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The Cambridge Companion to the Drum Kit: A Comprehensive Guide to Its History, Technique, and Significance

Ashton Reed

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Published in The Cambridge Companion To The Drum Kit (Cambridge Companions To Music)

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The drum kit is one of the most versatile and expressive instruments in modern music. It is used in a wide variety of genres, from rock and pop to jazz and classical. The Cambridge Companion to the Drum Kit is a comprehensive guide to the history, technique, and significance of this instrument.

The Cambridge Companion to the Drum Kit (Cambridge Companions to Music)

by Matt Brennan

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	6498 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	282 pages

The book is divided into three parts. The first part explores the history of the drum kit, from its origins in the military to its development into a modern instrument. The second part discusses the technique of playing the drum kit, including the different types of sticks and techniques used. The third part examines the significance of the drum kit in music, from its role in rhythm and groove to its use as a solo instrument.

The Cambridge Companion to the Drum Kit is an essential resource for anyone interested in the history, technique, or significance of this instrument. It is a must-read for drummers, music historians, and anyone who loves music.

History of the Drum Kit

The drum kit is a relatively new instrument, having only been developed in the late 19th century. However, its roots can be traced back to the military. In the 18th century, military bands used a variety of drums to keep time and provide rhythm for marching troops. These drums included the bass drum, snare drum, and tom-toms.

In the early 19th century, drummers began to experiment with new ways of playing these drums. They began to use sticks instead of mallets, and they started to play the drums in a more rhythmic and syncopated style. This new style of drumming was called "rudimental drumming."

Rudies continued to develop the drum kit into the 20th century. In the 1920s, drummers began to add new drums to their kits, such as the hi-hat and the floor tom. They also began to use new techniques, such as the "jazz ride" and the "drum roll."

By the mid-20th century, the drum kit had become a standard instrument in jazz, rock, and pop music. It is now used in a wide variety of genres, from country to classical.

Technique of Playing the Drum Kit

The technique of playing the drum kit is complex and varied. There are many different ways to hold the sticks, and there are many different techniques used to produce different sounds.

The basic grip is the "matched grip," in which the left hand holds the stick with the thumb and forefinger, and the right hand holds the stick with the thumb, forefinger, and middle finger. The sticks are held parallel to each other, and the hands are positioned over the drums in a natural and comfortable way.

There are many different types of sticks used for playing the drums. The most common type of stick is the "5A," which is a medium-sized stick with a wooden tip. Other types of sticks include the "2B," which is a larger stick with a nylon tip, and the "7A," which is a smaller stick with a wooden tip.

The technique of playing the drum kit is also varied. There are many different ways to hit the drums, and there are many different techniques used to produce different sounds.

The most basic stroke is the "downstroke," in which the stick is moved down from a high position to a low position. Other strokes include the "upstroke," in which the stick is moved up from a low position to a high position, and the "cross-stick," in which the stick is struck against the rim of the drum.

There are also many different techniques used to produce different sounds on the drums. For example, the "flam" is a technique in which two strokes are played very close together. The "roll" is a technique in which a series of strokes are played very quickly. And the "buzz" is a technique in which the stick is vibrated against the drumhead.

Significance of the Drum Kit

The drum kit is a significant instrument in music. It is used in a wide variety of genres, and it has played a major role in the development of popular music.

The drum kit is essential for rhythm and groove. The bass drum provides the foundation of the beat, and the snare drum provides the backbeat. The tom-toms and hi-hat add color and texture to the rhythm.

The drum kit is also a versatile instrument that can be used for a variety of musical purposes. It can be used to play simple beats, complex rhythms, and even solos. Drummers use a variety of techniques to create different sounds and effects, and they can use the drum kit to express a wide range of emotions.

The drum kit is a powerful and expressive instrument that has played a major role in the development of music. It is an essential part of any modern band.

The Cambridge Companion to the Drum Kit is a comprehensive guide to the history, technique, and significance of this instrument. It is a must-read for drummers, music historians, and anyone who loves music.

The Cambridge Companion to the Drum Kit (Cambridge Companions to Music)

by Matt Brennan

5 out of 5