What are chops?????????

[deversi]

I was playing the drums at church the other day.And a musician told me i had good chops. I didn't know what he was talking about :? But anyway what are they and how are they applied to a song exactly??????/

[Eggs]

deversi,


I am just taking a guess, but I believe "chops" is a term that is used to describe good technique.  It doesn't necessarily relate to how you sound, but how well you execute.

I hope this makes sense... and if I'm wrong, maybe someone else can elaborate.

HTH,

God bless,
eggs

[JayP5150]

Eggs, you're right.

Also the same as riffs, licks, runs, rolls, etc.  I think that "chops" is drum-specific, though.  Just like "riff" is pretty much a guitar word.

[musmin7]

You are correct about chops but it isn't just a drummers term keyboard players as well as guitar players and other musicians use that term.

It refers to the whole package not just how well you execute but it's connected to how you sound when you execute what you execute it's almost the same as sayin you're killin it!!!

[BBoy]

Yes, I have heard the term "chops" applied to piano players that are very gifted, as well as saxophone players.

Be Blessed . . .  :lol:

BBoy  

[key-wiz]

You all are right you can now pass go and collect $200
 :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:  :wink:

[jedi_j]

chops are mainly used for wind insturment players.  what it is is ur mouth.  everytime i have ever heard the phrase "chops" it has been used by my band director and he is always refering to our mouths.

[itsallpeach]

I always thought chops were a specific sound created with the left hand while the right hand is chording.  Kind of like when you're playing souting music and not necessarily running a bass line with the left hand.  Instead, you do this "thing" that helps the drummer keep the rhythm or if you have no drummer no one knows because the chops you use with your left hand make it seem like a drummer is there.....I know that's not put into the best of words, but that's my interpretation of chops.

[icdattoney]

The term "chops" actually was first a reference to horn players.  It means jaws or mouth.

But, over the years, it has been applied to other forms of performance.  In a musical sense, it is that thing, ability or technique that produces the music.

A drummers hands, technique, and ability to play would be considered "chops".

A singers's voice and ability to reach high or low notes, or the ability to "bend" or stretch" notes would be considered "chops".

A keyboardist who could play a difficult run very fast would be considered as having "chops".

So basically, if you can play, you have "chops".  Now whether you play well or not, determines whether or not your "chops" would be referred to as good, bad, great, etc...

Hope this helps

[thesouldoctor]

that's what I call breakin' it down! Good job!