Keyboard drumming - damn it's hard

  • Thread starter Thread starter Halion
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Halion

Halion

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I just got DFH2 and am very pleased with the sound, however, DAMN drumming using a keyboard is hard! There is no way in hell (;)) I'm gonna be able to get a decent groove out of my fingers with just the keyboard, and piano-roll style editing seems like a huge time-eater. So I'm thinking about getting something like the Yamaha DD35 to at least have something to beat on. That way I could track kicks and snares firsth, and then hats and cymbals. Does anyone have any experience with inputting midi-drums without using a keyboard or a full-out e-drum kit?
 
You can do it!

It's not too hard to drum using fingers on a keyboard once you get the hang of it. Here's what I do maybe it will help. First of all dont try to get super crazy on fills while recording. Just keep a straight beat then later on you can go into yor sequecer and create those sweet fills. On my right hand I use my middle finger for hihat closed on the G# key. Then when I want to open up the hat I use my pointer finger on the f# key. Then on my left hand I play the kick with my middle finger on the C and the snare with my pointer on D. Don't play the keys like you would when your playing piano....Rock them like your playing drums.....as in lift your hand up like your pretending to play the hihat with a stick and close your eyes you wont know the difference. I don't have my keyboard infront of me at the moment but I'm pretty sure those keys are right. Start slow with it just like real drumming do simple patterns first. You'll be rocking the keyboard drums in no time I promise.
 
Midi drumming

Grab a cheap, old drum machine from somewhere, make sure you can send midi data from it, program the song in the drum machine, and import the data to your sequencer/computer. Then use the DKFH2 software to play the midi data, you can then tweek the data until the cows come home if you like.

I use an old Alesis HR-16 (drum machine), and a M-Audio Uno (to transport via USB midi data). Works like a charm, and you don't have to be a drummer!
Sounds killer once you get the hang of it!
 
I feel you just can't get the same groove by tapping it in as by playing. That's why i'm going to invest in an electronic drum kit next week
 
I purchased a used drum kit! I'm tired of using "canned" drums via my Boss DR202 Dr Groove machine. I want REAL drum sounds for a change!
 
it IS hard to get a good feel on keyboard drums. what i do is lay down a basic kick/snare beat and then add in the rest of the drums through point/click in the midi drum editor.

haven't invested in a drum machine or anything better "suited" to midi drumming, and doing it by hand is a PITA, but it works. :D

of course, i'd rather just lay down some real drums.......:p


cheers,
wade
 
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