What does it mean to be an “organized” drummer?

When your band plays a song, do you play that song the same
way every time? If not, you should. Here’s why…

It can all be summed up into one word called
“predictability.” So many drummers will never play a song
the same way twice. This, many times, throws the other
musicians off, potentially causing a drag in timing or
increasing the chances of a mislead cue.

As the drummer in a band it is your responsiblity to provide
the foundation for the music. This meaning that everything
you do behind the drum kit is vital. Anything you do out of
the ordinary, or something the other musicians are not used
to hearing you play in a particular song really has the
potential to screw things up.

Experimenting is definitely a good thing, and that’s why we
practice, but there just comes a time when experimenting is
over. You must decide what you’re gonna do and then stick to
it. Never throw in something that the other musicians are
not expecting or you can end up with some serious choas.

Predictability is a must! The other musicians must know what
you’re going to do before you do it. An outstanding drummer
is predictable, prepared and organized, ready to bring his
or her goods to the table. Personally, it has always
bothered me when a band mate would come to play and he or
she would just not be ready. Situations like that are just
not fair to everyone else who is ready.

It’s been said that when prepardness and opportunity meet,
success occurs. I don’t know what kind of “success” your
hoping for, but one thing is for sure, you will more likely
meet with it by being organized when opportunity knocks.