The state in which a band's parts line up so precisely that the rhythm feels effortless and unforced.
Playing in the pocket means everything sits exactly where it should, with each part reinforcing the others rather than competing. It usually involves playing slightly behind the beat in a relaxed way rather than rushing, and it is heard most clearly when a group has played together for long enough to breathe together. Drummers and bass players define a pocket, and a guitarist either fits into it or destroys it by playing across it.
Example: A band whose parts lock so tightly that nothing needs discussing is playing in the pocket.
See also
Related
- PageGroove
- PageBackbeat
- PageComping
- PageAccent
- PageAction height
- PageAlternate picking
- PageAaron Dessner
- PageAce Frehley