What to Practice Ep 3: Timing, Tempo Memory, & Gap Clicks

[@martinke1969]

it's nice to see when a drummer like you honestly addresses us, mortals, and talks about certain shortcomings, to call them that. Playing drums requests a lot of hard work, passion and patient in progress. Also, depends of music style and drummer's ability to move on and develop by itself. I play only live without click various music and as you said, before I count, sing chorus or whatever part and start song. My bendmates like to play all songs liitle bit faster than usual which made me a "problems" with other bands where I played as substitute but, more less, in the end, everything goes ok. My formula is, If I'm first time in other band, to keep singer in order to be on right track. Singer always knows is he/she capable to sing, breathe correctly up to drummer tempo. All the best from Belgrade, Serbia. Zoran

[@drumvee]

I am so glad you're back doing videos consistently.. I've been a fan for years and these videos are pretty awesome!

[@BrandonScottDrums]

DrumVee Music I’m loving it. Glad you’re enjoying the vids! Thanks for watching :)

[@BlahMmmBlah]

THANK YOU MY DUDE, I thought I was the only one who just sucks at tempo and needed to work on it, where decent amount of the drummers Ive talked to treated it like it wasnt a problem at all. As a alternative to listening to a gap click, listen to music and mute for it for how ever long, and then unmute it. It's kind of a good way to change it up from listening to a click all the time. Just make sure the song you do this with is a song where you know for certain the tempo doesnt flucuate (so try to avoid live recordings). Preferably songs with a drum machine might best to try this with.

[@BrandonScottDrums]

Joke is on me because I played a gig tonight and I’ve botched the tempo like 3 times... IGNORE THIS VIDEO! THIS GUY IS AN IDIOT!!!!

[@dylanbpf1011]

This is such a great video! As a drummer this is very inspiring to watch a fave drummer of mine show a weakness and teach you how to improve on it. So humble in your abilities, I appreciate you doing this, thank you!

[@CumulusSkies]

Wanted you to know how much I appreciate your honesty in your videos, because most times, we’ve all been there. Thanks!

[@ckr430]

Good stuff.. definitely experienced all this... BTW drummers also have to realize that the other players /singers push and pull at the time too. The drummer Is the Scape goat though.

[@philliphouse4339]

YES. Even though everyone is responsible for time, drummers do get the blaaaaame. (not every case)

[@nickfili9409]

I've been fortunate in the past several years to play with band leaders who take the position that whatever is going on with the time or tempo - I'm right. "Just follow the drummer" is the mantra.

[@tingkagol]

This. Even if you're playing to a click, bad guitarists and bassists tend to play to their own tempo. Can't count how many times I had to catch up to them.

[@phillipfornett1802]

chris russell Yes thank you! Exactly!!!!

[@raisinbrandon313]

I do the humming the chorus thing whenever I have to play in my youth group at church

[@braedonavants]

Loved this video! Super slow tempos (40-50 bpm) and changing subdivisions! I've been doing 8th notes-triplet-sixteenth-quintuplets etc, and back down. Then trying to switch back and forth between two or three.

[@tvseller1]

Kudos to you for tackling such a touchy subject! I had not even considered going to KZbin for gap click metronome help. I can see where these various tempos, gaps, etc. will be very helpful. I noticed that simply listening (more) carefully to the sound of my drums as I played helped me. In other words, as I played and listened to the click, I was also listening to how long the snare notes sustained on the back beats. By concentrating on the length of the decay as well as the length of each note, it seemed a bit easier to stay on track. Thanks again for this lesson. Great stuff!

[@maixce]

Nice video - and a important subject, and also great tools :-). I have worked a lot on my "timing" through the years, and it has improved a lot - thank god :-). One thing that I noticed in my own proces, and also noticed here in your playing (the part with Gap clicks), is that the groove is'nt that precise when the click is on. There is the same "direction", (it is rushing a bit), as when the click is not there. The difference is that the click makes it possible for us/you to start all over each bar, but with almost the same errors. It is still rushing inside every bar, and is not corrected. The solution is ...drum roll, and its not carved in stone, its just my experience, and has worked for me. You have to be able to hear every part of the groove very clear. A combination of musical knowledge - How should this groove sound? And after that is clear, connect it with the click/tempo. How does it relate? If you dont feel the musical frase all the way through connected to the desired tempo and subdivision, you will continue chasing the click, instead of taking charge. The confidence in tempo will follow, when you are able to "listen better". Before going crazy with "gab-clicks", work more on the groove on its own, and the music related. Listen to the music, the other musicians(hopefully good players :-)) and educate your "musicality" in how music works for you. The spaces, the movements, the musical styles, the drum-chops you need for that to work. Its a long proces, but it is possible to improve a great bit.

[@nicksmith3431]

yay!!!!! im not alone. watching u struggle has really helped me

[@twelvelookslike]

Fooled me too. I thought your timing was absolutely spot on every time

[@miguelmonroy7089]

Hey Man, my name is Miguel Monroy Sr I live in Tucson Az. and I just wanted to take a moment to tell you that I really enjoy your drums videos, they hilarious in a good way! I think it’s great that you are willing to experiment live and demonstrate what you are working on. ( not getting it right it’s the best part) because as a fellow drummer and PIT graduate, I still practice all the time and ( 40 years later) I’m still working on my craft trying to learn some thing new all the time. Always searching and studying. Anyways, keep up the good and funny work Amigo! I play in a band call Then When ( Original Fusion Rock) on FB and Spotify. Also have a few drum videos on You tube under Miguel Monroy Sr because my Son , Miguel Monroy Jr, is also a drummer. Cheers and keep it coming!

[@hightolerance2500]

The Click and I have developed a love-hate relationship thru the years. We’ve made progress and she’s unconditionally loved me for me despite my many faults ❤️❤️❤️ BTW The Pro Metronome has the gap click in its Rhythm Trainer feature 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@alessandrofiorini7074]

I have a little (well known) trick for you. When i have to count a 60 bpm or a 120 bpm i look at my watch...why,you ask? Because it is ticking (seconds) at 60 bpm and double it is very easy.

[@mattplaydrum]

Great video! Another way I like to think about it is the effect that my physiology is having on my perception of time. I've noticed that heart rate and breath rate and hunger all can distort my tempo at times. Now I always bring snacks to studio sessions just in case :) Thanks for being so vulnerable and real about this topic!

[@Jrenglehorn]

This is so true. Recently I've focused on my breathing, and it's been incredibly helpful. Also - eliminating alcohol and substances before playing helps SO much. Great point.

[@fesnas]

Definitely been in that situation. Thanks for the tips!

[@luisfernando-mm3jt]

Humble..... Nice lesson

[@PeartDisicple481]

That is the key to us having issues with our temple knowing the song in question at least some of the lyrics

[@kisterdrums]

4:56 lol that was like perfect

[@bigword3744]

A solid approach to learning!

[@PeartDisicple481]

I’m with you I’m with you I understand

[@phillipfornett1802]

Thanks for covering this

[@chiphawkins42]

Yes sing the lyrics/melody in youre head, Been mostly working with clicks last 35 yrs also big stage small stage no side fills etc etc all have a different effect on the tempo/how a song sounds..,. Watch out!!!

[@reymonmatin-ao9007]

Very nice..thank you drumheads😁. Mr. scott could you make a drum fill lessons, i mean your signature fills using on your live gigs. please

[@Deryun01]

Nice content! Keep that way :)

[@ghekolosh]

great lesson!

[@amittal3180]

great tips!

[@JulianFernandez]

cool. thanks!

[@BrandonScottDrums]

Thanks for being a site member Julian! Got that sneek peek. ;)

[@jayjay1drum1skate]

awesome vid! How have I never thought of referencing other songs for tempos before! Im currently working on flow and seamlessly moving between ideas which can go pretty deep so any vids on that would be cool!

[@PeartDisicple481]

That’s importantMy take is that we are drummers we set a time I mean job is to keep the temple but music has abs and flows that’s what I

[@moza106]

Great vid bro! It takes alot of balls to admit that you need to work on your time!

[@samgreen8865]

Nice vid Brandon! How about creative and challenging ride patterns involving the bell?

[@hermansohier7643]

Whenever a basplayer or guitarist speeded up,i threw some sticks at them.Worked very well.

[@kervintapawan8190]

Great content! Thanks bro!

[@lancehollum5566]

Love the gap click. You can really challenge yourself with it.

[@jonathanguzmandrums1861]

What to practice? I'm starting in the world of mixing drums and all that stuff. Can you show us what you do on this topic?

[@BrandonScottDrums]

I wouldn't consider myself a master mixer by any means... Maybe I could look into mixing tips myself! I honestly just record into garageband and mess with the levels until it sounds good. haha

[@justinbrandt8415]

You're awesome, and I'm the same way, tempo is not my strong suit

[@8020drummer]

JK with the GUN SHOW :p

[@oniondidgeridoo9720]

how do you know when theres a drummer knocking at your door .................... suddenly the knock speeds up

[@kingdomdrummer]

I agree man.. as much as I play you'd think my timing should be on point and man it's not! Thanks for this.

[@PeartDisicple481]

I enjoyed it

[@AnereJr]

What movie was that?

[@SymmetricComensal]

awesome!

[@ljoe7038]

100% true

[@ricky.beats.]

Another thing I run into as drummer is that you can have a drummer with rock solid time, it's awesome, easy to follow. But they can't meld with a band or musician, and the musicians that drummer is with constantly ask for some more spice or more spunk in the fills, but that guy can ONLY PLAY TIME. I would argue timing flexibility is just as impactful as timing consistency. Every drummer needs to keep a solid tempo. But what if the musicians you're with ask you to drive it, but you only know how to play on the click. Or what if the band asks for a ritardando/accelerando effect, and you have no idea how to achieve that in a musical space without a click to follow.

[@kuttz12]

Shot bro!

[@stereofidelic67]

I was gonna say, The Beatles - I've Got a Feeling isn't 130bpm !

[@Flamadiddle2]

I used to think I had good timing until I picked up an app called live BPM. That was a real eye opener, lol.

[@trevorthompson9222]

Doing the song thing works but you have to be confident that it works, the moment you start to doubt yourself your time goes out the window, it’s a paradox the more you think about time the more you get out of It

[@trevorthompson9222]

Or the more you get off time I should say*

[@Wiseroti]

9:04

[@BrandonScottDrums]

Man, I had too much fun editing this....

[@RalphOnofrio]

I worked for a guy like that.....But I learned...Never played with a click, but used and still use a metronome in my practice and teaching...At 73,I stress timekeeping.If you rely on a click,I strongly believe you never really learn timekeeping.

[@jna3341]

Thumbnail reminds me of What I've Learned lol

[@Umat165]

👍🔥🔥👍

[@littlemr.5503]

My man got pop tho 🏄🏼‍♂️

[@BrandonScottDrums]

Love skating.

[@lancehollum5566]

I admit it

[@Lashazior]

Tempo Jump Effect also occurs when you drive vehicles on a highway for an extended time and then go into a slower limit zone such as a city. You find yourself speeding if you're not too careful. I've experienced this being a passenger in a vehicle for many hours going 75 and then driving my own vehicle immediately after stopping. Your concept of time gets way off. It's a normal human issue that happens.

[@kennethartus6934]

Nice one sir shout out sir

[@PeartDisicple481]

Well he was very close you were very close man back to banshee Nabby manager at any table you just said because it was good enough for the gig unless you get a crazy singer

[@jonathanreddish8590]

when i count OUT LOUD, im much more on...

[@willdiggs5806]

Snap game legit

[@BrandonScottDrums]

When I finished editing that part I was AMAZED at how close the tempos were to the songs... IT'S A REALLY EFFECTIVE WAY TO RECOGNIZE TEMPO AND IT WORKS!!! Thanks for watching. :)

[@willdiggs5806]

@@BrandonScottDrums Been watching your stuff since you did your Berklee try out back in the day. Glad you're uploading consistently again. Good stuff, keep it up.

[@theyescapedtheweightofdarkness]

He used Billie Jean for 117 even though thriller is 120 on the dot 😂

[@gregdilonedojo7652]

Bonzai

[@jonathanreddish8590]

forget timing.. just smash....

[@bigword3744]

All you have to do is FEEL the groove and sit in the pocket. And timing comes as a side effect.

[@ascendantindigo271]

"Pedantic"...[the other definition] - [Global Epidemic of Pedestrians in Panic Mode]

[@ascendantindigo271]

Much appreciation for this wisdom...Time is the unseen force that moves everything into and out of existence...Music is the multi-dimensional expression of "Life and Death"...And most importantly Resurrection" I've contemplated my own internal metronome devices...The heart being the beat of life itself...

[@JS45678]

A drummer’s ONLY job is to keep an audio pulse so the musicians w guitars and microphones can do their jobs. Use a click, stay within, ehhh, 5-8 bpm over 4 minutes and you’ll be fine. As for dazzling fills and all that nonsense, that’s to impress your friends at home. On stage, stay in the shadows, maintain a decent pulse, and know our place and purpose as drummers...we are merely glorified metronomes. 🥁🤠🥁

[@gabbyrutenez4338]

John Smith Not true. Fake news. You are fake news. John Smith is fake news.

[@lancehollum5566]

Dude, You need to put the joint down. Your rambling on and on about what? Take this production and can it. Garbage can it. To much talking. Bla bla what? Lord have mercy

[@BrandonScottDrums]

Lance Hollum Thanks Lance! I’ll keep making longer videos where I ramble EVEN MORE just for you.

[@Jrenglehorn]

Awww Lance.... Dude....maybe pick up a joint and relax. BScott gets right into it and is presenting the video topic within :25 seconds.This is a crazy great video with tons of applicable tips. Brandon is out here killing it.

[@lancehollum5566]

Yea might be a good idea. But not really. Never liked the stuff. But maybe your right. Sometimes I get a little vocal and opinionated. So yeah your right I need to relax. Lol. Im not sure why I was so impatient. I went back and checked that lesson out a few times. It is a great video. So no hard feeling here. I appreciate you hitting back with your good response. Thanks again.

[@lancehollum5566]

@@BrandonScottDrums Hey that would be great. Maybe that's just what I need to learn to relax a little. Your video was great dude. Thanks for taking the time to put it up. And spending your good time trying to help us out. Sorry about that bubba. And thanks for getting back to me.