MAKING A "DRUM PHRASING CHART"
The best way to explain how to make a "drum phrasing chart" is to have you listen to a popular song that you've probably already heard. I chose The Eagles', "Hotel California" as a point of reference. If you have a copy and can listen to it while looking at the "phrasing chart" (below) it will become clear what the necessary elements are in writing this type of chart. Note that "phrases" are the number of bars or measures you have in each of the different sections of your song (intro, verse, chorus, bridge, etc).
Keep in mind that this type of chart is a simplified way of communicating your thoughts if you do not know how to write actual "drum charts". It is ONLY necessary if you have specific ideas or when there is no vocal on the reference track.
HOTEL CALIFORNIA Slow 4/4 Time / Reggae-like groove. (Letting me know what groove you have in mind as well as how your are "feeling" the time signature is helpful.)
INTRO 1 - 8 bars - No drums here.
INTRO 2 - 8 bars - No drums here but add some cymbal "coloring" and rolls. Play a simple drum fill going into the verse, but without a crash at the beginning of the verse.
VERSE 1 - 8 bars - Play a simple, reggae-like, drum groove.
VERSE 2 - 8 bars - Continue same groove and play a fill going into the chorus. (Know that I would instinctually put a fill going into the chorus on this type of song, so don't feel the need to get too descript. Once again, this is just a "roadmap". But if you do have a specific figure you want me to play, this is the time to let me know!)
CHORUS - 4 bars + 4 bars - Crash on the downbeat of these 4 bar sections and play the kicks with the guitar. (The reason why I write "4 + 4 bars" is because even though the chorus is a total of 8 bars, it is broken up into the two sections of 4 bars.)
If you feel that your song is pretty simple or that you would just like to hear my "take" on it, then I will base my track off of the style and all of the characteristics of your song from your reference track MP3.
Thanks for reading!
Jim McCarty
email contact
626.791.4255