If becoming a drummer has been your lifelong dream, it's time to put your plan into action. While some prefer to hire a teacher and learn this skill, others resort to self-study. Because there are tons of free lessons and online resources that offer valuable lessons, you can learn this skill without paying a single dime from the comfort of your own home.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to play the drums and learn the skills.
Equipment you need
Before learning various techniques for playing the drums, it is first necessary to understand the proper equipment that you can buy and own. As a beginner you will need:
- Drumsticks: A pair of good quality drumsticks can be bought online at a music store. They typically cost between $ 10 and $ 30 and can be practiced on a drum pad.
- metronome: Before you start drumming, practice playing beats and keeping a tempo on a metronome. This device is used to keep the time and the pulse rate. This will help a beginner develop a sense of tempo, beats, time, and rhythm.
- Drums: Before buying a drum kit, you need to learn the basics with the drums and drumsticks. Since a drum kit can be an expensive investment, you need to make sure that it is being used well. If you don't learn the basics, it is unwise to buy a drum kit because it costs a few hundred dollars.
- Rudiment book: Learning the basics is essential for drumming. Even if you can't read notes yet, there are several variations you can learn over time. You can easily find a book online and start learning. Similar downloadable lessons are also available on music blogs.
Learn to hold the drumsticks
You cannot learn to drumming if you cannot hold the drumsticks properly. There are two ways to grip and hold your drumsticks – traditional grip and matching grip.
Traditional handle: Extend your left hand and position it in a handshake. Place a drumstick between your index finger and thumb so that it is wedged between the webbing. The cuticle of your ring finger is used to support the stick. With your thumb resting on the first knuckle of your index finger and your middle finger on the stick, use the webbing between your index finger and thumb as a fulcrum. At the beginning of the game, rotate your forearm.
Matching handle: In this grip, both drumsticks are held in the same position. The point between the index finger and thumb acts as a fulcrum, while your thumb rests on the stick just above your index finger. French, German and American are three variations of this grip.
For professional results, take care of your drumstick grip and perfect it as much as possible.
Start learning
Follow these steps to finally get your first drum experience –
1. Buy your equipment
Talk to professionals and do thorough research to make an informed decision. You need to invest in quality drum equipment to support and improve your skills. Check the reviews and compare prices to narrow your search.
2. Set up and fine-tune your drums
Before you start playing, you should learn how to properly set up and tune your drums. This step is often overlooked by beginners, which can lead to poor results.
3. Learn and play drum rudiments
The next step is to play drum rudiments or drumming patterns. Rudiments are known as the basis for learning to play the beat. Try to learn as many basics as possible to build your rhythmic knowledge. There are 40 rudiments in total, and you must invest the same amount of time learning each one.
4th Learn to read sheet music and music sheets
If you are a beginner, notes and sheets can seem like code. However, as you learn to read them, with time and practice you can play a musical set of your choice. If you plan to play in a music band or professionally, you will be expected to read sheet music.
5. Read tabs
Drum tabs are similar to notes and sheet music, but stick to the instrument. Drum parts with abbreviations are called drum strips. Learning to use drum tabs is also crucial.
Applying this knowledge you will be ready to master this art and make your dream of becoming a drummer come true. In addition to acquiring and using the right knowledge, the most important thing is to find the right equipment. The right tools will help you improve your newly acquired skills and create a solid foundation for learning. If you want to become a pro, make sure you practice consistently.
