Learn to Play Drums - Top Tips To Get You Started!

Set-up When starting to learn to play drums, it is important to create kids drum set correctly to ensure that all drums and cymbals are comfortably within reach, and at the correct height to avoid over-reaching. The snare should be placed between the legs at about waist height when sitting. The high hat to the left of the crime with cymbals about 4 "over snare. The high Tom Tom (s) in front and slightly above snare sloping towards you and Floor Tom Tom on your right at the same height as the snare.

Tuning - Like all other instruments of a drum children must be willing to give the best audio. From base drum, which should be tuned to low E by adjusting the tension of patches along the edge. Next is the floor tom tom, followed by high Tom Tom (s) so that the sound of each drum is slightly higher than the last. The snare drum has sound all its own, created by the twisted wires stretched over the bottom skin. Be careful not to tighten the upper skin, as this will reduce the natural bounce of the stick.

Dampening - Most base drums and tom toms on a drum kit children will produce a noticeable ring when struck, which can be very annoying and detract from the overall soundscape. I recommend using felt strips stretched above and below the upper skin (you'll have to remove the upper skin to do this). This will help to absorb the ring and give a satisfying thump when playing.

Practice - When you learn to play drums, do not try to run before you can go, it will take time and a lot of practice to become skilled. Start slowly to get used to peddle the base and high-hat. Play four beats to the bar with base peddle and two beats on the high-hat, 2 & 3 beat. Then introduce the snare with your left hand (if right handed) on the same beat the high-hat, called off beat. The base drum is played on the beat and the high-hat and snare on the off beat. Now try to play four beats to the bar at ride cymbal with your right hand to match the base drum. Congratulations you have now mastered the basic 4 / 4 rhythm.

Finally, look for a little inspiration to listen and watch some great technical drumming from major artists. My personal favorite is Buddy Rich arguably one of the best jazz drummers of his time who sadly passed away in 1987. Check the YouTube video clip of Buddy Rich played his heart out and be inspired.