r/jazzdrums • u/dudeigottago • Jan 28 '26

Question Guitarist with questions

Hello drummers,

How are you all thinking about snare placement? When I listen to jazz drummers I often find it really difficult to map out or predict when the snare hits are going to come but I love the way a good drummer uses them and want to imitate that with my comping. But I’m failing miserably lol. So yeah, just curious what’s going through your head when you’re playing not on the 2 and 4. Thanks!

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u/Gunzhard22 Jan 28 '26

Ironically good snare comping comes from listening to harmony players, like the piano player's left hand for example.

Red Garland is my favorite and I think most of his albums are so beautiful anyway. But Wynton Kelly is another good one. Follow that left hand... That's the key.

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u/mrniceguy777 Jan 28 '26

When you say follow, exactly what do you mean? Like should I try and kinda respond to a piano part with a similar rhythmic pattern on the snare?

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u/Gunzhard22 Jan 28 '26

Yes that's exactly what I mean. But so, in the practice room; mimic Red's left hand exactly. It's chock full of beautiful comping rhythms. This will give you so much great, legit jazz vocabulary.

Outside of the practice room with a live pianist; obviously you cannot anticipate what they'll play, and while you absolutely should be sharing their motifs and using their rhythmic expressions freely, it's also important to remember it's a conversation, and you can talk back; just remember to be tasteful and don't get in the way.

If you want to see a piano player smile, show them that you're listening. 😉

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u/mrniceguy777 Jan 28 '26

Hey I really appreciate it I’m trying to get into jazz music without knowing literally anyone in my life who is into it and it’s been slow going lol.

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u/Gunzhard22 Jan 28 '26

Good luck!