Power Drumming by Brian Tichy

I started drumming on a toy drumset when I was 8 years old. I beat it up pretty badly and when my parents saw that I was not going to stop they made a deal with me: they would get me a new drumset if I would take drum lessons. I agreed even though I wasn’t really interested in lessons. I wanted to play to my KISS records.

However, the lessons proved very helpful. I learned all the rudiments, how to read drum music and four-way independence. After high school, I got even more serious about drumming and spent three years at the Berklee College of Music completely engulfed in learning different styles, technique and coordination.

Power Rock’s Tonal Demands

There are many drummers I like to listen to, but my favorite player of all time was Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham. He had an awesome groove and drum sound that every rock drummer has tried to copy, but none have duplicated.

Bonham’s sound was huge. Part of it was his drum sound and how he hit them, but another part was what he played and when. He had a unique way of making the drums sound big.

To get a big sound, I use bigger drums, no muffling and heads that let the drums ring out; for example, coated or clear single ply heads rather than pre-muffled double-ply’s. I also tune the bottom heads a bit tighter than the top heads so that the drums are more resonant.

But don't get down on yourself if your drums don't sound like Zeppelin, Metallica or Pantera. There are many different ways to get a drum sound... as many ways as there are drummers.

In the recording studio countless hours are put into creating drum sounds. Compression, EQ, reverb, effects and natural room ambience factor heavily into the final drum sound of all our favorite drummers.

Power Rock’s Physical Demands

Rock drumming can also be a physical challenge, especially if you’re playing hard rock. Playing aggressively creates intensity and presence. You want the band to feed off your energy. My hyperactive personality doesn’t allow me to sit back and be lazy. I guess that pretty much ties into the whole energetic drumming thing. Of course you have to consider what the situation you’re playing in calls for.

Sometimes, I’ll feel a bit run-down after the first couple of shows on a tour, but I get used to it as I build my power, stamina and endurance. To help stay in shape I do some weight lifting, running and a considerable amount of mountain biking. Getting some sleep helps, too.

As far as warming up, I’ve found that steady single and double strokes with an exaggerated, whip-like motion gets my wrists pretty loose. I’ll do these on a pillow or something with minimal rebound. I also try to warm-up with heavier sticks than I normally use and, before I go on stage, I stretch everything; fingers, wrists, shoulders, back and legs.

It is also extremely important to use ear protection. I know a lot of musicians that exposed themselves to high volumes for years and now they can't hear high end frequencies or, worse, they have a constant ringing in their ears. As fun as it is to jam at loud volumes and crank your music up, you have to be careful. You only have one set of ears, protect them!

In addition, although it might surprise you, I’ve found it’s better to use longer sticks than fatter ones because they let me dig in for extra power without a loss of control and muscle fatigue. I prefer “power” 5A or 5B sticks to thicker, heavier models like 2B’s.

Power Rock’s Musical Demands

As someone who’s considered a hired gun, I think the most important thing to remember when you’re going into any new situation is that you are there to make the music sound and feel the way the band wants it to. You have to listen to what the rest of the band wants and you have to be familiar with the music and the vibe they created. If you do this, you will become part of the band’s chemistry and the shows will run like a well-oiled machine. Then you can establish your own identity.

I’ve had the fortune of playing in bands that were very “drummer friendly”. Although playing for Ozzy is totally different from playing for Billy Idol or Foreigner, I’ve gotten the chance to be powerful and show off a
bit of chops within all those bands.

With Ozzy I used a double bass set-up. With Billy and Foreigner I use the double pedal. Even in power drumming, it all depends on the style of drumming the band wants and the music needs.

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