The Art of Comping

As drummers, one of our essential roles is to provide a solid foundation and interact with our fellow musicians.

Mostly associated with jazz - but used in other styles too - this concept takes a unique form in the practice of comping, where we support the soloist, respond to musical cues, and contribute to the overall dynamics and texture of the music.

We'll delve into the world of comping, share some tips and techniques, and provide links to fantastic online resources on the topic. So, whether you're a jazz aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, let's dive into the swing of things!

Comping: The Art of Supportive Interaction

In jazz, comping (short for "accompanying") refers to the drummer's role in supporting and interacting with the soloist and other musicians in the ensemble. While comping, drummers use various rhythmic patterns, accents, and textures to create a musical conversation, providing a rich backdrop for the soloist and making the overall performance engaging and dynamic.

In "So What" by Miles Davis, the drummer, Jimmy Cobb, can be heard comping throughout the track, but his comping is particularly noticeable during the solos. As the soloists play, Cobb supports them with subtle rhythmic accents and dynamic variations on the ride cymbal, snare, and hi-hat, interacting with and responding to the soloist's phrases.

For example, listen closely during Miles Davis's trumpet solo that starts around the 1:30 mark and lasts until around 4:00. Cobb's comping during this section showcases his ability to provide a solid rhythmic foundation while also interacting with the soloist in a conversational manner, a hallmark of jazz comping.

Another good example is Max Roach’s playing on “Jordu”.

His comping in this track is a prime example of his innovative approach to drumming. Pay attention to how he uses the snare, bass drum, and cymbals to create rhythmic counterpoint and dialogue with the soloist. Roach's comping is characterized by its melodic quality, as he thoughtfully crafts his patterns to support and enhance the soloist's performance.

Comping is a real art form, and really highlights the ability of a drummer as a musician and not just a timekeeper.

As we say so often in our articles, consistent practice is key to becoming better. During my studies, I’ve found that most of my breakthroughs and achievements come from regular practice and immersion in a wide range of materials - stepping outside of my comfort zone and keeping an open mind about what it means to be a drummer.

By embracing such an approach, I often find that one day I’ll be playing and something will come out that I thought I could never do! Or something I always used to play and have to push through will feel so much easier and relaxed.

On reflection, I can often then tie such moments back to something that I studied in a genre that is not something I’d usually study.

Developing Your Comping Skills: Tips and Techniques

When I first expressed an interest in studying swing/jazz playing, my drum teacher initially introduced me to a couple of resources.

• The Alan Dawson method, as outline in his book “The Drummer’s Complete Vocabulary”.

• “Progressive Steps to Syncopation For The Modern Dummer” by Ted Reed.

Another book I’ve been meaning to checkout, but haven’t though should probably mention, is The Jazz Drummer's Workshop by John Riley.

I’ve heard that this is an invaluable resource for any drummer looking to improve their jazz comping skills. It contains exercises, transcriptions, and insightful tips, and by all accounts should help you develop your comping abilities and deepen your understanding of the jazz genre.

Alan Dawson

The initial development approach in Alan Dawson's "The Drummer's Complete Vocabulary" focuses on building a solid foundation in rudiments, stick control, syncopation, coordination, and musicality, enabling drummers to become well-rounded and versatile musicians.

Charles Nesbitt has a series of videos that cover some the Dawson material.

Ted Reed

"Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer" by Ted Reed is a classic drumming instructional book, originally published in 1958. The book is designed to help drummers develop their coordination, independence, and syncopation skills by working through a series of exercises and etudes. The book begins with an introduction to syncopation, explaining its importance and how it can be applied to modern drumming.

The main focus of the book is on basic rhythms and counting techniques, which are broken down into various exercises to help drummers master syncopation in different time signatures. These exercises range from simple to more complex, gradually increasing in difficulty as the book progresses. The lessons cover a variety of musical styles, including swing, jazz, and Latin rhythms, enabling drummers to apply syncopation to various genres.

Throughout the book, Reed emphasizes the importance of practicing the exercises with a metronome to build a solid sense of timing and groove. (Also see our “back to basics” article which covers this).

Drummers are also encouraged to be creative and experiment with different voicings and orchestrations on the drum set, utilizing the exercises as a foundation for developing their own unique voice on the instrument.

Drum LCK have some suggestions for 5 ways to use the book.

"Progressive Steps to Syncopation for the Modern Drummer" remains a popular and valuable resource for drummers of all levels who seek to improve their rhythm, coordination, and syncopation skills.

More generally…

As with any aspect of drumming, one of the best ways to improve your comping skills is to listen to the masters. Study the work of legendary jazz drummers like Max Roach, Art Blakey, Tony Williams, and Elvin Jones to get a feel for their unique approaches to comping and understand how they interact with the soloist and other musicians in the ensemble.

When it comes to comping, less is often more. Focus on creating a solid foundation and maintaining a steady pulse while adding subtle rhythmic accents and variations. Remember, you're there to support the soloist, not overshadow them.

Jazz is all about dynamics, and effective comping requires paying close attention to the volume and intensity of the music. Be prepared to adjust your playing to complement the soloist's phrasing and match the overall energy of the ensemble.

Comping often involves playing different rhythms and patterns with each limb simultaneously. Work on exercises that improve your limb independence and coordination to make comping feel more natural and fluid.

Jazz is an inherently spontaneous genre, and successful comping requires being present and engaged in the music. Listen closely to your fellow musicians, respond to their cues, and be prepared to adapt your playing as the music unfolds.

The Importance of Listening

Mike Evans, a member of the “Drums & Drummers” Facebook group, told me about his comping experience, and how important it is to be an active listener.

Comping on the drums is a delicate art form that requires deep listening skills. A drummer's role is not just to keep the beat, but to engage in a musical conversation with other band members.

This means that a drummer must be in tune with what's happening in the music, always ready to respond to the changing dynamics and rhythmic patterns. It's not enough to merely play your own part; you must listen to the overall musical landscape, understanding how your comping fits into the bigger picture.

Listening while comping is akin to being part of a lively discussion where everyone is contributing, and your job is to shape and guide the conversation without overpowering it. You must be attentive to the dialogue of the other musicians, responding in a way that adds value and depth to the overall musical narrative. This may involve adjusting your volume, rhythm, or beat patterns in response to what you hear. Good comping is flexible and adaptive, and this can only be achieved through active and attentive listening.

5 Takeaways

That’s a fairly broad overview of a complex topic that is not necessarily an easy one to learn or teach. By it’s nature, it requires the drummer to have established some level of drumming vocabulary and to be able to execute the ideas that they form in their head.

However, we’d suggest keeping the following in mind when studying the topic.

1. Importance of Listening: Comping requires a deep understanding of the music and interaction with other musicians, particularly the soloist. It's crucial to listen and respond effectively to create a cohesive musical conversation.

2. Dynamics and Touch: Good comping relies on the drummer's ability to control their dynamics and touch, allowing for subtle accents and variations in intensity to support the soloist without overpowering them.

3. Rhythmic Variation: A skilled drummer will use various rhythmic patterns and syncopations to create interesting and engaging comping. This helps to maintain the energy and flow of the music while supporting the soloist's improvisation.

4. Adaptability: Comping is an evolving process, and the drummer needs to be adaptable, adjusting their playing to suit the changing musical landscape. This can include adapting to different styles, tempos, and the unique qualities of each soloist.

5. Balance and Space: Effective comping involves striking a balance between providing rhythmic support and allowing space for the soloist to shine. Knowing when to play and when to leave space is a critical skill for drummers who want to excel in comping.

Stay relaxed, have fun, continue to push your boundaries. With time and patience, you’ll find that the things you’ve studied will creep into your playing naturally and when you least expect it!

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