How to Rate Drummers

Rating drummers is a subjective experience as everyone hears music differently. Some drummers play purely for the song, and their playing style becomes an integral part of the listening experience, despite not having a flashy technique or much versatility, such as Ringo Starr of The Beatles. Other drummers have incredible technique, extreme versatility, and can play all genres well, such as session drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, who is always featured in the "best drummer" lists in magazines such as "Modern Drummer." Drummers can be rated by observing basic technique, feel, and time.

Instructions

1. Observe how drummers hold their sticks and the way in which they sit on the drum stool. There should be as little tension in the hands and wrists as possible, and they should play with a light, controlled touch. Observe the drummers' postures. They should sit upright at a comfortable height, where they can reach each drum without stretching too far, be relaxed, and not hunch their shoulders or slouch.

2. Listen for whether drummer have tuned their kits correctly. Listen for rolls on the toms and for the pitch of each drum. If the snare drum sounds too high or low and is not crisp, it may be tuned incorrectly. No drum should sound out of place with the rest of the drum kit.

3. Watch the drummer play a simple groove. Listen to the way the drummer counts and keeps time. The tempo should never fluctuate. If the drummer speeds up or slows down coming out of a fill, he or she must work more on time. Listen to the feel of the music. If the drummer is playing music that has a swing feel, such as jazz, the tempo should not fluctuate.

4. Observe the technique of the drummer when playing different genres of music. If the drummer has a strong back beat, as found in genres such as rock and pop, listen to him or her play a blues shuffle or a jazz swing, to see if it sounds authentic. A top-rated drummer should be able to play all genres.

5. Use an electronic device such as a rhythmic analyzer to rate a drummer's technique and performance. The machine has presets that require a drummer to play certain phrases or rhythms. The machine reviews the drummer's stroke accuracy and analyzes transitions between changing subdivisions. An overall rating and accuracy score will be displayed.

6. Research existing drummers of all musical genres, using a magazine such as "Modern Drummer" or other popular drummer magazines. Examine the top-rated drummer lists and read interviews with the drummers that discuss technique, influences, and lessons. Listen to their music and the music of their influences. Hear the stylistic differences between the drummers.

Tips & Warnings

• Exercises such as performing one-handed rolls on the snare and kick drum exercises with the right foot can build better technique. Listen to top drummers play all genres of music, even if some of the music is not your favorite style to listen to.

References

• Modern Drummer: Modern Drummer Magazine
• Audio Masterclass: Testing A Drummer

Resources

• Drum Solo Artist: Drum Techniques
• Tuners: Rhythm Analyzer