How to Play a Drum Set

Drums sound cool, but in the beginning, learning to play a drum set can be overwhelming. Both hands and feet stay busy, often doing different things at the same time on the many pieces of a drum set: bass, snare, toms, cymbals and high-hats. Take your time with the drums and practice often. Soon you'll play like a pro.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drum set
• Drumsticks

1. Practice stick control, but don't be surprised when sticks go flying out of your hands at first. The most common grip is to hold drumsticks loosely between your thumb and second and third fingers; other grips work as well.

2. Remember to count. One of the first beats drummers learn is the 4/4 time signature. Hit the high hat with every beat; bass drum on the first beat and the snare on the third beat.

3. Play drum rudiments, starting with the alternating pattern of a single stroke roll. Increase the speed as you can. A double stroke roll or long roll also alternates, but with double hits--2 lefts and then 2 rights.

4. Stay aware of the timing. Timing is everything when you play a drum set. You need to feel the best inside as you play it. Gradually, you'll be able to increase your speed.

5. Add fills and accents for a break in the groove. These shifts make for a more interesting sound on drum sets.

6. Read drum music, either drum notations or tabs (or both). Music theory adds to your drumming capabilities.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to take lessons at first or at least watch drumming DVDs or video so that you can see how it's done.
• Ask an experienced drummer to teach you how to tune your drum set. The more you play it, the more it will go out of tune.
• Keep an extra pair of drumsticks handy as the ends can break off. Drumheads also break occasionally, but you can buy replacements.