He's Got Great Feel, But What Do You Mean?

Abstract

The field of popular music studies currently lacks effective and extensive discourse on drumming and rhythmic parameters in general. Some important preliminary work exists primarily due to significant contributions by relatively few authors. This thesis serves to expand this literature by providing a detailed explanation of many of the primary elements involved in the intricate practice of rock drumming. Additionally, it expands the literature on the music of Jimi Hendrix by thoroughly exploring the musical contributions Mitch Mitchell made as the drummer for the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Mitchell's stylistic approach to rock drumming is illuminated through analysis of the drum parts in four of the group's songs. An explanation of rock drumming in general and one effective individual approach are present within the work.