How do I start drumming?

Dragon Master

What's the best way to learn to play the drums? I mean, what kind of drumkit should I get, should I get a teacher or get one of those teaching DVDs or books?

Dragon Master

Sorry! I should have put this in the Instruments section. Can somebody please move it?

Steve_o

I started with a Pearl Target Series kit and bought a Zildjian ZBT set (Buy the set and get a free 18" crash)

I didn't bother with a teacher and just practised different beats and stuff its a bit time consuming but worth it!!

magpie

Wooden spoons and some pots and pans is the traditional route I believe.

Bitsie

well i have started on a Pearl Forum series standard 5-piece and only ever had one lesson and the rest i have learned by ear as i was practcing with my band. thats the best thing you can do is play with other musicians and pick songs you would like to play and then you learn as you go.

Dragon Master

Thanks, but I don't really know any people to start a band with, though I'd like to start one

fitz

Dragon Master wrote:

Thanks, but I don't really know any people to start a band with, though I'd like to start one

The best thing you can do is get lessons.
Good basics are vital.

BobTheBeat

like Fitz says, start off by getting yourself some lessons. Its very important to form good playing habits early on, as bad ones will impede your progression.

Even if its only for a year or so, you wont regret it!

i57dwun4yb1pt8

I have played drums since age 13 professionally / and semi pro , so this might help.

1/ get a good secondhand kit - with good cymbals .
expect to pay approx up to 700 or so if you look around .
but if you hate it you can sell em on without much loss.

i reccomend the pacific maple or birch series , and sabian aa range cymbals for beginners.

best set up is a 20 inch bass drum , with a 10, 12, 14 tom 10 , 12 ,16 tom set up .
these are the easiest for begginers to learn tuning and to get good tone .

then you need a set of hi hat cymbals ( 13 or 14 inch ) a ride cymbal ( 20 inch ) and a crash ( 18 inch )

2/ Its best to go to a good / and experienced teacher - its the quickest way to make progress.
they will be able to save you loads of time and energy in trying to figure stuff out .
other wise you are going to learn bad habits , and possibly lose interest very quickly.
expect to pay 30 to 50 an hour - and get one good solid lesson every two weeks ( if the teacher is good )

( pm me for more advise on teachers )

dvd's etc are ok , but nothing beats a good teacher .


3/ you have to practise at LEAST 7-8 hours a week , best if its an hour or so a day , or 4 2 hour sessions .

OLP

hey, my drummer gets his lessons here http://musostudio.com/ in blanch, the studio is cool and Donal is a brilliant teacher, its great for beginners to more advanced drummers.

Rustar

Do what I did and get an electronic kit if you're only practicing at home.
Why? Because you can play your drums at any time, even when others are sleeping, using headphones.
The Yamaha model I bought has 22 songs built in that you can play along with, either with their drum track on, or turn it off and play along with the song yourself.
You can also make your own kits without getting more drums....I made a jazz kit and a 'Bonham' kit from sounds I liked.
You can also switch drum sounds on different pads (i.e., you like 2 different crashes instead of a crash and a ride, or you want one of your toms to be a jamblock or cowbell).
It's also excellent for recording, only one output, so send it right along to your soundcard or porta-corder.

and b.) get a teacher.

spunkymunky

bobmeaney wrote:

like Fitz says, start off by getting yourself some lessons. Its very important to form good playing habits early on, as bad ones will impede your progression.

Even if its only for a year or so, you wont regret it!

Id definatley recommend lessons. I had a few when i started out but the were cut short due to lask of interest from other parties. I was learning so much and found them very useful. Also listen to what dadutish says. Know his stuff.

Also buy a practice pad for you bedroom or wherever. good for practicing rudiments and the likes.