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New Practice Tips

   Practice brushes to get a real feel for doubles and singles...start this young to ease your parents ears. Listen to afro-cuban music. Tito Puente. Watch old jazz drummer videos. Listen to jazz alot. Practice on knees and pads. Hold the sticks properly. 99 percent of drummers hold the sticks wrong. Roll nice!!!

    Bill Bougill

    http://myspace.com/billbougill


   Well, first for a bit of background, I'm a drummer for my youth group's worship team and most of the time, we practice as a group. My tip is from my personal experience, if you have a passion to serve God, in my case by drumming, God will provide the means and the talent to do it and God will use the passion to bless others.

    Justin Chang

    http://xanga.com/krazylution


   For beginners, I believe strictly in playing a straight forward simple drum beat and working on that and that only until you get a solid, steady beat that can carry proper timing throughout a song. I used Pearl Jams, "Last kiss" to work on as a beginner. Remember, there are alot of drummers out there! But, to be a good drummer, timing is everything.

    For the more advanced drummer: Stuck in a rut, think you can't do more! Quad kick is something I'm working on right now. I've learned that the best way to do it is to just practice the kicks. Don't try playing with your hands and arms! Big mistake!! Focus on the kicking only. After you've obtained to quad-kick and you've got control of it, then try to throw in some snare and off-beats. It doesn't happen overnight, but I'm working on off-beats now. It's difficult to concentrate on the quad and play your top shelf, but the more you PRACTICE, the better you will be. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!!!!!

    Randy Gendreau

    www.roxxuband.com


   Practice all of your rudiments on a pillow or a phone book,mainly something that doesnt have any bounce at all,so that way when u play it will make you use all wrists,and that will help u get your chops up alot faster.

    stix


   I'm an amatuer (6 months) with no lessons, so I don't presume to instruct my betters. This is meant for those who're just starting out.

   First, just PLAY. Just bang on stuff as you please, the hell with any discernable pattern (and the hell with your unhappy neighbors). Experiment with all the settings--drumhead tension/tunings, bass pedal resistance, space between hi-hats, etc. "I wonder what happens if I do this?" should be your philosophy, within reason--don't destroy your set with your experimenting! Learn what things make what sounds under what conditions. Also, move stuff around a lot, to see where you like it.

   Next, learn to play songs. LEARN SHEET MUSIC, or at least tab, it makes everything so much easier (because you can read rudiments and songs to learn them). Listen to favorite songs and learn the beats. Write it out; you'll learn to judge what's a quarter note, etc. Don't copy the CD note-for-note, stay faithful to the main beat but let yourself play around some.

   (As for influences, I personally am limited; I only drum rock and metal. If this is what you want to play, start out learning AC/DC songs (to learn the basic beats), then do more complicated stuff from other artists. To get good with the bass drum listen to death metal (Cradle Of Filth, Dimmu Borgir, Lamb Of God) because in addition to phenomenal speed they do intricate bass drum patterns. For sheer power I recommend Behemoth--fastest bass I ever heard, and he focuses a lot on his snare, which is good.)

   Hope it helps. Best of luck.

    anon


   There's a lot to say about practicing, but after 20 years of drumming, I've found basic things to be true. Divide your sessions into sections. Research ways to practice on the different areas of musical playing. What has helped me lately has been balancing the work I do with books for the physical part of playing, with simply practicing time to a melody or song using my imagination. For example singing a melody and playing a drum part to it. Being creative!

   I've recently been able to recall things I've worked up in books a long time ago that I never learned to apply because I never practiced just putting them in context. Probably because my gigs (at that time) didn't call for them. So, for anyone who wants to have progress not relegated only to the gigs that they play now, but those that you may encounter in the future, use your imagination.

   Listen to music you want to learn. Since this is how we as musicians learn best, you can learn to develop your imagination by playing to songs in your head. I really am pushing singing while you play. It's just as valuable as counting out loud. I have really found this to have helped me reach the next level.

    Mike Shanks


   There is a new product on the market that helps prevent blisters while maximizing technique. it is called the Pinch Pal. It aids in memorizing correct fulcrum and pinch pressure.

   Play with passion.

    shayah


   I've been playing for 35 years and here is what I've learned. Practice is important and you must commit to regular sessions but stop when you get tired. Practice does not make perfect. Practicing something incorrectly ingrains bad habits that become big obsticles that you must overcome later. Only perfect practice makes perfect! Pay attention to good posture, form and grip. Only play as fast as you can play cleanly. Don't give up! Breakthroughs are the best reward! Set realistic goals and never stop taking lessons. Learn all that your instructor can teach you then find someone better.

    Tim


   hi my practice tip is i find when practising doude stroke roles try to practice on a cushion this will enable you to be adle to make a nice bold double stroke of your toms insted of a dull sound when you try to bounce the sticks it also helps to get more strokes between your hands faster.

    josh koop


   A Moeller-training-tip:

    How to use forarm, wrist and hand as a fixed axis that points straight to the stick´s pivot (J.Chapin). The stick should move like a propeller mounted on that axis, which allows fast and high strokes with a minimum of effort. Both to explain this to my students and to train myself, I invented a trick/method, using just my wristwatch and a spare stick to lock the wrist and hand to one line with the forearm. It can also be used to practise traditional grip.

    I made a little video, that explains it without further words:    members.aol.com/rootheart/pivot.avi

   Also, to get used to this playing technique, when I practise "always&anywhere", I use my thumb instead of slapping my fingers on my knees. A video to demonstrate this:    members.aol.com/rootheart/thumb.avi

   Have fun!

    Ruthard


    I have been playing for about 2 1/2 years. I am 36 now but always wanted to play when I was younger but could never afford a set. My dad played for years and taught the basics when I was younger and they stuck with me all these years because #1 I am always listening to music of all kinds. #2 I am always isolating the drum patterns in the music and try to duplicate it. When I cant get to my drums I tap my feet and hands and fingers to the beat, always have. My parents thought I had epilepsy, Really. I like to play with my eyes closed sometimes. this helps you become one with your set and when I close my eyes now I can air drum like nobodys business. Also practice, practice, practice and have fun. Thats what its all about.

    clinton


   set up your metronome at slow tempo. and play 1 to 8 notes for beat. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. now do the same with double strokes, and paraddidle. is amazing for example paradiddle in 5, you just play a paraddidle but put five notes in the beat and the rythm is going permutate. have fun

    Gustavo Bureau Guerola


   everyone follows their own practice routine and why not..there's no ONE way of doin it..

    well, i emphasize more on my left hand since its weak and hence, all my rudiments start with the left hand. practice rudiments slowly.. where i concentrate on the grip of my sticks.. once i've nailed that.. build on speed.. take one rudiment as one step.. nail that and then move on

    meghna


   NEVER PRACTICE SOMETHING FASTER THAN WHAT YOU ARE CAPABLE OF PLAYING!!! I am sure that no one will listen to me because I am an upcoming freshman for the drumline, but I am the only freshman in Villa Rica, Ga to make snare for the drumline, so please listen. I made this same mistake, and still sometimes do. It's a habit that's hard to break, but, you must only push yourself to a certain limit, because eventually it's not helping you at all, because you can not achieve what you are doing, so all in all, it's not helping period. Start slow, until you can gain speed, that way, you have time to learn the exercise better.

    Cody Smothers


   while i find it's good to take tips and guidance from others, i also find it is good to listen to your own mind and intuition, make up your own exercises, patterns, grooves etc.

    andy


   use what i call stagger steps, practice the rudiment sloly at first, and then a you play it become faster, you'll grow much faster over time, im an 11 year old drummer and i can already do rolls with paradiddles and even flams using this method! (ive only been playing for about 2 months!)

    grant- 11


   Listening to all types of music can be very essential for playing a variety of styles, also, experiment at home or at practice, not on stage... Drumming must be fun, not hard work.

    Hellspawn


   hey dudes the tips up to now are freeking awesome, i have been playing roughly 1year and 7months and the most important thing about being a drummer is that you enjoy it and that you dont just play because your good...no matter what there is always someone better than you!!! I try to practice roughly at least 3 hours a day because all my life just revolves around drums!...and i always want to get better :).... My practice usually tends to be 1hr of just listening to different styles of drumming i.e metal,rock,hip-hop,jazz,funk and then a few of my fave bands:p lol then i try to fit 45 mins of reading drum music....then last but not least, RUDIMENTS, for roughly an hour, i cant stress enough how important they are.

    Start off really slow variating each sticking pattern and then speed up until hitting ur practice pad very...VERY fast xD that should roughly be 30 mins tops then for about another 30 mins on ur feet, because its soo annoying when your playing rather fast and your feet cant keep up....i know :)

    Anyways keep drumming all of ya and good luck in ur drumming careers :) Rob (UK)(drummer of Fish Without Water) catch you laterrrr x

    [F.W.W.] Rob


   Try to experiment with different types of percussion instruments, like african hand drums...World percussion is great and i advise you to take a look at different world drummers e.g Alex Acuna, Glen Velez.

   Oh, and who agree's Neal Peart looks like Kevin Spacey.

    Thomas


   No matter what: Always practice. I can't stress this enough. Even if it's just hitting things with your palms; never stop. If you don't practice for a while and you play all fast and hardcore, you could just hurt yourself and further yourself from not practicing. Also, keep very fit do push ups or strewct hyour leg muscels. It's what I do and I've been playing for a few months and I'm already very fast (Not to brag).

    Sven


   dont play as fast as you can just make up something thats hard to play and gradually get faster, also use a metronome to keep in time its tricky to get used to but it works

    sambo


   Practice gets you closer to perfection. And patience will take you far. If at any time you are troubled with anything in drumming email me. I WILL RESPOND!

    April Lara

    http://www.myspace.com/lara_drumline


   Learn, from others, and respect others, just dont judge (it's not only for drummers). Don't be a snobist d*ckhead. Help the ones who can't play drum, as, or as mutch as you, but dont pity them. We are humans, not more, not less.

    Anon


   The usual thing i have come across is people who can play really fast.i.e singles, doubles etc - but NOT smoothly.

   So this ..tip, is really about starting you're click track at 60bpm - or slower and sitting on it for 10 mins.
so play you're singles in 8th & 16th notes, and you're doubles in 8th & 16th notes. apply this round the kit still all at 60 bpm, once you are comfortable...and that is really the magic word, not when you're just able to play it ''kinda'' at 60bpm, but when you're COMFORTABLE/CONFIDENT at playing it 60bpm, then move up.if you're feeling rather uninspired, then dig out a DVD/CD of a good player that you look up to, and listen & remember that you're not practising to become him/her but you're practising for the playing level they have attained!

   ALSO remember...that if you're playing for 5 hours a day every day.........take a day off, its actually good to do so!!

   Best of luck.

    Robert Bishop (UK)


   First off thanks to the other drummers for all the great tips!

    I have a very simple idea that you can practice anywhere. If you haven't tried it, I air drum alot, and I seem to always have a beat going in my head. I can't always get to the drum kit to practice, so I often just play without one.

    To get a real unique sound, listen to, and air drum to music that you wouldnt normally listen too. I know you may not like hip-hop or heavy metal, but there is much to be learned from these styles of music. Try listening to The Roots, one of the few hip hop groups that uses real drums, they have a real rythym and flow to their songs. Also try some hardcore or punk rock to improve your footwork, listen to the use of the bass pedal in their music. If you normally listen to this music, try listening to some jazz music, you can learn alot and pull things you like from each style. Just remember to keep an open mind, and try and focus on the beat, not the lyrics.

    Keep drumming everyday!

    Ben Fredette


   Hey guys this is a very important tip and unfortunately the only one that seems to come to my conversations of late regarding the drums... TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY/CONSIDER YOURSELF AN ATHLETE. I am currently dealing with a terrible chronic neck strain that started out as a small tiny pinching sensation literally in one part of one song I played with my band... which is now something I deal with everyday which is extreme and has me off the kit indefinitely. I remember the days of coming home from school and wailing out for hours upon hours, without even thinking of my body. Granted I had a neck injury, drumming irritated it and made it worse but allow me to now mention the surgery on my left wrist and the chronic tendonitis I have dealt with over the years. Now for those who have no problems I remember those days (this is mainly for young drummers starting out) but this could change, and believe me not being able to play the drums because your body won't allow you to is TORTURE. Drumming starts in the mind and transfers to the body, so it's still there in my head I just can't release it anymore. You use so many muscles and tendons when drumming it's ridiculous. Make sure you stretch your wrists, neck and back. Try and drum with the best posture keeping your head up back straight and remaining loose in body and mind, even if you are playing DeathMetal... (Just take a look at how relaxed some of the fastest drummers are) If you feel pain in any are of your body when drumming STOP. Take a break, if you are in a band tell your band mates to shut the hell up and you need a break your health is more important then some guitarists who "Need" to play with the drums. I'm done venting there are plenty of online tips for posture, health, maintanence as a drummer. I would hate to see anyone like me when I was 16 turn into how I am now @ 26... it sucks and hopefully it is preventable.

    Thanks and keep on drumming, don't worry bout me I'll get myself in check and get back on them skins...We all know DRUMMING ISN'T A CHOICE IT'S A LIFESTYLE!

    D-Rock

    http://www.myspace.com/stryk9


   I think the best practise tip is to learn the rudiments. Incorperate them not only on your hands but on your feet, especially if your a double bass player. Start of slow and gradually build up the stamina. There are so many drummers out there that step up the difficulty factor every single day. In order to be one of those drummers you have to learn as much as you can, every little step and drum pattern that you can think of, tighten it up and rock it out. Just learn everything, even though you probably wont, strive to anyway and give it 100%.

    hoogz from Denny


   I've been playing for about 12 years, mostly metal, but never practiced the foundations. Recently i decided in order to become a better drummer i would need to, but found some things incredibly difficult, and most of all FRUSTRATING!! A drummer friend of mine decided to practice together, and its helped tremendously. We both do simple beats slow, focusing on tempo, and do the same with rudiments. I don't speed up till he does and vice versa. I found playing with someone else to be a great motivator and it helps to get me through the rough spots.

    Dave Marquis


   Thanks for all the good tips, fellow drummers! Ive been behind the kit for 13yrs and the most important tip I ever I read or learned personally. PLAY YOUR DRUMS everyday! thats it!

    The Saylor


   Go out to gigs, look at the drummers there, make a mental note of what they're good at and what theyre bad at and don't just be as good as them. Eliminate them, become twice as good as them, soon you'll be one of the best drummer's in town. Try watching live DVDs and videos and listening to ALL sorts of music and apply the same techinique. Don't Match... ELIMINATE!

    anon


   Watch various drummers. When you've found your favourites, (my personal favourites being Thomas Lang and ofcourse the legendary Buddy Rich), attempt to incorporate what you like about their drumming into your own, but modify it as your own style. With enough inspiration and practice you can come out with some very nice sounds, Keep drumming!

    Owain


   Well, I can't really say anything special. Nothing original, as such. I've been playing the drums for almost 6 years now, not long, I know, but stick with me (pardon the semi-pun).

   I find it important to drum whenever, wherever you are, be it on a bus, plane, train, submarine, in the classroom, in the livingroom, kitchen, bathroom, on the toilet etc etc. Without the old drumkit, obviously (unless you're feeling adventurous, there are plenty of different acoustics to discover and experiment with!).
Instead, use your knees, the table, a book etc etc. Personally, I find it cool to do this, because it allows you to experiment with different rythms, drum along to music, anything like that. It can annoy people, but who cares?! You're a drummer! :P

   The thing that has helped me a lot, is drumming in your head. By this, I don't mean thinking of yourself onstage at Glastonbury or whatever, I mean picking out certain things about a new, exotic drumbeat you just heard.
For example, on which beat the bass drum falls onto, if it doesn't fall inbetween beats; on which beat the snare is hit, if that is hit inbetween beats ... also, which drums you would hit at the same time, be it within a straight-forward beat or even during a fill.

   You can always practise this 'mind theory' wherever you are. It got me through school!

   Obviously, the most important thing: love what you do.

    Tomas Pearson

    http://www.myspace.com/quietthevoice


  1. Brush your teeth with your off hand every day. Trust me this works.
  2. Terry Bozzio gave this tip to my drum teacher (Paul Monroe of the band XYZ): When in the studio, set the metronome to the highest possible sub-division. The less time you hear inbetween the notes the more accurately you'll play. At least go as high as 16th notes.
  3. Have a good balance between discipline and fun.
  4. Dave


   I have played 34 years and am still learning! Listen to the band; don't play in every space, but let the music
breath.In jazz, dixieland,etc.emphasize the 1/4 note when you swing. Right hand drummers, play excercises with left hand only for 10 min.at a time, when you practice.

   Listen to these drummers on CDs: JOe MOrello, Grady Tate Jeff Hamilton, Peter Erskine, Ed Thigpen, Joe LaBarbara, and Clayton Cameron. Keep learning!

    Robert Boney


   When practicing at your set, try not play the same rudiments over and over again try Variations or something new every time. As I did this for my first few years but instead of playing my favorite beat over and over tried to play something else, and found when you make the effort you can come up with some much more interesting and different stuff.

    Chris Milne


   Practice on a pillow, with telephone books under your arms. Begin slowly, practice rudiments, just play rhythms, have fun:). Then when you feel you have control, start working on speed. When you get back to the drumset, you'll be surprised. But speed is not everything, music is everything:). *keep that music going*

    James


   Try strapping on a pair of headphones, and playing with a genere that typically doesnt have percussion. For example ,as annoying as it may sound bluegrass. Generally in bluegrass the timekeeper is usually in the hands of the banjo player or the bassist. However there is so much room for a drummer it will really get you thinking about phrasing. OR just put your own spin on it. I like to try and subdivide, kind of a proggrass!! It's gonna be fun so just go try it.

    Kenny McCoy


   One thing that has helped me to learn new grooves is to come up with a way to sing the new groove. The groove will have a nicer feel than trying to count it out(though it helps to count it slowly at first). Come up with your own sounds and apply them any beat.

   I find this really helps for highly syncopated beats and broken triplet beats like shuffles or swing beats which are really hard to count out without your playing feeling stiff.

   In African and Indian cultures young drummers do not start there lessons on a drum or practice pad, but by singing certain rhythms.

   Hope this helps anyone.

    James Kirkland


   Do everything you know. Then, ask others to make up and write down new beats for you. try them. Then, pretend you are teaching how to play the drums and teach everything you know!!

    yasmeen


   For people who play set. Remember to never forget to have your left had as strong as you're right. or v. versa. you can have a lot done when your both hands are strong. It will give you more playing ability.

    April Lara

    www.myspace.com/lara_drumline


   I find that it helps if I practice with music. This gives a nice steady beat and helps add a little fun to the practice because you can choose the music you listen to. If pracitces are enjoyable then you will practice more and get better faster.

    Allen Mannes


   I have been beatin' the old skins for about 40 years now, here is what I have learned about drummin'.

  1. Be yourself and make it your own, do not try to be Neil Pert, BE YOU.
  2. Speed aint everything, feel, soul, rythym, timing and beat are.
  3. Slip on some headphones and listen to the radio while you are playing, have the radio loud enough so you dont loose the songs but you can still hear yourself well, it is OK if it's not exactly perfect, what is? feel the song and get into it, shut out the outside world. Play along with all kinds of music and tempos.
  4. Lastly and most important, always have fun while you are playing, is it really worth your time if it's not fun?

    Happy drummin.

    Steve Isola


   I find that playing left handed (im right handed)gives you a lot more scope on different rudiments & acsents,its hard at first,but once youve cracked it you wont beleive what you can do,realy good frills & solos.

   When you can go from right handed playing and switch to left handed playing during one song then you are a drummer not to be messed about with. try it, its good fun...

    lee


   When playing to a CD, slide the headphones off your ears a little so you hear more of your drums and less of the CD's drums. CDs play perfect music and will make it sound like YOU are playing perfectly. Closed headphones will cover all of your mistakes. This applies especially to practicing on e-drums too.

   You can sound awesome playing to a CD and fall apart when playing with the oscillating time of a live band. Don't let studio recordings make you think you are better than you are.

    Bill Oxford


   Remember the physics of both your kit and also your sticks. Both your kit and sticks help to increase the bounce, remember this and use it to your advantage. The bounce helps you to use less of your rist and fore-arm, enabling you to play for longer periods of time.

    Laura Fine


   First, I wanted to say thanks to all the drummers for all the great tips and ideas. I noticed that there are as many different approaches to practicing as there are drummers. I find this very encouraging. Anyways, Here's my tip...

   Start with 8ths on the Hats. Then add snare on 2 and 4. Okay, Play the first bar with Kick on 1; 2nd bar on "e" on one; 3rd bar on the "&" etc...

   After you've got the idea try putting the kick on 1 and 4 of the first bar, and move in one sixteenth note with each subsequent bar. After meeting on the "&" of 2 reverse.

   Okay now the fun part. Play the exercises the same but continue playing 1 & 3. (then move steady kick drum over a 16th note after succesfully playing each bar.

   This exercise really helps develope definition of your kick strokes, and as if becomes more comfortable, you can lead with your opposite hand, and interchange kick patterns with snare. Also, I encourage using various Hi hat patterns over time.

   Good Luck.

    Richard Brown


   I've been playing of and on for many years, steadily now for a couple. Most important tip I was given was that drumming is about rhythm and playing what the song needs. Drummers seldom (if ever) play alone for enjoyment. You need to think about what you can bring to the song in terms of rhythm and feel.

    Technique is of couse important but realise that holding a beat and a rhythm can be satisfying in it's simplicity if you enjoy the company and the song.

    And the most important tip that I constantly ignore and pay the price for: pick up a pair of sticks every day! Practice, practice, practice... and then practice some more.

    Enjoy it! Drumming is a real calling.

    Max Bantleman


   This is for the drummers out there, who have lessons but don't yet have a kit therefore don't get valubale pratice time. So this is what i do. I listen to any song, and air drum to it, it may sound stupid - but it has really worked for me may stick technique has improved and my footwork has come on - oh yeah and it can be good fun aswell.

    Tom


   Always try to be patient in improving your chops. Remember that it will take a while to reach certain speeds. Dont get frustrated and practice everyday for at least an hour or more. And you get where you want to be. Remember to practice rudiments everyday. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS EMAIL ME!!!!

    April Lara

    www.myspace.com/lara_drumline


   Use full turns with you wrist this will help you develop speed eliminate the bounce when practicing rudiments try doing them on a pillow with huge sticks, for increased foot speed try doubles on the floor, this should be your practice before you practice, those muscles will go crazy, once there warm you will know when "you feel the burn", practice on the set with a light pair of sticks, anyone who does not notice a difference in speed your comments are welcome at e-mail address.

    Derrick Lewis


   I have been playing drums for 3 years and have developed an incredibly fast double bass drum (a personal best of 16th notes at 197 bpm smoothly) I feel that the key and secret to fast double bass drum is a good quality metronome. i sit with a metronome for 45 mins everytime i play the drums. Originally i played along to 100bpm concentrating on getting the smoothest sound possible. Then once i had achived that i turned the metronome up to 102 bpm then 104 and so on. The next day i started at 102 bpm and worked my way up from there. then 104 bpm the next day. Now i struggle to achive a higher speed if i neglect to practice at least once everyday this is because you cannot learn double bass drum you develop it, and as quick as it is developed it can be lost.

    Joshua Elliott


   Put in a CD of your favorite band and try to copy the drummer's beats. After I learned all the basics I moved on to the more complex drumming styles. My first song was Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana. It wasn't my favorite song or my favorite band, I just thought I could play the drums, and I was right. Then I moved on the trying to play Green Day songs. Their drummer, Tre Cool is my favorite drummer and his beats are usually very fast and complex. It took me 3 hours to learn St. Jimmy.

    Joey


   LLLLL RRRR RLRL RRLL RLLR RLLL LRLL

    akingbolasan dunsin


   Hello drummers, I'm back. Recently I came up with RSI (Repetative Strain Injury); this happened to me because I'd stupidly play for a while and would not stretch my arms and fingers proprely. While you drum, you use alot of forearm muscle and stretching is very important or else you'd be out of it for 2-3 months like I was.

   But besides all that I got back into it and I decided to be a rudimental drummer. It's helped my co-ordination and also my speed and timing. Keep drumming until you drop ppl. Take care. AND PLEASE STRETCH.

    joseph


   Whether you play snare, set, tenors,etc. practice with lots of stick height. More stick in the air, the better your control down low.

   Also, If you are getting into the double-bass thing, try simple rudiments at first with your feet and try to pick up tempo. Also, start listening to songs that have double-bass, such as Lamb of God, Dream Theater, Rush (little but good), MEGADETH, etc. Start with easier stuff and challenge yourself all the time, practice at work or school listening to a cd player on the floor. That's pretty much how I picked it up. Try basic rhythms first, you can't kick butt the first time you pick it up man.

    Mike Malcom


  1. Beginner drummer must stick to basic
  2. Always listen to a new beat.
  3. Always listen to a pro drummer.
  4. When you reading a notes read it first with your mouth.
  5. Bernard Que


   I like drumming to be fun but be warned, the following is only fun for those who can laugh at their shortcomings and then enjoy sorting them out...

    ...So, the first thing I do when I sit down to practice is play whatever comes to mind. I then count the quarter notes out loud (even if it's odd time) as I play the groove/chop and once I am comfortable with groove/chop and the counting out loud I set my click as slow as it will go... and then I try and play the groove at that tempo. I will normally feel sick with rage at the discomfort that this causes me and I will curse the world. A good swear at an inanimate object normally makes me laugh and so I stick with it and... I promise, hand on heart that sometimes just 30 minutes (I admit some times weeks!) of playing a groove/chop in this fashion (don't forget to count those quarter notes) will drive it so far in to my mind that I know it will never leave me. Ever. Different things work for different people but please have the courage to try this out. I do this most days of the week and I still find some things stop me in my tracks. If you have never tried it you will probably hate it at first but stick with it. You will be delighted once you start getting it down and your stick and foot control (if you pay attention to them) will improve at a satisfying rate. Be good, be lucky and stay happy.

    Thanks for reading.

    Matt Racher


   Remember that even though your playing on a set, or seperate drums, remember that each thing is played differently. So always try to uderstand rythms and the way there supposed to be played. If your on a set try to make your music fun an add sound fill effects. So the same rythm won't sound so boring.

   Always try to have fun with what your playing. Always know that drumming is not always going to be fun. But there are a lot of fun experiencess. theres is alot of work to be a good drummer. And it takes dedication and patients. Always continue working on improving your chops. EMAIL ME FOR ANY QUESTIONS!!!!!

    April Lara


   I've been playing for almost seven months now. Yeah, I know that's not the longest time. Anyway, the two things I can tell everyone is

  1. Listen. To Everything.
  2. Most importantly. Find people to jam with no matter what your playing level.

   You'll find that once your in the pocket that hard pattern you'd been trying to get down by yourself in your room might just erupt in a fit in the jam and leave you wondering what was so difficult about it.

    Greg Gilman


   This is particularly for newer drummers and those veterans who want to try something different. I usually spread my toms as high and wide as possible. This sounds weird, but I have found aside from rudiments this improves your hand speed and awareness of where everything is. It feels like streching out to hit certain notes which feels really ackward at first but when you bring them back together all of your toms feel closer than ever which as I said before warp speeds your limb speed. Try it; I think you will find the results surprising. Thanks for listening.

    maurice tyms


   For those who have reached a plateau! (spelling... no idea-drummer!) Try something new... take up brushes and play only your snare (start basic and build) in only a few weeks your chops will sound awesome, and they'll only improve. If you practice this a few times a week (and make sure to experiment with traditional grip too!) and then transfer the new skills you've learned back to the sticks and the full kit, you'll be amazed at the subtleties that arise. You're playing will cease to sound blocky and one-dimensional and you'll start to hear the definiton that those so-called "pros" get. The only difference between them and us is they got lucky (and an expensive recording deal)... never give up!

    Alex Gregson


   Begin your daily practice by playing with brushes. Do rudiments, stick control exercises for a long time then switch to sticks all the time playing 16ths on your double kick. If you do not have a double kick pedal use your hi hat pedal as the slave.

    Practice any technical exercise first with brushes and then switch over to sticks. Most of all enjoy every practice and playing situation; music is about having fun.

    Glenn Pinto


   The most important thing about playing 1 drum correctly is HOLDING THE STICKS CORRECTLY!!! Pretty much all drummers hold the sticks wrong in the sense that they stifle the natural motion of the drumstick... If you cant play a proper high double or single stroke roll then you are holding the stick wrong... If you cant play one drum than you cant play four...

   Please drummers hold the sticks correctly... that is the most valuable lesson you will ever learn... I promise.

    James Bougill


   Instead of just listening to just the drums, to what ever style music you are listening to, listen more to the music as a whole and try to think about and understand why the drummer is playing what he is playing. Learn to think like the musician not only just to play like him.

    Jason Austan


   Jog or run. Take yourself in this manner to a secluded place, or be safe and go somewhere public. Find somthing sturdy, like a boulder or anything that you can jump onto. Well, jump on it. If its not too high hop with both legs together. If its uncomfortably high, don't do it, or, Lead with one leg, then the other. The higher jump and the more range of motion you get the better, but of course, if your a bit clumsy, stay yourself from this oddly affective work out. I gained crazy stamina from this, (the one leg lead, way high version that is). Benefits: Great view from the top of a mountain, or get in touch with the public, while enjoying mad stamina/volume improvements, gets you some sensational machine gun bass drum action. Try taking the stairs too. Those are good.

    molokai


   Drumming can have its frustrating moments. But if you can deal with them and fight to see it will take time to understand or able to play some types of music or rythm it makes a better drummer. Always try to improve or strengthen your weak points. Wheather it be rudiments or how to hold the stick proper. Soon you will see how many things you can play correctly. If you need any assisstents in drumming, EMAIL ME I WILL RESPOND

    April Lara


QUICKILY!   When you practise you should try to play with very heavy sticks and tighten the spring of your bass-drum-pedal and practise about 30 min like this. After you put everything back.

   To what you’re used to and you will notice that you’ll play much faster.

    Tommy P.


  1. Be inspired. What inspired me was a friend of mine making it in the pub scene getting payed to play drums, he is damn good. I thought to myself.. imagine making a living out of something I enjoy so much. At the time I didn't think i was going anywhere fast with my drumming. That soon changed.
  2. Read all of these tips and implement/try as many as possible - they have fixed maannny of my faults and given me hints that surely would have passed me by.
  3. Practice daily and find ways to not make it a chore. Rudiments work and make it fun. If you have a dream to make it however small or large, as I do, practicing is made alot easier.
  4. By using these tips and your own imagination make a list of as many ways possible to improve your druming- i.e. straightening your back while playing, moving your kit around, straight sticking ect ect.. The list can be endless and it depends how in depth you wish to go or how determined you are.
  5. Listen to and play as many styles as possible to develop your own 'unique' style by implementing everything you like. If possible watch these drummers and study everything they do. Slow mo can be useful.
  6. Strive for perfection.
  7. End practice and playing on a good note. Look forward to playing again. Crave it. Enjoy it.
  8. dave


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