The Drum Solo - Styles and Strategies for Musical Expression

John Georges
Jan 23
2 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Soloing on any instrument is often underemphasized in popular music and education. This is particularly true for percussionists. Many drum students approach soloing by entering the practice room and performing a completely free solo, playing without formal constraints for an unspecified length of time. While this type of practice can be enjoyable and may contribute to the development of technical facility, it does not adequately prepare students for the variety of musical situations they will encounter in performance settings.

In educational contexts, drum solos are more commonly shaped by form, time, style, and ensemble awareness. Students are frequently required to solo for a specific number of measures, maintain a steady pulse, imply or return to a groove, and interact musically with other performers. Effective instruction in drum soloing should therefore emphasize structured practice approaches that develop musical decision-making within defined parameters, allowing students to apply their creativity in ways that are musically relevant and transferable to real-world performance situations.

Types of Solos:

Trading whole choruses - most often used with 12-bar blues form, where a horn player trades with drums.
Soloing over the form - this solo reflects the form/phrasing of the tune; i.e., AABA, etc.
Soloing over a vamp - playing over a rhythmic ostinato - example - soloing over a bass line.
Soloing over the melody- this is based on the rhythm and shape of the melody.
Soloing over kicks - playing over and around a series of kicks that the band plays.
Open solo - in time - a solo that has no phrase or form restriction, but keeps steady time.
Free Solo -a solo that is completely free and can stand alone musically. This does not adhere to time, form, or phrase limitations.
Transition Solo - makes a transition from one section or style to another.

Drum soloing requires a structured and intentional practice routine. A strong foundation in drum rudiments and stickings, combined with the ability to apply these skills across a variety of rhythmic figures, coordination patterns, and musical styles, is essential for effective solo development. Furthermore, consistent practice with a metronome supports the development of accurate timekeeping and precision. Although metronome practice may initially present challenges for students, it is a critical component in cultivating rhythmic consistency and musical confidence.

Examples:

Max Roach - "The Drum Also Waltzes"