Using A Drum Machine Live

[ohiopicker]

I am not asking for opinions about whether to use it. I know they are not well liked. Rather, I am specifically asking those of you that have, or do use one, do you break up the use of the drum machine by having songs in the set where it is omitted? Either way, can you expound on what you do? Thanks.

[hotroad]

I use a drum machine in all my gigs and it works great with good reactions. It helps me play off it with it carrying the main rhythm. I do keep the drum sounds fairly basic and not overdo it.
Mine is completely foot controlled to start /stop. I have the unit programmed to sync to my set list.
In addition I do some songs without it then return to it for my final 6 songs. Be sure to eq it to fit with your guitar and voice.

[Monty Christo]

A duo I used to play in had about six songs on our 20-song setlist with a drum machine part.

We'd use it at gigs that needed a little more energy, but never on two songs in a row. For the majority of shows we didn't use it at all.

[Rumblefish]

I played in a duo that used a drum machine a few years back. It added a lot to the sound and energy and I found that once you started using it, it sounded best to keep it going.

[Bowie]

I have, and I recommend your set-list not be determined by the presence of a drum-machine. People are there for music. Create a set list that holds their interest, has tension and release. Unless you're playing for other musicians, the drum machine being in a song is irrelevant.

[ohiopicker]

Thank you to all who responded. There is a lot to consider.