Drumming is an art form that constantly evolves, with drummers around the world continuously exploring new techniques to enhance their skills and creativity. One such technique that has gained popularity in recent years is flammed drumming. Flammed drumming involves the skillful use of flam strokes, where two drumsticks hit the drumhead in rapid succession with one stick slightly preceding the other. This technique can add depth, complexity, and excitement to your drumming style. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the world of flammed drumming techniques, exploring their origins, their impact on your drumming, and how to master them effectively.
I. Understanding Flammed Drumming
- The Origin of Flammed Drumming Flammed drumming is not a recent innovation; it has its roots in rudimental drumming techniques that have been practiced for centuries. The term “flam” comes from the French word “flamme,” which means flame. In traditional rudimental drumming, a flam is defined as two strokes played almost simultaneously, with one stroke being noticeably softer than the other. This technique was originally used in military drumming to create accents and add dynamics to drum patterns.
- Basic Flam Strokes To understand flammed drumming, you must first master basic flam strokes. A flam stroke consists of two hits on the drum, one slightly before the other. The primary stroke, often referred to as the “main stroke,” is played louder and follows the natural rhythm, while the secondary stroke, known as the “grace note,” is played softer and precedes the main stroke. Mastering this technique is crucial for building a strong foundation in flammed drumming.
II. The Impact of Flammed Drumming
- Enhanced Dynamics Flammed drumming adds a new dimension to your drumming dynamics. By incorporating flam strokes into your patterns, you can create accents and highlights within your beats. This dynamic contrast can make your drumming more engaging and expressive, allowing you to emphasize certain parts of a song or groove.
- Increased Complexity Flammed drumming techniques can make your drumming more intricate and interesting. By using flams in combination with other rudiments and patterns, you can create complex rhythms and fills that challenge your skills and captivate your audience.
- Expressive Possibilities Flammed drumming is a versatile technique that can be applied across various musical genres. Whether you’re playing rock, jazz, funk, or any other style, flams can be used to add unique and expressive elements to your drumming, making your playing more engaging and memorable.
III. Mastering Flammed Drumming Techniques
- Practice Rudiments To become proficient in flammed drumming, start by mastering rudiments that incorporate flams. The most common rudiments include the flam, flam tap, flam accent, and flam paradiddle. Practice these rudiments at various tempos to develop speed and control.
- Metronome Training Use a metronome to practice your flammed drumming techniques. This will help you maintain consistent timing and develop precision in your flam strokes. Start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
- Experiment with Different Drum Voices Flammed drumming can produce a wide range of tonal variations depending on where you strike the drumhead and with which part of the stick you use. Experiment with different drum voices, such as the snare, toms, and cymbals, to explore the sonic possibilities of flams.
- Incorporate Flammed Drumming into Songs To truly master flammed drumming, incorporate it into your drumming repertoire by using it in songs and grooves. Start with simpler patterns and gradually work your way up to more complex arrangements. Recording yourself can be beneficial for assessing your progress.
Conclusion
Flammed drumming techniques are a valuable addition to any drummer’s toolkit. They offer enhanced dynamics, increased complexity, and expressive possibilities that can take your drumming to the next level. By understanding the origins of flammed drumming, recognizing its impact on your playing, and mastering the necessary techniques, you can boost your musicality and create engaging and dynamic drum performances. So, pick up your sticks, practice diligently, and let the flames of flammed drumming ignite your drumming journey.
