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Chops aren’t for everybody. And they’re one of the least necessary things to get and keep the gig. Aaron Spears famously had one of the only gigs in show business in which the leader actually appreciated the chopping, and everybody got the idea that that’s how you were supposed to play.
On practically every venue, from the bar, to the coffee shop, to church, what we see on instagram is a carefully-curated highlight reel of moments from a tiny percentage of the gig, many of which probably still drew a stern look from the other musicians.
There are few ways to lose a gig faster than “losing the band” in a complex fill, then sticking your tongue out and laughing, like my friend Joel. He doesn’t even care.
With aaaaaall that aside…
…you still kinda wanna learn to chop, don’t you.
It’s okay. It’s okay. Hey. Bring it in.
[whispered]
Come back at midnight, and I’ll show you how.
In all seriousness, and with all the throat clearing aside, some drummers want to learn to “chop” because it’s fun. And if you’re doing fusion or jazz, or playing along with recordings, or doing a “shed” and “battling solos” with other drummers…go nuts!
And you don’t even have to come back at midnight. Because you’re on the list, I’ll show you how from the comfort of your home.
Know you’ll enjoy this one!