How to Play Drums By Ear

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By Ann Casano
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Bongo drums are a great way to practice timing and rhythm.

Most drummers do not know how to read a single musical note. Playing drums is all about timing, speed, rhythm, coordination and discipline.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Step 1

Grip the sticks very loosely in the middle with your thumb and index finger. The sticks should move freely.
Step 2

Strike the drum stick down on the drum pad. Hold it loosely enough that it pops up on its own. You should only ever be striking down on the drum pad. If your stick is not coming up on its own, you're holding the stick too tight.
Step 3

Practice a simple drumroll. Every time you strike the drum pad, you should get two bounces. Do that with both hands. Then alternate strokes and gradually increase tempo. Practice until you get a full drum roll.

Step 1

Tap your right hand on a hard surface four times. Count out each tap: 1, 2, 3, 4. Each beat should be in the same tempo.
Step 2

Tap your left hand on the third beat. Repeat several times without losing tempo.
Step 3

Add a left foot tap on the first beat. During this exercise, your first beat will be your right hand striking the surface at the same time your right foot hits the ground. The second beat will be just your right hand. The third beat will be your right hand and left hand together. The final beat will be just your right hand.
Step 4

Repeat exercise for three minutes.
Step 5

Move the exercise to a drum kit. Your right hand would be the high-hat. The left hand would be the snare drum. The right foot would be the base drum.

Step 1

Download an online virtual drum game. Train your ear in a game format that sets up a complete drum kit. Many programs offer drum lessons that teach tempo and rhythmic patterns through repetition.
Step 2

Isolate drum parts in the music you listen to. You don't need a drum set to practice beats that you hear on the radio. Tap along to songs to help you with rhythm and timing. Many songs follow a simple four beat pattern like the one above.
Step 3

Practice tapping out beats while you are doing mundane tasks. Keep change in your right pocket to simulate the sound of a high hat. Your left hand would be the snare, the left foot the high hat pedal, the right foot the base. You can practice your drumming while standing in line, sitting at your computer or watching television.
Step 4

Find the beat in everything. Drumming is all about rhythm. Build beats around everyday sounds like an approaching train or a rain storm against a tin roof.

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