Hey there everyone. It's Mike again, and I have something that is on my mind that I would like to put out there and see what everyone thinks about this so called problem I have.

I am in a band, and have been for a few mounths now. A friend and I who started the band are pretty close, and we shat down and decided who would play what. I of corse was the drumer, becouse I have over 14 years at playing the drums. My friend is the bass player, and we have another guy who sings and plays lead.

I however can play the guitar as well but neather of them now this. I belief I can play much better then the guitar player we have, and I would love to play for our band but I dont want to make anyone mad. I'm afraid if I show him that I can play too that he will get mad and leave, and I dont want to brake up our band becouse we sound pretty damn good together. I am just tired of playing the drums.

Anyone got any good advise on what I should do.

I don't think there is anything wrong with saying and showing that you can play guitar too. As a friend of mine always says, most musicians can play more than one instrument. You might be surprised. Show them you can play and they may say you should play guitar too. Talk to them about your desire to change paces.

If the one guy says he's mad and wants to leave the band all because you can play guitar too then I would consider how valuable he really is. if you can play better or even play in addition to him... and the band will sound better than that is what matters in the end.

Maybe you can arrange it so you aren't making him feel like he sucks or you are better but together playing and switching off lead/rhythm you can be better as a band...move on to a new level or a fresher sound.

I would have an open discussion and see what they are thinking...keep things open and that might limit any resentments...know what I mean? Secrets and back talk seems to be what messes up friendships and groups.

I take it you would have to look for a new drummer? Do you have any ideas of who yet or would you have to start auditioning people?

Keep us posted and good luck

Well, first off, it's better to be the drummer anyway!

Kidding! ...Not! Yes I am... sort of! (No, it's better! Shhh! )

Anyway, I suspect if the ego clash is going to be like that, it will get to that point eventually, no matter how much you tread on eggshells. As Itsmesilly suggests, maybe just sit down and discuss it with your band. You could site Tommy Lee, for example, as a drummer who also plays other instruments onstage.

The thing is, it sounds like you just want to get somebody else to drum and start playing guitar full time. If that's the case, can you share the stage? If your decision is to stop drumming and play guitar instead, what are you really asking? That's your decision. The reality is, it might take a new band to do it. However, the opposite might be true and you all move smoothly into a 4-piece band.

I do belive I will sit down with them and just say what I have to say. Thanks for all your impot.

Razbo I guess it's safe to say your a drumer too.. How long you been playing, and what kind of set do you have. I have been playing the drums for many years now, and those years have been good, but I have noticed that at least in my openion noone cares about the drumer. Hes in the back making a bunch of noice. I would like to give the front stage a try. Having all eyes on me type of thing I guess.

(Disclaimer: Opinions may be somewhat biased!)

Was, at least. I played from about 7 to 20 on an evolving mixed set of Crown & Stewart ending with mostly Tama stuff, Zildjian & Paiste brass. It was a piecemeal deal and all I could afford at the time, and in constant need of TLC, but I mixed and matched and in the end was happy with the sound even compared to my local rivals. I can't deny I had some logo-envy, though. I struggled to keep it up for the last 3 years before I stopped, but apartment living precluded any practice, finding space was such a problem (and a cost) and then transportation on top of that, I eventually gave it up.

I can tell you that I went thru some of the same feelings you are having. Seeming to always at the back of the stage, never getting up front or able to move around and interact with the audience.

Since then, looking back (way back!) I have a new appreciation for the instrument. Not meaning to offend anyone, this being a guitar site and all, but I have observed that there are a lot of guitar players out there. Tons of them. And their brothers. Not so much drummers, and even fewer good ones.

You may feel unappreciated, or wish you had that upfront position in the band, but trust me, your instrument is (imo) the one that holds it all together, that creates the foundation upon which the rest of the music is built. You can add and subtract guitar's from a band and adapt, but you really can't say the same for drums.

If my present feelings are anything like yours might be, you will always regret giving them up, if you do. Since I have gotten back to music, I feel more and more strongly the urge to haul out that old set (I think are still moldering somewhere in my Dad's basement) and start wailin. More than guitar, that's the instrument that's inside me. ...If only they weren't so damn loud for casual practice!

Anyway, these are strictly my feelings. Good luck with your decisions!

Being a long time hack drummer, I always loved a great drummer. I remember seeing Vince Neil in the Exposed tour and Steve Stevens was on guitar (and out of control!) and the drummer was Vic Foxx. Way underraated drummer and fun to watch as well as a good hitter. i'm a sucker for a good drummer. I air drum more than I do air guitar.

Funny, I good enough on guitar that I always envied the drummer. I was always lucky enough to be around great drummers even though they are very hard to come by.

So, it's funny that drummers don't get the appreciation that they should. They're worht their weight in gold x 2!

I recently was watching a Dave Matthews concert on tv...the bands newest album/cd.....and I have to tell you....in no way shape or form was that drummer the background dude. He rocked that set like it was effortless and his hands just melted the air like butter....was amazing!
For our 10 year anniversary I got my gf a set...just a starter 5 piece Tama set to knock around on. Growing up...my brother had a 12 piece ludwig in the basement. I LOVDDDDDDD to stay home sick and go down there and bang around. He would never let me play it otherwise....lolol