You want to become a better drummer?
Congratulations!
You’ve come to the right place. 🙂
In this compact drumming guide, you’ll learn about 3 core principles helping you to transform your drumming skills.
Practice With The Click Regularly
Table Of Contents
As a drum teacher with more than 10 years of educational experience, I can safely say:
Many beginners and also some intermediate drummers struggle with their timing.
That’s a problem because a solid timing is crucial when making music.
However, there is a solution for this problem:
Get yourself a click or metronome and practice regularly with it.
And yes:
I know first-hand that the practicing with the click can be a harsh reality check.
It’s humbling to say the least.
At the same time, the click is a superb device helping you to improve your drumming skills.
If you take on this challenge, your sense of timing will drastically improve.
Also, you’ll be able to drum faster, and establish a rock-solid tempo.
You want to become a better drummer?
The first rule to follow is to practice with the metronome or click regularly.
Become A Better Drummer By Investing In Yourself
The best investment you can make is in yourself.
That’s what value investment genius Warren Buffett said.
His words of wisdom also apply to the world of drumming.
And no, I don’t talk about buying the most expensive drumming gear.
You’re not the gear, right?
Remember:
The drummer makes the groove.
World-class musicians can play heavenly, even on a shitty drum kit.
It’s the person who makes the difference.
But what does investing in yourself as a drummer mean, then?
- Invest time to practice regularly. Build smart drumming routines!
- Get the best drum lessons your money can buy. Don’t cheap out on things that really help.
- Stay humble and keep on learning. Read books, go to masterclasses and attend concerts. You can learn something from every drummer out there!
Obviously, investing in yourself as a drummer isn’t about the money you spend on equipment.
It’s about the skills and deep knowledge you’ll gain over time.
You become a better drummer by investing in yourself.
And again:
You don’t need an expensive drum set or the most fancy equipment.
Learn how to play, and you can even make a crappy kit groove.
Sure:
A quality drum kit does help.
But quality does not always mean expensive.
My own drum kits are quite affordable, but still quality instruments.
I play Roland e-drums and an acoustic mix of
- pdp by DW shells,
- a lovely Millenium brass snare
- and a ddrum stand tom.
Also, I’ve played my Iron Cobra Powerglide double pedal for over 14 years now.
This pedal might be more expensive than others, but it obviously has paid itself off a long time ago.
It’s all about the quality, not the brand.
Understand What You Do
Making music is one of the most wonderful ways to express yourself.
You can feel it, right?
On the other hand, never underestimate the importance of knowing what you do.
Feeling the drums sometimes just isn’t enough.
You also need to use your brains, especially when practicing.
Truly understanding
- your drumming exercises
- your part as a drummer and
- what the music you’re playing needs
can literally transform your way of playing the drums.
You become a better drummer by understanding what you’re doing behind the kit.
For this reason, learn your drumming techniques and realize HOW they help you.
Practice rhythm exercises and even more important, understand them!
That’s the key to becoming a better musician.
You’ll feel this deep understanding of music.
Ever heard the quote:
Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.
These wise words are shared by non other than Pablo Picasso.
He might not be a drummer, but one of the most famous artists of our time.
As a drummer, you paint on silence.
And the 3 rules you’ve learned today will help you paint more vibrant than ever.
The Conclusion Of How To Become A Better Drummer
- Practice with the click or metronome.
- Invest in yourself as a drummer.
- Understand what you’re doing.
These are the 3 core principles of becoming a better drummer.
If you combine them with your passion for making music also with others, you’re on the right track.
And sure, dedication and discipline are needed as well.
But I’m sure you already own them, after fully reading this guide. 🙂
Which of our core principles will you start working on today to become a better drummer?
