Play Along CD's: How Top Drummers Are Rehearsing Without a Band

By Spencer (Spence) Strand

When we first learned how to play the drums, we learned a few basic beats, and maybe a fill or two. But taking your drumming to the next level requires more.

Whether you're a beginning student just starting with drum lessons, or even an experienced drummer already working the circuit, the one thing you can never get enough of is practice.

But this requires working with other musicians. And not everyone is on the same schedule as you. Also, there may come a day when you simply are better than the band you're playing with, and are no longer challenged as a drummer.

Perhaps you get labeled as playing a certain style, and are unable to get a gig in another genre. Maybe you're a Funk drummer who wants to play country. Or a Jazz player who wants to rock. Once you're associated with a particular form of music, it can be quite difficult to be seen as anything else. Take Garth Brooks, for example. He was the biggest name in country music, but when he tried to put out a rock album his fans turned on him.

But the only other choice is to rehearse on your own. I'm sure you'll agree that can be fairly tedious and boring at times. (Really, how many times can you play Wipeout or Zeppelin's Rock & Roll?) But now there is an awesome alternative that requires no other musicians and is just plain fun.

Were talking about using a play along CD. This is a fairly new tool; so let me explain what it is and how you can get the best use from it.

A play along CD is simply a recording of a song with one or more of the instruments removed from the track. You can think of it like a Karaoke track for musicians. Just like Karaoke removes the vocals so you can sing along, play along CD's remove certain music lines, which allows you to play your part of the song.

As a drummer, for example, you pick up a drum play along CD, jam it in the player, dig in behind your kit, and start playing right away. You get the whole band in the room with you. Even better, it allows you to get extremely creative with the music, maybe even coming up with something cooler than the original track.

If you're a drummer you have to practice. No doubt about that. And you could practice with a simple metronome and sticks, but it wouldn't be much fun. If you wish to be a great drummer, you have to know time, meter, groove, and feel. And you won't master these things unless you play with a band live, on CD, or otherwise. But when you nail these things, you will be the drummer getting the call for the next gig, regardless of your style. - 18762

About the Author:

Spencer (Spence) Strand is a professional drummer and drum instructor who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. To receive your free tracks from his Berklee recommended CD series, "Turn It Up and Lay It Down", please go to his site at DrumFun.com.

How to Use a Play Along CD: The Best Way For Drummers to Practice on Their Own

By Spencer (Spence) Strand

Most people learn how to play the drums and can play a basic beat, or a few common fills. But how can you take your drumming to the next level?

Whether you're a beginning student just starting with drum lessons, or even an experienced drummer already working the circuit, the one thing you can never get enough of is practice.

Practice typically requires playing with other band members. But maybe their schedule doesn't work with yours. Or, maybe the musicians you can find to work with aren't good enough to push you and you're no longer challenged.

Worse, you can get stuck in a particular genre, or style, of music and no one takes you seriously in any other form. You're a Jazz player that wants to play Hip-Hop. A Funk player that wants to rock. Or even a country player that dreams of playing on Broadway. But because you've been labeled as a certain form, you find it difficult to break into the field. Look at Garth Brooks, for instance. The guy could write his own ticket in country music, but when he tried to come out with a rock album he was nearly booed off the stage.

But what choice do you have? Well, the only other real option until now was to practice playing drums on your own. And as you know, this can be tedious or even downright boring. (Think about it... how many times can you play Wipeout or Zeppelin's Rock & Roll without finally wanting to stick a drumstick in your eye?)

Now there is a tool available called a play along CD. Lets take a look at what exactly it is, as well as how you can use it to improve your playing in any style.

A play along CD is simply a recording of a song with one or more of the instruments removed from the track. You can think of it like a Karaoke track for musicians. Just like Karaoke removes the vocals so you can sing along, play along CD's remove certain music lines, which allows you to play your part of the song.

Here's an example: You're a drummer, so you grab a drum play along CD. All you have to do is throw the CD on, jump behind your kit, and play away. Its like having the whole band in the room with you. And, best of all, you can get creative with the part. You may even come up with something better than the original.

All drummers need practice. And you can accomplish some of this with a simple metronome and a drum kit. But a great drummer can do more than just keep a beat. Professional drummers must develop a strong sense of time, master meter, and be able to groove. It's all about feeling. And you don't get that without playing with others either live or on a play along CD. That is what will make you the one everyone calls for a gig. - 18762

About the Author:

Spencer (Spence) Strand is a performing drummer and drum instructor who lives in Nashville, Tennessee. To get your free recordings from his Berklee recommended CD series, "Turn It Up and Lay It Down", please go to his site at DrumFun.com.