rhythmic concept that gives you a framework to work within. You could be lucky(?!) where the band plays polyrhythmically....that will certainly make you a better player by concentrating on your own individual parts. Or another thing, especially when it comes to shuffles, some Latin and ethnic grooves and so on, is the correct feel, nevermind the correct pattern. A jazz swing pattern might not swing so well if it's dead-centred like a rock groove, it might need a little push forward. Or that reggae one drop ain't working because you're not lazing it enough. So the more all-around knowledge you have, (not necessarily trying to be a master of everything, but have as many basic concepts under your belt as you can handle) the easier it is to sit in on jamming and/or fill-in situations.
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