Do you want to learn how to play drums like a pro? Then take it into your head that you will have to work hard. You must devote yourself totally to this practice and be willing to do whatever is necessary. Read the following steps to learn how to play drums as if you were born for it.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Work Hard
Step 1. Practice
If you don't practice you will never be good. You will need to practice quite a lot.
Step 2. Take drum lessons
Many drummers will tell you they are self-taught. This leads some musicians to think that the lessons are not necessary, and therefore will avoid taking them. But, without a solid foundation, you could develop bad habits that will take years to break down. Find a reputable and qualified teacher to teach you the basics of drums before proceeding any further. Make sure you learn how to read music and are familiar with different playing styles.
Step 3. Get a good set
Remember that a drum kit will also sound based on the person using it. A great kit played by a beginner will perform badly, while a cheap one from an unknown brand, tuned and played by an experienced drummer, will sound great. However, solid equipment is by no means to be underestimated. Buy a stool that is suitable for your height and weight, and on which you can have a good balance. Make sure that the pedals press effortlessly and that the drums and cymbals are stable on their supports.
Step 4. Get noticed
An old saying goes "Out of sight, out of mind", and it is one of the greatest truths ever told. You can be one of the best drummers, but if no one sees you playing you will never come out. Learn some marketing techniques and be seen. Make sure everyone in town knows you. Attend jam sessions and take business cards with you. Leave no stone unturned.
Step 5. Follow the mantra “Without effort, nothing is achieved”
Anyone who lifts weights knows that muscle building progress happens when you get past that point where you want to stop. The same thing goes for the drums: if you apply yourself as necessary and if you practice assiduously you will notice an extraordinary difference in your performance. Take a leap forward, and don't settle for mediocrity.
Step 6. Be professional
Warm up before each concert, play for the music and not for yourself, be punctual and behave professionally. The reputation you earn will determine how long you work. If you're not the first to take yourself seriously, neither will others.
Step 7. Play with other musicians whenever you get the chance
You will learn a lot more by playing in a band than by yourself in your room. Never turn down a date and always be willing to play musical styles that are unfamiliar to you.
Step 8. Develop your style
You will never know what your style is as long as you just copy other people's tempos, and once you join a band you can't copy them for your own music. Also, don't make two commitments at the same time, and if you really want to cancel a date, make sure you find someone who can replace you.
Method 2 of 2: Play with More Experienced Musicians
Step 1. Make a commitment to play with more experienced musicians than you, even if it's a rehearsal or jam session
Don't be afraid - this type of experience will only advance you a level. Of course, they don't have to be much more experienced than you, or you may find yourself in trouble. But if you feel comfortable and can learn something, take advantage of it.
Step 2. Be passionate and listen to what the band leader says
Don't be stubborn just thinking about how good you are. Instead, listen for advice on what is best to leave alone and what you need to improve.
Step 3. If the band leader says you make too much noise and need to calm down, don't take it personally
He is probably right. He's just trying to keep you up to date with everyone else. Remember that your goal is to play with other musicians, which means you have to change your style a little bit.
Step 4. Be aware of your environment
If it is a small room you will have to adapt and play softly, in a larger room you will be able to make more noise.
Step 5. Learn to master the dynamics
Play at least 10 different volume levels. You can propose one of these 10 to the band leader.
Advice
- Remember not to be too stiff to try to go perfectly in time; trying to be too precise will have a detrimental effect on your timing. Have fun while you play - if you feel the groove, your audience will feel it too. Focus on keeping time but don't get overwhelmed!
- Learn to play different rhythms, such as 2/4, 4/4, 3/4, 6/8, or 3/8. This will improve your versatility.
- Warm up before you start playing. A little exercise will literally warm up your muscles and make them move faster and more agile.
- Use dynamics. Don't just sit back and play anything at a super loud volume. Practice playing softly and using accents within the fills to bring your playing to life. You will play much better and be able to impress your audience.
- Listen carefully to what other musicians are playing while jamming with them.
- Record while you play. Many drummers are surprised at the quality of their playing, both positively and negatively. When you listen to it again, you are able to catch rhythmic or tempo imperfections so that you can polish them.
- Listen carefully to your favorite drummers! Playing with headphones to your favorite drummers' music is a lot of fun and can be as effective as practicing with a metronome. Many professional drummers started out this way. Start with a simple, slow piece, and work your way up to faster, more complex pieces.
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Use proper posture. "Sit with your back straight", this will improve your technique and you will also be more comfortable.
This doesn't mean you have to stand as straight as a light pole, but with better posture you will be able to perform more complicated techniques
- Learn advanced techniques such as the Moeller technique, heel-toe, or one-handed roll to take your playing level even higher.
- Improve stamina. Time yourself and see how long you can maintain repetitive motions and practice in order to break your record. When doing these exercises, whatever you are doing, STAY RELAXED. If you are tense and squeezing the sticks too tight, you will gradually decrease the speed, affecting the technique.
- Relax the handle! Chopsticks should be held between thumb and middle finger, despite what many people say; in fact, the index serves to hold the stick in position, it does not act as a point of rotation. The little finger and ring finger are also useful for controlling the wand, so don't hold it too tightly but not vice versa.
- If you like to play along with some music, buy some isolating headphones and plug them into your music player. This is a great way to cover up the noise from your performance while avoiding hearing damage.
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Practice anytime and anywhere!
You don't need to have your entire kit with you to improve. Clapping on every possible surface, even on the knees, helps to improve. By associating each hit you give to a beat, you get used to familiarizing yourself with the rhythm. Remember to tap quietly, otherwise other people will get annoyed.
- Play with a friend! Learning to integrate and synchronize your performance with that of other people will help you in case you join a band.
- Effort = Results!
- Learn the basics of as many musical styles as possible. It's okay to specialize (jazz, metal, funk, etc.) but the more different styles you know, the more versatile you will be and the more opportunity you will have to play.
- Play with a metronome. Your most important function in a band will be to play in time and provide a solid foundation for other musicians. However, be careful not to get addicted: play a few tempos following the metronome and then try to play them without them.
- Learn to read music! There is also notation for drums, as for note-based instruments. Learning to read notation will allow you not only to learn from drum books and tablatures, but also to transcribe your own beats and share them with other drummers.
- Give consistent, even strokes. It is crucial to have a professional sound and to keep time. Practicing while counting aloud can be extremely helpful. Try accenting the first hit of each bar to help you keep time.
- Learn good technique! First, learn to hold chopsticks in your hand. Again there are several methods, such as holding the back of the hand facing up for greater efficiency, or the thumb up for greater control.
- Learn the fundamentals. Buy a practice pad and, even in front of the TV, practice holding the sticks by learning basic techniques and accents. It will greatly improve your drum performance!
Warnings
- Take care of your ears! The battery produces volume levels between 100 and 120 dB. Wear ear plugs when you play.
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PRACTICE WITH ADEQUATE TECHNIQUE!
If you don't play correctly, you will soon face problems like arthritis and wrist pain. If, on the other hand, your technique is adequate, you can play even 4 hours straight every day up to 60 years without having any physical problems.
