[jefkahn]

How would you describe the drum beat to Ramble on Rose? It's not a straight beat--it has a little swing to it, but it's not a full swing. How would you tell a drummer who has never heard this song how to play it? Is it enough to follow the rhythm of Jerry's intro lick?

[Grant]

It is a pretty straight forward 4/4, but it key is to sit behind the beat

in my opinion, the ability to do that and lock in separates good drummers from bad.

[jefkahn]

So playing behind the beat... Is this a feel thing, or is the beat not going right on the 3? Say more, please.

[Rusty the Scoob]

It's a feel thing, but could probably be measured in microseconds as well if you have a good enough device (it's very hard to find one that's more sensitive to minute time differences than the human ear). It's a tough thing to describe over the internet but you'll feel it when you try it.

Set a metronome going at a medium tempo. It is by definition Right On The Beat. Then try placing your notes just a tiny fraction behind it - this is Behind The Beat, and will give a relaxed feel. Then try putting your notes just a tiny bit before each beat - this is Ahead Of The Beat and will make the music feel rushed and/or energetic.

[strumminsix]

? Is it enough to follow the rhythm of Jerry's intro lick?

Worst advice you could give, IMO. The drums set the pace, the band plays to the drums not the other way around.

Start with a straigh 4/4 then add in a hit just milisecond before the 3. Then sub in a cymbal crash on the 3. A pair of 16ths for the the 4. etc

[Rusty the Scoob]

TONS of JGB songs start with Jerry setting both the tempo and feel, with the rest of the band including the drummer following his instructions.

Normally it's best to let the drummer set it, but you know... he's Jerry.

[Tennessee Jedi]

I always get someone else in the band to start it

[jefkahn]

Thanks everyone. But Rusty and Strummin, did one of you say to place the note before the beat and one say to place it after?

[Rusty the Scoob]

Yes, but we're describing two different things. I'm talking in general terms, and I think he's describing how to get that particular Ramble On Rose bouncey lilting feel.


Much of what makes a phrase melodic is NOT being consistent with where you place your beats - you want to push or pull each note a little for emphasis. If you play a melody strictly on the beat it sounds robotic or computerized. In the GD, they played rhythmically loose enough that everybody (except maybe Billy) was free to be melodic whenever they wanted. Ramble On Rose is one of the best examples of this approach.

[strumminsix]

TONS of JGB songs start with Jerry setting both the tempo and feel, with the rest of the band including the drummer following his instructions.

Normally it's best to let the drummer set it, but you know... he's Jerry.

We might have read that quote differently. Yes, let Jerry set the tempo and feel but the drummer keeps the beat against what the lead line lays down

Yes, but we're describing two different things. I'm talking in general terms, and I think he's describing how to get that particular Ramble On Rose bouncey lilting feel.


Much of what makes a phrase melodic is NOT being consistent with where you place your beats - you want to push or pull each note a little for emphasis. If you play a melody strictly on the beat it sounds robotic or computerized. In the GD, they played rhythmically loose enough that everybody (except maybe Billy) was free to be melodic whenever they wanted. Ramble On Rose is one of the best examples of this approach.

Exactly, bro!