Post #393032 by squid on Thu, Jul 10, 2008 11:57 AM

Admittedly I have been lurking on this topic, letting the dust settle before chiming in. Then GROG has to go and make some lame wise-crack drummer joke intertwined with a not-so-subtle hillbilly reference. GROG happens to be from Texas and is just a bit too familiar with the business end of a longhorn. (Yes, THAT business end) Anyhoo... let's just get this out of the way now shall we?

How can you tell when the stage is level?
When drool comes out of BOTH sides of the drummer's mouth.

What's the last thing a drummer says before he is fired from the band?
"I wrote this song...."

How can you tell when a drummer is at the door?
The knocking speeds up and slows down.

What do you call a guy who hangs out with musicians?

I could go on.... Don't make me go into the trombone jokes people!!!!

But back to the bone of contention. Reading is a great way to learn and advance on an instrument and to remain consistent in situations where consistency is required, regardless of musical style. You ain't gettin' a symphony gig on your ears alone.

Some folks have "the gift" of playing by ear or getting along with minimal knowledge of chord structure, harmony, etc. But they know their shit cold.

In either situation, if you don't have "big ears" and musical empathy with your fellow players, it will suck. Period.

It will be A] Stiff and lifeless for the readers.
Or B] Inept and floundering for the non-readers.

Now GROG, whip out that old tuba mouthpiece and start practicing. Of course that's after you finish the Bamboo Ben comic, which I'm, sure you're hard at work on. See you at band camp. :)