067 – Playing Melodically (and how to practice it)

In this podcast I talk about the most important part of music that is often overlooked buy drummers of all ages and skill level: Melody.  Playing melodically is one of the hardest things to do on the drums because of the lack of pitches and note sustain needed to play the drums.  Often times, drummers tend to play very staccato (with each sound or note sharply detached or separated from the others.) versus playing legato (in a smooth, flowing manner, without breaks between notes.).  This “boxy” way of playing chokes the life out of grooves and gives the music a very rigid feeling.  In hopes to spread the word about playing melodically, I put this quick podcast together to go over:

“If you’re not moving forward, you’re moving backwards.” (Tweet this)

 Here’s what I’ll cover about “playing melodically”

• What is “playing melodically?”
• Why playing melodically is important
• Ways of practicing playing melody and sustained notes on the drums
• Other useful exercises and information

Resources and Links Mentioned:

Steve Gadd
Bernard Purdie
Warren “Baby Dodds”
Elvin Jones 
Art Blakey