Tips on Writing Drum Parts | Orlando Drummer Podcast

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[@matthewchunk3689]

Coming from a world of computer programming, the way we analyze, design, and refine is so similar to writing drum parts. Keep up the great content Adam!

[@KevinSheldrick]

It made perfect sense… I think naturally I go through every one of those steps to make a song on the drums… But I don’t think I’ve ever heard anybody say it out loud. It’s nice to know that other drummers approach a song roughly in the same way

[@RenSonnex]

I've been asked to join a band who already has an album so I've had a bit of anxiety about whether I'm good enough, but watching this helped so much. Just reassuring to know I can just start with the basics and elevate it from there, not having to get complicated right from the start. You've got yourself a new subscriber, my man. Thanks again.

[@Gowalkabout]

Excellent instruction for a new drummer learning to explore their creativity.

[@michaeltalley5826]

Adam, this video was beneficial. For me it seems easier to learn cover songs, as the structure, dynamics, and fills are already mapped out than writing your own parts. When you are developing drum parts, do you either record them or chart out things, so you don't forget them?

[@AdamTuminaro]

Being creative is definitely harder than not being creative. Lol. I personally don’t record or chart much when I write, but many people do! I think it’s personal preference, and often project dependent.

[@Ben-kz6bf]

Lately I've been wanting to try writing drum parts for some of my favorite video game soundtracks. To a create a drum part that wouldn't sound out of place in the original track is both challenging and fun. I really struggle with creating anything for the orchestral stuff but I treat it like an exercise. It forces me to think in a more storytelling style.

[@atmisguile]

I program drums a lot when writing my bands music. I think it helps when building layers because I don’t have to necessarily remember each change I do. It becomes more like a college paper that you’re constantly revisiting and revising. It also makes that initial creative stage focused more on creativity rather than “what I normally play, or what my body/mind can come up with in this moment”.

[@nonembio1926]

Hey, can you tell me what app you use from programming drums?

[@believeinittobe]

That's a great structure you adhere to, however, lots of us work with some serious deadlines. I did a project for Snowboarding Magazine for which they gave me only 10 hours! The tune was only 60 seconds but it still takes a lot of prep, working out ideas, doing revisions as they want them, etc. Just to show another side of working musicians...

[@emilyrln]

This is a great strategy for dividing your workflow into manageable chunks! So far I've just gone through a song from start to finish trying to write all of the details on the first go, then making several revision passes. Definitely giving this a try. I think roughing out the overall flow and basic structure first will help me keep things balanced and flowing into each section more smoothly (or abruptly, if desired). I especially like the tip of deciding what volume/complexity each part should be before you start writing. Excellent video!

[@insertmetalusernamehere]

Man, it's hard to find info on this subject. I've been searching how to write drum beats etc and it keeps bringing up how to write drum beats on a computer.

[@handler803]

1:22 INITIALLY survive the song and play the most generic thing that fits. This is my fave part as a beginner

[@handler803]

Interestingly enough, the most "generically appropriate" sounding drum parts are the best options; ACDC, Def Leppard, and White Stripes are testament to this 😊

[@morrisonpeck9214]

This helped me out so much. It was well explained and easy to understand. Thank you

[@archie14k]

This was really helpful, thank you ✌🏽

[@nowakowski.drummer]

Good video man!

[@ccaless]

thank you this really helps a lot

[@justinchorley9233]

This was great. Thank you :)

[@rrmin36]

Great video. Thanks. How does your drumming change based on where the lyrics sit? I'm noticing that a lot of people accent inbetween phrases..

[@AdamTuminaro]

This is a great question, but truthfully it’s only relevant in certain genres. In many styles of music, vocals are written last. And in other genres, drums don’t bring anything complicated enough to the music to interfere with melodies. In pop and country, for example, there might be 3 opportunities in one song to play a significant fill. They’ll be very obvious, and you don’t need to coordinate those moments with a vocalist. In genres like metal or djent, where much more is happening, I’ve never been a part of a writing process where vocals came first. The instrumentation came first, and the vocalists write their parts later. Every band is different, but I imagine this drums/vocals conflict comes up when you’re cutting an album in the studio, and these details are addressed by a producer. Not something I’d put much focus on until your song is 90% done.

[@Payterman]

Dude you’re such a pro 😄

[@Brandon_Wlson]

dude best explanation i've heard!