DRUMMER CAFE

hey guys, right, im 17 years old and im quiete thin with longer legs then my body, lol as well as im quiet toned, all obtained from drumming, does this effect it, since my legs are longer that means im further away from the toms, I could be speakin all balls here, he he, I just notice punk drummers are usually very skinny or thin and metal drummerts are generallym fat, ive been oplayin for 5 years and still however cannot always relax my biceps. But do you guys use your biceps? weird question hey, he he    

well, the size thing is arbitrary.  drummer are drummers are the size they are.  

as for relaxing your biceps, stretch and relax before playing.  sounds like youre getting to physical while you play, and its tensing you up.  work on letting the sticks work for you.  check the ergonomics of your kit, etc.  you can get a lot of speed and volume without a lot of tension, its just a matter of making a concious effort to do so.  

when youre practicing alone, be aware of what youre doing, if you find yourself tensing, stop and think about what is triggering it.  

Yeah, while your physical makeup is what it is, I don't think that the kinesiology plays a big enough part to worry much about unless you are at some extreme.

There have been gifted drummers in all sizes and shapes.  Clearly being fit doesn't appear to hurt anyone, and really makes one feel better in general.  Clearly too, there are physical conditions that can impose restrictions of movement or ability.  

If you are reasonably fit, have reasonable balance, and can get to the various drums and cymbals without undue effort or strain, you can learn to drum.  Depending on your ability to develop coordination and the adaptability of your "muscle memory" you will progress.  Getting very good is open to debate as to inherent things, etc., and is a topic all its own.  I think however that your interest and dedication have to be there regardless of inherent ability or you will never fully realize your potential.

Don't worry too much if you are a little "lanky".  Look for ways to use your increased leverage and reach to your advantage and count them as blessings rather than curses.

right on brother!!

Check out Mick Fleetwood!
Bicepts are handy for lugging PA gear and drum kits.
Supple, relaxed wrists and technique are all that you need to play drums strongly. Being tall would be great visually as your drums are most likely going to tower over the band.
Me, I'm 5'4 and I like to sit behind and project out. Sound over looks.
"Can't reach the drums", I hate playing other peoples kits because of this, bloody uncomfortable.

Nobody thinks that if they've seen Dennis Chambers play.

If you can change the "extra" weight in "extra" speed it would be a good thing

I think there are definitely some common characteristics --

1 - The thickest part of my forearm is nearly as thick as my upper arm.

2 - If I pinch, a little muscle pops out at the juncture of my index finger and thumb -- kind of like a jaw-muscle

3 - There's muscle at the outside edge of my palm, under the pinky

4 - The pad of muscle on my palm at the thumb joint is bigger than that of my non-drummer friends

5 - My girlfriend swears that since I started playing more often, I've developed a bit in my shoulders. I'm not complaining.

Yeah, my wife was really surprised the other day... she has been abroad for a few months (she is a writer and worked for a foreign magazine in that period)... So I had nothing better to do than play a lot of drums in that time  

She noticed at once that I had grown some muscles... since I play a few hours a day again, I'm in a better shape than I've been in years...

Erwt

Since I got off the drugs and cigarettes I've noticed that my brain can process music stuff a little better.  I also have gained 20lbs (needed to actually).  Could be a function of better o2 turn around?  Don't know, but my stamina is great...My singer sweats like a pig and he's skinner than myself and I barely get warmed up during a rehearsal.  Heck by the time I'm warmed up everyone else is panting...it's funny.

The thing that kills me is development vs. age.

Do you guys find that age has anything to do with how fast you play, how smart you play, how you remember stuff, how quick you learn?

One glimmer of hope.  I think my left foot is slowly (and I mean slow) getting better on the giant steps twin effect pedal.  No pain no gain...you better believe I have been feeling the burn.

I don't see the relationship of long legs and sore biceps. If you are further from your drums, you are stretching your arms out more and using more tricep than bicep. If you are keeping your arms bent at the elbow ( playing something too close to play with extended arms) than you are using your biceps.

jazz does not make you immune to physical issues, just as playing heavy metal doesnt make physical issues inevitable.  

decent technique and care make you immune.  not having decent technique or taking care makes it inevitable.

and didnt rich have back problems? I dont get it ... didnt he play jazz?  

I know exactly what you're sayin!!  I'm 5' 1".......

And BTW just wanted to add that Mick Fleetwood rocks....

I'm 40, my body is 50 and most likely because I refused to grow up. Physically and mentally from 17