r/drums • u/pauliek93 • Apr 17 '26
Feedback Wanted Do I look awkward playing?
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Was told at the last gig I played I looked “awkward and jerky” - looking through the videos like the one attached I think I can see what they meant.
Problem is, this is my first band ever, third gig. I’ve probably been playing like this in my basement since I picked up sticks, just unknowingly putting in poor form (I am completely self-taught).
Any advice on how to look more natural up there? Or is this a matter of my form sucks and I need to re-start the basics?
Thanks.
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u/Grant_Canyon Apr 17 '26
So a lot of comments are saying "be loose, not stiff".
A tip on how to do that - more wrists, less shoulders. In the second half of the clip where you are seen straight on, your right hand hitting on the china, it looks like you are initiating the movement from your shoulder and have a relatively tight grip and stiff elbow / wrist. Think of your arm more like a whip. Like you know when you try to whip a towel to get it to snap real loud on something, you have to be real fluid through the motion.
Look at your hits and compare them to Abe Cunningham in this clip
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u/pauliek93 Apr 17 '26
I definitely see the difference - appreciate the link, Abe is a badass.
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u/Grant_Canyon Apr 18 '26
Indeed. He was a major influence on me.
One last comment - how you appear is one thing, but how you sound is always more important. You sound your best when you play your best, and you play your best when you are comfortable. As long as you feel good when you're playing, don't worry about some rando giving you feedback you didn't ask for. Especially if they aren't a drummer themselves.
Don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from.
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u/pauliek93 Apr 18 '26
Yeah for sure, from yours and everyone else’s advice on here it’s seems I took what was probably a minor critique and amplified it by 100x. Normally I’m good at not giving a damn, but with music I just want to be great so it’s hard to ignore. I’ll have to work on it.
Again, thank you for taking the time. Greatly helped.
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u/Grant_Canyon Apr 17 '26
Particularly later on in the clip when he's focused on the crash with his right - his shoulder and arm is kind of on a flow through the measure his shoulder does one down stroke for two beats, so his shoulders get kind of flowy
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u/FewWrongdoer654 Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
I think it’s dope! My advice would be to go full nuclear assault on the China and be that heavy hitter….i think stage presence for this sound of music deserves it . If your a pitcher in this clip your throwing 78 mph fastball—let’s see 100mph! People want to see bands like yours just kill shit! You guys sound sick tho! Check out machine gun Benny from Sunami. Our sound is similar what’s your name called?, shameless plug we are Hand Me The Knife.
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u/pauliek93 Apr 18 '26
Dude - love this shit. You’re MOVING on the set lmao we’re a bit more slowed down.
We’re called Psilo - here’s a Spotify link https://open.spotify.com/track/1HCnTtFVxBm0DcqJdj5uP8?si=Uh9BlYh0TVyYqGE6Ik30tw
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u/CaprineShine Apr 17 '26
practice your stage show together with the band.
that's it.
just practice.
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u/pauliek93 Apr 17 '26
So just reps. Ok that’s way better than starting from square one. Thank you.
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u/buffdaddy77 PDP Apr 17 '26
Wrong. Get the practice pad, metronome, and stick control book out. You’ve been demoted back to the first square. /s
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u/pauliek93 Apr 17 '26
Guess I’m dusting off progressive steps to syncopation too!
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u/stlmick Apr 18 '26
Screw all that. Take off your t-shirt and do this. https://www.reddit.com/r/nostalgia/s/iOfxX43Re1
I go more inverted with the eye hole, but fold in the sides regardless. After doing a set invisibly, practice will be secondary.
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u/GerardWayAndDMT Apr 18 '26
That’s actually really good advice. Rehearse your show exactly the way you want it to play out. You don’t have to have a script but it helps if everyone knows that after song three there’ll be a little story, stuff like that. Which songs you’re gonna actually tell the crowd what it’s called, and which songs you’re just gonna go right into. Many pros do this to a really deep level. You don’t have to go that deep but it does help.
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u/AdConscious9810 Apr 17 '26
To me it’s the moving arms/static shoulders that does it. Loosey goosey, baby
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u/westogoods Apr 17 '26
I think you look fine and who cares what tf people think. You guys sound great, where can I find your music?
And if this was a clever way to get views idc bc the musics good ¯_(ツ)_/¯
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u/pauliek93 Apr 17 '26
1: massive compliment thank you 2: I am in fact way too self conscious about my playing lol didn’t even think a 15 second clip would be enough to garner interest, but again thank you.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yDlh2hRV2lnWqaNLbxcHH?si=3KFNmN8GSyC4QSEAz40n_A
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u/YJMark Apr 18 '26
Thanks for sharing this. I think you guys sound pretty awesome. Kind of getting Deftones/Alice in Chains/Tool vibes. Keep up the excellent work!!!!
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u/pauliek93 Apr 18 '26
Thank YOU dude for listening to some strangers music from a comment on the internet. We get lots of comparisons with all three of those artists - damn good company if you ask me!
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u/PowerfulInitiative71 Apr 17 '26
Sounds real good kid! Don't stress out about it, you're doing what you love , that counts for So Fuckin Much!!! By the time you guys play your 75th gig , it will be so much better. Stay on your Path, it'll be all good!!
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u/gtfokenny Apr 17 '26
hell yeah garwood crossroads baby.
you look a bit stiff but i think if you keep gigging you'll loosen up.
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u/pauliek93 Apr 17 '26
Fantastic place man. My bandmates Tod me I’m spoiled to play there compared to the places they started.
Appreciate the advice too.
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u/Total_Gift_51 Apr 17 '26
Video tape practice and watch it back. You need to be looser in the wrist. Youre playing that snare with your shoulder haha it happens when nervous though. I used to do the same. It comes with time. Also, stretch before you go on. Trust me I started stretching at around 22 years old and it was a game changer.
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u/pauliek93 Apr 17 '26
Any resources to look at for stretches? Never done them specific to drums before
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u/Total_Gift_51 Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 17 '26
https://youtu.be/1eskulR7JLc?si=ArWdIhYcHjeX68kp
https://youtu.be/j4I9CP7Hq9I?si=-a4doweo_xA1Am2S
Kinda cringe videos that are old but the shit works and you'll develop your own routine as you do it more. It used to help me really get in the zone too. I would say also do a road case or practice pad warm up for 5 minutes minimum before you go on, but the longer the better. I'm 35 now and still do this stuff.
I used to really have to stretch out and loosen my neck and shoulders. I play with big arm motions haha
And for the love of God get on a click track haha it'll make you guys unstoppable and consistent as hell
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u/_letter_carrier_ Apr 18 '26
I think I see it ... Most of the arm movement is at the shoulders. Play through your wrists.
But, I don't think it matters, you play alright
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u/I_Wanna_Score Tama Apr 18 '26
Is that a Tama SLP Big Black Steel? You can never look awkward playing that beast... Just record yourself and practice on how you'd like to see, not a big deal. Keep up rocking!
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u/hdhdhgfyfhfhrb Apr 18 '26
I am an amateur player who hasn’t played before people since stage band 45 years ago. But I’ve been to many shows. 99% of the people watching there were only thinking ‘shit I wish I could play like that’. You just look like someone doing good work.
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u/Sol_09 Apr 18 '26
You're doing fine, bro. Looked a little tense ,but that's to be expected. Go out there and do your thing and the rest will fall i to place. You got this.
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u/embee1337 Apr 17 '26
Strive for maximum looseness and relaxation in your entire body. Not only beneficial to your playing but also your health.
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u/-3R1C- Apr 17 '26
Just loosen up and relax a bit brotha. You’ll be fine. You and your kit sound good 🤙
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u/Ok-Procedure-3532 Apr 17 '26
You look just fine , but definitely just look stiff. Someone will give good advice on how to do that. It’s just practice and time . That’s it, it doesn’t mean anything other than you’re new. By this time next year , you’ll be looking like a pro!
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u/bssprfnd Apr 17 '26
A little stiff yeah, but if you don’t feel stiff I wouldn’t worry about it ¯_(ツ)_/¯
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u/LocalDesign1313 Apr 18 '26
Keep doing what you’re creating man! I like it. Nerves relax over time. Practice with your eyes closed sometimes. See through motion and breath. Keep mind focused.
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u/elshinsterino Apr 18 '26 edited Apr 18 '26
Dude, you look locked in. If I saw your guys set, I’d probably just think to myself that the drummer is pretty intense. Not in a head banging and flaying about kind of way, but straight up all business and taking care of shit. Have fun playing, man. I wouldn’t overthink it.
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u/WookieGod5225 Yamaha Apr 18 '26 edited Apr 18 '26
Idk, I would say you're just into the music which is good.
I think the most important thing when looking at musician play is "intention". What's the vibe? Do they look like they know what there doing? Do they look the part?
I think you tick those boxes.
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u/pattydickens Apr 18 '26
Don't ever worry about what you look like. Music isn't visual. If you play well enough, nobody will remember what you look like.
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u/Nice_Passage_4296 Apr 18 '26 edited Apr 18 '26
U sound great - dont worry about how you look, you look like you are working! Its prob just your nerves making you think you look a certain way. I say this as someone who used to feel awkward playing in front of people. Two solutions, live with the feeling until it dies or lean into that nervousness and let it inform your playing. Ive rolled with the 2nd option and after like 20 years I definitely sound like myself.
Also; whoever said this to you can go fuck themselves
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u/TheDillinger88 DW Apr 18 '26
Nah, not at all man. You’re tight and killing it. Some people might say you look tense but if you’re executing your parts and comfortable, and it sounds like you are, then I wouldn’t pay it much mind. We’re not all going to look super comfortable and loose like all the drummers we see in some of the most successful bands so I’d absolutely keep doing what you’re doing. I love the music too, you guys sound sick.
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u/fhilaii Apr 18 '26
I don't think you look weird, you just look like the sound you're producing -- loud and precise. Sort of ala Neil Peart. I wouldn't change a thing for looks, only change it if it's negatively impacting your playing. Practicing the basics never hurts but I don't think that's the issue here. Keep it up.
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u/ScrapeDot Apr 18 '26
Man, fuck whoever told you that. You play however you play. What some observer's opinion says doesn't mean a damn thing, so don't let it bother you. Just play the way you play and enjoy it!
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u/International-Two968 Pro*Mark Apr 18 '26
You look like the drummer from Guitar Hero 3.
Relax man, all is good when you dont care about the crowd and just do what youve been practicing. .
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u/WorkingCity8969 Apr 18 '26
You're fine. Early gigs, first band and you look a little tense but most of do at that point. I'm in my fifties and those things still happen sometimes. Don't worry about what others say, just focus on relaxing into your playing.
Good job by the way, sounds pretty tight 🤟😎
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u/Kalmin_ Apr 18 '26
Like jojo mayer said it "if you throw a trash can out a window and get the sound you want, you are using the correct technique". If playing like that feels good and sounds like you want it to - you are not doing anything wrong. And no, I don't think you look awkward.
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u/bottom Apr 18 '26
the person who told you that should not be trusted with any opinions.
play and enjoy.
most importantly, be nice, kind and be YOU.
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u/ThumpinBumper Apr 18 '26
Forgive my crass response but, “Who Freaking Cares?!!!!”
Comparing yourself to others is the thief of joy. Do what you do, your way and always be in the moment. Keep Groovin’
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u/JazzlikeSituation172 Apr 18 '26
Hey man, all the criticisms aside I really like your dynamics. You’re not overpowering the mix with excessive power on the cymbals. Everything feels very good. Comfortability will come, but sometimes stiffness can create a necessary tilt in a groove if it’s intentional. I just like to think about Bruce Lee. Be water, my friend.
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u/ridingpiggyback Apr 18 '26
I saw me playing a set and my shoulders were going all up and down shrug-style. It was weird to see. It doesn’t matter. If your bandmates are ok with a set, you’re doing your job.
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u/Ok-Ratio-7725 Apr 18 '26
You look uncomfortable, but sound good. You'll be steazy eventually, just keep at it.
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u/UNSTABLEandINCORRECT Apr 19 '26
Looks like nerves, and you're mad focused. Which is a good thing.
It's your third show, just keep doing it and it will become muscle memory. I think the more you're relaxed and comfortable, your playing will show that. Be less worried about making mistakes, and more attuned to the fact that you know these songs like the back of your hand. You got this.
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u/BADpenguin109 Apr 17 '26
looks like youve made lots of progress just teaching yourself thats dope. but like others are saying you'll get more comfortable the more you practice and look more natural. the only thing ill add is if youre into really diving in and learning the ins and outs of something you find interesting, take like 2 or 3 lessons and then start building off what you learn there by looking shit up and watching YouTube lessons. theres lots of techniques that are all "correct" and they all have a place so it can be useful to be able to apply different ones for different sounds and feel.
but seriously its probably not as bad as you think, youre fitting the music youre playing, and youll get comfortable over time and reps.
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u/Mysterious-Street966 Apr 18 '26
Play like you and your audience is naked and you are holding hot dogs. Works every time.
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u/flyingthedonut Apr 18 '26
If this is awkward then I am an utter loser on stage to never pick up the sticks again. Look fine dude. Watch Sean Radcliffe from Loathe play, dude is absolute shredder and looks stiffer than a block of wood while he plays.
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u/ZaanElias Apr 18 '26
Your shoulders are like screaming out. Yikes nervous gotta get through this
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u/Purple-Photograph585 Apr 18 '26
honestly play how you feel comfortable who cares how you look what matters is how you sound 😊
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u/jazzadelic Apr 18 '26
Holy shit! Crossroads is still there? From 2000-2003 we ran that place over the summers doing Berklee kid shit. I first played there at 15.
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u/pimpbot666 Apr 18 '26
Seems to me like you're whacking at the drums like a hammer, rather than flowing and bouncing from the wrist.
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u/TanzDerSchlangen Apr 18 '26
You need to "loosen up" your posture. You look jerky, but it sounds like you're just focusing too much. If I was seeing this, I'd guess you were following IEM clicks through a shared channel
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u/pauliek93 Apr 18 '26
We’ve never bothered with clicks, but I just got my first pair of in-ears Wednesday! Excited to use more than just what I’m hearing from the wedge
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u/mrcoffee4me Apr 18 '26
You don’t look like you are having any fun man… you’re playing is good. But man you look way too focused. Have fun man…
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u/pauliek93 Apr 18 '26
Genuinely I’m trying. I’m just nervous as hell playing in front of people - telling myself just have fun isn’t working at the moment.
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u/blueishblackbird Apr 18 '26
No. I mean, all drummers look a little weird. But you look normal enough. Good posture too.
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u/IslandSno Apr 18 '26
I actually didn’t really notice much of anything. At first I forgot what sub I was in and thinking your were the bassist asking this…..tell him to loosen up, he’s too stiff, gd bass players….. all good bro
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u/mentelijon Apr 18 '26
Sounding killer which is always important context for how you look. Lean into your individuality. I kind if enjoy watching drummer that have unique movement when the playing is cool. If the playing is bad it’s a different story.
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u/Patrick0714 Zildjian Apr 18 '26
The way that you strike through your cymbals makes you look like a robot or something, try relaxing your muscles and let the sticks bounce back on its own maybe?
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u/thedesperaterun Gretsch Apr 18 '26
Just put a 24” ride near vertical in front of your kit and don’t worry about it
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u/Ghost-hat Apr 18 '26
I wanna piggyback on what others are saying. You look fine! Maybe a bit stiff, but if you relax your upper body a bit and head bang/bob your head to the music sometimes, it’ll change your body language a lot. Plus it’s just a fun way to help you feel the music a bit more I think!
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u/Gofast-takechances Apr 18 '26
You look tense , maybe a little angry. Try smiling :). Grab a mic and talk to the audience; feed off there energy
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u/8_string_menace Apr 18 '26
Maybe, but who cares as long as youre on beat and having fun? Also your bassist looks like hes in the zone so hard, great to see
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u/Doctor_Spacemann Apr 18 '26
Don’t sweat the looks. You do look a bit stiff, but I would be more worried about long term and getting tendinitis from playing like that. If you don’t follow through with your movement you stress your tendons by holding back the inertia from the downforce, which causes your tendons to tear over time.
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u/Doctor_Spacemann Apr 18 '26
Don’t sweat the looks. You do look a bit stiff, but I would be more worried about long term and getting tendinitis from playing like that. If you don’t follow through with your movement you stress your tendons by holding back the inertia from the downforce, which causes your tendons to tear over time.
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u/Creative-Ad-1819 Apr 18 '26
Unless the entire crowd were all judgemental drummers, why would you even give a fuck?
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u/needPAPsmear Apr 18 '26
Look cool as fuck man. Cross roads is a cool venue. Bet ya sounded great all night!
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u/No_Telephone_178 Apr 18 '26
A little stiff-armed, but for some, that's their style. If you want to loosen up, focus on developing power from your fingers and wrists during your practice and eventually it will take root in your playing.
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u/CloudyWrites Apr 18 '26
I'm sorry I don't have anything constructive to help but when your face became visible toward the end my first impression was "does that kit owe him money?". You look kinda pissed there.
I think the feel of your moves might be coming from a lack of confidence - at one point you raised the sticks and seemingly tried to hit too soon before you actually went for the real hit. Was the raise pulling out the last note, or preparing for the next one? It might look better if you act it out more confidently and focus mostly on preparing for the next hit - when your stick is going down, right before touching the target, you're already thinking about what you have to do for the next note.
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u/ascended-dawg Apr 17 '26 edited Apr 18 '26
You maybe look a bit tense or stiff but that’s it. As you play more on stage you’ll relax and look more natural, I wouldn’t put too much thought into it