How to Play a Great Drum Set Solo

drum set solo

A drum set solo is that one moment during a concert where the drummer takes center stage and shows off their flamboyant and bombastic skills. This is the time to show off your mastery of timing, rhythm, and tempo. It’s the time to shake those chains of timekeeper that have been imposed on you throughout your career and showcase your sonic capabilities in a unique and powerful way.

The drum set solo can be a powerful tool to get your point across, but it also requires practice and experience to develop the technique and skill necessary to make the most of it. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the following tips can help you to become more effective at playing a drum set solo.

Open Solos

The most challenging type of drum set solo is an open solo, where the drummer is allowed to play however he wishes without worrying about tempo, song form or melody. This is usually the most intimidating of all drum set soloing techniques, but it can be the most fun when you get the hang of it.

Many great jazz drummers have embraced this style, and it has fueled the development of drumming as a solo instrument. Some examples include Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Max Roach, and Elvin Jones.

A lot of modern jazz drummers are able to play melodies verbatim on their drum sets, which can be a really fun way to surprise the rest of the band. Some contemporary drummers, like Ari Hoenig, even have the ability to play entire bebop songs on their drum set in order to create a unique musical statement!

Target Areas & Temps

When it comes to drumming, there are few instruments that can do as much as the drum set. The snare drum, bass drum and two toms are all excellent targets for drummers who want to show off their speed and dexterity. These can be combined in any number of ways to highlight different elements of the music or the melody, such as a snare roll on beat two or a hihat ride crash on beat four.

Another way to use the snare and bass drum is by playing on their rims, and this can be very effective when you want to add depth and texture to your sonic pallet. Some drummers have developed their own special techniques for doing this, such as the use of brushes or Tympani mallets.

Rudiments and other Technical Patterns

We often only work on rudiments and other technical patterns when it’s time to practice, but these can be very helpful in generating creative ideas for your drum set solo. Try focusing on just one of these and see what kind of creative ways you can implement it within the context of your solo.

Space/Rests

Sometimes it’s important to take a break from the drumming to allow your mind to focus on other aspects of your performance. For example, if you’re performing a symphonic piece, it may be appropriate to take a breath and relax for a few moments before continuing the solo. This will keep you focused and help your performance stay on track!