Where to start playing drums
Interested in getting started on the drums, but don't know where to start? This is a great choice. Playing the drums is incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it. If you're a beginner, you'll be taking the first steps towards what could become a lifelong passion and career.
6/27/20243 min read
Get your equipment
Before we get into the technical side of things, the first thing you'll need to consider is getting a beginner's kit. Luckily, you won't need much. You'll want to start with a simple but sturdy drum kit. That way you'll have something to practice with. As you progress, you'll be able to upgrade the parts.
In addition to a kit, you'll also want to get some drumsticks. You can find a wide variety of sticks, from light to medium to heavy weight. The type of drumstick you choose will depend on the style of drumming you decide to practice. It is often best to start with a light stick and experiment with heavier sticks once you feel more comfortable.
Learn the basics
Once you have your kit and sticks, you're ready to start learning the basics. The first thing you'll want to get comfortable with is your hand position. You'll need to find a comfortable and natural position for your hands that allows you to move easily between the different parts of the kit.
Next, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the different parts of your drum kit. You'll have a variety of drums and cymbals, and it's important that you know the different sounds each one offers. You'll also want to learn the different techniques for playing each part of the kit.
Practice
Now it's time to move on to the most important part of playing the drums: practice! It is important to practice regularly and consistently. You will need to set aside time each day to practice. Focus on the basics, such as hitting patterns, speed and rhythmic feel.
It will also be important for you to begin to familiarize yourself with the basics of music theory. Learning to read and understand music notation will help you better understand the music you will play in the future.
Looking for a teacher
Finally, find a teacher or mentor to guide you. A good teacher can help you avoid developing bad habits and can give you valuable feedback and advice. You can hire a professional teacher, or simply find an experienced drummer in your area who is willing to help you get started.
Another great resource for beginners is to check out videos and blogs on the internet(including this blog 😉). There are many great resources where you can find useful tips and tutorials that will help you improve your playing.
Evaluate your progress
Finally, evaluate your progress and celebrate your successes. Playing drums takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself. It is important to take time to reflect on what you have learned and the progress you have made.
If you are just starting to play the drums, it is important to stay calm and relaxed. Don't let frustration get the best of you. Drumming is supposed to be fun, so keep that in mind as you continue to improve. Learning to play the drums takes time and patience, but with dedication and practice, you can become a great drummer.
One of the most important tips that has helped me progress the most, has been to record myself. You may think you're doing everything right, but it's not until you review the recordings that you may see that there are details that could use improvement. Recording yourself is useful from the first day and it will also be a nice souvenir in which you can see how you are progressing.
In short, playing drums can be a great way to express yourself and connect with others. So, if you're a beginner, take the time to get your gear and start learning the basics. And remember, practice is the key to success!