Starting songs at specific tempos

ArtPalazzini · Post by **ArtPalazzini** » 5 Sep 2001 3:57 pm

Would anyone be able to tell me what is being used by bands to set the tempo each time they do a song.The group I`m currently working with is really interested doing this. I have heard about something called a "beat bug" and a "rushin-dragon"--what are these and who carrys these items or anythig simmiler. Thans---Art.

Bill Ferguson · Post by **Bill Ferguson** » 5 Sep 2001 4:51 pm

Art, Herby Wallace III uses a beat bug.
Here is info.
http://catalog.com/drummers/zz1.html

It's a great little device.

Bill

Donny Hinson · Post by **Donny Hinson** » 5 Sep 2001 5:06 pm

Art, these types of devices may be OK for home practice, but I'm a strong advocate of playing without 'em, especially at a gig. Sooner or later, a battery will go, or the box will crap out, and if you can't do without it you'll look pretty foolish.

What you need is not a box or gimmick...but a bandleader! Someone who will grab the bull by the horns, and take the responsibility to count off the songs. Traditionally, it's usually the drummer who sets the tempo, but some don't like to, or they're not familiar with the songs. It's as easy as "3-4-1-2...".

Usually, when no one else volunteers, I do the counting and the intro. When the lead man kicks, he counts. Sometimes, the singer will just start strumming, and then we all fall into place---like we rehearsed...but we never did! When the singer gives a title and key, if nobody else is "on it" in a few seconds...I take that as a cue and then just give a count and just start playing.

In short...somebody take charge!

Michael Holland · Post by **Michael Holland** » 5 Sep 2001 5:14 pm

The Boss Dr. Beat is the workhorse in this category.

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Bill Crook · Post by **Bill Crook** » 6 Sep 2001 5:01 am

Our band uses the DRUMMER as the one to set the tempo. Often as not,this does lead to some funny intro's and such. He simply clicks the sticks together for a couple of measures, then we're into it.

The reason we have a problem every now and then is that our band has proberly trained more drummers (in Country music) in Nashville than any school could wish for.

They stay with us for about 2 years or so (till they get somewhat good with Country music) then move on to bigger and better things. We don't mind it tho, because we're into it for grins & giggles. Hardly ever break even on gas money and strings.

Bobby Lee · Post by **Bobby Lee** » 6 Sep 2001 6:51 am

Our drummer clicks his sticks as he watches a metronome on some of the songs. When someone else starts the song, the tempo is a lot less reliable.

I like to tap the tempo into my MPX-100 for echo. We're thinking of hooking up a MIDI wire so that I wouldn't have to do that. It would get the tempo from his machine.

Sorry, but I really don't know what kind of machine he's using.

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ArtPalazzini · Post by **ArtPalazzini** » 6 Sep 2001 1:24 pm

Thanks guys for answering my question. Donnie, in the past I played in bands that did it as you stated, but our leader would like our drummer to start all the songs and I guess he is looking for consistency. Can`t say our drummer is happy about this,however. But such is life... Art..

Bill C. Buntin · Post by **Bill C. Buntin** » 7 Sep 2001 1:19 pm

Unless they are schooled in "Music" or have been around a number of years, most players don't have a concept of timing in regard to pickup notes. This aggravates me. When you have a tune in 4/4 for instance that requires
3 pickup beats, the count off is 1,2,3,4,1...
I do this alot and often times some of the other players don't understand whats going on. As far as tempo, its anybodys guess what any given bass player and drummer are gonna do with tempos. The beat bug is a great solution IF you can find a drummer who can figure out how to use it!! Unless you are playing with top notch pros or music school grads, this is just the nature of playing in bar bands etc. Of course this is just a humble opinion from my own experience. Definately always one of my primary concerns.

Jim Smith · Post by **Jim Smith** » 7 Sep 2001 2:55 pm

On a four-four song I always give four counts. If the kick off beat is on two (three pick up notes as in your example) I would count 2,3,4,1. The bands I play with expect four beats (or three for a waltz) for the count off so this always works.

Richard Sinkler · Post by **Richard Sinkler** » 7 Sep 2001 5:02 pm

Hopefully you are playing with a drummer who is worth his salt. He should be the one to count off a song. Nothing worse than having someone count off a song and have the drummer come in with a different beat or tempo. I also HATE having verbal counts. Drummer counting off with stick hits to me is more professional. Although, never have a drummer call out the key for you.