Monday 27 September 2010

Boring-ass day

Hi guys.
Well, today was rather boring. I'm kinda pissed at my Axis Pedals, because something seems loose and I can't find the source of the problem, but I hope to fix it tomorrow. I've been jamming out some 1349 and it's pretty tough on hands, because Frost always seems to surprise you with insane fills and blistering fast blasts. (oh lawdie) I'm learning to play Chasing Dragons, but have to get a few parts right still. But definitely amazing fun to play along. Also played some Dream Theater today. Erotomania has to be my favourite instrumental by them. The distorted organs and layed back patterns work together so well. Also some nice cymbal work going on in that song.
Been on working on my hands for a bit aswell. Short burts of 250 bpm singles today, because I need my hands to surpass the barrier, that I get at ~215bpm. George Kollias provides some nice exercises for hand technique. I'm alternating 8th and 16th notes 2, 3 or 4 bars each, which is a really great exercise, since you can burst out the 250bpm, but get to relax for a bit afterwards before you explode again. Intense Metal Drumming by George Kollias, hands down the best instructional dvd for metal players. (along side Derek Roddy's)

cheers

drummingman

Friday 24 September 2010

back from rehearsing

well, yeah.
After a few cups of coffee and 4 hours of rehearsing songs I'm finally back home.
For those who don't know (virtually everyone at this point): I'm playing in a few bands and today I was rehearsing with one of them. We're doing covers of Rock/Pop from like the last few decades. AC/DC, CCR, RHCP to name a few bands. I'm only using an E-kit to keep the overall volume down for rehearsing, which makes everything much more relaxed... and listening to each other is a lot easier aswell. The fun part is, that I have to do backing vocals in that band. For anyone who tried to sing and drum at the same time... you know it's a mess to get things going for the first time haha. But I'm learning a lot and it's tons of fun.
Other than that, I've been working on my feet again today and unsurprisingly I'm back where I started yesterday. Balance issues and the strokes are all over the place. I messed around with throne height and spring tension, but it just didn't feel quite right. I figured I had a bad day and just started jamming out a few songs to keep my daily practice routine.
also, thanks for all the followers I already gathered, much appreciated.
If anyone has a drumming related question, I gladly answer them as good as I can in my blog entries from now on. I'm not a professional though, so I have a few limits, heh.

cheers

drummingman

ps: enjoy some Derek Roddy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FUkU4nbg4k&feature=related

Thursday 23 September 2010

First Entry *applause*

Well, time to start the fun shall we?
First off, I'm a drummer and I intend this blog to be some sort of practice diary. Telling the world about ways I practice and share thoughts and experiences. Sharing all that is just some sort of experiment to me, but I think it can potentially be a lot of fun. It's not like many will give a damn about this topic, but this is more for myself anyway.
I'm currently stuck with playing on a shitty Basix 5 piece with a a mix of Sabian, Stagg and Paiste Cymbals. It's still enough for practicing, haha.
Today I focused on getting foot technique going. I feel like I struggle a lot at double bass at tempi like 140-180 bpm. I fatigue quickly and I'm easily thrown of balance. I started at 130 bpm 16th notes and kept increasing the speed 5bpm in 5 minute intervals. I at least made it to 150. haha. Hopefully the results are still there tomorrow.