How to slow down a drummer?

We've got a friendly, somewhat casual band that does bar gigs, etc. None of us are professionals by any measure, but we're decent musicians. Here's my problem: at practice the drummer tends to get moving too fast. I think part of the problem is because he loses some time on fills, etc. and then rushes to catch up (but I'm not sure about that). Part of the problem might just be that he can't keep time well... It's a little annoying, but tolerable at practice.

During our third set last weekend, though, the drummer was really racing through the songs. They were way too fast, even though he uses a metronome to start with a correct beat. I really notice the speed as a singer, because the words get really rushed, and all subtlety is lost. And, going that fast just doesn't sound very good.

I suppose that we all get going too fast at times, and I occasionally feel the bass or lead guitar pulling the song ahead (not me - I'm perfect :rolleyes:). Do you have any suggestions for how we can work to lock in that groove and KEEP it there?

Thanks for your wisdom and experience!

Other than practice, I don't know. I'm always depending on the drummer to be able to keep time, so if I didn't have that, I'd be screwed.

If you think it's his fills, tell him the issue and see if he can strip his part down a bit to see if that rectifies the problem.

Metronome? They have various types, but a plain click track and an earphone would do the trick.

Put sheet music in front of him??

*BA DUM BUM*

No wait, that's guitarists ...

Have you tried glaring at him and mouthing the words "SLOW DOWN"? That always seems to work with drummers I've known...

Seriously, have you told him he's playing too fast? We had a substitute drummer play with us last summer who had a bad habit of speeding up during the song, and I had to keep eye contact with him and shake my head no whenever he would start to go. A pain, but he got us through a bunch of gigs when our drummer was out sick...

Tim

Thanks, fella's. Yes, I've tried glaring, and we've stopped songs in practice to try it over and get the beat right. One problem is that the harder he tries, the more he struggles. He hits too hard, and fights it a little too much. Maybe we should put a little somethin' in his Pepsi to make him relax.

There will be a lot of suggestions, all of them correct and helpful. But ultimately each musician needs to be self conscious of their abilities and weaknesses. My experience is musicians (including myself) don't really improve because their bandmates tell them to play better. For years I've played with musicians who are great, intermediate, and not very good. And none, not one, person has moved groups.

I'm just saying this to help mellow your frustration when six months from now he's still rushing and amped up at gigs.

Sometimes the bassist can get him to slow down, if he's aware of what's going on and very assertive (musically).

Otherwise, you can try talking to him about it.

Otherwise, you may need to find a new drummer.

Also: Sheet music! Ha!

Ask for no pickles.

Dan

Ask for no pickles.

Dan

*BA DUM BUM*

How do you get a bass player off your front porch?

Pay for the pizza.

Take his sticks away, and make him do a couple 2 hour sets on a hand drum. Thatll slow him down.

Ask for no pickles.

Dan

LOL(IRL).

He's been pissed off at me since I asked if he knew what the drummer got on the SAT test.

Drool.

Just kiddin' of course.

Out of curiosity, how many toms does he use? My last drummer had four mounted and two floors and he made sure that he hit everyone of them on his rolls. It worked sometimes but usually he was late on the new measure. Same drummer would play syncopated beats in songs that needed a straight beat and it always sped things up. Funny that he ended up firing all of us because we couldn't keep up with him and the songs were too boring.

Does he get "CRANKY"?

Let him know, in the nicest possible way, that if he can't keep time he might as well sell his drum kit and buy a pan flute.

Seriously. Nothing worse than "musicians" who won't master the rudiments before trying to be "awesome."

Break his hands like Joe Pesci did in Casino.... ;)

Let him know, in the nicest possible way, that if he can't keep time he might as well sell his drum kit and buy a pan flute.
Which probably means not actually mentioning the pan flute. :mrgreen:

Chloraform

One other suggestion: set up some type recorder, a couple mics, and record your music during rehearsals. You aren't going for a CD quality here, just an old cassette player would work. Play it back for everyone through the PA or something, and let the drummer hear what's happening. See if they pick up on it.

I do the "Slow Down glare" thing...if your tracks are rhythm guitar driven or Bass driven then get him to take his speed off them.

Otherwise, sack him....how can you have a drummer who can't keep time?

Does he drool more during up tempo tracks?

Wear your 59th Street Bridge TShirt to practice... and offer to lend it to him... tell him it will make you both feel groovy...

Start auditioning other drummers.

Out of curiosity, how many toms does he use? My last drummer had four mounted and two floors and he made sure that he hit everyone of them on his rolls. It worked sometimes but usually he was late on the new measure. Same drummer would play syncopated beats in songs that needed a straight beat and it always sped things up. Funny that he ended up firing all of us because we couldn't keep up with him and the songs were too boring.

If I recall, he uses three mounted and one floor tom. I think some of you guys have the right thought: a steady "boring" beat is better than a more complicated, incorrect beat.

I have a hard time knowing how critical to be, and I'd really like to find a way to get him to just keep the basic beat and discard the fills until the basics are really strong. Maybe I can enlist the bass player to help keep the speed under control. He plays fancy bass parts, and maybe the drummer can't easily pick up on the bass beat...

Get a Beat Bug.

http://www.luglock.com/beat_bug.htm

Show him videos of Hot Tuna where Kaukonen and Casady played without a drummer.

You said he starts with a metronome...
Does it have a light?
He can look at a flashing light regularly and keep his time in check.

Or...do what Pops said....remind him before the gig that you don't particularly like him, and that your violent nature is a matter of record!

ALL inexperienced musicians have a tendency to speed up when performing, and the more inexperienced they are, the more it will happen.

The difference with drummers is that the band counts on them to be metronome-perfect. This is why a "steady" drummer is usually valued higher than a "flashy" one.

There is no easy cure for your drummer's problem. Hard work, practice, experience. The more you rehearse and the more you play out, the sooner he'll get better at it, especially if you keep reminding him whenever you catch him doing it.

Whoever the bandleader is, have that person give an agreed-upon signal (one that's not obvious to the audience) which lets him know he's rushing as it happens.

Or...do what Pops said....remind him before the gig that you don't particularly like him, and that your violent nature is a matter of record!

I haven't shot a man in months, and I'm trying to keep that sort of activity to a minimum...

Practice with the flippin' metronome. Run the click through the PA. You'll ALL get better. Other then that, I can only suggest Valum.

Maybe I can enlist the bass player to help keep the speed under control. He plays fancy bass parts, and maybe the drummer can't easily pick up on the bass beat...

Oy vey. This gets worse and worse...

Run the click through the PA. You'll ALL get better.

Yes. I like that advice. Thanks.

Get a better drummer.

If current drummer complains, tell him to get a metronome and go practice with it for four months. Tell him he can audition to get the spot back.

Get him a click and a book of rudiments, then tell him he needs to take his snare home and play a page a night with the click. In three weeks, he'll be able to keep time.
if in three weeks he can't keep time, he will never be able to.
I was a drummer for 20+ years. I played in concert and marching band for three years before I ever sat down at a drum kit, and it shows in my timekeeping.
There is no substitute for learning your instrument.

Like others have said, have him work with a metronome/click. It drives me nutz when a drummer takes off. Some songs work well with a little jump towards the end to give it a little punch but the groove/pocket must be maintained through 99% of the tune.

Don't mean to intrude, but I was a drummer most of my career, and I was also the lead singer, so simple rhythms were mandatory....if you are playing for dancers on the floor make him understand 'steady' is the most important thing he needs to be...also why is the bass player so 'busy'? (was that the word you used?) If you are playing original stuff bass and drums should be working out the fills together....if you are a 'live' jukebox like we were for many years, he needs to copy fills as close as possible and that includes rhythm. If he's a close friend and want to keep him in the band for that reason alone, you gotta send him back to the 'woodshed"! Good luck!:cool:

I had a drummer once who had a beautiful set of drums. He had the full set and his problem was, he felt he had to hit all of them on rolls and other things. I told him he was over playing and take away some drums so he doesn't feel the need to hit them all and keep it simple. Although he didn't like it, he tried it and it worked. He couldn't believe how much better he was. Then problem two, he couldn't feel the music. He played good, but couldn't feel the changes. Had to let him go.

Here's my problem: at practice the drummer tends to get moving too fast. Thanks for your wisdom and experience!

..usually two in the leg and one in the wrist will slow 'em down right nicely! oh wait, is this a Zombie-drummer or no? :grin:

Get a laser pointer. He'll want to watch it. Move it up and down in time with the music. His head will start to bob up and down. This is a fool-proof way to set the BPM on a drummer.:lol:

Would it help for him to listen to recorded music and mimic the drums on the music that was playing?

Would it help for him to listen to recorded music and mimic the drums on the music that was playing?

I've known more than a few drummers who are Buddy Rich or Neil Pert when they play with recordings but can't play with a group to save their life. The problem is the recording never falters, so they can continuously speed up slow down but still stay close to the recording. Or their fills can lose a beat and they just jump back in. Metronome is better because it is so stark.

Hate to say it but unless you don't want to hurt his feelings let him go. I've been an active drummer for 16 years with a lot of Playing experience (and a tele problem of course). If doesn't have the basics like keeping time he's not of any kind of ability to be playing in public. You won't have many more gigs if he causes the band to sound bad.

Biggest mistake bands make #23: practising as a full band too soon.

I always try to make sure that songs are practised something like this:

1. Singer, guitar players and bass player practise the song without the drummer so we all get roughly the right feel and know the chords etc. (I can't see any reason to involve the drummer till the people in the band who play notes and chords know the notes and chords.)

2. We make a recording of our drummer-less version - played at the tempo we want - and give it to the drummer. The drummer should listen to it and hopefully play along with it at home too.

3. I sit down with the drummer and together we play the song, ie just acoustic strumming, my vocal and the drummer. This really helps the drummer to hear the right speed, ie the speed that I need as a singer. THIS could be a step that helps your drummer in your situation.

4. Then we practise as a full band, and nine times out of ten we are up and running with a finished, tight version much sooner than if we do it all as a band from the start.

I'm sure this isn't for everyone, but if does work for me and like I said step three in any case often seems to help with the drummer situation.

If after all this the dude is still too fast it's time to find another dude. Ain't nothing worse than a drummer who can't keep time.

I had the opposite problem many years ago (late 60's early 70's) ours would slow down and drag. It was because he was always tired and would start to doze off during songs. Once in a while I would have to hit a cymbal with my headstock to wake him up. So, maybe make sure yours is just sleepy enough.

Don't mean to intrude, but I was a drummer most of my career, and I was also the lead singer, so simple rhythms were mandatory....if you are playing for dancers on the floor make him understand 'steady' is the most important thing he needs to be...also why is the bass player so 'busy'? (was that the word you used?) If you are playing original stuff bass and drums should be working out the fills together....if you are a 'live' jukebox like we were for many years, he needs to copy fills as close as possible and that includes rhythm. If he's a close friend and want to keep him in the band for that reason alone, you gotta send him back to the 'woodshed"! Good luck!:cool:

Yeah, the bass player will need to simplify his parts, too. We have this trouble with the drummer in the band that I'm in. So, as the bass player, if I start feeling the beat starting to speed up then I will play simple quarter notes or even half notes so that the drummer will ease up the tempo. But, the drummer also sings and that's usually where things start coming apart. A flashing metronome might be the key.

Try having him play with the click...at least for a rehearsal - for him to check it out, low pressure style.


We've got a friendly, somewhat casual band that does bar gigs, etc. None of us are professionals by any measure, but we're decent musicians. Here's my problem: at practice the drummer tends to get moving too fast. I think part of the problem is because he loses some time on fills, etc. and then rushes to catch up (but I'm not sure about that). Part of the problem might just be that he can't keep time well... It's a little annoying, but tolerable at practice.

During our third set last weekend, though, the drummer was really racing through the songs. They were way too fast, even though he uses a metronome to start with a correct beat. I really notice the speed as a singer, because the words get really rushed, and all subtlety is lost. And, going that fast just doesn't sound very good.

I suppose that we all get going too fast at times, and I occasionally feel the bass or lead guitar pulling the song ahead (not me - I'm perfect :rolleyes:). Do you have any suggestions for how we can work to lock in that groove and KEEP it there?

Thanks for your wisdom and experience!

Accurate tempo is to drumming what accurate pitch is to the human voice or a fretless instrument.It's there or it's not,and trying to help someone with either of those problems is perhaps what a good friend would do.A recreational band who puts the friendship first and the music second has good philosophical justification for making the effort,but in a business context,efforts like that generally don't justify themselves.

TeleTim hit it on the head. Record yourselves regularly. Don't wait for him to notice the problem, point it out to him. It will only benefit everyone in the situation. I worked in a studio for while and got to hear myself every day. The quickest way to learn the what to put in/what to leave out rule is to listen to yourself. The tape doesn't lie. Can he play the type of material your asking of him? On his own time, have him play along with recordings of the type of songs you perform. Does he like the stuff you do or is he bored? Is this someone you would like to have stay in the band? If it is, work with him, if not, move on. Maybe the laser pointer about chest level could cause some inspiration?

A metronome with an earphone jack.

Lots of good comedy here but....

As a "reformed" drummer... :lol:
The solution has TWO parts:
And a set list with BPM that is agreed too for a given song AND a metronome.

When the adrenaline dumps, the sense of time gets distorted - HE THINKS he's on time. :wink:

I used a Boss that has a nice extra - a small red light that flashes in addition to the click:
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/product/Boss-DB90-Dr.-Beat-Metronome?sku=213017

The light is easy to see on stage but small enough that nobody else notices. For gigs I would just mute the click.

So you look at the next song at the set list, dial up the BPM, watch the light and count off.

Won't stop a guy that can't hold time but it will at least get you STARTED at the right BPM.:cool:

Fezz Parka, that was sheer evil brilliance :shock::mrgreen::twisted::confused::lol:

Make him wear 10 lb. weights on his wrists, he will soon tire and slow down.

Seriously though, this is a common problem. I have played with the same drummer and another guitarist/singer as 2nd guitar for the last 10 years, we are not pros but good when all is working well. The drummer is probably the most musically talented and knowledgeable of the 3 of us. The quality of our playing has been tied directly to the talents of the bass player we play with. That's the only position that has changed.

Basics are key, if the bass player's too busy it screws with the drummer, and the rest of us down the line. The drummer tries to over-compensate and then things are dragging. If the bass is in the pocket with the drummer all is well and stays well. We rely on the drummer to keep us in line, if he can't reign in the or gel with the bass player, he starts losing interest and stops trying, it's all downhill from there.

Just my own experience with a similar problem.

We recently landed a new drummer who insisted that WE work with a click. Of course we were insulted but decided to humor him and give it shot.

The metronome immediately made us better. Everybody locked into the beat, there were no excuses or discussions about who was doing it "right" and at least for me, freed me up to play music.

After just a few rehearsals with the click, our performances are much tighter and more dynamic. A lot of issues disappeared and our confidence level went way up. Use the metronome for the whole band...It really is a positive.

Thanks again, everyone. We're off this week, but back at it next week. I think we'll put the click into the monitors (the drummer also has one), and we'll all have to stay in the pocket. All of your good ideas will be considered - in particular getting our (reformed guitarist) bass player to be more basic, to lock in the bass/drum together.

And yes, the drummer is a friend, and we're just a pub band, but I do want to get it right.

We recently landed a new drummer who insisted that WE work with a click. Of course we were insulted but decided to humor him and give it shot.

The metronome immediately made us better. Everybody locked into the beat, there were no excuses or discussions about who was doing it "right" and at least for me, freed me up to play music.

After just a few rehearsals with the click, our performances are much tighter and more dynamic. A lot of issues disappeared and our confidence level went way up. Use the metronome for the whole band...It really is a positive.

Good for you...there's no gettin around it really. It'll get ya tight, not to say there isn't a school of no click while recording guys because of feel etc but those guys usually have great time anyway. You see any of those national Telecaster wielding acts...the drummer's on ear buds or headphones...and a click or loop is in their mix. It ain't so much fun to have to be tied to a click in a loose, fun bar band but you get the idea.

YMMV of course.

I had a drummer once who had a beautiful set of drums. He had the full set and his problem was, he felt he had to hit all of them on rolls and other things. I told him he was over playing and take away some drums so he doesn't feel the need to hit them all and keep it simple. Although he didn't like it, he tried it and it worked. He couldn't believe how much better he was. Then problem two, he couldn't feel the music. He played good, but couldn't feel the changes. Had to let him go.

Right there was my drummer's problem. Had a huge freaking kit -- 7 or 8 toms, cymbals spanning one end to the other. It looked ridiculous, frankly. Then he couldn't keep time to save his life and was late getting out of all his fills. It's one of the main reasons I'm bailing on the band for another where the drummer is solid as a rock.

My advice: the drummer just isn't very good and most likely won't be. Either suffer with him or find a new one.

You see any of those national Telecaster wielding acts...the drummer's on ear buds or headphones...and a click or loop is in their mix. It ain't so much fun to have to be tied to a click in a loose, fun bar band but you get the idea.

Actually, I think most nationally-touring acts use in-ear monitors these days, so it's impossible to know whether they're using a click track or not simply from the presence of earbuds or headphones.

And nobody ever said that they have to use a click track at every gig for the rest of their career, just that practicing with it would improve their time. I've never gigged with a click track in my life but I sure as heck practiced with a metronome when I was learning the bass.

Actually, I think most nationally-touring acts use in-ear monitors these days, so it's impossible to know whether they're using a click track or not simply from the presence of earbuds or headphones.

Many of the 'bigger' acts out of Nashville anway...drummer's keeping a click going.

And nobody ever said that they have to use a click track at every gig for the rest of their career, just that practicing with it would improve their time.
No doubt, it'll make you aware of some things.

Many of the 'bigger' acts out of Nashville anway...drummer's keeping a click going.I'm sure a lot of acts do, but I was just pointing out that you can't assume that just because you see the drummer with earphones, whereas twenty or twenty-five years ago, that would have been a more reasonable assumption.

I'm sure a lot of acts do, but I was just pointing out that you can't assume that just because you see the drummer with earphones, whereas twenty or twenty-five years ago, that would have been a more reasonable assumption.

It's just a pretty normal routine here is all, not trying to assume. I'm not saying everybody though, no.

I think the problem is very complex mostly. If your drummer is basing his "clock" on what he hears around him, someone else, or everyone is actually pushing the time, and he follows. Consequently so does everyone else and the cat goes after it's tail. I have played with very experienced drummers who just cant hold it if another musician starts to change time. If the lead or bass pickup, his perception is that he is falling behind, hence, "step on it". I have also worked with guys and a couple of gals who you couldnt move off the kickoff time for anything. Usually these types are somewhat rare, and tend to be very sure of themselves and dont find the need to pound the h--l out of the drums to make up for lack of technique. Try playing your tunes without the drums to make sure everyone is zeroed in on the timing....then add the drums and start to work from there. Good luck....It can be a hard problem to solve, and often ends up in bad feelings and someone quitting or being asked to quit. Many times, irreversible things are said also, when some diplomacy and compliments and help may be all that was really needed to bolster up a lesser musician skill wise. Lots of egos (some very fragile) are involved with musicians. Good drummers ARE hard to find...but so are guitarists, singers, bass players, and any other musician types.

i was gonna say a shotgun, but....

Our drummer has claimed that a metronome "puts him off." Is that like one of the mottos of unschooled drummers the world over? :roll:

It is my belief that a metronome need not be used for a live band situation if the individual members can play to a metronome on their own and know the material they are playing. Good time keeping in a band, in my opinion, comes from a combination of practicing time keeping on one's own, having confidence in the ability that is fostered through that and recognizing that people are not perfect and will sometimes speed up/slow down and forget a bit here and there and the other members must compensate when it happens. Basically, be stiff but know when to bend.

Our drummer has claimed that a metronome "puts him off." Is that like one of the mottos of unschooled drummers the world over? :roll:



Time is the most important thing for a drummer. If you won't (can't ) play to a click? At least to practice?

"NEXT!" :wink:

I've jammed a couple of times lately with a "kid" that is ALL OVER THE KIT but speeds up and slows down and plays to loud for the song. Worse, he won't entertain playing "less" to get it right. :neutral: He's out and doesn't even know it yet. :wink:

I think the problem is very complex mostly. If your drummer is basing his "clock" on what he hears around him, someone else, or everyone is actually pushing the time, and he follows. Consequently so does everyone else and the cat goes after it's tail. I have played with very experienced drummers who just cant hold it if another musician starts to change time. If the lead or bass pickup, his perception is that he is falling behind, hence, "step on it". I have also worked with guys and a couple of gals who you couldnt move off the kickoff time for anything. Usually these types are somewhat rare, and tend to be very sure of themselves and dont find the need to pound the h--l out of the drums to make up for lack of technique. Try playing your tunes without the drums to make sure everyone is zeroed in on the timing....then add the drums and start to work from there. Good luck....It can be a hard problem to solve, and often ends up in bad feelings and someone quitting or being asked to quit. Many times, irreversible things are said also, when some diplomacy and compliments and help may be all that was really needed to bolster up a lesser musician skill wise. Lots of egos (some very fragile) are involved with musicians. Good drummers ARE hard to find...but so are guitarists, singers, bass players, and any other musician types.

I am so lucky to have a drummer who understands this and we talk about different songs where he needs to hold me back or push me ahead. He is rock steady and it makes me so relaxed. I have experienced just what you say with other drummers and the lead/follow tempo. I was always on edge trying to judge if I have to push or drag.

Assuming you're not going to replace him, he needs feedback. You need to be able to let him know he's going too fast, the instant he does it, both in rehearsals and at gigs. The glare really isn't informative enough. You need a hand signal. Use the same gesture cops use to tell you to slow down, palm horizontal and pressing downward.

I used to play with a drummer who would slow down. Our solution was to make him use an in ear metronome and to assign somebody to keep him from toking up on breaks.

Get a Beat Bug.

http://www.luglock.com/beat_bug.htm

+1

but it sounds as if this guy is beyond saving

I'm thinking of going with this guy. He keeps the beat, double bass, and he's got tons of class.7DAD1nU1eCU

Outstanding....I'd gig with him.

I'm thinking of going with this guy. He keeps the beat, double bass, and he's got tons of class.

I rarely wish ill upon anyone... but, if that band was on fire, I would root for the flames. There is a band around here that plays at some events and they are just awful (like these guys).... just brutal...

I've thought about the drummer question and concluded the only way to deal with folks is with a bullwhip....

Try one of these

http://www.radiofence.com/product_images/l/489/BT-502A_Case_and_Contents__45249_zoom.jpg


Innotek Two Dog Remote Shock Collar (http://www.radiofence.com/products/Innotek-Two-Dog-Remote-Shock-Collar.html)

With this kit, there's one for the bass player too... :lol: :rolleyes:

Try one of these

http://www.radiofence.com/product_images/l/489/BT-502A_Case_and_Contents__45249_zoom.jpg


Innotek Two Dog Remote Shock Collar (http://www.radiofence.com/products/Innotek-Two-Dog-Remote-Shock-Collar.html)

With this kit, there's one for the bass player too... :lol: :rolleyes:



Now that's a great idea! But do you think it might break his spirit? :lol:

Now that's a great idea! But do you think it might break his spirit? :lol:

Only if you crank it to "11"... :lol:

Drumbers can stand lots of abuse.

I rarely wish ill upon anyone... but, if that band was on fire, I would root for the flames. There is a band around here that plays at some events and they are just awful (like these guys).... just brutal...

I've thought about the drummer question and concluded the only way to deal with folks is with a bullwhip....

heh heh.....they are pretty hard to listen to...and even harder to watch!...if I had to hire THAT drummer I would have to velcro his sticks on so he would have to concentrate on his SNARE, not the AIR!!!:twisted: and I like the bullwhip idea. I've seen just the threat of one of those bring panic to the eyes of hardened textile workers!

I had the opposite problem many years ago (late 60's early 70's) ours would slow down and drag. It was because he was always tired and would start to doze off during songs. Once in a while I would have to hit a cymbal with my headstock to wake him up. So, maybe make sure yours is just sleepy enough.

We had that same problem with our last drummer. We finally confronted him about it. He got so depressed he went down to the Greyhound Station and threw himself in back of a bus.

We had that same problem with our last drummer. We finally confronted him about it. He got so depressed he went down to the Greyhound Station and threw himself in back of a bus.

At least he didn't throw himself in front of it!:cool:

Have you tried fire?

We had that same problem with our last drummer. We finally confronted him about it. He got so depressed he went down to the Greyhound Station and threw himself in back of a bus.

that....

was beautiful.

Been there a few times, and its amazing how often the problem is accompanied by the inability of the drummer to recognise the problem.

Every single time it was solved by moving the offender on. (ie sacked)

Been there a few times, and its amazing how often the problem is accompanied by the inability of the drummer to recognise the problem.

Every single time it was solved by moving the offender on. (ie sacked)

But then again... maybe I'd better check the drum forums to see what he's saying about ME...

Valium.

Seems like your bass player ought to have the biggest problem with this. As a bass player, I can't stand a drummer who can't keep time. If I've got to modify what I'm playing in an effort to reign in a drummer, it's a miserable gig for me and I will make damn sure everybody in the band is clear on that.

Speedbumps......if nothing else it will confuse him.

Ask him - and the bass player - to play simpler. As an experiment as him to take away his toms from the set and play straight - no fills - on only snare, kick, and high-hat. Then later if OK, add one 10" or 12"" stand tom and a floor tom. Tell him he should COUNT in his head - 1,2,3,4, especially on fills. Advise him to watch the bass player's and rhythm guitar player's hands. Kick and bass should lock and rhythm guitar and high hat should work together. Try playing tunes with only the drums and either bass or rhythm guitar.

We have a young drummer in our band, who while being good, tends to play slow at rehearsals, which are on a weekday evening because he has spent all day at school and is knackered.

When we gig, which is always at weekends, he has spent half the day in bed before the gig, has loads of energy, and plays faster at gigs, which is fine.

I think you have a real problem if he is playing FAST at rehearsals rather than SLOW. What are you going to do at the gig, when adrenaline levels are higher.

You'll be playing songs at Speed-Metal pace:shock: