In today’s article, you can check out the complete step-by-step guide to learning how to play drums from scratch! Undoubtedly, the battery is one of the tools that attracts the most attention. For its sound, its size, for the performances of the musicians … There are many reasons to fall in love with this beautiful set of drums, cymbals and […] The post How to play the drums: 7 tips to get started with the instrument first appeared on Cifra Club.
In today’s article, you can check out the complete step-by-step guide to learning how to play drums from scratch!
Undoubtedly, the battery is one of the tools that attracts the most attention. For its sound, its size, for the performances of the musicians … There are so many reasons to fall in love with this beautiful set of drums, cymbals and hardware.
Therefore, for you who want to learn how to play the drums, we have prepared a complete material, with the best tips to get started with the instrument. Follow with us!
How to learn to play the drums?
Tips for those who want to start studying the drums include knowledge of the instrument itself and practical advice.
However, it’s worth noting that our goal isn’t to turn you into a wand master just by reading an article. This is because the path to evolution in any instrument is not short. The journey to a good musical performance requires commitment, dedication and a lot of study!
That said, let’s go step by step on how to play the drums:
1. Know the parts of the battery
First of all, you need to know the instrument you are going to play. Therefore, it is essential master the recognition of the parts that make up the battery. Take a look at the anatomy of a battery:
- Cashier: acute song, which marks the rhythmic attacks of a song. In the case of right-handers, played with the left hand and placed between the drummer’s knees;
- bass drum: operated by a pedal (guided by the right foot, for right-handers). It is responsible for the lowest sound of the instrument;
- Tones and deaf: these are the other drums that make up a battery. They are assembled according to the needs of the drummer (like the other pieces) and usually reflect the style of the musician. You can have dozens of tone / deaf – like Neil Peart – or even not having any, as in the case of drummers with kit reduced;
- Hi-hat (hi-hat): combination of two cymbals, also pedal operated (generally controlled by the left foot). With the instrument it is possible to join (close) or separate (open) the cymbals, experimenting with different timbres and speeds for the instrument;
- Guide plate: as the name suggests, it performs the function of driving the drums, being an alternative to hi-hat for different parts of the same song;
- Attachment plate: on the other hand, crash cymbals are a great tool for weighting songs more, filling them with their loud and long sound, scoring, etc.
This initial knowledge of the anatomy of the instrument will help you a lot! However, be sure to delve into these questions with our special article on battery parts.
Furthermore, it is important not only to know the elements that make up a battery, but also to know how to organize them, tune them (in the case of the drums) and ride them to play.
2. Look for drum brands and drumstick types
Before buying your battery, you can’t fail to make a Dense and in-depth research on instrument brands and models. You need to have a good understanding of the “drum market” in order not to fall into a hole.
So, visit websites that specialize in selling tools, consult with knowledgeable people, and go to physical stores to take a closer look at the options.
If you prefer (also for the cost-benefit ratio), choose to buy a used battery. However, make sure it is in good condition and meets your needs as a drummer.
Alike, discover all types of chopsticks – manufacturers, dimensions, weight, etc. – invest in the ideal model for you. always give priority to comfortas this is an essential factor in playing the drums well, and try the sticks in your hands before making your purchase.
3. Pay attention to the posture of the body and the grip of the chopsticks
Speaking of convenience, here it is even more justified. sit properly it is crucial for good battery performance. Know the correct way to position the stool – both height and distance from the tool – and how to sit on it.
It is recommended to position yourself at a 90 ° angle between the bench and the floor. Also, a tip is not to cover the entire surface of the bench. This way you don’t restrict the movement of your thighs, making it much easier to control the pedals.
As for the handprint, it is equally important handle the chopsticks comfortably. This is because bad behavior in this aspect can damage both the performance and the health of the drummer.
In short, we have four ways to hold the sticks. Are they:
- matched socket (modern imprint): most common way of holding the sticks, with the thumb and index finger acting as a lever and the other fingers completing the grip;
- traditional grip (regular footprint): commonly used by drummers Jazz. The wand is wedged between the thumb and forefinger, while the other fingers act as a support;
- French outlet (French imprint): grip that gives the fingers full responsibility for the movement of the sticks. Used by musicians of more refined technical styles (jazz and sambaFor instance);
- German socket (German imprint): way to hold the sticks with the palm facing down. It is a more relaxed way that requires more movement and control of the wrist and forearm.
See below the very complete video of our excellent teacher João de Paula on the types of stick grip:
4. Organize your studies
As with any tool, concentration and organization are essential for playing drums. So, make a study plan. In other words, organize your schedule so that drum learning is part of your routine.
Remember, it is much more productive and effective to study half an hour a day than three consecutive hours once a week. Then, separate the topics and exercises you intend to tackle to have, in fact, good learning planning.
If you think it is unthinkable to study drums every day because it is not possible to have one at home, know that this is a foregone conclusion. This is because you can invest in a pad, very interesting study material for those who want to learn how to play drums. Watch:
By the way, Cifra Club has prepared an incredible novelty for you: we are talking about our Free e-book “How to play drums without drums”! Log in and enjoy this wonderful theme!
5. Do the first few exercises
To begin the practical part, start with the basic exercises, always accompanied by a metronome.
The most recommended is, first, to learn the signs of the quarter notes. Taking as a basis 4/4 of measure, we have four beats (beats) per measure. These are precisely the quarter notes.
So, first speak each sign aloud and then strike the wand on your study object (battery case or pad). This way you will become familiar with the notions of rhythmfootprint, beat intensity and other questions on the study of the battery.
Likewise, practice eighths. To understand this concept, know that a quarter note is made up of two eighth notes. That is, it is a subdivision of the previous exercise.
Then move on to the hi-hat exercises and practice pedal control. Remember to always work with both hands, individually or alternately.
6. Play the first groove
After practicing the initial exercises and building your rhythmic sense, it’s time to finally play the drums for the first time in earnest! To do this, perform the most basic rhythm of all, with no initial variations.
Maintain a crotchet marking pattern on the hi-hat. Next, place alternating rhythms on the snare and bass drum. To do this, imagine 4/4 time with measures 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Count from one to four out loud, slowly and steadily. The hi-hat will score all the counts, the kick drum enters at 1 and the snare at 3. Find out what each beat will look like:
- 1: hi-hat + bass drum
- 2: hi-hat
- 3: hi-hat + snare drum
- 4: hi-hat
Practice until you catch the hand and you can play several bars in a row without interruption. Soon you will be able to add variations, turnsplay full songs and even use the file double pedal. The sky is the limit for battery evolution!
7. Get the best possible follow-up
Our last step in knowing how to play the drums in the best way is to have good support, a reliable source of reference and quality study materials. First of all know that yes, it is possible to learn how to play drums on your own.
However, having effective follow-up that really contributes to the learning and evolution of the tool is fantastic. Therefore, our golden tip is actually an invitation: join the Club Academy Codeour online educational platform!
To the drum courseled by the great João de Paula, you have access to very complete classes that will enrich your theoretical and practical knowledge!
Plus, with a subscription, you have access to all other available courses. We have various instruments, singing, sheet music and music theory. Impossible not to take this opportunity!
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Source: Terra
Emily Jhon is a product and service reviewer at Gossipify, known for her honest evaluations and thorough analysis. With a background in marketing and consumer research, she offers valuable insights to readers. She has been writing for Gossipify for several years and has a degree in Marketing and Consumer Research from the University of Oxford.
