The first song. You on the drums. Sweat on your face. Nervous? Hey, relax! Everything’s going to be fine. Learning your first song on the drums is not an act of magic.
It’s rather an act of knowing how to do so the smart way. 🙂
Choose your first song on the drums wisely
Table Of Contents
Do you already know which song you’re about to drum to? If not, check out my list of 20 songs drums newbies can rock to.
Especially in the beginning, you shouldn’t overdo stuff. Just keep it simple. And fun.
Concentrate on one thing at a time
The secret of being able to play your first song on the drums is not a secret at all. It’s just:
Focus on one thing at a time.
So first, you should listen to the song. Several times. Without drumming to it.
Feeling good about this?
Now, pick a drum beat you want to play to the song. ONE drum beat. Practice it until you can play it safe and sound. Or better: Until you can’t get it wrong.
The groove feels good?
Grab your click and practice it until you can play it as fast as the song you’re going to drum along to.
However, this step is optional. You can also start rocking out to the music if your ONE drum beat sits tight.
Finally, you put the groove and the song together. Et voilà: You’re able to play your first song on the drums. Yeah! 🙂
Is this really all?
Hey Manu, that’s simple and everybody can do it.
Yes. That’s true – and awesome.
In my opinion, it should be that simple. It has to be.
As a drum beginner, you don’t need fancy stuff. What you really need is a strong drumming fundament you can rely on.
If that means playing one solid groove to a song: Do it. And enjoy it.
Learn your first song on the drums – Part II
So you’ve played the ONE drum beat to the song over and over again? You really can play it by heart and wouldn’t mind your favourite drummer listening to you doing so?
Fantastic news!
Now it’s the time to go a little wilder. Add a fill to the groove and integrate it into the song. Don’t overdo it this time, either! Remember: ONE thing at a time.
Also, you can add a new groove to your creation if you feel like. Or a break. Or a second fill. Just what you feel will fit the music most.
This way, you 1. not only learn your first song on the drums pretty quick. You 2. also get your creativity muscle working for you.
If you like, compare your ideas with the original drums sheet music provided for your song. This will give you even more fresh input for tackling your next song.
Have fun with this one also. 🙂
And: What’s your best advice for learning a song on the drums?
Cheers,
my first song was “wipe out” because I picked up the accent beat naturally. it was playing the groove that took time. I did it by learning the hi hats then the snare then the bass drum then put it all together and nails it
Hi Glenn,
thanks for sharing your experience, sounds great! 🙂