How to Learn Percussion

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. x

on 11/22/2005 Use wrists rather than forearms.

on 11/22/2005 I have only started using a click track for the past year, after 10 years of reasonably solid drum practice.

I'm now proud to say that I'm using one live when I play with my band. Many drummers may argue that it takes away the feel, and I was skeptical about it, too. However, it has certainly bettered my playing a lot.

Seriously, it makes a big difference. Persevere with it, and don't expect miracles straight away.

Rock on.

on 11/22/2005 Begin by learning basic music theory. Though rhythm is almost intuitive for all of us, if you want to be a good percussionist (no matter if it's drums or ethnic percussion), you should be aware of what you're doing. Knowing the timing and how to write the exact distance betwen two strokes will allow you to better understand what you do, and it will also give you the ability to create new rhythms that would hardly come out by intuition.

Surround yourself with people that have the same interests. If you can't do it in the 3-dimensional world, do it online. There are several communities available.

Finally (but no less importantly), be aware of the sounds. Be sensitive. The percussionist is usually considered to be "deaf," but the truth is, a really good percussionist is able to hear even the tiniest sound and manipulate it to make his own sound more rich and unique. Enjoy your instrument. Don't be afraid to experiment. Don't limit yourself to the strokes that you have seen, and don't hesitate to create your own strokes and sounds. Music is about expression and liberation, not imitation or limitation. Enjoy yourself while playing.

on 11/22/2005 Practice, even if you suck. Practice. Don't give up.