Attitude (Analyse)

Attitude: Music Lesson Overview

This song is based on late 80s hard rock from America, featuring influences from bands like Guns N' Roses.

Section 1: Foundation

• We start with lots of floor tom and distorted guitars playing together.
• Focus on accents; more stick control is required.
• Even if you practice on a pad, aim to get the accents up while keeping everything else low.

Down Strokes

• This technique involves playing down without allowing the stick to come back up.
• Work on quiet single strokes with random accents from both your left and right hand.
• This practice will significantly help with mastering the first section.

Section 2: Groove Development

• In this section, we introduce 16th semiquavers on the hi-hat, paired with a bass drum and snare drum dialogue underneath.
• Incorporate open hi-hats into your groove.

Section C: Enhanced Dynamics

• Transition to the bell and focus on a groove centered on the beat:
  • Count: 1, 2, and 3, and 1, 2, and 3.
• Ensure you're pushing into beats one and three.

Dynamics

• Coming out of Section C, there will be a dramatic shift in dynamics:
  • Drop from F to P in the space of one quaver.
• Make this transition as dynamic as possible; dynamics are crucial in drumming.

"Dynamics will, especially on drums, are your best friend. The more you play at one volume, the audience can become a little disengaged. You need to keep them switched on, and dynamics is a perfect way of doing that."

Section: Phrasing with Hits

• Practice phrasing with the hits: bosh, bosh, bosh.
• If you have two crash cymbals, one on each side, consider placing one on the side where you'll primarily be playing the ride.

Drum Solo Section

• The drum solo should be straightforward.
• Aim for strong hits; clarity and strength are key.
• Avoid complicated patterns that might detract from the song's overall strength.

Starting Point for Solos

• Think of it as having very strong fillings; don't overcomplicate things.
• If you're inclined, feel free to explore more complex ideas with your teacher.

Conclusion: Returning to the Beginning

• After the solo, return to section A to finish the song.
• Allow room for development; it's an opportunity to have fun and incorporate parts of the drum solo.
• End with a strong, confident finish: bosh, bosh, bosh.

Final Thoughts

This performance can vary every time you play it. Your interpretation should focus on phrasing with the music.

• Exploring Section C:
  • Notice the heavier beat between beats one and three.
  • You might consider skipping out those quavers to play crotchets instead, "bing, bing", for a different feel.

Unique Playing Style

There's never one definitive way to play. Develop your own ideas while keeping these pointers in mind:

• Focus on dynamics.
• Ensure strong endings, especially after sections and fills.

Good luck!