Part 8 · Reading & Musicianship · Chapter 97

Song Form and Playing with a Band

Most songs are built from sections that repeat: intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus, ending. Sections are usually 4, 8 or 16 bars. As the drummer, you help the band know where they are.

Change your sound between sections: hi-hat in the verse, ride or open hi-hat in the chorus.
Play a fill at the end of a section to announce the next one.
Keep fills short in the verse where the singer needs space.
Watch the other players. Eye contact is how bands stay together.

EXAMPLE 97.1Verse to chorus

TEMPO

A verse bar on the hi-hat with a small fill, then the chorus with crash and ride.

Serve the songTIP

The best compliment a drummer can get is “that felt great”. Nobody remembers a flashy fill if the groove wasn’t solid.