Just lower your stick heights and use your wrists. You shouldn't have to change to brushes or rods unless that's the sound you want; using maple sticks rather than hickory is a good idea, though. It also helps to not have to fight your instrument-- smaller, drier drums (possibly tuned slightly on the higher side), and smaller, drier, lighter cymbals will help with that. If you need your drums to make a big rocking sound to feel like you're sounding good, you have to adjust your ears a bit-- you cannot duplicate that sound at a low volume. I blogged some other suggestions about this awhile back.
I don't agree with the idea of using different gear to play softer.
You're not alone either Jay. I've read similar trains of thought here on DW countless times over the years. I can't say I agree though. I'm left wondering why music is about the only vocation where it's not desireable to select a tool that better allows you to get the job done?.
I'm left wondering why music is about the only vocation where it's not desireable to select a tool that better allows you to get the job done?
If you're at a gig, playing with sticks, and the band leader tells you to play quieter, and you're like, "hold on, let me grab my hot rods..." then that's totally lame in my book. You're not just changing the dynamic, you're changing the timbral quality of your instrument, too.
Rods are a specialized stick that make a specific sound. Some people view them as a crutch to be able to play quieter. That's my only beef with them. If you want to play quieter, play quieter then. If you want the sound of rods or brushes or dreadlocks or whatever, only then should you use them. I have only used them a few times (still have my original pair from 12 years ago). Most times, I prefer the sound of my sticks, and if I need to play whisper quiet, I'll play whisper quiet with sticks...
Because that "tool" doesn't sound the same. If you want to play a drum set with sticks but at a quieter dynamic, then play softer. Playing with sticks sounds like playing with sticks. Playing with brushes sounds like playing with brushes. Playing with hot rods sounds like playing with hot rods. If you're at a gig, playing with sticks, and the band leader tells you to play quieter, and you're like, "hold on, let me grab my hot rods..." then that's totally lame in my book. You're not just changing the dynamic, you're changing the timbral quality of your instrument, too.
However, if you WANT that sound, then go for it, but for Gadd's sake, don't use other "tools" as a crutch or as a substitute for playing with an appropriate dynamic for the gig...
But the reality is, we're responding to a guy who's used to flailing away with a rock band in full flight that's always cranked to "11" asking if it's appropriate to use a different lighter stick because his playing situation has changed and he needs to be more subdued and mindful of both volume and playing dynamics.
To my way of thinking, why the hell wouldn't you use them? I'm gonna argue that's exactly the type of playing situation that a thinner or lighter stick........or dare I say even a rod.......was designed for. They're there, they're available and they're a perfectly acceptable tool for just such a playing application. In that situation, I don't consider their use bad form or showing an inherent inability to adapt your technique at all........I just consider it grabbing another one of the many available tools to help you get the job done.
I have to say, its a compelling argument.
But if it's rock n roll, as inferred by the OP, I can't say the average guitar player or drunk guy at the bar, would notice the timbral difference.
why the hell wouldn't you use them? I'm gonna argue that's exactly the type of playing situation that a thinner or lighter stick........or dare I say even a rod.......was designed for. They're there, they're available and they're a perfectly acceptable tool for just such a playing application. In that situation, I don't consider their use bad form or showing an inherent inability to adapt your technique at all........I just consider it grabbing another one of the many available tools to help you get the job done.
I don't agree with the idea of using different gear to play softer. Being a musician means being able to control your instrument, no? Meaning being able to play it at a very low volume when it's required.
I don't think anyone mentioned to use hot rods and just continue to hit like you're at a rock concert.
I've seen it done. It worked okay too.
Sure, but I also through a caveat of "I'm not suggesting that a full dynamic range is to be ignored.....quite the opposite' in order to cover such a situation.
But the reality is, we're responding to a guy who's used to flailing away with a rock band in full flight that's always cranked to "11" asking if it's appropriate to use a different lighter stick because his playing situation has changed and he needs to be more subdued and mindful of both volume and playing dynamics.
To my way of thinking, why the hell wouldn't you use them? I'm gonna argue that's exactly the type of playing situation that a thinner or lighter stick........or dare I say even a rod.......was designed for. They're there, they're available and they're a perfectly acceptable tool for just such a playing application. In that situation, I don't consider their use bad form or showing an inherent inability to adapt your technique at all........I just consider it grabbing another one of the many available tools to help you get the job done.