How to Drum Creatively

Drumming is a skill, and it can be very technical. Beginners learn the basics of keeping a beat and using both hands to create the sound simultaneously. This can take quite a bit of time to master, but once you have the technicalities down you can begin to drum creatively. In order to add spice to your drumming, however, you need to think outside the box.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Improvise to add to your drumming abilities. Sit at home and play around on the drums.

2. Experiment with new styles and techniques. Instead of keeping the beat with both sticks, use one hand to maintain the back beat and add to texture of the sound with the other hand.

3. Play with intention. At home, or during band practices, have a set of goals in mind before you sit down. Think about a certain beat you want to master and go after it. Practicing with intent helps you drum more creatively.

4. Use the melody, or rhythm, of the song to inspire you. In the beginning, it is easy to get lost in the technicality of your role as the beat keeper. Leave that role in the back of your mind and really focus on the songs that are being played. This helps to inspire creativity and chance in your drumming.

5. Listen to other types of music to help you drum creatively. In order for any artist to truly master his craft, he should expose himself to different genres of the art. If you are a metal man, or play in a pop band, broaden your musical horizons with listening to jazz. Play jazz records and try to imitate some of the solos you hear.

6. Strengthen your weak hand. If you have a prominant hand you use for drumming, try practicing without that hand a few times a week. This helps with bringing the weaker hand up to speed with the stronger, and it helps you drum more creatively.

[RosssFrazer]

on 4/20/2008 Thanks,

This article was really helpful as I am a beginner drummer who is in a pop punk/acoustic band called RDo =D

Ross.