Hey guys, Erik here. In today’s video, I got into a topic that every worship drummer should be mindful of: playing to the room and understanding dynamics. For any drummer, whether you’re in a church setting or other live space, the way you play can make or break the sound. Drums are naturally loud instruments, and while it’s tempting to just play full out, dynamics are crucial to blend well with the worship team and to serve the overall mix.
I started by breaking down the first thing I do when entering a new room: assessing the space. Is it a small, medium, or large room? What kind of acoustic treatments are there (if any), and am I behind an enclosure or open? These elements really impact how much I need to adjust my playing. For example, in an untreated, mid-sized room, I might back off the snare and cymbals by a good 30% to avoid overwhelming the sound.
Next, I covered the importance of playing with actual drumsticks versus hot rods or brushes, especially if the kit is mic’d up. I know hot rods are often seen as a quick fix for volume, but they actually compromise tone and impact on the drums, which can be a disadvantage in a larger mix. If we learn how to control dynamics with regular sticks—using techniques like focusing on elbow movement and tip control—we get the full tonal quality of the drums without overwhelming the room.
A small but effective adjustment involves where we hold the stick and even the type of stick. By choking up on a thinner stick like a 7A and focusing on playing the cymbals with the tips rather than the shoulders, I can control dynamics without losing the richness of the drum’s tone. These minor shifts in technique can often help reduce stage volume enough that an enclosure isn’t even necessary, which lets us play more naturally and comfortably while still serving the mix.
Ultimately, as worship drummers, we’re here to enhance the worship experience, not to stand out. By adapting our style to each room and embracing a dynamic range, we can help create an atmosphere that encourages worship rather than distracts. If you’re responsible for your worship team’s drum setup, or if you’re looking to switch to electric or acoustic drums, hit the link below to connect with us—we’d love to help you find what best serves your space.
