Habit Of Closing My Eyes While Playing? - Page 1

Posts: 117 Threads: 30

Hi. I tend to close my eyes when I drum. I don't know why but it seems that it is a lot easier to not mess up when I don't see what I am doing. It's like I feel the motion of my body that is creating the music. Or in other words I "feel" the music. I don't purposely do it either. It just happens and I notice that I'm doing it after like 15+ seconds. Is this a habit at all? Is this a bag habit? Should I break it? OR is it actually good...? Please help. Thanks

Other info: I'm a rookie so I don't know what's normal yet :D

You can call me Carter!
1980's Gretsch Red Rosewood
2000's Gretsch Catalina Birch
Zildjian/Paiste - Remo - Pro Mark/Vic Firth

Posted on 14 years ago

GAR

Member

Joined 16 years ago

Posts: 503 Threads: 29

Playing like that is great when you're on your own, praticing.

Getting a sense of the kit, just knowing where everything is & "feeling it".

No problem.

Though when you're rehearsing or playing with a band, it's best to keep your head up and eyes open, for the most part ;)

Posted on 14 years ago

atomicmorganic

Member

Joined 15 years ago

Posts: 879 Threads: 74

Eyes closed help you focus on the sound. However, when you start playing in a band in front of an audience, then you want to keep your eyes open so you can see the hotties shakin' it down.Excited

Posted on 14 years ago

AZBill

Member

Joined 17 years ago

Posts: 1273 Threads: 22

I agree with the above; however, after 35 years of playing, I still succumb to this gravitational pull. It's just you and the music....it's awesome. That said, you gotta stay sharp in the studio and at gigs; spontaneity happens and you don't want to get caught out.......a wrongly-timed beat is way, way worse than a wrong note. Remember, you're the biggest part of the backbone - sorry bass-players.

Vintage Drum Fan (Not a Guru)

Posted on 14 years ago