Reading Drum Notation Options

[Jared Falk]

This is the *official* discussion thread for the drum lesson...

Reading Drum Notation « click this link to view the lesson now.

Use the "Add Reply" button above to post your questions or comments.

[TimSalmon]

Thank you for these lessons. Reading sheet music has always been tough for me, but this is helping. You guys are awesome!

[klejton]

There's one thing that confuses me a bit regarding drum notation. I've encountered a version of writing down drum notation which differs from the one shown on this site.



Which one is correct? I encounter the one on the picture much more often, but that doesn't necessarily have to mean anything.

[Jared Falk]

There's one thing that confuses me a bit regarding drum notation. I've encountered a version of writing down drum notation which differs from the one shown on this site.



Which one is correct? I encounter the one on the picture much more often, but that doesn't necessarily have to mean anything.

There are a bunch of different ways to apply notes to the staff. We chose to do it a certain way because it made sense to us. Every drummer has their own method of doing it.

It never made sense to me to have the snare where everyone else puts it. My students always got confused what they were reading fills. So I moved it right on the center line and put the 3 toms in between the lines...Made a big difference in how fast they were able to read the music.

[Djepeto]

Watch your posts Djepeto, that is a little border line.

I'm sorry, but dont you think it is funny?!

[Jared Falk]

I'm sorry, but dont you think it is funny?!

We think it's funny...Maybe not for all eyes though. We want to keep the site all ages.

[klejton]

There are a bunch of different ways to apply notes to the staff. We chose to do it a certain way because it made sense to us. Every drummer has their own method of doing it.

It never made sense to me to have the snare where everyone else puts it. My students always got confused what they were reading fills. So I moved it right on the center line and put the 3 toms in between the lines...Made a big difference in how fast they were able to read the music.

Ah, okay. Thanks for explaining.

[Abe]

There are a bunch of different ways to apply notes to the staff. We chose to do it a certain way because it made sense to us. Every drummer has their own method of doing it.

It never made sense to me to have the snare where everyone else puts it. My students always got confused what they were reading fills. So I moved it right on the center line and put the 3 toms in between the lines...Made a big difference in how fast they were able to read the music.

I am new at drumming myself and I too was confused with the different drum notations but Jared's way made more sense. The snare being the center of your kit put it in the center of the score you are reading. As well as the toms have more even space. Again that is only my opinion.

[OneOfHis]

Hey guys you think we can remove the unfortunate posts at the top of this forum. I think we all know which ones I’m talking about.
It’s a little difficult to recommend this site to beginners knowing these posts exist and that say an 11 year old might find them and ask their parents to explain.
Thanks

[Jared Falk]

Hey guys you think we can remove the unfortunate posts at the top of this forum. I think we all know which ones I’m talking about.
It’s a little difficult to recommend this site to beginners knowing these posts exist and that say an 11 year old might find them and ask their parents to explain.
Thanks

Good idea...I took care of it...We are always careful not to over-moderate...However, you made an excellent point...Thanks so much!

[minimart93]

i noticed that there is a hi hat notation and then a specific closed and open hi hat notation. how do u play the hi hat when it is just the regular hi hat notation? also, what does crosstick mean?

This post has been edited by minimart93: Feb 2 2008, 01:25 PM

[Johnathan H]

Not sure what the posts said but kudos to the FDL team for doing what they do. Not many Forum Admin Leads work as fast. Anyway, great site keep it up

This post has been edited by CFOTOCEO: Feb 2 2008, 01:38 PM

[Dealas]

i noticed that there is a hi hat notation and then a specific closed and open hi hat notation. how do u play the hi hat when it is just the regular hi hat notation? also, what does crosstick mean?

What do you mean with "regular hi-hat notation"? Could you specify?

Cross-stick is an alternate way of playing your drums. You place your stick across the head and onto the rim of the drum, and play it only by lifting the part that's outside the drum.



(By the way, I don't agree with the technique used by the player in the picture. It's not me. Just to give you a quick idea.)

This post has been edited by Dealas: Feb 2 2008, 02:03 PM

[minimart93]

What do you mean with "regular hi-hat notation"? Could you specify?

Cross-stick is an alternate way of playing your drums. You place your stick across the head and onto the rim of the drum, and play it only by lifting the part that's outside the drum.



(By the way, I don't agree with the technique used by the player in the picture. It's not me. Just to give you a quick idea.)

well there is a notation that just says hi hat. its just the "x" without an "o" or a "+" above it.

[Johnathan H]

well there is a notation that just says hi hat. its just the "x" without an "o" or a "+" above it.

Never seen it done this way, normally its the reverse

[Dealas]

well there is a notation that just says hi hat. its just the "x" without an "o" or a "+" above it.

Yes, I've seen it. Normally that means a closed hi-hat. There's also an "x" inscribed in a "O", and that's an open hi-hat.

[minimart93]

Yes, I've seen it. Normally that means a closed hi-hat. There's also an "x" inscribed in a "O", and that's an open hi-hat.

ok thanks for clearing that up.

[Dealas]

No problem.

[DANIEL ROYCE]

I am a brand new drummer at the age 37. I began in early Jan. 2008. ALL I have learned I have learned from Jared's rock system. I knew nothing & now I am well on my way. My friends that drum for work are suprised by my ability to read drum score which I had never even seen before 2008. I LOVE THIS!! I cannot express my gratitude for this system helping to fulfill my lifelong dream of drumming. THANX JARED!!!

[mlacriola]

I'm 42 and just started a couple of weeks back. I've been wanting to play drums since I was about 13 (remember seeing Buddy Rich on Johnny Carson once --- it blew my mind). I came across this site by accident and was immediately hooked. I've went through most of the beginner lessons (several times through if not more) and found them very easy to understand and practice.

Thanks Jared and Lionel.