Drumming is a good activity for people who love to listen and make music.Being a drummer in a band teaches collaboration and builds a lot of stamina.Through hours of study, practice, and sweat, you will be ready to join a group.
Step 1: If you are a beginner, purchase a drum set.
You probably don't need the most expensive drum set since you're starting out.You may not enjoy the instrument as much after some practice.If you decide to stick with it, try to find one that is a good enough quality to last a couple years, but not expensive enough to break the bank.The Mendini MJDS-5 is very good for an affordable price.
Step 2: If you want to be a professional drummer, purchase a high-end set.
It might be time to invest some serious cash into a quality kit if you know for sure that drumming is something you will be putting years of your life into.The Gretsch Catalina Series is a very sturdy kit made out of maple wood.
Step 3: You can visit a local music shop.
Take a few kits and see what you like and don't like.Buying online might be cheaper, but you won't get to play it yourself.It would be wise to see the differences between brands for yourself.Determine which drums you like best, because they sound different.
Step 4: If you want guided instruction, hire a teacher.
Some people like to learn on their own.It would be a good idea to reach out to the community to find a drum instructor.If you know someone who can play, you may be able to get a reduced price on lessons.
Step 5: The great drummers have music.
These include legends such as Tony Williams and Buddy Rich.Hearing what drumming done right sounds like is the only way to gauge your current skill and where you want to go.If you want to saturate your brain with beats andtempos that will make their way into your music, buy several albums by lone drummers and those in bands.
Step 6: There are different genres you can study.
Know what kind of music a drum kit can play.The rules that have been developed by drummers over the years will be shown to you.You have to try them all before you decide to play one genre.
Step 7: The essential rudiments can be learned.
Professional drummers know the basics of drumming.These are the things you should know if you want to set yourself apart from being an amateur.They will increase your range and enable you to play more complex songs.As you get each stroke down, start with the single stroke and move up.Many websites have videos that show how each rudiment is done.You have to play along with them to get better at them.Try putting them on a pillow.Since you can do it without being annoying to others, this is a great method to use.You can do this in the car, in your bedroom or on the couch.
Step 8: Practice for fifteen minutes at a time.
If you want to see improvement, you should practice between 30 minutes to an hour each day.After every fifteen minutes, take a five-minute break.This will refresh you so that you don't have to cut the practice sessions short.
Step 9: Listen to a song again.
It will give you a place to start and help you get better at learning beats, as well as revealing what is essential to making your own.Those who have come before you give you a firm foundation to build from.The drummer of the song is using a beat.You can play the music through a speaker.
Step 10: Simple beats are what you should begin with.
You can learn the basics with a couple of songs that have regular drumming.AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long" was made by excellent drummers who you can learn a lot from.
Step 11: It's important to build a good muscle memory.
If you want to play it again, do it one more time.Continue practicing until you can remember the rhythm.You can explore more complex variations of what you are playing when you have that down.You have to remember the song.
Step 12: Before practicing, stretch.
Your body needs to be prepared before you engage in a long term high- performance exercise.It's a good idea to stretch on your joints before drumming.When you drum, your wrists take a lot of beating.You can stretch by pulling on them downward for about twenty seconds and then flexing your wrist in the opposite direction.It is a good idea to warm up your neck.Roll it around so that it is properly stretched before you rock it out.
Step 13: The use of metronomes is recommended.
It's important that you can keep up with the metronomes as more and more bands follow them.Even if it is only a simple beat, playing along with a metronome will get you far.If you can't keep the beat in your head for an entire set, use the metronome.
Step 14: Plan some drumming.
These are important because they give you a chance to show your skills and get noticed by people who are looking for a drummer.If you know how to structure your beats, you need to be fast.If you want to start, hit the toms back and forth while hitting the bass drum.Try not to hold the sticks when you hit the snare.When hitting the high-hat in a solo, take your foot off the pedal and hit the bass pedal.
Step 15: Follow a number.
Try hitting any cymbals for all four beats, then hit the snare on any beat you want.Change the bass beat from one measure to another and you can hit the snare twice in the same measure.
Step 16: You should have fun.
You can let your creativity flow after you get the basics down.If you aren't enjoying yourself after a while, then something is wrong.Don't be hard on yourself.The adventure of forming a new skill is only a beginner's experience.
Step 17: There is a media kit.
You can promote yourself as a drummer on a professional social media page.Take videos of you drumming and post them on the internet.You can send links to potential employers.Increased visibility will make it easier for you to land a gig.
Step 18: You can find places to play.
Do you know if the restaurants, coffee shops, and bars in your area are looking for drummers?If no one is hiring, ask if you can play for free.Exposure is good for you when you start out.Check sites like ThatsMyGig.com frequently to see if there are any postings for drummers in your area.Unless you absolutely have to, never say no to a gig.You never know where you will land more jobs.
Step 19: Make sure to show up on time.
Don't be late if you want to be hired by the same person.If they are paying you, it is disrespectful to keep someone waiting.Someone who is always on time is something that people like.Try to be five to ten minutes early.If there is any traffic, you will be on time.