Drums the Word is quite overwhelming (Beginner needs help with practice)

2 replies [Last post]
Mon, 11/30/2009 - 10:38
Duracell.P
Offline
Joined: 10/19/2009
Points: 0

 Hi Rob,

First off excellent website. I'm a new drummer who has only gotten his own kit a month ago and I find that your website is really helping me improve at blazing speeds. At the same time though I find your website to be a bit overwhelming sometimes and I feel lost with what exactly the priorities are.

My prefered musical styles (right now) are rock/funk and a bit of blues if that helps you. And I have the great opportunity to jam along with other musicians every week. 

So what do you think I should do? Should I go through the lessons in any specific order or should I just pick whatever suits my fancy and just go for it?

 

Top
Tue, 12/01/2009 - 05:36
#1
DrumAce
DrumAce's picture
Offline
Joined: 12/12/2008
Points: 302
Hi, Thanks very much for the

Hi,

Thanks very much for the website compliments. It's taken me a long time to put together this collection of material and it's growing all the time.

You didn't specifically say you were a complete beginner but seeing as you got your own drum kit only a month ago I will presume you are. In this case I recommend you spend your time mastering the beginner drum lessons first. I have split thee lessons up into the basic areas of drumming any beginner really should need and want to learn. Make sure to master at least a few beats and fills from each lesson before moving on to the next. Once you feel happy with your progress move onto the intermediate drum lessons.

On the side of your practice for fun you can be looking at the "Licks", "Double bass drum", "linear" and "ghost note" lessons but these are really aimed at drummers who have been playing for a while. No harm in looking though.

If you feel confident enough you can start to work through some of the playalongs as playing with other musicians or along to music should be encouraged right from the start. It is after all what we learn to play the drums for.

The "Rudiments" lessons can also be studied right from the beginning of your playing. These will set you up for the rest of your playing life but take it slowly and don't expect any kind of speed for a while. Mastering the basic rudiments will open up all kinds of possibilities for you later.

I hope this helps you. Thanks again for your interest and please do contact me again if you have any other questions.

Best of luck and happy drumming!

Rob

Top
Tue, 12/01/2009 - 12:34
#2
Duracell.P
Offline
Joined: 10/19/2009
Points: 0
 Hi Rob, Thank you for your

 Hi Rob,

Thank you for your detailed reply. You are right in thinking I am a total beginner though I have already learnt most of  the grooves and fills in the beginner section in the past month (aside those in lesson 9 and 11, some of those shuffle fills are giving me a tough time as well). Oh, and I can loop those 1/4 note and 1/8 note basic drum beats into eachother as well. I play with a metronome and I clock in at about 140 bpm.

I'm also pretty far into lesson 1 of your intermediate drum beats section. Some of the last grooves are pretty difficult for me though (all those 1/16  bass and snare notes). And  the 1/4 note hi-hat grooves are giving me a tough time sometimes (guess I just have to take it slow and steady).

I'm going to give those rudiments a shot. But first I think I need to buy a practice pad. See, I live in a student flat and even though I have a good relationship with my neighbours (they approve of my playing!) that relationship would become quite strained if I were doing single stroke rolls and paradiddles over and over again.

I'll keep you posted on my progress in the future. Even though I have no teacher like I said before,  I do have some musician friends. They are not drummers but I think their comments will really help me improve. 

Thanks again for the huge amount of practice material you have so graciously provided for free!

Cheers,

Pascal

 

 

 

Top