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Home Ten Tips for Drummers
TIP ONE - PRACTICE SLOW
No matter what you're practicing, it's important to start out slow AND CORRECT -then
gradually build up speed. Some beginning drummers want to play fast the first time they
sit down. Unfortunately, it just doesn't work that way. Drumming takes a lot of serious
practice. Work on playing with the correct technique at a comfortable tempo. Continue to
increase the tempo as you build your muscle memory. If you start out playing fast and
therefore sloppy, it will become a bad habit and limit your drumming. Although it can
sometimes be frustrating to play it slow, stick with it. You'll definitely be glad you
did. Learn it the right way first. Speed comes second.
TIP TWO - KEEP STEADY HI-HAT
No matter what you're playing on the other drums, always keep a steady rhythm on the
hi-hat. For example, if you're playing a cool beat on the ride in 4/4, open and close the
hi-hats on two and four. The reason for this is to keep a rhythm going; and you won't get
lost in your killer fills!
TIP THREE- PRACTICE WITH METRONOME
Whenever you practice, use a metronome! It's the drummers job to keep the tempo for the
band. So the best way to get used to playing in perfect tempo is with a metronome.
Whenever you pick up a pair of sticks, pull out the metronome as well.
TIP FOUR - CREATIVE FILLS
If you are at a loss for some fills, try this.....pick a couple of rudiments and combine
them together to make fills that work for the song you want to use them in. Paradiddles
are always fun. Don't be afraid to add a few bass drum hits. Always using just your hands
can get a bit boring. Experiment, and you'll get some good fills !
TIP FIVE - GET A PRACTICE PAD
One great investment is a practice pad. It's always good to practice the basics whether
your just starting out or a pro. And since you can't haul around your drums everywhere,
the drum pad is a perfect companion wherever you go. On a long car trip, at work, at
school, in the bathroom, while your laying in bed, you can take it just about anywhere!
TIP SIX - PRACTICE WITH RUDIMENTS
If you only have a snare drum to work with, that's OK. There is plenty of practice with
rudiments and combinations + variations of them. Here's a tip.....Set up your snare drum
and when you're doing rudiments, tap your right foot like you're using a bass drum pedal.
Try quarter notes, then eighth notes, and work up to sixteenth notes with your foot. It's
really good practice to do this, and will help a lot if you get a full drum kit. Try to
keep a good steady beat with your foot, without letting it interfere with your sticking !
TIP SEVEN - CYMBAL MAINTENANCE
This is a cymbals tip. Be very careful what you use to clean your cymbals. Most cymbals
have a protective "lacquer" coating which will be stripped off with abrasive
brass or metal cleaners. Use a special cymbal cleaner such as Zildjian cymbal polish.
Sometimes, even with this, it's hard to get stick marks completely off, though. If you
have cymbals that have the finish either removed or worn off, they will tarnish very
quickly.
TIP EIGHT - DRUM KIT SUPPORT
It's a good idea to have your drum kit sitting on something that will not allow it to move
when you're playing (like a carpet or mat). But one thing you must be careful about is the
bass drum pedal. It will make marks on a rug and scratch a hard floor. Sit it on an old
towel. Also, when attaching the bass drum pedal to the drum, insert small pieces of foam
or cloth between it and the drum rim, above and below, so the drum rim won't become
nicked. It will also keep it from moving.
TIP NINE - LISTEN TO THE PROS
Whenever you listen to the radio, or your favorite songs, begin to listen
carefully to the drums. Listen to exactly what the drummer is doing, and especially what
makes his or her style unique. Do you like it, or does it bother you? WHY???? If you like
it, try to play along. If you don't like it, play along anyway, and try some of your own
drumming to see how you can make it better (in your own way). This is one of the best ways
to get very good and develop your own special style of drumming !
TIP TEN - MOST IMPORTANT
Never give up! Drumming can seem very awkward at the beginning and many give up thinking
that they don't have the right type of brain function or are just too uncoordinated. But
please believe me, you will get it if you just take it slow, with focused and persistant
efforts. You will find yourself up against a wall many many times. Keep pushing...
breakthroughs happen - EVERY TIME!
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