That was Chad Smith, drummer of Red Hot Chili Peppers, after hearing (and playing) “The Kill” by 30 Seconds To Mars in one take —listening to it for the very first time.
If you like music, you might enjoy this vid (if you haven’t already seen it bc it’s gone crazy viral).
[My recommendation:
If you’ve never heard the song before, check it out here.(3:51)
Short version of the jam (3:46) here
Long version (8:45) here ]
Chad’s level of expertise is such that he goes into an unknown situation and nails it.
But here’s the most important part: unlike my barber, he listens. Constantly, actively and feeding in from the environment.
Here’s the process as I see it:
- He gets quiet and listens.
- Looks for the patterns.
- Identifies them (“It’s in 3… I think ????”).
- Starts playing with them.
- Goes simple at first, and adds complexity as he and the song go.
- Anticipates what’s coming next.
- Reacts and adjusts as things develop.
And he’s ALWAYS, always, listening.
That’s why he gets to fill in the drums in this song in such a level of greatness.
The result is mind blowing (and quite close to the original).
Here’s the thing
Consulting and helping your clients with advice goes the same way.
But only when you know when and how to listen, you can adjust better to the situation.
You can see the patterns, you can play along with them, you can do the unexpected and have fun while at it.
And that makes you stand out.
So much so, that everyone is like “How did you—?! (laughing of excitement)“
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How much of Chad are you at your thing?