Ready to start playing drums? Learning how to play can be exciting and rewarding – but there are a few things that you should do before you dive in headfirst – you’ll be glad later on that you’ve taken a few steps to prepare for playing drums down the road.
So you want to learn how to play drums? The good news is that it’s not as hard to learn to play drums as it may seem at first. With the right instruction, and a bit of practice, you’ll be pounding out rhythms in no time.
But where should you start? In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basics of playing drums and give you tips on getting started. Let’s get started!
Are Drums Easy to Learn to Play?
Drums are one of the most popular instruments in the world – but are they easy to learn? That depends on a few factors:
- First, it’s important to have some sense of rhythm if you want to learn how to play the drums. If you can clap along with a song or tap your foot to the beat, you’ll likely find it easier to pick up the basics of drumming.
- Second, it’s helpful to have some prior experience with music. If you know how to read sheet music or have taken other musical instruments, you’ll have a head start in learning the drums.
- Finally, it’s also important to be patient and persistent. Like any new skill, it takes time and practice to master the drums.
But if you put in the effort, you’ll be making beautiful music in no time. Sign up for drum lessons to learn the basics of the instrument – and check out more of the advantages of doing so by watching the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwKF7LiXW3I
How Do I Start Playing Drums?
Drums are a great way to add rhythm and beat to any music. They can be played solo or as part of a band, making them a versatile instrument. If you’re thinking about picking up drums, there are a few things you’ll need to get started.
Find a Qualified Drum Teacher
This is one of the most important steps, and just so happens to be the first one you’ll need to do! The key is to find a drum teacher who is passionate about drumming, but also knows how to cater your lessons to your individual needs and goals. Keep in mind: even if you’ve found the best drummer in the world, he might not be the greatest teacher.
To begin your search, think about your goals, playing level, and schedule. Browse the teachers in your area, and be sure to check out the reviews posted by current and previous students!
Gather Your Equipment and Books
Before your first lesson, you will also want to make sure you have all the equipment and practice books you need. Chat with your teacher beforehand to see what he or she recommends or would like you to bring to the first lesson.
If you’re trying to save money – or aren’t sure if you’re ready to commit to the drums – it’s totally fine to start off with just a set of sticks and a practice pad. You can decide whether you’re enjoying yourself (and who wouldn’t be?) while still picking up concepts, and use the money you’re saving on expensive equipment to pay for private lessons right away. This way, you’re developing the right drumming form right from the start. Just remember you’ll need to buy a full drum set at some point.
For your drum sticks, don’t be overwhelmed by all of the different types available! Drum sticks come in different sizes as well as shapes, with the tip of the stick being made with a variety of materials. You’ll want to have different sticks for playing cymbals in a concert band than you will playing a drum set in a garage band. This is where talking to your instructor before making any purchases will help you out.
Learn How to Hold Your Drum Sticks
This is something that can wait until your first lesson, but you might be able to convince a friendly face at the music store to help you, too! There are a couple different styles, depending on which genre of music you want to play, as well as your personal preference. Check out this tutorial on how to hold drum sticks for an introduction to the different styles. At your first drum lesson, your instructor should review how to hold the sticks with you, to make sure you’ve got it right.
Listen Carefully to Different Rhythms
When you’re first starting out, every drum rhythm might just sound like the guy playing drums is hitting them as fast as he can. When you listen a little closer, you’ll be able to hear the different rhythms. Unlike other instruments, the pitch of each drum cannot be changed up or down too much, and definitely not in between each note. The only way to make music from each drum stroke is to vary the rhythm. Sometimes rhythms will be quite random, while other times there will be a pattern to it.
When your instructor is showing you different patterns and rhythms, don’t be afraid to ask him or her to slow down so you can feel each different pattern. Sooner or later you’ll be able to read music on your own and hear the patterns in your head without anyone else showing you.
Get Familiar with the Drum Kit
It is important to get comfortable with your drum kit. Sit down at the drums and play around with each piece. Become familiar with the way they feel and the different sounds they make. Don’t worry about playing anything in particular, just explore and have fun.
Once you’ve had a chance to get acquainted with the drums, it’s time to start learning some basic beats. A good place to start is with a simple four-on-the-floor beat. This is simply created by striking the bass drum on each beat.
From there, you can add in other elements such as hi-hat, snare, and cymbal tracks. As you become more comfortable with these basic beats, you can start to experiment with more complex rhythms.
Work on Your Posture
Assuming you have a basic kit to practice on, it’s time to work on your posture. This is more important than it might seem. Poor posture can lead to injuries, so you want to be sure you’re sitting or standing in the correct position.
For starters, always sit up straight with your back against the chair. The drum should be placed so that the snare is at hip level; this will allow you to reach the cymbals and tom-toms comfortably. Your feet should be flat on the floor, and your knees should be at a 90-degree angle.
Positioning the drums properly will help you play more efficiently and avoid pain in your back and shoulders. With good posture, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a pro drummer!
Practice Your Fills
Playing the drums is a great way to relieve stress, have fun, and make music. But if you’re new to the instrument, it can be tough to know where to start. A good place to begin is by practicing your fills. Fills are simply short drum solos that help to break up the monotony of a steady beat. By learning how to play fills, you’ll not only sound more impressive, but you’ll also be better able to keep the groove going when playing with a band.
There are two main types of fills: rest and accent. Rest fills involve playing a series of notes that correspond to the rests in between beats. For example, if you’re playing in 4/4 time, you might play four quarter notes followed by four eighth notes. Accent fills involve playing louder or quieter strokes on specific beats. For instance, you might play all eighth notes on the first and third beats, and then throw in a few accents on the second and fourth beats.
Once you’ve got the hang of basic rest and accent fills, you can start experimenting with different rhythms and dynamics. Playing around with different techniques will not only help you become a better drummer, but it will also make your playing more interesting and unique. So don’t be afraid to get creative – there’s no wrong way to play drums!
Find Someone for Playing the Drums With
For anyone looking to start playing drums, one of the best things to do is to find someone to play with.
Not only will having a drumming buddy help to keep you motivated, but it can also make the learning process more fun and enjoyable. Playing with someone else also gives you the chance to learn from each other and exchange ideas.
If you don’t know any other drummers, there are plenty of ways to meet people. You can take classes, join a band, or even just attend local music events. Once you’ve found someone to play with, practice as often as you can and don’t be afraid to experiment. Before long, you’ll be playing like a pro!
Keep Practicing!
The drums can be a great addition to any musician’s arsenal, but where should a beginner start? This guide will help you find the right drum set and teach you how to play some basic beats.
Now that you’ve taken care of these few steps, just remember to keep practicing! With consistent practice, your rhythm will improve, your technique will get more precise, and you’ll be rocking out in no time.
And if you’re looking for more guidance and help in learning drums, be sure to sign up for drumming lessons soon!
Photo by Leanne
Megan L.