How to Improve Hand Speed for Drumming

If you are a drummer, it is important to use both hands. Proper hand speed is crucial. A player must be able to use both bands interdependently to execute specific rudiments. It is common for drummers to be deficient in the use of their weak hand. Right-handed players often find it difficult, at times, to execute specific techniques that involve their left hands. Left-handed drummers have troubles with their right hands. Getting over these hurdles is actually quite easy. All it takes is speed training and practice. I have been playing drums professionally for almost 30 years, and I still work on my speed.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Drumsticks
• Bed pillow
• Snare drum stand
• Practice pad or hard cover text book
• Metronome

1. Have your practice gear handy. To improve your hand speed, you need a pair of drumsticks, a practice pad and a bed pillow. Sit behind your drum or drum set and play as you normally would when you practice. Be honest with yourself about what you are deficient in executing. If you are not strong in a particular area, begin your practice routine working on your weak spots. Lack of speed is a common problem for drummers. Some drummers know exactly what they need to play, but physical limitations prevent them from doing so. A lagging drummer will almost always spoil the performance of an entire band or orchestra.

2. Warm up, then put your practice pad to use. Most practice pads are fairly inexpensive and fit onto standard snare drum stands. If you don't have a practice pad or the time or funds to obtain one, a hardcover textbook will suffice. Instead of a snare stand, a book may be placed on a sturdy end table or desktop. Begin playing rudiments on your practice pad. Pay close attention to bounding the tips of your sticks off the surface of the pad or book. Keep in mind that drumming involves dynamics and keen wrist work. The world's best drummers know how to create notes by controlling the sticks as they bounce. Play 10 to 15 chops in a row. If you are weak in playing notes with your left hand, strike your pad with your left drumstick, playing single notes. Repeat these notes slowly, gradually increasing the speed. Then add notes with your right hand. Alternate notes: left-right-left-right. Gradually increase your speed. As the the rolls gain speed, continue for 2 minutes. Rest for 15 seconds. Repeat this exercise five times.

3. Place a bed pillow on top of your practice pad or book. Begin the same exercise you performed with only your practice pad. You will notice that the tips of your sticks will not bounce off the surface of the pillow. Your wrists and arms will do most of the work. By doing this exercise, you will be gaining arm and wrist strength. You will also be training your hands to follow your brain's commands. You may experience a significant amount of fatigue when practicing on a pillow. Work through it and repeat the exercise five times.

4. Play the drums! After a 1-minute break from speed training, move to your drum or set and begin your normal practice routine. You will feel a slight difference in how your drum heads respond to your sticks after working out on a pillow and pad. Your drum head will obviously be tighter and have more bounce than the pillow. However, it is likely that your pad will have a bit more bounce than the head on your drums. This may cause some confusion and clumsiness at first and may affect your timing, however, using a metronome, which every drummer should use as a practice tool, will keep you in the pocket.There you have it: a simple way to increase your hand speed. Pillow training provides the necessary drag you will need to work through weaknesses.

Tips & Warnings

• Always stretch before and after playing. Begin each practice session with a series of body stretches, just as you would if you were preparing to participate in an athletic event.
• Pay close attention to keeping your wrists properly stretched at all times. Drummers who fail to protect their hands may be susceptible to carpal tunnel syndrome and other wrist problems.