Option of instrument on drums Part 4

Hi! Welcome back to my blog! I wrote about optional instruments on drums last time. I'll introduce more optional instruments today.

First, I'll introduce the "Roto tom" which is a kind of tom-tom that has a spinning frame in the head. The sound is dry. This tom is used by a drummer who wants to accent the musical pitch. Some people use only one, but the other people use several. When this tom's frame is spun, it changes the tensile force of the head, so it can change the pitch. It is difficult to change the pitch while playing music except tympani, but this tom has the ability to change the pitch. It is possible to use it in various genres and it is useful, but you need a sixth sense and music sense. Also it's so difficult for beginner drummers to use it. There are 3 reasons.

1. There is no drum barrel, so the sound's volume is small.
2. Tuning is difficult.
3. Sound's direction is various, therefore miking is complicated.

I prepared two images and a video. The video is from Guitar Center.

This is a Roto tom.

There is Roto tom near the snare drum.

A "gong drum" is a kind of effect drum which is produced by TAMA in the late 1970's. The size is almost same as a bass drum and drums head is only at the top. The drum's sound is very deep and low, and sustain is longer. The function is like a floor tom.
I prepared two images and a video.　The video is from COOP3RDRUMM3R.

This is a gong drum.

There is a gong drum near the floor tom. 

 

A "melodic tom" is a single-head tom tom, but the drum has only a top head and has pitch. There are 8 toms totally and the drum has pitch, we called them "eight tom" or "melo tom" (only Japanese maybe...). The sound has no afterglow and it's dry.
Sorry, I can't find an image, but I found a video. I use a video from jannevaatainen.

Finally, I'll talk about "Canon toms". This tom is called different names by different companies. For example, Pearl calls it "Canon Tom, Rocket Tom or Quarter Tom", DS (drums shop) calls it "Roto Tom", TAMA calls it "Octoban" and d drum calls it "Decca Bon". In this system, the pitch changes by the drums barrel's length. When we use them, they're played on the drumplaved set from two to eight generally. We can do tuning easily. This tom is used by a drummer who wants a higher sound than a high tom. It is possible to use it with various music genres, but you need a sixth sense and music sense
I prepared an image and a video.

This is a "Canon tom".

There is a Rocket tom top of the snare drum.

 

Thank you for checking my blog!! Thank you so much and see you again!!

Introduction of Famous Drummers Part 4

Hi, guys! I introduced Akira Jimbo a long time ago. I'll introduce a famous and respected drummer this time. This person is... Don Henley!! His full name is Donald Hugh Henley. Don Henley is a famous drummer and also he used to be a member of the Eagles.

This picture is when he was young.

This picture is Don Henley at present.  

Don Henley (Donald Hugh Henley) is from Texas, U.S.A. He was born on July 22, 1947. He is known as the drummer and singer of the Country rock band the Eagles.  He was chosen for the list of the 100 Greatest Singers of Rolling Stone once, and he ranked 87th. Moreover, he was chosen for the list of the 100 Greatest Singers of Q Magazine on April 2007, where his ranking was 85th.

He formed the Eagles with Glenn Frey in 1971. He was the lyricist, drummer and vocalist in the band. However, The Eagles broke up in 1980. Since then, he's done solo activity. Now he does drums, guitar and singing. However, he recently doesn't play the drums hardly because his main job is singer. He released a CD called "The Boys of Summer" in 1984. This CD readed #5 in the U.S.A then, he received a prize Best Rock Vocal (Male)at the Grammy Awards in the same year. Furthermore, he released a CD "End of The Innocence" in 1989. He received a prize for Best Rock Vocal (Male) at the Grammy Awards in that year, too.

Speaking of the Eagles,  Glenn Frey died on January 18th, 2016. Don Henley had known him since they formed the Eagles. Don Henley said, "He was like my brother, like my family. He was then at the beginning."I'll never forget him." "Take it easy. You created successful life, well, you did more than it." What a lovely story!! I was really impressed!!
R.I.P. Glenn Frey

Drummer is Don Henley and guitarist is Glenn Frey. 

Last, I'll introduce favorite Eagles and Don Henley's song. I chose "Take it easy" and "Hotel California" from Eagles and "The Boys of Summer" from Don Henley. Please have fun!!

This clip is  "Take it easy".

                                                                This video is "Hotel California".

                                                   This video is "The Boys of Summer".

Thank you for checking my blog!! See you next post!!

Optional instruments on drums Part 3

Hi! Welcome back to my blog! Long time no see!  I wrote about optional instruments on drums last time. I'll introduce more optional instruments today.

First, I'll introduce a sizzle cymbal. A sizzle cymbal is a cymbal with holes and rivets. It sounds like "sizzle" which means "to make a sound like water falling on hot metal" so it's a unique sound. Sizzle cymbals are usually made from ride cymbals, but sometimes crash cymbal and china cymbal are processed, too. You can make it by yourself easily. On any cymbal (except hi-hat cymbals) make a hole with a drill, then drive in a rivet or attach a thin chain center. This cymbal is used in jazz and rock. I prepared two images and a video and I used LanceCampeau's video. Thank you so much!!

This is a sizzle cymbal which is made with rivets.

 

This is sizzle cymbal. This cymbal is made with a thin chain and the sound is the same as one with rivets.

Next, I'll explain swish cymbal. A swish cymbal is a kind of sizzle cymbal. The function is between the china cymbal and the "ride cymbal". The how to set was opposite like "china cymbal" long time ago, but now swish cymbal is used as a "ride cymbal" lately to beat the rhythm. Let's compare "swish cymbal" with "china cymbal". A swish cymbal has more rivets, a deeper bow and a shallower bell than a china cymbal. The reason is when swish cymbal is used as a "beat". The china cymbal's sound is a unique sound like a gong and the setting is opposite from the normal cymbal generally. The swish cymbal is used mainly as a variation of the ride cymbal. The setting is like a normal cymbal. "Swish" means "moving or making something move quickly through the air with a quiet sound" in direct translation, so that's why it's called "swish". This cymbal is used often in jazz. By the way, if we use it as a china cymbal, it doesn't make a sound like china cymbal, the sound will be deep and soft sound woth long sustain. I prepared two images and a video and I used memphisdrumshop's video. Thank you so much!!

This is a swish cymbal which is similar to a china cymbal. 

This is a china cymbal. Notice the difference.

Next, I'll introduce the remote hi-hat. What is a remote hi-hat? As we play the drums longer, we increase the number of gradually, and we think we need more space. A normal hi-hat cymbal' s stand takes up space next to the snare. However, a remote hi-hat's wire moves in a sphere, so we can set the hi-hat cymbal everywhere. There are two advantages. First, we can set the hi-hat on the right side, so your hand can move easily to the other drums. Moreover, the extra space on the left side is now available for new drum instruments. Moreover, the left foot is free so we can step on the twin bass pedal. Type is wire and not wire (kind of twin bass pedal.) I prepared two images and a video and I used SweetwaterSound's video. Thank you so much!

This is a remote hi-hat. It's not wire.

This is same thing. It's wire.

Finally, I'll explain the remote bass drum. It's the same as a remote hi-hat, but the function is different. Remote bass drum allows you to various instruments when you need them. Nevertheless we can use everything except the hi-hat cymbal. Type is wire and not wire (kind of twin bass pedal). I prepared an image and a video and I used Alan Kenny's video. Thank you so much!

This is a remote bass pedal.

That's all for this time! Thank you for reading until the end!!                          

Optional instruments on drums Part 2

Hi! Welcome back to my blog! I wrote about optional instruments on drums last time. I'll introduce various optional instruments at the last time continually.

First, I'll talk about the China splash cymbal. The China splash cymbal is merges the China cymbal and the splash cymbal. The size is from 6 to 10 inches generally. This cymbal is put on a stand. However the splash cymbal and the China cymbal can combine as a combined cymbal. This cymbal's sound quality is lighter than the China cymbal, but this cymbal is more powerful than the splash cymbal. This cymbal's sound has longer duration than the China cymbal, so it uses to accent sound instead of splash cymbal. I used Guitar Center's video. Thank you!

This is China splash cymbal.

   
 Second, I'll explain the bell cymbal. The form is kind of like a bowl. The setting is the same as with a normal cymbal. Sound quality is powerful and the afterglow is long. It is similar in duration to the China cymbal. However, it's hardly used to beat the rhythm. I prepared an image and clip. I used CHANG CYMBAL 's video. Thank you!

This is a bell cymbal.

Actually, Cymbals are separated accorting to a standard. The standard is having a unique sound or not. The hi-hat cymbal, ride cymbal, crash cymbal are called suspended cymbals.  The China cymbal and splash cymbal have a unique sound, so they are called effect cymbals.

Finally, I'll introduce the double bass drum. This is a playing style, not an instrument.
Two bass drums are used instead of one. It is often used in "Hard Rock" and "Heavy Metal", especially speedy songs such as "Thrash Metal", "Extreme Metal" and "Death Metal". However,　many drummers don't play this style because, we need more space and if we set two bass drums, we can't hit the tom-tom. This style is decreasing because we can use a twin pedal to get the same effect.  

This is a doublr bass drunms.

This is a twin pedal.

Option of instrument on drums Part 1

Long time no see, everybody! Nice to see you again! Welcome back to my blog!! I'll post for the first time in about 4 months.

This time my topic is about optional instruments on drums. In my first blog, I said "Drums have many various instruments as an option." Do you remember? You may already partly understand their system and functions, but I'll explain optional instruments on drums in more detail.

First, look at this picture. This is splash cymbal which is a type of accent cymbal that expresses a splashing sound. Size is from 6 to 10 inches generally. When you hit it, it sounds lighter than a crash cymbal. When I set my drums, I put it on like this. Can you see it? The splash cymbal is used for ballad songs, but sometimes it is used for speedy songs. (e.g. Rock, Hard Rock) I prepared the splash cymbal 's sound in two clips. Check them out! I used Timmy G's video and Memphis Drum Shop's video. Thank you very much.   

This is a splash cymbal.

There is a splash cymbal above the tom-tom.

CHINA CYMBAL: Second, I'll talk about china cymbals. The china cymbal gets its name because it sounds like a china gong. This cymbal's size is so wide. Do you know how to set a china cymbal? This cymbal's setting is unique, because when we want to set it, it should be reversed. This cymbal can be used for a groove, but it can be used as a beat, too.  The sound quality is cloudy. Check this out. I prepared a video with Chad Smith, from Memphis Drum Shop's videos. Thank you so much!

This is a china cymbal.

There is a china cymbal by the ride cymbal.

Crash ride cymbal: Finally, I'll explain the crash ride cymbal. The crash ride cymbal combines a crash cymbal and ride cymbal. Size is from 16 to 22 inches generally. When you set it, put it on a stand. When you hit it, it's between a crash cymbal's sound and a ride cymbal's sound. you can beat the rhythm and get a crash cymbal's sound. In jazz, this cymbal is used instead of the crash cymbal. I prepared a clip about it. Useing Sound Attacks video. Thank you! 

This is a crash ride cymbal.

 

That's all for today! Thank you for checking my blog!! See you next post!!

How to hold the drum sticks and hit stroke

Hi! Today's theme is how to hold drums stick and hit stroke. I'll explain, how to hold the drum sticks and how to hit the drum head.
First, I'd like to talk about how to hold the drum sticks. We call it grip. These are two ways to grip, first way is matched grip. First, hold the stick with thumb and index finger at about the pick one third point while the other fingers lightly wrapping around the stick. Matched grip is further subdivided into two kinds, The French grip (Timpani grip) and the German grip. With the French grip, the thumb is angled up. With the German grip, the top of the hand is angled up.

This is matched grip.

This is French grip (timpani grip).

This is German grip

Next, I'll introduce the regular grip (traditional grip). How to have is difficult a little. First, thumb and index finger's base of finger tuck tenaciously next, put on medical finger's between first arthro and second arthro finally, index finger and middle finger append lightly. This video uses from Sacha K's video.

Next, I want to talk about the "stroke". Stroke is how you beat (hit) the drum. There are various types of strokes, including full stroke, tap, down stroke and up stroke for a total of 4 types. This rendition uses with rebound and hit. It is used hit and what not in mosso tempo mainly. Tap is bridging dynamic between accent. The down stroke is the basic style for drums in a marching band. But when you pull the stick down, you don't hold the stick too firmly, because the first down stroke shoad hit strongly and then hit weakly on the rebound. If we hold the stick too strongly, we can't hit the next sound. The up stroke is often used in concert bands. We can express the percussion with a rendition in light touch, but it's not well suited for mosso tempo.

This picture is about stroke.

I have to announce that I'll take a break making this blog. I'll post my next blog in April or May. 

Thank you for checking my blog.

Bye for now.

Shunya Miwa

 

   

Comic

Hi, everyone. I made comic about related my blogs.
If you have free time, please take a look. I'm terribly sorry, I couldn't write interesting comic. But, I hope if you like it.  

This is my comic. I made it by myself.

About 'Electronic drums'

I introduced famous and popular drummers from my 3rd post to my 5th post in my blog. I'll talk about a little different topic this time. This time's topic is 'Electronic drums'.
Did you notice? I introduced it a little in the last post. If you want to see this post, please check it out!! Introduction-of-famous-drummers-part 3
Electronic drum is made sound with electronic processing when you play. You can connect to an amplifier, speaker or headphones. There are different from 'acoustic drums or real drums'. There are various kinds of electronic drums.. For example, synthesizer drums or not synthesizer drums.


This is electronic drums.




 These are real drums.

When we play electronic drums, we can set the drum sound and also we can make interesting sounds. For example, we can make the sound of a gun, a human laugh or a footstep sound.
Electronic drums were introduced at the end of the 1970's in the world. The first in the world were SYN-DRUMS Pollard by the company (USA). They were used for techno-pop mainly.

This is SYN-DRUMS.

In 1978, Toyo musical instrument company (in Japan) released ULT-SOUND. This musical instrument is similar to SYN-DRUMS. This machine was called synthesizer drums in those days.

This is ULT-SOUND.

At the beginning of the 1980's, Simmons company (the UK) developed an epoch‐making thing. This musical instrument's epoch‐making thing is its shape. The shape is hexagon. Thanks to this shape, it was known widely and boomed in this period. The shape was same as the present form from this era. In those days, it was about 100 million yen for the first model.

Simmons's electronic drums. It's very novel, isn't it?



In middle of the 1980's, various makers developed and announced electronic drums with various approaches inside of Japan, but Electronic drums were inaccessible for amateur drummers, so each company retired by the end of the 1980's.
Roland and YAMAHA developed a high quality sound module and kept the sense of playing real drums. This era's electronic drums got good evaluations from amateur drummers, and its use by drummers increased from this era.

This is V-Drum.

In 1997, Roland released a news electronic drum material. We call it the V-Drum. It is made from mesh head. What is mesh head? Mesh head is lapped material of two pieces of mesh texture materials.

I don't recommend electronic drums, because if you don't practice playing real drums, you can't learn drum's expression. If you want to play real drums, please practice both real drums and electronic drums. Electronic drums can cheat for poor playing drummers. If you want to play the drums well, you ha better not use electronic drums. However, they have some advantages, such as the ability to we can set interesting sounds and so on.

Thank you for checking my post!!    



        





Introduction of Famous Drummers Part 3







This is Akira Jimbo.

Hi, again! Last time, I introduced Tico Trres. I'll introduce a famous and respected drummer this time, too. This person is... Akira Jimbo. Akira Jimbo is a famous Japanese drummer. He is from Tokyo. In 1980, he joined Cassiopeia a fusion band, while he was in college. In those days, he was 20 years old. He was in this band from 1980 to 1989, but he rejoined Cassiopeia as a supporting member from 1997.

His presence attracts listeners, amateur drummers and professional drummers, both Japanese and foreign. Whatever sound appears on a score, he can play each sound. His technique is like Senzyukannon (Thousand-armed Kannon). Actually, he is called Jyutte kannon (Ten-armed Kanon). Because he plays like it's not only him playing. Jimbo has used YAMAHA drums since his debut. He took part in development of electric drums as a demonstrator. He has used MIDI (Drums Trigger System) since the early 1990's. Akira can play the drums while playing melody part and bass part on MIDI solo performance at same time. The solo performance is called one-man orchestra. In 2000's, His playing style was known only by his fans. He has taught at Kunitachi College of Music as a visiting professor with a jazz specialization since 2011, and he has appeared on band contests on TV shows as a judge from 2012.
His appeal is using normal drums with electron drums (MIDI). I explained MIDI (Drums Trigger System). More talk about MIDI. MIDI (Drums Trigger System) is made by YAMAHA originally in beginning of 1990's. The system is First, pasted cartrige and electronic drum pads connect each part of drums. When you beat each part of the drum, you can hear the set sound. But a one-man orchestra is so difficult, because we can set the order of intervals, so the machine doesn't beat the sound automatically. The other reason, we have to acquire perfectly about where I beat part, how many times and where I beat it, how I beat right order. We need to set short tones and long tones. So he is so awesome!!



This is MIDI (electron drums, Drums Trigger System)

I found Akira's drum set and gear. This is the URL. Please take a look. In 1999, he was chosen by Reader Poll Most Popular Drummer of the UK drum magazine "RHYTHM MAGAZINE". In 2000, He was chosen as the most accomplished drummer by American magazine, and he was featured on the main story in "MODERN DRUMMER MAGAZINE". The feature was more than 10 pages. He talked about what the drums mean to him and why he chose YAMAHA's drums. He said, " My Drum set is my irreplaceable space, and I have used YAMAHA's drums for a long time, I feel deeply 'my body extends is to my drums' ". When I sit and beat just one sound, I have passion in my mind. YAMAHA's drums always say 'Have fun more freely' to me.
Last, I'll show you two videos. The top left side video is a famous song of Cassiopeia the song title is 'Asayake'. The bottom right video is Akira's one-man performance video. The song is 007's theme song from Mission Impossible. He is so cool and marvelous!!



Introduction of Famous Drummers Part 2

Hello, everyone! I introduced Chad Smith last time. This time, I'll introduce a famous and respected drummer, too. This person is ... Tico Torres!! His full name is Hector Samuel Juan "Tico" Torres.

This is Tico Torres and he is so cool.



This picture was painted by Tico Torres.
It's so beautiful!

He is a drummer for Bon Jovi and also he is known as a painter and designer. I like his designs. He is from New York, NY, USA. His nickname is 'The Hit Man' because he knows well how to treat women. And also the Bon Jovi members call him 'The King of Cuba'. Torres began to play the guitar from 11 years old. He wanted to be a DJ, but turned to drums. He became a professional drummer at just seventeen years old. In 1983, he joined Bon Jovi as a drummer. His playing style is not showy, but he has steadiness and a wonderful technique. He used to use the Pearl drums, but he signed with Drum Workshop to promote their drums and now he uses Paiste cymbals from 2013. As I explained before, he is known as a painter and designer. He sometimes holds one-man exhibitions and he released a brand of children's clothes. The brand neme is 'Rock Star Baby'. I found the URL for Rock Star Baby. If you are interested in this product line, please take a look. The video below is his drum solo. Please take a look! He is so cool!!

He had surgery twice because of appendicitis doing a concert tour the band. Members worried about him. Why do I know that? Because Bon Jovi always thought he was important, and kind was to him. In return, he has passion for them. When he was hospitalized in Mexico, he said, 'I thought I was so lucky to be in one of the most popular bands in the world.'
He joined charity event with Nicko McBrain in 2015 in Florida and this charity is called the Classic Rock & Roll Party. The charity's purpose is to save children from domestic violence. Nicko is a member of IRON MAIDEN. He is a drummer, too. They performed double drums. This video is from the charity's permance. They're wonderful.

Jon said to Tico,'Tico grew up us. He said "I 've been looking at your back for 20 years, so I must like you. Thank you for always pulling, pushing me and for letting me be in this big band." When I saw this script, I was so impressed.
He made a deep comment. 'If the guitar or bass's rhythm breaks down a little, the drums can pull back the rhythm, but if the drums's rhythm gets into a bad state, the whole band will break down. So, I can never be relaxed at my gigs.' He is sooo cool!!



Introduction of Famous Drummers Part 1

Last time, I introduced how to play the drums but, today's topic is different.

In this time's post, I'll introduce a famous and respected drummer. It's... Chad Smith!!


Chad Smith

As you probably know, he is a member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. His full name is Chadwick Gaylord Smith. He was born in Richfield, Minnesota on October 25, 1961. He was chosen for the list of the 100 Greatest Drummers of Alternative Music in May 2013. He passed the audition of Red Hot Chili Peppers's drummer in 1989 when Jack Irons quit so, he became the 5th Red Hot Chili Peppers's drummer. His playing style is powerful, but groovy and stable. A lot of drummers have been influenced by him. He always uses Pearl drums, but he is particular about his snare drum when he plays the drums. He published 2 videos on the rules teaching about drums. This video is his drums solo in 2013. Please take a look!!

People said he looked similar to Will Ferrell for a long time. Will Ferrell is a comedian actor. They look like twins. According to one theory, they are twin brothers separated at birth. 


The left side is Chad Smith, the right side is Will Ferrell
Certainly, they're similar 

Suddenly, they began a drum battle in 2014. Beginning of things is SMS. Will spoofed Chad then, Chad was angry and he said, " I'm Chad. Stop spoofing me! Perhaps I should say, You want to do a thing. It's drums battle you and I !! I know you don't have drums skill anyway, do it." This video is interesting and funny!
Don't miss this historical moment!!

Drum scores and rhythm patterns

Welcome back to my blog! I'm so glad you came to check my blog!!

This time, I'm going to talk about how to read drum scores and how to play drum rhythm patterns. First, the image below is a drum score. These are percussion symbols. Actually, the symbols have various meanings, so it's a little difficult for beginners. I'll introduce the basic drum symbols.



Basic drums signs

The image is easy and basic to play drums. Are you clear? This chart shows which symbols represent which percussion instrument. Instruments with a high tone are at the top of the staff (cymbals), while low tone instruments, such as the bass drums, are at the bottom. Also, cymbals are usually shown with an 'x'.

Next, I'll show some rhythm patterns and videos. First, the basic drum rhythm pattern is 8 beats to a measure. This rhythm pattern is used on the hi-hat cymbal and ride cymbal. There are 8 beats in a measure, but 8 beats have variations. As you know, they are a little different. I found a video showing how to play 8 beat's so check it out!! Are you OK until here? I use Jared Falk's video.

 

Next, I'll show a video with 4 beat's in a measure. It is easier than 8 beats. This rhythm pattern uses the hi-hat cymbal and a ride cymbal. There are 4 beats in a measure, but 4 beats have variations. Are you OK until here? I use Shaun Schaefer's video.

Next, I'll show a video about opening and closing the hi-hat cymbal in a rhythm pattern. It is more difficult than the simple 8 beat pattern. This rhythm pattern uses only the hi-hat cymbal. I use Jared Falk's video.

Last, I'll show a video with a 16 beat rhythm pattern. It is the most difficult all of rhythm patterns. This rhythm pattern uses only the hi-hat cymbal. Are you OK until here?  I use Jared Falk's video. 

PLEASE keep on practicing!! If you practice many times, you can do it!!

Thank you for checking my blog this time, too. I hope to see you again.

Typical drums set

Drums set

Now, I'll write something immediately. My first post is a description of the typical modern drums set. I'll introduce the name of drums and the function of each part.

Hi-hat cymbal

 This is the hi-hat cymbal. The hi-hat is used when we beat rhythm. This cymbal has an unusual style. When we play the drums, most times it's closed. However, we play it open sometimes. 

Ride cymbal

This is the ride cymbal. The ride cymbal can beat the same rhythm, but the cymbal is a little different than the hi-hat cymbal. The hi-hat cymbal can open and close, but the ride symbal can't open and close.


















This is the crash cymbal. This cymbal is used between sections or when we need strong stress.

Crash cymbal

Snare drum

This is the snare drum. We use this drum when we beat the rhythm or as a fill in. Fill in means a short lick that fills in the gaps.

Rack toms

These are rack toms. Rack toms are split into 1st tom and 2nd tom. We call these toms high tom low tom. The function of these drums is mainly to fill in gaps.














This is the floor tom. The function of this drum is the same as rack toms.


















This is the bass drum. This drum is always used to beat rhythm. Bass drum has different playing styles. We can play with single pedal or twin pedal.

Bass drum

 

Twin pedal

Actually, drums have many various instruments as an option. For instance, there are China cymbals, splash cymbals, cow bells, and so on.

Thank you for checking my blog!! Don't miss the next post!!!!