Drummers

[Viking22]

I want to attempt to learn the skins. I'd prefer to learn on my own with instructional material rather than hire a teacher. Can anyone point me in the right direction for such materials. Also, can you suggest a starting drum kit. Something to learn on. Should I progress nicely, I could upgrade down the line. Also, any advice in the area of learning would be appreciated too. You know, "What would you tell someone who is trying to learn the drums."

Thanks.

[323mattb]

I hate to say it, but I've been playing for 15 yrs, and in all that time, I never met a single "self taught" drummer worth a sh!t. Seriously, at least take lessons for a year or so to learn proper stick technique, how to utilize wrists and fingers, how to play proper rudiments, etc. Plus, there is no way to play drums (well) without first learning to play a snare drum. If you can't roll, you're screwed. Best of luck.

[Hartski]

I've been drumming for about 15 years.
Start out with a snare drum. Or even a practice pad for that matter.
I suggest you take lessons for a little while to get the basics down.

[Viking22]

Let's say I'm looking to play as a hobby and have no intentions of joining a band. Would I be able to get to the point of playing along with songs without hiring a teacher?

[323mattb]

I don't think so. At least take 4 or 5 lessons so you know how to properly play notes and taps, hold the sticks, etc. I know it seems simple, but if you talk to any music teacher, they'll usually agree that the most difficult instrument to play correctly is the snare drum/drumset.

[pearldrummer]

yeah i would agree. at least take a few months of lessons to get the basics down. Then i would reccomend to take a few more lessons later on to make sure you are doing everything correct. but if you are really stuck on being self tought there are some good videos out there. jsut go to www.musiciansfriend.com and look through their books and videos. i used to have a book called funky primer or something like that and it has a light blue cover and a drawn drumset on the front and it had all the basic beats and then progressed, it was a pretty good book.

[BritBoy]

Yeh, lessons are a good idea to begin with. Unlike guitar there are so many things that cant's be taught from books and the like, little things like foot positionings and slight changes to grip. And before any guitarist get all uppity about my comments, I play too :D As for a starter kit, I got a Tama Swingstar, but if I had the cash I'd have gone for the Rockstar or maybe an entry/mid-level Pearl

[pearldrummer]

Yeh, lessons are a good idea to begin with. Unlike guitar there are so many things that cant's be taught from books and the like, little things like foot positionings and slight changes to grip. And before any guitarist get all uppity about my comments, I play too :D As for a starter kit, I got a Tama Swingstar, but if I had the cash I'd have gone for the Rockstar or maybe an entry/mid-level Pearl


i would first get a vic firth or similar practice pad and play on that for alittle while learning rudiments and stuff.

then for a druim set, i would go with a pearl export or if you are really broke or just dont know if you are going to stick with it then get the swingstar. both are pretty good beginner sets.

[tank03]

I want to attempt to learn the skins. I'd prefer to learn on my own with instructional material rather than hire a teacher. Can anyone point me in the right direction for such materials. Also, can you suggest a starting drum kit. Something to learn on. Should I progress nicely, I could upgrade down the line. Also, any advice in the area of learning would be appreciated too. You know, "What would you tell someone who is trying to learn the drums."

Thanks.

well you gonna need to build your chops up also, I spent 7yrs playing in school concert/symphonic and marching bands. Get a pair of marching sticks (they'll be heavier and larger) and play set after set of 25's on a pillow for awhile and you'll be set. Do not use them on the drums though.

Learning to play drums takes alot of dedication and practice...and if you're planning on sounding anything close to good you'll have to practice at least 3 hours a day just getting technique and rhythm down...and that's just on one drum.

So get someone to help if you can, but if that's not avaliable just work your arse off.

Try to also learn to read music, that helps alot when you can find sheet music from other bands and stuff so you can practice those...but there are things that can't be taught like playing by ear, adjusting, when to use dynamics, and other things...remember soon you'll be making up your own stuff when you're playing in a band and you don't want to be sounding the same over and over again...you DO want those drum solos right? ;) Best of luck