Writing for drums

[SeanHannifin]

Along the line of my previous post, I would also like to learn about these instruments I hear on the radio all the time ... drums! :D How does one go about writing for them? What exactly are riffs and such?

Many thanks!

[CallMeZoot]

See my reply to your "writing for guitar" thread, as the answer is almost identical.

chris.

[Markleford]

Indeed. Drummers will have notation to "play time", with occasional explicit directions for particular notes to accent with cymbals/rim-shots.

Now, if *you* want some tips on how to play like a jazz drummer for you mock-ups, that's an entirely different issue! :)

- m

[snorlax]

Along the line of my previous post, I would also like to learn about these instruments I hear on the radio all the time ... drums! :D How does one go about writing for them? What exactly are riffs and such?

Many thanks!

In addition to all the above:
*You oughta learn some basic drum notation using that excellent program OVERTURE 4--

*Learn what goes stems down or up (voice 2 or 1) (gen'l rule-you play it with feet--stems down, you play it with hands--stems up).

*Learn what drums/cymbals/toys go on what lines/spaces (not 100% standard in some cases, but close) and what notehead is what (x, diamond, regular, etc.)

*Learn how to set up stem-up, cue-size notes for hits that you want the drummer to hear/pick up.
================================================== ==
*Learn what the equipment is and what it sounds like (stix vs. blastix vs. brushes, for ex.)

*Learn what common grooves look like on paper & sound like when played.

*Remember that people have only TWO feet and TWO hands to hit stuff with!! (you may find it odd that I say that, but people accustomed mostly to MIDI often forget it.)

*RESIST the temptation to write out too much!!! This is another problem I see with people accustomed mostly to MIDI.

*Last but last: When all else fails:

ASK STYXX!!!

[thesoundsmith]

Jim, that's a beautiful reply - short, to the point and informative, bvut still leaving the reader with homework. Spoken like a true professor. Thanks.

But what if I have a question about
BRUSHES???

[Markleford]

I love the brush stir control scheme! :D

Use the stirs almost like a ride cymbal, except you'll be holding down the key and pressing down to increate aftertouch momentarily to do a direction change instead of individual hits.

The lift up and use the keys for individual taps for accenting or "fill" work.

- m

[SeanHannifin]

Thank you everyone for your replies! I still have much to learn :D

[snorlax]

Thank you everyone for your replies! I still have much to learn :D


So do we all, sir, so do we all*


*Except for DPDan;)