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I might be OCD Last viewed: 2 hours ago

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When I play covers, I feel it is necessary to play all rolls, fills and crashes EXACTLY like the original. Sometimes I feel like I'm spending too much time on perfecting the exactness when I could be having more fun playing my own version.

I'm curious what others do and think about this.

Thanks.

Loud 70's Ludwig 24-13-14-16-18 Pro-Beat Stainless steel

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Posted on 13 years ago
#1
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In my humble opinion, if you are playing cover stuff, do it right. It has nothing to do with O.C.D. Believe me, sir I know. If you are doing original stuff, do it right as well! There is nothing wrong with aiming for perfection. I've seen so many bands over the years who play stuff " their own way" in the name of creativity. In reality, most of the time, they are just too bloody lazy to learn the material. Keep aiming high!

Brian

Just a drummer who loves all things about vintage drums! Nothing more, nothing less.
Posted on 13 years ago
#2
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From salty 1322

In my humble opinion, if you are playing cover stuff, do it right. It has nothing to do with O.C.D. Believe me, sir I know. If you are doing original stuff, do it right as well! There is nothing wrong with aiming for perfection. I've seen so many bands over the years who play stuff " their own way" in the name of creativity. In reality, most of the time, they are just too bloody lazy to learn the material. Keep aiming high! Brian

Big plus 1 for Salty.

Working bands usually cover some classics. People want to hear them the way they remember them. Unless your band came up with an original arrangement/rendition of the tune... play it like on the record!

The only time I get 'creative' and use what I think sounds good, is in a power trio situation. I've played in some really good Hendrix/SRV style bands, just three guys, bass, drums, and guitar/vocals. You need to be able to fill the spaces left by the missing rhythm instruments to give the music a rich, full sound. In other words, you have to play your a$$ off. But any 'covers' always get played as close to note for note as we can get it, without being anal about it. There's always a little room for somebody to add or take away here and there.

Besides, when you're doing a gig, you play the set. And without a lot of deviation, you don't want to throw one of the other guys off by 'surprising' them on stage/in front of a crowd with an impromptu improvisation. Train wreck will result!

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 13 years ago
#3
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From Bigdrummie

When I play covers, I feel it is necessary to play all rolls, fills and crashes EXACTLY like the original...I'm curious what others do and think about this.

Complete waste of time, and it disrespects your own skills. The point is to match the groove, not whatever notes the original drummer happened to play on that take.

Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 1597 Threads: 96
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No matter how you play it it will never be the same as the original except for songs where there are no fills but just the groove... a simple backbeat etc you will always project your own sound and style to a cover but i too like to play them pretty close to the original I have played in a lot of 3 man groups Cream stuff Hendrix,Grand funk and of all of them i enjoy the led zep stuff the most because the beats are unique and they have a pattern but i do add my own fills as well but a song like Kashmir, or When the levee Breaks both have bass drum paterns that make the song with out them the song is just not the same but i don't have to play every fill like JHB just the basic beat..

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 2433 Threads: 483
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With covers,the most important thing is the lyrics. People want to sing along,and get ****ed if they cant. Second is the structure re; verses,hooks,starts,endings,etc..I think if the overall rythym is as close as your band can get,then thats worth working on.

Hit like you mean it!!
Posted on 13 years ago
#6
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Back in the day when you could be in a band and play 2 to 5 times a week and get paid well, bands used to learn a good amount of their material very close to the record.

Now the pay is so low, and bands don't stay together very long usually,it has gone to trash and bash quick and dirty lets do the easy songs that everyone knows type deal.

I still like to learn a few tunes here and there note for note,if the drum part is really cool,or challenging/creative,and with my cover band I try and learn some fills in songs esp if they are signature fills or really a big fill make it obvious to the band (and audience) when a middle eight, bridge, pre chourus ,is approaching or ending.

If you are in a cover/copy band I think it is important to have the skill/ear to learn a song note for note if needed,and it is a good skill to have if you get into a serous/pro cover,variety or tribute where you can make good money and get booked a lot.

Posted on 13 years ago
#7
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Great perspectives shared here.

I started to think about this as I practiced more with the new cover band I formed. I have always tried to copy the sound and style note for note of the drummer in the song that I'm playing cause number 1, it's a distinctive and I'm attracted to it and I want to sound like that drummer the day he recorded it (no offense tubelugs).

However, my band mates, lead and bass players don't mind going off a bit in there own style. This bothers me and I don't know how to settle it. I don't mean creatively I mean totally different. They like to use the word "our version".

Loud 70's Ludwig 24-13-14-16-18 Pro-Beat Stainless steel

__________________________
Want some whiskey in your water? Sugar in your tea?
What's all these crazy questions they're askin' me?
Posted on 13 years ago
#8
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> They like to use the word "our version".

Which is why the original made the artist rich and popular while 'their version' has them working for tips in bars...

I'm with you, if you're playing a 'cover' tune - then 'cover' it!

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 13 years ago
#9
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Yeah, that's a bit of a pet peeve of mine. I usually try to play cover tunes as close as I can to the original, and I prefer it if the rest of the band follows suit, (not always easy, and who wants to listen to constructive criticism from the drummer?). It is a lot of work, but depending on what you're playing, (though doing cover tunes usually dictates that you expect people to recognize the tunes) I feel that accuracy, and authenticity can really separate the men from the boys. I've also found it to be a good learning experience, and have picked up quite a few usable tricks, and techniques this way. Mind you, you still have to feel the groove and try not to lose it at the expense of having every stroke and fill in there. Dat's what I tink.

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Posted on 13 years ago
#10
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