In drumming what is a cheese?

"Cheese" is a slang term in drumming that refers to a flam, which is a specific type of drum rudiment.

Flam: A flam is a drum rudiment where two notes are played simultaneously, one slightly ahead of the other. This creates a quick, almost muffled sound.

Why it's called "cheese":

The origin of the term "cheese" for a flam is unclear, but it's likely due to the sound produced by the rudiment. Some believe it sounds like the "cheesy" effect of a microphone being held close to a snare drum. Others say it's just a playful term that caught on within the drumming community.

Using Flams (Cheese):

Flams are used in various drumming styles and contexts, including:

* Adding accents and fills: They can be incorporated into drum fills and solos to create dynamic and rhythmic variations.

* Creating a "swing" feel: Flams are often used in jazz drumming to create a subtle swing groove.

* Adding a "dirty" effect: They can be used to create a more aggressive or "dirty" sound, especially in rock or metal drumming.

So, next time you hear a drummer talking about "cheese," they're referring to the flam rudiment, adding a bit of flavor to their drumming!