Sting (percussion)
Sample of a sting
Recording of a classic basic sting, using two drums and then an unchoked cymbal
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A sting is a short sequence played by a drummer to punctuate a joke, especially an obvious one.[1] A sting is often used as accompaniment during cabaret- and circus-style shows. The sound of the sting is sometimes written ba dum tsh, ba-dum ching, and occasionally ba dum tis. An abbreviation used in chats is //* .
A sting is sometimes mistakenly called a rimshot.[2] A rimshot is only a component of the sting, and does not appear at all in some stings. In the context of percussion, rimshot normally refers to a single stroke of the stick in which the rim and skin of a drum are both struck simultaneously by the same stick, creating an accent.[3]
Common stings may feature a short roll followed by a crash or splash cymbal and kick drum, a flam, or a rimshot. The advanced example at right uses a tom then kick, followed by a pause to put the final stroke offbeat, and a final stroke using both the snare and kick drums to support a one-handed cymbal choke, meaning all three are hit at once.
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More general use of the term
In broadcasting, the term sting refers to any short musical sequence used for punctuation, for example to introduce a commercial break during a television news program.[1] Such stings commonly use a full orchestra rather than just percussion, and in television may be backed by a short video sequence.
See also
- Sting (musical phrase), a more general concept in music.
- Stab (music), an element of music composition in some ways similar to a sting.
- Foley (filmmaking), the more general use of sounds for punctuation in film.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Glossary of common media terms". BBC News. 2008-07-08. Retrieved 2013-07-19.
- ↑ "Of Stings and Rimshots". April 10, 2013. Retrieved 2013-07-19.
- ↑ "RIMSHOTS". 1996. Retrieved 2013-07-29.
External links
- Of Stings and Rimshots, The Sound and the Foley website explores the use and/or misuse of the term rimshot.
- Two Drums and a Cymbal Fall off a Cliff, YouTube comedy video featuring two standard jokes concerning and featuring a sting.