Drumming is a thrilling and dynamic art form that combines rhythm, coordination, and creativity. Whether you’re a beginner who has just started tapping on a practice pad or an intermediate drummer looking to take your skills to the next level, the journey of getting better on drums is both rewarding and challenging. Improving your drumming abilities doesn’t happen overnight; it requires consistent practice, a willingness to learn, and a strategic approach.
Master the Fundamentals
Perfect Your Grip
The way you hold your drumsticks forms the foundation of your drumming technique. There are two main grips: the matched grip and the traditional grip.
Matched Grip: This is the most common grip used by modern drummers. Hold the drumsticks between your thumb and the first two fingers, with the stick resting on the inside of your hand. Your fingers should be relaxed yet firm, allowing for a natural movement of the wrist. The matched grip provides good control and power, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from rock and pop to metal. Practice holding the sticks in the matched grip for extended periods to build muscle memory and get comfortable with the feel.
Traditional Grip: Often favored by jazz drummers, the traditional grip involves holding the stick differently in each hand. In the right hand (for right-handed drummers), the grip is similar to the matched grip. However, in the left hand, the stick is placed between the thumb and the first finger, with the stick resting on the side of the hand near the base of the thumb. This grip allows for more intricate and delicate playing, especially when using the left hand to play the hi-hat while keeping a steady rhythm with the right hand on the snare or toms. Experiment with both grips to find the one that feels most comfortable and suits your playing style.
Learn Basic Strokes
Basic strokes are the building blocks of drumming. Mastering them is essential for creating a solid foundation.
Downstroke: A downstroke is the primary stroke where you lift the drumstick up and then bring it down quickly and forcefully onto the drumhead. The motion should originate from your wrist, with your arm remaining relatively still. Downstrokes are used to create a loud, clear sound and are often used for accents and main beats. Practice downstrokes on different drums in your set, focusing on consistency in sound and technique.
Upstroke: After a downstroke, an upstroke occurs when the stick bounces back up off the drumhead. It creates a softer, lighter sound compared to the downstroke. Upstrokes are crucial for maintaining a continuous rhythm and adding dynamics to your playing. Work on controlling the height and speed of the upstroke to achieve the desired sound.
Tap Stroke: A tap stroke is a very light stroke where you barely touch the drumhead with the tip of the stick. It produces a subtle, ghost-like sound and is commonly used in more complex rhythms to add texture and fill in the gaps between the main beats. Practice tap strokes on the snare drum to improve your control and precision.
Understand Rhythm and Timing
Rhythm and timing are the heart of drumming. Without a solid sense of rhythm, your playing will lack coherence and musicality.
Counting: Start by learning how to count basic rhythms. Understand the values of different notes, such as quarter notes, eighth notes, and sixteenth notes. Practice counting aloud while playing simple rhythms on your drums or practice pad. You can use a metronome to help you stay on beat and improve your timing. Begin at a slow speed and gradually increase it as you get more comfortable.
Rhythm Exercises: There are countless rhythm exercises available that can help you improve your sense of rhythm. For example, practice playing simple patterns like the basic rock beat (bass drum on beats 1 and 3, snare drum on beats 2 and 4, and hi-hat on every eighth note) and then gradually add variations to it. Another useful exercise is to play polyrhythms, which involve playing two or more different rhythms simultaneously. This challenges your brain and improves your coordination and sense of rhythm.
Develop Advanced Techniques
Learn Fills
Fills are short musical phrases that add excitement and variety to your drumming. They are typically played between sections of a song or to transition from one part to another.
Simple Fills: Start with simple fills, such as a quick roll on the toms or a series of eighth-note patterns on the hi-hat followed by a snare hit. Practice these fills slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and smooth transitions. As you get more comfortable, you can increase the speed and complexity of the fills.
Advanced Fills: Once you’ve mastered the basics, move on to more advanced fills. These may involve playing complex patterns on multiple drums and cymbals, using different stroke techniques, and incorporating accents and dynamics. Watch videos of professional drummers to get inspiration for advanced fills and practice emulating their techniques.
Improve Your Double-Bass Drumming
Double-bass drumming, which involves playing the bass drum with both feet, adds a powerful and driving element to your drumming.
Foot Technique: Focus on developing a proper foot technique. Keep your feet relaxed and use your ankles to control the movement of the bass drum pedals. Practice single-foot strokes, alternating between your left and right foot, to build strength and endurance. You can start by playing simple patterns, such as playing quarter notes on the bass drum with one foot and then switching to the other foot.
Double-Bass Patterns: Once you’re comfortable with single-foot strokes, start learning double-bass patterns. These can range from simple alternating patterns to more complex syncopated rhythms. Use a metronome to help you maintain a steady tempo as you practice these patterns. Start slowly and gradually increase the speed as you improve your technique.
Incorporate Ghost Notes
Ghost notes are soft, subtle strokes that are played in between the main beats. They add texture and complexity to your drumming, making your rhythms more interesting.
Snare Ghost Notes: Practice playing ghost notes on the snare drum. Start by playing a simple rhythm, such as a basic rock beat, and then add ghost notes on the “and” beats. Vary the volume of the ghost notes to create contrast and dynamics. As you get more comfortable, you can incorporate ghost notes into more complex rhythms and fills.
Tom Ghost Notes: You can also play ghost notes on the tom-tom drums. This adds an extra layer of depth to your drumming. Experiment with different combinations of ghost notes on the snares and toms to create unique and interesting rhythms.
Practice Regularly and Effectively
Establish a Consistent Practice Routine
Consistency is key when it comes to improving your drumming skills. Set aside a regular time each day or week for practice. Even if you only have 15-30 minutes, regular practice sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones. Create a practice schedule that works for you and stick to it as much as possible.
Set Clear Goals
Having clear goals helps you stay focused and motivated during your practice sessions. Whether it’s learning a new fill, improving your double-bass speed, or mastering a specific rhythm pattern, set achievable goals for yourself. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps and track your progress along the way. This will give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated to keep improving.
Use Practice Aids
There are several practice aids that can enhance your drumming practice.
Metronome: A metronome is an essential tool for drummers. It helps you improve your timing and rhythm by providing a steady beat. Use a metronome during your practice sessions, starting at a slow speed and gradually increasing it as you get more comfortable with the material.
Drum Pad: A drum pad is a great practice tool, especially if you don’t have access to a full drum set all the time. It allows you to practice basic strokes, rudiments, and rhythms quietly. You can also use a drum pad to warm up before a more intense practice session on your drum set.
Online Resources: There are numerous online resources available for drummers, including video tutorials, sheet music, and practice exercises. Take advantage of these resources to learn new techniques, get inspiration, and find new practice material.
Listen to and Analyze Music
Expand Your Musical Horizons
Listening to a wide variety of music is crucial for improving your drumming. It exposes you to different drumming styles, rhythms, and techniques. Listen to music from different genres, eras, and cultures. Pay attention to the drumming parts and try to identify the techniques and patterns used by the drummers. This will help you expand your musical vocabulary and inspire you to incorporate new ideas into your own playing.
Analyze Drumming Performances
When listening to music, take the time to analyze the drumming performances. Notice how the drummer uses dynamics, fills, and different rhythms to enhance the song. Pay attention to the interaction between the drums and the other instruments in the band. You can even try transcribing the drum parts of your favorite songs to gain a deeper understanding of the rhythms and patterns. This analysis will not only improve your drumming skills but also your overall musicality.
Play with Others
Join a Band or Jam with Friends
Playing with other musicians is one of the best ways to improve your drumming. It allows you to develop your sense of timing, dynamics, and musical interaction. Join a local band or find some friends who play other instruments and start jamming together. You’ll learn how to listen to and respond to the other musicians, adjust your playing to fit the overall sound of the group, and gain valuable performance experience.
Take Part in Drumming Workshops and Clinics
Attending drumming workshops and clinics is another great way to improve your skills. These events are usually led by professional drummers who share their knowledge, techniques, and experiences. You’ll have the opportunity to learn new things, get feedback on your playing, and meet other drummers who are also passionate about improving. Workshops and clinics often include hands-on practice sessions, where you can apply the techniques you’ve learned and get immediate feedback from the instructor.
Pay Attention to Your Posture and Ergonomics
Maintain Good Posture
Good posture is important for both your comfort and your drumming performance. Sit up straight with your back supported, shoulders relaxed, and feet flat on the floor. Your knees should be at a 90 – degree angle, and your arms should be at a comfortable height to reach the drums. Avoid slouching or hunching over, as this can lead to fatigue and discomfort during long practice sessions or performances.
Adjust Your Drum Set Setup
Make sure your drum set is set up correctly for your body size and playing style. The height of the snare drum, toms, and cymbals should be adjusted so that you can reach them comfortably without straining. The bass drum pedal should be positioned at a height where your foot can easily operate it with a natural motion. Experiment with different setups to find the one that feels the most comfortable and allows you to play at your best.
Conclusion
Getting better on drums is a continuous journey that requires dedication, practice, and a love for the instrument. By mastering the fundamentals, developing advanced techniques, practicing regularly and effectively, listening to and analyzing music, playing with others, and paying attention to your posture and ergonomics, you can significantly improve your drumming skills. Remember, every great drummer started as a beginner, and with patience and perseverance, you can achieve your drumming goals.
