Drummers: Help me pick a song to play during sound checks

September 29, 2010 6:17 PM

Drummers: What do you play during sound checks?

My band is playing more shows that require me to mike up my drums, and I'd like to figure out something to play during sound checks. I'm looking for something that isn't just a bunch of drum fills or super-wanky.

I'd appreciate advice and suggestions from drummers, people in bands, and sound persons at clubs. Do you have a song that you always play, or do you mix it up? Sound people, what helps you get everything set quickly?

posted by jalexc to Media & Arts (6 answers total)

The drum solo from Take Five seems like a good candidate-- uses good dynamics and highlights each drum individually, which would be nice for the sound guy in working out your mix.
posted by The White Hat at 6:32 PM on September 29, 2010

As you know, when the sound person says "bass" or "tom one" you'll want to give them nothing more than slow, consistent string of somewhat loud strikes. When it's time to "do the whole kit," I have always defaulted to the loudest song of the set, because if the sound tech prepares for that, then there wont be any scramble, they get a preview of what to expect when your set peaks, it is not super wanky, and it is practical. Have fun!
posted by archivist at 6:33 PM on September 29, 2010

archivist is right. the point of the sound check is for the engineer to dial things in and get the levels ready for the show. you should play as you would so they can do their job as effectively as possible so your band will sound as good as possible.
posted by kendrak at 6:54 PM on September 29, 2010

I usually just improvise something basic that uses all the parts of the kit. Like, a hi-hat based groove for a couple measures, then a fill using all the toms, a crash, switch to a ride groove, another fill... that's usually it. This helps them figure out the sound of the entire kit, not just a part of it. I don't overthink what to play beyond that; I doubt the sound guy cares as long as I'm not being obnoxious. I wouldn't play an elaborate drum solo.

Play to your style. If you're doing black metal you'll probably want to tailor your approach accordingly.
posted by naju at 7:01 PM on September 29, 2010

+1 archivist and naju.
I do pretty much exactly what naju said - hihat groove, big tom fill, crash, ride groove, another big tom fill. Played at close to peak intensity. It usually lasts about 5 seconds before they cut me off.
posted by PercussivePaul at 12:02 AM on September 30, 2010

Ok, thanks. I was curious if there was some beat that the pros use that hits each drum the correct number of times or something. Good to know other people just plays random stuff.
posted by jalexc at 9:04 AM on September 30, 2010