By: Thaddeus W Johnson
Website: http://www.megadrumsets.com

Develop a drum solo

A drum solo is an individual's creative expression when playing the
drum kit.   It is the ability to create a percussive piece that adds depth
to a song and to showcase one's talent.   Many famous drummers
such as Billy Cobham, Neil Pert, Elvin Jones, and Jon Bonham have
highlighted their expertise by performing incredible pieces.   Great
solos can be performed by anyone as long as there is room for
imagination.

Let's begin with the first step

The first step in developing a solo, an important ingredient that would
need to be addressed, is the proper execution of rudiments.   Are
your single strokes, doubles, paradiddles, rolls, flams, and so on,
played well?   You will want to execute these smoothly and with
precision.   It will present the difference of being a beginner or
professional drummer.

The next important step

Depending on the type of music, begin your solo to match the flow of
the music. You might not want to perform a hard and fast solo to slow,
smooth, easy listening jazz nor drum softly to hard, power-driven
metal. Make your solo tasteful.                          

Let it make a statement and signature of what you are creating.   Utilize
all the instruments of your drum set such as your snare drum, bass
drum, toms, cymbals and other instruments that accompany the drum
set.                                                             

The final step in developing a solo

The last key ingredients in developing a solo is to relax and enjoy being
creative. Being relaxed is very important when playing the drum set and
even more when performing a solo.   Before playing the drums make
sure that you had time to warm up.   It is crucial to warm up to relax all
the muscles in the body.   When the muscles are tense it can be difficult
to maintain steady grooves and solos.

The best part of doing a solo is that you can be very creative. This is
your spotlight where you can command everyone's attention.   Make
sure there is a purpose for each stroke of the drum stick.   Your drum
set will not play by itself, you are the creator, make some noise.  

It is not necessary to create a masterpiece performing a solo.   By
keeping the solo precise and to the point, your creation can be of any
length given the flow of the performance. Now is the time to take your
listeners on a percussive journey that they will never forget.                               

About the author:

Thaddeus W Johnson is a writer, professional drummer,
and drum teacher who enjoys providing tips and valuable
information for online shoppers of drum related products
and topics. http://www.megadrumsets.com

Drum sets, drum accessories, drum parts:
Yamaha, Gretsch, Ludwig, Pearl, Tama, DW

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