Drum Set Technique

Question 1

What is a fill?

Answer 1

a musical idea or short solo which leads into a set-up or new section of music

Question 2

How is the bass drum used in a rock style?

Answer 2

1. Used as a time keeper
2. Usually played on beats 1 &3
3. Bass drum is heavy in style
4. Greater percentage of usage

Question 3

Which cymbal is used to punctuate special moments in the music?

Answer 3

Crash Cymbal

Question 4

Describe the high hat

Answer 4

1. found in a pair
2. foot operated
3. Greater variety of sounds

Question 5

What is the definition of a kick? When is it used?

Answer 5

1. Supporting full ensemble rhythmic figures, usually during large tutti section or shout chorus to add accents/extra punch for the ensemble’s playing
   2. snare usually for short notes
   3. bass drum for longer notes

Question 6

Describe the crash cymbal

Answer 6

1. smaller
2. lighter
3. less ring

Question 7

What is the definition of “comping” for a jazz drummer? and are its characteristics?

Answer 7

1. to accompany or compliment the ensemble playing
2. must tastefully accompany the ensemble
3. it should compliment the ensemble’s style
4. it is more about what is being played now than what is to come

Question 8

What does a “set-up” do and what must it be?

Answer 8

1. prepares the ensemble for the next section
   2. stylistically correct
   3. correct tempo

Question 9

What is the definition of a “set-up”?

Answer 9

a simple rhythmic pattern or one time fill before an ensemble entrance to help the band come in together and prepare them for the next section

Question 10

What are the cymbals found in a standard drum set and how do they function?

Answer 10

1. Ride cymbal - time keeper
2. Crash cymbal - accentuator
3. High Hat - Set the back beat

Question 11

Describe the subdivision of rock

Answer 11

subdivision of the beats fall primarily as 8th notes in straight time

Question 12

How should you approach an under-written set part?

Answer 12

1. find the shout choruses and the ensemble hits
2. make sure you know the style of the music and play accordingly
3. know which sections are playing at what time throughout the selection

Question 13

Name the standard parts of a 5-piece drumset

Answer 13

1. snare drum
2. mounted toms
3. floor tom
4. bass drum - played by the foot

Question 14

Why is the drummer asked not to play “solid” quarter notes on the bass drum for jazz/swing?

Answer 14

1. the solid quarter notes get in the way of/cover/conflict with the bass line
2. Creates too heavy a style

Question 15

Describe a crash cymbal

Answer 15

1. Smaller
2. Thinner
3. Less Ring

Question 16

What is the job of the high hat?

Answer 16

establish a back beat

Question 17

What are the common problems for beginning set drummers when it comes to playing a fill?

Answer 17

1. Try to get too fancy
2. they lose the tempo
3. they do not have a clear idea of the subdivision

Question 18

Describe the subdivision of latin

Answer 18

subdivision falls primarily as eighth notes with dotted rhythms

Question 19

What is the subdivision pattern of swing?

Answer 19

Primarily triplets

Question 20

Describe the ride cymbal

Answer 20

1. larger
2. heavier/thicker
3. more ring

Question 21

How should you approach an over-written set part?

Answer 21

1. simplify the part making sure to keep the integrity of the music intact
2. make sure you cover the basics of the style called for
3. use it as a road map to see where you are going

Question 22

How is the bass drum used in jazz?

Answer 22

1. lighter or feathered in style
2. smaller percentage of usage
3. used to punctuate figures

Question 23

How do you achieve a lighter/feathered sound on bass drum? Why?

Answer 23

heal down has less power - less volume

Question 24

Describe the style of latin

Answer 24

bass drum dominates often in a dotted rhythm with a strong snare beat on two

Question 25

For what purpose is the crash cymbal used?

Answer 25

highlight important moments

Question 26

Describe the swing style?

Answer 26

ride and high hat take the leading roles

Question 27

What is an under-written drum set part?

Answer 27

consists mostly of slash marks on the staffs

Question 28

Describe rock style?

Answer 28

bass drum dominates and snare takes a secondary role

Question 29

Describe the use of the ride cymbal

Answer 29

1. time keeper
2. drives rhythms
3. defines a beat pattern

Question 30

What is an over-written drum set part?

Answer 30

has every rhythm and fill notated