DRUMS
FLOOR TOM RIDES, SNARE CADENCES, AND MORE | Carl Albrecht
In modern worship, like other musical genres, simplify, but to give drummers a foundation to we have to constantly adapt to the trends that build on. The art and essence of every song is are unfolding. The biggest mistake we could in the details. Mockery doesn’t help anyone… RIDING THE RIMS
make, as musician/drummers, is to refuse to but I won’t turn this into a sermon on that. If You can also play any of the rims of the drums
expand our skill set. Let’s look at a few ideas you can’t play simply and with passion, then as you choose for a ride option. This can be
that are prevalent in the worship drum world. just don’t play. OK… I’ll move on. seen in the previous clip from Vertical Church
Actually, these ideas aren’t that new anymore.
youtube.com/watch?v=kbH9PLLzTwo
Band. He’s using the rack tom rim. It’s an idea
We’ve been hearing these drum concepts quite RIDING THE FLOOR TOM I also used in conjunction with a loop we used
a bit. OK, here we go! Yes, everyone does this. So many songs in the on Paul Baloche’s “Our God Saves.” I used the
worship catalog have the ride pattern, not on snare rim to play that pattern. https://www.
Because of the simplicity of the normal worship a hi-hat or cymbal, but on the floor tom. My youtube.com/watch?v=6yaSCqoy55o - There
song styles we’ve been challenged to come best recommendation for this is to be sure are some other drum cover videos that are
up with different tones or colors to make to tune it down as low as it will go before it pretty close, even using the tom rim. Sorry,
drum parts more interesting. There are now sounds “flappy.” Use a double-ply head on top, there wasn’t a drum cam on Paul’s live version.
several YouTube videos that even mock the a medium weight on the bottom, and tune way few patterns a drummer needs to know to down. Muffle according to the resonance you You can also use tambourines, blocks, trash can
play worship drums. I even have a video on want to control, and you’ve got it. Depending lids, cardboard boxes, stacked cymbals, ribbon
the essential grooves for worship called “Drum on the drum (a standard is 16” X 16”) the crashers… etc. Anything can become an option
Grooves For Worship.” My intent was not to over fundamental pitch should be a low B or even for new sounds when looking for something
down to an A or G if it will go that low. Just fresh to create that subdivided ride pattern.
find where the drum still “speaks” well at a low Going beyond actual instruments or “non-
pitch and be sure it’s not out of tune (resonating instrument” items to hit, don’t forget the digital
between pitches – half flat or half sharp). Riding sampling option. A multi-pad is now a common
on 8 or 16 note patterns, while throwing in tool for many drummers. I’ve mentioned them
accents as the song needs, is what we hear before when writing about hybrid drum kits. I
most of the time. encourage everyone at clinics, seminars, and
One great example is the song “Cornerstone.” in private lessons to make it a priority to invest
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izrk- in the digital technology that is available today.
erhDdk A multi-pad with a great library of samples and
*There are tons of other examples on YouTube. your laptop with extra music software is an
Listen and learn!! endless resource for sounds to utilize in your
th
th
modern drumming.
RIDING THE SNARE OR PLAYING CADENCES
This is also a cool way to build energy into a Be bold and fearless in your growth as a
song. Using a snare cadence isn’t really that drummer/musician. Embrace the challenge
new of an idea, but in modern worship it has and enjoy the discovery of new sounds. You’ll
become the signature feel for many tunes. I hope be amazed at how it will inspire your playing
you have a solid grasp of rudimental drumming. and inspire your team as you expand your
Steady single stroke rolls are a must. Also, musical production chops. BUT, as always…
using the “numbered rolls” is important. i.e. – 5, Keep it grooving! Peace, Carl
7, 9 stroke rolls, etc. – Here’s link to Vertical
Church Band playing “Found In You” https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIyjsLlevwY
-
And a look at a 5-stroke roll approach on Paul
Baloche’s “We Are Saved.” - https://www.
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June 2018
Carl Albrecht
Professional drummer for 30+ years, playing with
Paul Baloche, Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, Abe Laboriel,
LeAnn Rimes and others. He’s also a clinician,
author & pastor. Contact Carl with questions or
inquire about lessons.
www.CarlAlbrecht.com
WorshipMusician.com