Drummer Cafe Community Forum

Sometimes my best approach to Getting something new is - leaving the drum kit.

I have been working on different patterns that require some independence that I don't have.  [Jazz patterns with different stuff going on with the ride hand, bass foot, snare hand, and hi hat foot.] 

I'm finding that when I feel spazzy about something new, I'll try it for a while, then leave the kit.  When I come back to the kit, it's as if my brain worked on it some more, and I get it then.

Do you ever experience something like this?

I think that memory in general works that way.  If you are studing for a college exam it is much better to study a little at a time instead of trying to cram it all in one or two sessions.  I think drumming would be the same way.  I am also not sure that everyone learns the same way.  Some people learn by seeing and doing where as some people learn by listening.  I think it always helps to leave it after feeling saturated and give it a break and come back to it later.  I also don't personally follow a routine.  I purposly do something different all the time.  If I have gotten saturated with Blues and I really do.  I will switch to recording tracks or just playing to a rhythm track.  Maybe play some old Yes or Stealy Dan. Schedule a jam with someone new. Play some Contemperary Christian Rock, anything to keep things interesting ;D.
                              Nutty

Yes, but it usually takes me more than one or two breaks.  If I'm working on something difficult, it may take many times.

Im not just making this up guys. This very thing went through my mind a short time ago. Id be practicing my double strokes on my steering wheel everywhere i went and getting frustrated. Then its like the practice fairy left something under my pillow awhile later for my efforts. Its like the pay-off comes in your sleep!. I cant set my air bag off can i?.