Auger said:A lot of people have told me that they could never play the drums because they "have no rhythm -I can't dance -I can't even clap in time with music" which I usually respond to with "yes you do, everybody has a natural sense of rhythm" -of course the reply is "oh yeah, well not me." to which I usually ask "really? what's your phone number?" ...and, I always get a response in the perfect phone-number rhythm which, in the US at least, is 1-2-3(rest)4-5-6(rest)7-8-9-10 -why not 1-2(rest)3(rest)4-5-6-7-8(rest)9-10? There's one rhythm they already know. There're other examples too -songs like 'happy birthday' that everyone seems to know the rhythm to, or even walking at a constant speed -not something that could easily be done (or done at all, really) with no sense of rhythm. People just need to learn to get in touch with it and to manipulate that sense they already have.
Interesting point indeed mate but not really sure that I agree.
I believe that there is a difference between basic coordination and rhythm. I think anyone can rope learn their phone number, it's generally only 7 numbers which is repeated ad-nauseam. Walking is a combination of coordination and maintaining a sense of equilibrium. You don’t need to walk like you are practicing an army drill. Hence, sure someone could practice to become a technically supreme drummer but I believe without that internal sense of rhythm it will be either out of time or totally bereft of any groove or feeling.
A really good friend of mine took up the drums when we were both about 12 years old. He took months worth of lessons and could play different time signatures etc.......technically he was quite good. Playing by himself most people would be quite impressed. However, if I was to come over with a guitar to have a jam it was like banging your head against a brick wall because he had no internal rhythm and hence could not feel when to come in, when to fill and generally was all over the place timing wise. That is where I feel the difference is.
I believe that is the same with singing and people who are tone deaf. I know quite a few of these people.......now you could teach them how to correctly sing by using your diaphram and stomach etc....but that isnt going to get them any closer to feeling and hearing when the note is accurate.
Very interesting discussion!