About Finding Musical Strength In Taking A Break

Taking a break drumming musical strength

It’s been quite silent on this blog drumming lately.

I haven’t published a post in months.

No new tips or drums sheet music.

Obviously, FOMO is nothing I’m worried about.

But why the break?

Basically, I needed time to think.

It was time for me to get my shit together.

(Again.)

However, I don’t regret taking a break.

Simply because

Breaks can be outstandingly powerful.

The same applies to drumming.

Less Is More? True That (Sometimes)!

Many drummers fall into the trap of overplaying.

They

  • add more,
  • and more and
  • just some more notes.

No doubt, it’s great fun to play a lot!

On the other hand, just adding more can be too much sometimes.

More can be exhausting:

For the listeners, just like the players.

May I ask you a little question?

When Was The Last Time You Played Less Instead Of More?

Think about it.

If you’re somewhat like me, you might have a hard time remembering.

Not because we can’t remember.

But because breaks are a superb way to spice-up our drumming.

Here’s a little exercise for you:

  • Step 1: Think of a beat or drum fill you’d like to play right now.
  • Step 2: Play this rhythm just like you’re used to playing it.
  • Step 3: Take away notes. Break up the beat!

Here’s an example of a basic groove:

adding breaks to drum beats

That’s a lovely drum beat, right?

Agreed.

But what happens if you throw in a little break?

Let’s see:

I simply modified the beat by adding a rest.

Also, I moved the kick to the next counting time. (from 3 to 3 +)

These small changes give the groove a whole new feeling.

You could also try this version:

creative drum beats with a break examples
  • In the first bar, I just replaced the last two notes with a quarter note rest.
  • Then, I decided to add more again, a flam.

Doesn’t this sound powerful to you?

To me, it really does.

These examples prove it:

You really don’t have to always play more to sound creative on the drums.

Instead, playing less is equally exciting.

Don’t Be Afraid To Take That Break

Rests are like the breath of music.

That’s why musical strength has nothing to do with being the loudest.

It’s about balance.

And there’s no sound without silence.

All the best to you.

Manu

Feeling Insecure When Drumming? Try This!

Drumming insecurity tips

Have you ever felt insecure when drumming?

Hands down:

I have.

More than once.

Hey, we’re all human?

Still, I won’t lie to you:

Drumming insecurity sucks.

That’s why I wrote today’s article, sharing one of my best tips on the topic.

Continue reading “Feeling Insecure When Drumming? Try This!”

Is Taking A Break From Drumming A Good Idea?

Taking a break from drumming experiences

Is taking a break from drumming a good idea?

Will you miss out on something?

Or even worse:

Will you destroy the progress you’ve made so far?

These are highly important questions I’m going to answer today.

After all, it’s a common belief that you need to

  • practice,
  • practice more
  • and practice even more

to become a skilled drummer.

But how true is this common belief really?

Can you take a break from drumming and still become a superb drummer?

Continue reading “Is Taking A Break From Drumming A Good Idea?”

What’s The Best Part Of Playing The Drums?

Playing the drums best part opinion

What’s the best part of playing the drums?

That’s a question that literally popped up in my mind.

Some time ago, I wrote about the hardest part of being a drummer.

Today, it’s time to shift our focus.

That’s why I’m going to share my opinion on what’s the best part of drumming.

Continue reading “What’s The Best Part Of Playing The Drums?”

How To Become The Confident Drummer You Aspire To Be

self confidence drummer tips

Being the confident drummer:

That’s when you know how to play, right?

Yes.

And no.

Being confident as a drummer is not necessarily bound to your drumming skills.

It’s more like a state of mind, an attitude, or a mindset.

Everybody can become a confident drummer.

But how?

Find out today!

Continue reading “How To Become The Confident Drummer You Aspire To Be”

What It Takes To Be A Drummer – Do You Have It?

What does it take to be a drummer

Being a drummer is awesome!

It’s great fun and a wonderful way to spend your time.

However, that’s just one side of the medal.

Let’s be honest:

Learning a musical instrument isn’t always cupcakes and rainbows.

That’s why people often ask me:

Do I have what it takes to be a drummer?

If this question applies to you as well, read on.

Continue reading “What It Takes To Be A Drummer – Do You Have It?”

My Opinion On What’s The Hardest Part Of Being A Drummer

Whats The Hardest Part Of Being A Drummer Personal Thoughts

What’s the hardest part of being a drummer?

That’s a fantastic question.

And that’s why I’m going to share my personal opinion today.

What do you think?

What’s the hardest part of being a drummer in your opinion?

Share your thoughts down in the comments as well.

Continue reading “My Opinion On What’s The Hardest Part Of Being A Drummer”

We Need To Talk About Drumming Envy

Drumming envy tips

Ever felt drumming envy?

You know the feeling:

Watching a video of a kid rocking the drums as many adults can’t.

Maybe you went to a mind-blowing jam lately.

Or you just got caught up in the fun and fancy world of social media.

Drumming envy is something most of us aren’t immune to.

Sooner or later, we’re likely to catch it.

That’s why we need to talk about drumming envy:

It’s nothing you need to be ashamed of.

Continue reading “We Need To Talk About Drumming Envy”

Been Criticized As A Drummer? Read On!

Tips for dealing with criticism as a drummer

You’ve been criticized as a drummer?

Ouch … not cool.

Not at all.

Being criticized hurts.

It’s a shitty feeling, and you might be discouraged right now.

Totally understandable.

I’ve been criticized, too, you know.

That’s why I’m writing this guide today.

As a fellow drummer, I want to show you that

  • it’s actually a good thing to be criticized,
  • why it’s still perfectly fine to feel bad about it
  • and how you can transform your pain into something beautiful.

Yes, you’re able to take great advantage of the criticism you received.

So, read on.

You might be surprised.

Continue reading “Been Criticized As A Drummer? Read On!”