How to develop a drum solo

Answer 1

A great drum solo is melodic and considers pitch, just like a horn solo. Starting with an easy rhythmic idea gives you room to develop it without feeling like you have to play everything just to keep the energy level. Crisp articulation, incorporation of the whole set, and varied touch and intensity will help keep the audience's attention, and, frankly, at times, the attention of horn and rhythm section players. You don't have to keep time if you're building your variety, intensity, and motific development within the context of what has already happened in the tune. At the end of the day, we are ALL drummers. Music is a universal language - there's nothing you shouldn't try, whether it's John Coltrane, Funkadelic, Bach or Alice In Chains! As long as you can conceptualize it in the practice room, you can organize and execute it at the show/concert/gig.

Answer 2

This article has some ideas on crafting a drum solo.

https://drumlessonsinla.com/blog/telling-stories-with-drum-solos

Answer 3

hi! i'm new here. I have some ideas in regards to the subject of how to build a drum solo but I wasn't sure if you were making a statement or asking for a dialogue. I like what you are saying about listening to the melody (or harmony) as a template for the drum solo (i'm using my poetic license here). For now I'll just say to one and all plz listen to Joe Morello's solo on Take 5. that will help you understand the questions that keep emerging. teehee.hee. haha.ha.

anyway...

Answer 4

Hello,

Bass player here. After years of hearing many drum solos throughout my career, here is my advice.

Keep things clear, and confident. This will make all ideas easier to develop. In terms of development, I love when drummers use the melody as a basis for the solo. This causes a melodic style and it develops much like a guitar solo, or a horn player.

If you listen to drummers like Philly Joe Jones, Max Roach, Steve Gadd, Nate Smith, and many others, you'll be able to find examples of this style of playing.