Learning the Drums
Wednesday, March 19th, 2008 - 4:58pm
With the How Do I learn Guitar thread out there, I though I would open one up for those wanting to bash some drums in a productive manner. I just bought a nice kit from the drummer of my band so that I can start learning how to do more than just rock the drums in Rock Band. I was wondering if anyone out there had some advice on getting started. I plan on having my drummer show me a few things and help me get everything set up correctly (I'm sure the way I set up the kit could be improved on). Also, anyone else had the drum bug bite them due to Rock Band. I know quite a few people started playing guitar after guitar hero.
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Just like any other instrument, make sure to get the fundamentals down. That especially includes posture, how you hold the sticks, and learning to strike from the wrist instead of from the elbow.
From there, get on your rudiments.
(Paradiddle paradiddle paradiddle...)
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Learning how to hold your sticks right is crucial! I had been holding mine wrong for almost 17 years. Well, not totally wrong, just slightly and after making an adjustment it's like a new world has opened up.
These 2 sites have some good instructional videos. Rather than explaining holding sticks I'll let the video do it for you. One of these (if not both) has a one -
http://youtube.com/user/djp132
http://freedrumlessons.com/
A couple of things I make sure to do are sitting high enough so my bass leg is not at a 45 degree angle. I like to be a little higher so my knee is pointing down a bit. I think this gives you better bass control and doesn't let you tire out so easily. Also, I try to keep cymbals at a minimum reach distance. It feels like I'm expending extra energy to reach them if they're too far out. This can throw timing off and just make things get a little sloppy at times.
These are just a few things I have. You need to find what works best for you, but I know that when I thought I knew what was best for me I ended up being wrong. I'm constantly trying out new things.
I know it's supposed to come down to personal preference, but learn to hold the sticks with the modern, matched style. Traditional looks cooler, but I find it's not as versatile. (I guess traditional does cut down on accidentally clicking sticks together on a poorly set up kit, too.)
Anyway, that's my vote.
Elysium: The democratization of the web ... has installed an illusion of a digital first amendment that protects speech no matter how poorly spelled or stupid.
XBL: E Munnie
elementsofmeaning.blogspot.com