Rayzoon Technologies LLC

[phillip2637]

This is related in a way to the "Classic songs" thread, but maybe more on the theory side. I've got to a point with Jamstix 2 where I'm comfortable with the basic operation. It's installed and works with my host, I get the idea of different kits, drummers, styles, and song parts. I've created backing drum tracks for two very different songs with simple, but not bad results.

The question is, where to go from here. I look at all the controls and have an OK idea of what they affect in the software sense, but no clue about what they mean in musical terms. Other than trying out the 42 gazillion permutations to hear the sound differences, is there anything that I could read that relates those controls to songs or drumming styles or...? OK, I admit it, I'm not even sure of the right question to ask.

But any pointers to descriptions of differences among real drummers, differences which could be mapped to Jamstix 2, would be appreciated.

[steve b]

Hi Phillip
Do you mean a way to analyse what each drummer is doing?
Say a spectrum analyser,or osciloscope or a pitch graph? with a means to change the drumming in real time (undo a must) and save the mapping,a bit of John added to Steve etc.I suppose custum drummer does this,but you never quite know what your going to get,and how it got there.
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EMU 1820M user

[phillip2637]

[dysfunction]

I think the only thing to do is listen, and I mean REALLY listen, to what drummers are doing. Try to find videos as well. Drum lesson videos might help a lot.

[sammy24]

In the Dick Grove music course, he teaches something called rhythm theory. I think it's such an important thing to learn, because it teaches you how to listen to rhythm, to the point that as you improve you can write out any (or almost any) rhythm that you hear. When you start listening this way, your ear will start to gravitate toward any rhythms it hears, so you will have an easier time separating each rhythm the drums are making, like hi-hat, ride, snare and kick. I agree with Dysfunction, that it's all about listening. But u can be taught how to listen (and then apply it on your own, obviously).
Also, use the kit display page so you can visualize what the drummer is doing while you're listening. And solo the different parts of the kit. So when you change a parameter like snare ghosting, and there are 5 dif variations, solo the snare and try each variation, and then unsolo it and listen to it in context with the rest of the kit.