Because of the fact that the drummer is the backbone of most bands other musicians rely very heavily on him or her to provide a strong beat that will keep a song together. A drummer who is off beat, or off tempo, will lead the entire band astray. Therefore, if the drummer is weak the whole band will be weak. Since the drummer provides the foundation for the other musicians to follow, the drummer is the anchor of the band.
Being the anchor of the band, the drummer must have confidence. Confidence is what makes a good drummer a great drummer. When you have confidence in your ability to play and confidence in your instrument, success for the band is much more likely to occur.
If you are a drummer in a band, then you are the anchor of the band. The other musicians are relying heavily on you to provide a strong beat that will keep everything together. Other musicians may be able to cover their flaws when playing their instruments as a group, but not you.
Everything you do behind your set will not only be heard, but felt. There is simply no way to hide or cover up poor drumming skills! The drummer is vital to a band, and a great drummer can make up somewhat for other musicians who may not be at the same level of expertise. The reason is because your listeners will notice more of what is in your band's music than what is NOT in it. For instance, let's say your guitarist is not real creative.
He may play well enough to keep up with the pace of the song, but as far as adding anything flashy, he's just not able at his current skill level. But, there you are, with your solid sense of rhythm and timing. That's what people are going to notice! They simply will not notice something that the guitarist does NOT do.
People who are not musically inclined just want to be moved by the music. They do not evaluate it like musicians do. Now, if the guitarist seriously flubs something up, then that's a different story all together. Not being creative and not adding to the music is one thing, but making critical mistakes is another. Musician, or not, people know what is, or is not, pleasing to the ear.
So, as a drummer, the anchor of the band, be solid, strong and confident. Continue to practice regularly and never be satisfied with your level of progress.
Dan Brown has been drumming since 1976. Get his FREE report "Mind Your Drumming: 10 Attitudes That Will Make You a Star" when you subscribe to his FREE Weekly Drum Smart Newsletter... http://www.dbdrumtips.com/freenewsletter.html
