Tips on Learning to Play the Drums
Learning to play the drums is a gradual, yet rewarding process. Aim to develop a blend of technical ability, theoretical understanding, feel and originality during the learning process. Don't focus too much on technique to the detriment of theory or feel. Balance your learning to include all elements. Although the process can be slow, you won't always progress at a steady rate. You'll spend some weeks perfecting a single technique and other weeks will be full of breakthroughs and success. There are some tips that will help you stick to it.
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Find a Comfortable Playing Position
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Adjust your drum stool so that your knee is at a right angle to your shin. You should be to press the kick drum pedal without moving your entire leg. The movement should come from your foot. Each drum should be within reach; you shouldn't have to lunge to reach anything. Relax your shoulders and focus on economy of movement.
Break Up Your Practice Sessions
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While rudiments and rhythmical theory are essential, doing nothing but those for an hour or more at a time is no fun. Break your practice sessions up so that you spend a third of the time applying the theory of drumming, such as playing in different time signatures. Spend a third of the time practicing your rudiments, such as basic shuffle patterns. Then treat yourself to a period of time where you explore the sonic capabilities of your kit. Fool around, play songs you like and relax into the rhythm.
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Use a Metronome
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The biggest asset a drummer has is her timing. The ability to keep a beat without dropping behind or speeding ahead is valuable in the professional context, especially in the studio where repeated takes cost money. Set the metronome 120 beats per minute and practice your grooves and rhythms. If you can hear the metronome between your own beats, it means you've gone out of time.
Use Words to Influence Drum Patterns
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Open a book at a random page and pick a sentence. "Play" that sentence on the drums. Let the meter and accents in that sentence inform your groove. For example, "Pat-Boone-Debbie-Boone" refers to a very common drum lick. "November Rain" by Guns 'N' Roses and "Scooby Snacks" by Fun Lovin' Criminals both feature prominent examples of this simple fill. Use vocabulary to influence your own licks, riffs and fills. This technique will give you a greater appreciation of meter and accent.
Practice on Your Legs
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You don't need to be at your kit to practice. You can practice tapping out rhythms while you're riding in transit or otherwise killing time. Count along in your head and practice switching hands. While you won't be able to develop your rolls or sticking technique, you'll certainly be able to perfect some new rhythms in this basic manner.
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