Have you ever caught yourself in one of those conversations about drummers you admire where you talk about the great abilities that drummer has?  Yes?  OK, how about talking about a particular player that is so versatile they can play with any band or artist and it sounds like that is the style they play all the time.  Do the names Kenny Aronoff, Dennis Chambers, Steve Gadd, and Carter Beauford keep coming up when you discuss drummers?  If so, you are far from alone.  Those players, and many more, keep us listening and striving to reach that level.  I don’t claim to be one of those guys but I really love their versatility and that is what I want us to consider over the next few months, versatility.  This series of articles will include ideas from you. Me and the drummers we all listen to so I hope you stick around.

Becoming and being a versatile drummer is a lifelong process.  It is not going to happen in a few months or a few years but it can happen.  I want you to read this again…it can happen.  Regardless of your current level of ability there is always room for growth.  That’s what versatility really is anyway, growing in to the drummer who can accomplish a myriad of skills to fill the needs of the music at hand.  So how should we begin this journey into the world of becoming and being a versatile drummer?  I thought we would begin by taking stock of where we are right now, today.

Before reading the rest of this first article, I want you to sit down and list the styles of music you believe you can play as of right now.  Think about all of the Artists you listen to and try to emulate in your own playing.  Be honest with yourself because you are the only one who may ever see the list your writing.  Are you making your list or continuing to read?  I’ll wait…

OK.  You have your list in front of you.  Some of us have several styles or Artists written down.  Some of us have a few, some a couple and some have one.  Remember we are beginning a new journey so where you are does not matter, only where you are going to be when we reach the end. 

My challenge to you right now is to pick a song from the different styles of music.  Pick one from rock, metal, country, blues, jazz, ska, whatever.  I want you to listen to the songs on your list and define the differences you hear and feel.  Count out the chorus and verse, listen to the fills and the bridge.  Basically try and find the differences in how a country song is played to a rock song.  Take your time and listen, listen, listen.  Think about what you are hearing and make some notes. 

This is a good time to mention that you may have to break some of your habits of listening to music.  Try to listen to the drums, piano, guitar, bass, vocals and other instruments on their own.  This is an exercise that will serve you well in your drumming future.

Next month we will continue our journey by thinking more about the exercise above and then looking at some good practice habits.  I will have some new landmarks for us to look for in our journey to versatility.

Until next time…

Richard B. Lea