How to Play Fast Beats on the Drums

Fast drumming requires upper body strength, quick hands and a flawless sense of timing. Improvisation is an essential skill for drummers in any non-Classical music setting, such as Rock, Jazz or Country. By letting the drumhead do the work, drummers can perform fast drumming longer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Improvise during fast beat drumming. The faster drumbeats provide drummers with a more open-ended rhythm.

2. Use the toms for the primary performance instrument instead of saving them for filler in drum rolls and the like.

3. Play a cadent speed to create a drumming baseline from which to work. The cadent speed does not have to be elaborate.

4. Keep time with the floor tom.

5. Mix in beats from the hi-hat and the ride cymbals to increase the sensation of speed.

6. Hold the drumstick properly so that it rotates around the index finger while playing fast drumming style.

7. Use the bounce of the stick off the drum head to develop speedier drumming. As the stick bounces off the skin push the stick back down with wrist action.