Chops...

Despite popular opinion, it is not a sin to play a drum fill. It's not wrong to use fills and creative nuances when you play. It's not taboo to talk about liking drum "LICKS"... although many would make you feel otherwise.

There.. I said it. Now if I can stake the reputation of my company on the "C, L, F and R" words, you can certainly come out of the closet and admit that you like them too! (smile)

Ok, we probably did it to ourselves. We played one too many fills over the lead vocal or guitar line when we were younger. But does that mean we are doomed to "2 and 4 prison" for the rest of our lives? Are we to play 2 and 4 for the remainder of our time on earth and relinquish all hope of exploring personal expression on our instrument? Listen to much of modern music out there today and one would almost think so.

Now before you get your panties in a wad (as my sister used to say ;), let me state for the record:

"I swear before the Groove God that I believe it is our responsibility,
as drummers, to play "for the song" and lay down a firm, stable
foundation (groove) for the band to play off of."

Having said that, I also believe it is our responsibility to "create" and explore the depths of our musical soul. It is also the responsibility of guitarists, keyboardists, vocalists, and other instrumentalists to practice with a metronome and contribute to the timekeeping responsibilities of the band. Mature, experienced players know that a drummer can not do it by themselves. Lead instruments, when not soloing, should be helping to "groove" the band with "responsible" comping and rhythmic vamping.

I speak so passionately about this subject because I have known one too many drummers in my life that were so brainwashed during there lifetime that they literally gave up all hope of self-expression and individuality, and regressed to becoming a timekeeper "only". A literal "human metronome" with little creative flair in their playing. This saddens me. There is so much more to life as a drummer. Even the legendary Steve Gadd, who is known for his amazing groove, is fun to listen to. There is so much creativity, life, and self-expression in his playing.

Is there anything wrong with being just a time keeper or a "human metronome"? Well, not if the song begs for it and/or that's the path you choose. Many dance tunes sound best when played with nothing but a nice solid, thumping beat. But if the track is bland, then I think it's time to step up to the plate. I teach my students to make spaghetti that "tastes good". Don't just throw some noodles on a plate. Use cheeses, meats, vegetables, and spices freely, ..but tastefully and carefully. Make that stuff "TASTE GOOD!"

Most of us know the value of 2 and 4. Respected studio ace, Paul Leim calls it the "money beat". A lot of money has and will be made with this beat and I totally respect that. Ok, well a lot of money has been made off of McDonald's hamburgers too. But does that mean it's always the best thing for us?

People, we have been given a gift from GOD. That of creative, artistic expression. As drummers we can use subtle, complementary ghost notes, licks, or explosive "fills" to make a song come alive. Ever wonder why the live tracks are often better than the studio cuts? Think about it.

It's an honor to walk off the stage and hear someone say, "Man, that felt great!". I must admit though, it's also very satisfying to hear someone say, "How did you do that?! or "Man, I loved that fill you played going into the chorus!". I've had the honor of having 10 drummers in the front row watching me play. But I've also had name artists walk up to me and say, "Man, you have a great feel!". This, needless to say, is an honor. Especially because I know I can also color a song and make it sound interesting, not just keep time.

Licks, fills, and chops are a vocabulary. They enable you to express yourself just as a speaker would search for the right word during his speech to express himself. When you have the musical maturity to recognize this, you will be set free as a musician.

Stay tuned for my article next month, entitled, "GROOVE"....it's not a dirty word!"