Thoughts on adding drums electronically if you are a solo guitar-only musician?

aggietom

I'm a mediocre guitarist interested in recording some of the songs I've written. I like to do about 3 guitar parts for every song, but it still sounds empty without drums or bass. I have an entry-level drumtrack machine that has alot of realistic-sounding drum kits. I was wondering if any has ever used one of these to record into software such as Guitar Studio through an SBPlatinum soundcard.

Have you had difficulty with it? Any tips so I don't have to work out all the bugs by myself?

Once again...This is really to satisfy my own creative pursuits, not for attempting to get a record deal. I just want to know if I should learn the type of drumming I want and try to play along with my pre-recorded guitar tracks or if I should attempt to create a loop and just repeat and then throw in a neat alternative whenever there is a turnaround or bridge/chorus, etc.

Thoughts?

exhausted

i used a program called fruity loops to create simple drums loops for solo stuff. i like it a lot.

i wouldn't imagine it would be too tough to connect up the drum machine as as long as you've got the right connections.

having some sort of groove beyond a simple click track really helps to give the rest of the parts tightness and some swing....

Pearl Jam and toast

do whatever you feel is best..

but know that electronic drums always sound terrible.

aggietom

Well then...What would be your solution for a guitar-only person wanting some drums on the track. Is it not better than nothing, in your opinion?

I just want something in the background other than a few layered guitars. The songs sound empty because they're not acoustic.

mooook

Go out and find a drummer, my advice.

BinFrog

I use a Zoom MRS802 and the drum machine has been a godsend while trying to do exactly what you are asking about. I use it to get ideas out of my head so I can layer other ideas on top, and the stuff I have recorded have come out great as far as I am concerned.