MAStudent

I thought this would be universally understood when talking about a groove at practice, but apparently not.

What do you think it means?

My Mind Sedate

It is kind of abstract and difficult to explain.

My interpretation is when the bass and the drums (in particular the kick) are locked in tight, with the generous use of space (i.e. not playing certain beats), usually playing a repetitive pattern and placing little emphasis on chops/technique/speed etc. Creating a "pocket" for the rest of the band to play over.

It sounded better in my head...

mr dave

in my experience playing 'in the pocket' is doing whatever necessary to get the drummer to stop complaining.

i've heard it as playing on the kick, on the snare, on both, on neither, and on the 1. it's always gone back to the same issue, the drummer had something in his head but no ability to communicate it properly. everyone else was supposed to have inherent knowledge on what his 'pocket' consisted of.

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My Mind Sedate

Haha yes, well put!

Janszoon

Covertly playing with your ding-a-ling in public?

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MAStudent

See, I thought it meant this.

Everyone told me to stop complaining.



Really, though, to me it means drums, bass, all rhythm instruments, so locked into the timing of the groove that it is unshakeable, and the vocals and ornamental instruments can easily hang things on it. Also seems to connote a slower timing with space incorporated into it.

I did like my girlfriend's answer, though

Necromancer

I would think it is just a loose term used by musicians to follow the bass & drums which is the timing and heart & soul of the band, after enough practice together as a band you will become tight musically, as one.
I think it is quite self explanatory with no certain definition.

MAStudent

apparently none of us five in my band had the same idea of what it meant

Necromancer

Thats funny MA only because it takes me back to the times Ive felt the same way before when working with other band members.
What type of music does your band perform? Covers or original music.
I guess sometimes you have to dig down deep in the pocket in order to gain results with a band, and pay the bills while keeping the wife happy also.

littleknowitall

Victor Wooten definately has a good approach at describing this.

My attempt/

your pocket in terms of Bass at least is your Groove, you've got a good groove going you want it to lock in, you want your playing approach to be in sync with the other music going on arround you in terms of how soft or hard your playing, fast or slow, how you're articulating what you're playing etc and having it locked in tightly with the rest of the composition of sound. Once all the screws are tight and you've got it locked in your 'in the pocket' to be deep in the pocket would be something i'd say about a particularly good bassist, someone whose immaculately set in the groove and at the same time has enough feel in what they're playing to have the sound of the bass tickling your balls with every bar. That's when you're deep in the pocket =)