Learning how to drum is fun and exciting, but getting started can seem a little daunting for beginners.
The first step is finding the right drum set to learn on. While cost is always a factor, the most important part of choosing a drum set is deciding what type of music you want to play. Different drums, drum set-ups and amplification possibilities are used in different styles of music.
After you have the right drum set for you, learning how to sit will make the difference between good drumming and bad drumming. In general, drummers should always sit up straight and have their stool situated just high enough so that when their feet are on the pedals, their knees make an angle of 90 to 110 degrees. This will not only help you produce better sound, but also eliminate unnecessary strain on your body.
Once you’re sitting correctly, practice holding the drumsticks. There are three main styles of gripping drumsticks: matched, traditional and French. With the matched grip, drummers hold the sticks in each hand the same way with palms facing down. In the traditional grip, drummers hold the sticks from the bottom with their palms facing up. In the French grip, drummers hold the sticks with just their fingers.
The most important goal of a drummer is keeping the beat, which can be challenging for some beginners. The easiest way to use this is to procure a metronome and practice playing with it going in the background at different speeds.
The final step on your way to becoming a drumming pro is to learn drum rudiments. Professionals use these standard drum patterns for practice and warm-up. Learning these provides the groundwork for more elaborate playing in the future.
Following these tips will get you well on your way to becoming a seasoned drummer in no time.