How To Start Drumming [The Easy Way]

How to start drumming is a question I’ve been hearing a lot. I mean, it’s totally understandable:

• Maybe you’ve dreamt to rock out on the kit for a long time now.
• Maybe you’re just curious whether you might enjoy playing the drums.
• Or maybe you’re trying out different musical instruments to finally find your personal favourite.

Whatever it is: The how-to of drumming is a question probably popping up sooner or later during this journey.

To be perfectly honest, there’s no such thing as to what is the best way to start drumming. It simply depends on you as a person.

At the same time, there is a relatively easy way of getting you straight to the core of the fun. Let’s take a look at it.

How to start drumming 101: Get access to a drum kit

It might sound like a no-brainer, but first of all, you have to get access to a drum kit.

You can start out on a practice pad or snare drum too. But to be honest, being able to play on a „real“ kit will make a difference especially in the beginning. Heck, it’s simply much more fun! 😀

So getting access to a drum kit is the first step to learning this lovely instrument. You don’t need to buy one of course. Maybe you can rent one.

It also might be possible to rent a rehearsal room for one or several hours during the week. (At least, that’s possible here in Germany.)

Plus: Don’t forget to bring your own drum sticks of course. 😉

2^nd Step: Get the knowledge

Drums = check? Perfect!

Now you need to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of others. At this point, you don’t need to take proper lessons. You can try out the drumming basics for yourself if you want.

As you’re on my blog, you’re already doing so. However, watching some helpful videos on YouTube might be a great choice too.

If you have the chance, don’t hesitate to ask experienced drummers for some advice. I don’t know any musician who wouldn’t be happy to help you. 🙂

Of course, you can also go to the public library and grab a book or DVD on drumming. Online lessons can give you a good overview too. The same goes for masterclasses or drumming events.

But as I said: We want to keep your start as easy as possible. So don’t overthink. Instead, settle on one method and start practicing.

3^rd Step: Get it going

The 3^rd step of how to start drumming is a tough one for me. You know, being a drumming teacher makes me advising in a certain way.

However, I’m well aware of the fact that you can master the first steps of drumming by yourself. That’s why you’re on my blog. So here is what I recommend to you:

1. Learn one drum beat until you can’t get it wrong.

Use the information you gathered during the 2^nd step.

2. Play this drum beat to a song suitable for drum beginners.

3. Practice the drum beat and the song until you get very comfortable while doing so.

This is a great way to a.) fully understand the beat and b.) enjoy the most fun side of drumming. (Which is making music of course. :-))

4. Learn another drum beat or fill you want to add to the song you’ve rocked to before.

By doing so, you will become even more secure while playing the drums.

That’s it? That’s it. Almost.

How to start drumming? Do it!

As I said, I’m a drum teacher. Proper techniques are important for me. However, it’s better to just start doing something than waiting for the moment to become better or even „perfect“.

So if you want to start playing the drums, you simply have to do it. Get access to the kit, get some good knowledge and learn stuff.

Also, sign in for professional drum lessons after this process. Of course, you could learn without a teacher. But consider the following:

He or she will not only save you a huge amount of time, but also show you how to achieve your personal drumming goals the easiest way possible.

And that’s why you’ve been reading this article, right? 🙂

To sum things up:

1^st step: Get access to a drum set (and bring your own sticks)

2^nd step: Get input and find out what you can learn on the drums. Also, don’t forget to get information on the how to do it.

3^rd step: Focus on one goal at a time. For example: Playing your first drum beat to a song you like.

4^th step: Set another goal after reaching the first one. Making music is an ongoing process of learning. That’s one of the greatest things about it!

5^th step: Decide whether you should roll-in for drum lessons. You don’t have to, but it makes your life as a drumming newbie much, much easier.

6^th step: Simply have fun! After all, that’s why we’re drummers.

Love,

Author: Manu Holmer

Hi, I'm Manu Holmer, nice to meet you! As a professional drummer and drum teacher, my vision is to help others transform their lives with the power of music. Let's not only play the drums. Feel the rhythm & and walk to our own beats! View all posts by Manu Holmer