X8 Drums Blog

Modern jazz drumming is an evolution of the styles of drumming most noted in turn of the century (the 20th century) swing drumming, which was a combination of military drumming patterns, African drumming and European music. The main function of an early jazz drummer was to keep time for the rest of the instruments, much like the drummers in a marching band. Today’s jazz drummers, however, are known less for the ability to keep a rhythm or band intact, and more for the unique rhythms produced, …

They shine and gleam, whether metallic, glossy, matte or grungy, beckoning the novice and professional drummer to sit and sample the sound of a simple, yet complex, round of metal goodness that can inspire the rhythmic charms only a cymbal can. These signature beacons of drumming excellence bring a mystery to a drum kit, providing unique variances and tones that are described as anything from mellow and sensitive, to dark, cutting or symphonic. A cymbal is more than the accent to a fill …

Northern California may never be the same again after the dust settles from the 2011 Drum! Night premier drum event. The evening promises to showcase some of the finest known drummers, including the rhythm section of Santana, Raul Rekow and Karl Perazzo, Thomas Lang, and Terry Bozzio as well as Street Drum Corps Presents BANG! and Armando Peraza. Along with performances by these percussionists, the 2011 Drum! Night event will provide opportunities to learn from these greats, try out new …

Between different drum and percussion kits, there are several different choices that can help accent the music and rhythms being played. From wood blocks and the type of drum sticks or mallets to the different drums and cymbals available, determining the best parts for the job can be a confusing part of any musician's life. Cymbals, in particular, can make or break the sounds in a song, and as such, incorporating the right cymbals into a drum kit can be an important decision for the drummer, …

Paradiddle, paradiddle, paradiddle-diddle. Drumming has its own language, vibe and reality, especially when it comes to the physical toll a drumming session can take on the arms, wrists, hands and ankles. Whether you are a full-body metal drummer like Igor Cavalera, a jazz-funk-rock-funk-jazz expert like Cindy Blackman, or just play a lot of solo garage gigs, warming up your drumming muscles can improve technique, stamina and chops. The muscles and joints that let you transform a t …

As a drummer new to your instrument or perhaps ready to move beyond your starter kit, the choices for cymbals can get overwhelming. There are so many brands and styles to choose from, it's hard to know which models will best fit your musical style. While a standard drum kit will typically come with a ride cymbal and hi-hat, the other accent cymbals are left up to you to build into the kit. After reading this, you will be able to define your musical style and get pointed in the right direction …

There is little worse than sitting down at a drum set, ready to rock, and noticing a crack, chip or break in a crash, hi-hat, splash or other cymbal. It’s not uncommon for cymbals to become damaged through normal use, storage or transportation, but the resulting disappointment a drummer endures can be the hardest part of moving beyond a broken cymbal. Because of the process a drummer goes through in order to find the right cymbal to produce a personal sound, these instruments can become …

Drumming is more than just keeping a steady beat and rhythm for the benefit of the other instruments and musicians in a band, drumming is able to elicit an emotional response to the music, much in the same manner as a guitar, bass, piano or any other instrument. It is this subtle ability of drumming to both motivate and draw attention to important phrases in the music, lyrics or punctuate the end of a song that is often overlooked. Without the use of drums within a song, the overall ton …