I got a drum machine this weekend and learned......

[4hisglory]

This weekend, I got a drum machined and learned that:

1.  I've been sacrificing, "trying" to play fast for a nice, even, consistant tone.
2.  I want to play advanced stuff but until I can do the simple things good, I am waisting my time trying to be advanced.

[djgroovin]

I feel you on this.  When I started, I was so pressed to be able to play that funky bassline that I heard on such and such CD.  It just caused me frustration.  I am sooo glad I took the time to really learn theory first.  My groove may not be were I want it (YET) but I can tell what scale someone played during their run or solo.  And that helps me to be able to copy it.

I'm using a drum machine too.  Mainly I use it to come up with grooves and to keep time.

[wolldav]

i'm feeling the drum machine thing too..i got one for christmas and i'm really enjoying it.

[XtromatriX]

I like playing along with the drum machine, it really helps with locking in on a groove.

[Jackflash]

which drum machine did u get?

[cordney]

I c I need to invest in a drum machine

[Flatwound]

2.  I want to play advanced stuff but until I can do the simple things good, I am waisting my time trying to be advanced.

I'm paraphrasing, but Duke Elington once said that a great musician will play only music that he has mastered. Word.

[MikeGee]

I find that I never use drum machines. I plan to get an effect processor that has one built into it. I don't use them because 80% of my practice is with cds.