BEST
OVERALL DRUMS
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Overall: 9/10
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Best Feature: Constructed with durable materials, ensuring good investment
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TedScore™: 9/10
BEST
AFFORDABLE
DRUMS
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Overall: 8.9/10
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Best Feature: Includes hardware and Sabian XSR cymbals
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TedScore™: 8.9/10
BEST BEGINNER
DRUMS
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Overall: 8.7/10
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Best Feature: Includes cymbals, bags, hardware, and drum throne
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TedScore™: 8.7/10
Staring at the drums, I often wondered, *”Are drums really tough to master?”*
After being inspired by other musicians playing drums, I eventually reached the point where I decided to learn it. And boy, that is one of the best decisions EVER!
Trust me! Learning to play the drums can be an exciting journey, full of dynamic beats and rhythm.
As a beginner, you might wonder if mastering the drums is a mountain too steep to climb.
The answer isn’t straightforward since it varies from one person to another. Not to mention, your own musical ideas, background, natural rhythm, and dedication to practice are key factors.
But don’t worry! This article is specially made for you!
Read on and learn the tips and tricks for learning drums.
Remember, drum lessons start with a basic beat. You won’t be performing complex rhythms overnight, but with time, those drumsticks will feel like extensions of your own arms.
Embrace the beat, and let the learning begin!
Getting Started with Drums
Jumping into the world of playing drums is thrilling, and you’re just in time to catch the rhythm train! Here’s how you can get the beats rolling
Gretsch Energy 22" Drum Kit w/Hardware, Cymbals & Bags, Grey Steel
FEATURES: 7-ply poplar shells provide bright attack and are ideal for a range of genres
OTHER INFO: 1.6mm triple flanged hoops and 30-degree bearing angles
- High-quality Gretsch heads made by Remo
- Includes cymbals, bags, hardware, and drum throne
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
If you’re looking for a new instrument to play drums, I recommend the Gretsch Energy 22″ Drum Kit in Grey Steel. Its quality and sound blew me away; the included hardware, cymbals, and bags make it an unbeatable value.
The sleek finish and robust construction can help elevate a drummer’s experience, making this kit a fantastic choice for beginners.
Understanding the Basics of Rhythm
New drummers must know that rhythm is the heart of drumming.
The good thing is, you’ve been exposed to rhythm your whole life—every time your foot taps to a song, that’s rhythm! Now, it’s about translating that internal beat to your drum kit.
Learning the Basic Drum Beats
When you learn drums, the basic beats are your ABCs. They’re the groundwork for all the fancy stuff you’ll eventually play.
These beats depend on coordinating your limbs, so it’s like patting your head and rubbing your belly—challenging but not impossible with practice.
Start with a basic rock beat: Kick on 1 and 3, snare on 2 and 4, and hi-hat on every count (It’s straightforward and used in countless songs, so you’ll feel like a rockstar in no time).
Pearl Decade Maple 6pc Pro Drum Kit w/Sabian XSRs, Satin Black Burst
FEATURES: All Maple shells provide stunning resonance and thumping lows
OTHER INFO: Superior Shell Technology offers rich tones and optimal volume
- Stylish, luxury Satin Black Burst matte lacquer finish
- Includes high-quality Pearl hardware and Sabian XSR cymbals
- None!
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
The Pearl Decade Maple 6pc Pro Drum Kit in Satin Black Burst, paired with the Sabian XSR cymbals, has truly exceeded my expectations with its exceptional sound and stunning aesthetics.
The resonance and warmth of the maple shells, combined with the bright, cutting tones of the cymbals, make this drumkit a joy to play in every session.
Mastering Coordination and Timing
In learning how to play drums, great coordination and timing are your best pals. These pals of yours will make all four limbs move in a rhythm that you’ll certainly love!
Overcoming Challenges
Playing the drums can be rewarding, but it’s not without hurdles. Your path to mastery involves navigating the tricky landscape of learning curves and practice.
Advancing Your Drumming Skills
Once you’ve got the basics down, advancing your drumming skills can open up a world of musical ideas and possibilities.
It’s about refining your technique, embracing various musical theories and styles, and thriving on collaboration and performance.
For instance, “Master the basic hi-hat technique,” or “Improve double stroke roll speed by 5 BPM.” Tracking your progress can be insanely rewarding and is a fantastic motivator.
And don’t forget to celebrate your victories, no matter how small, and watch your skills soar over time with hard work and consistent, dedicated effort.
DW Drums Performance Series 5 Piece Shell Pack w/Snare, Black Diamond
PERFECT FOR: professional drummers and recording sessions
FEATURES: Designed with exotic wood veneers for a unique and visually appealing look
OTHER INFO: Constructed using HVLT (Vertical Low Timbre) shell technology for improved sound and resonance
DW Drums Performance Series 5 Piece Shell Pack w/Snare, Black Diamond
- Made of 100% maple shells
- Produces high-quality sound and tone
- Customizable options for shell sizes and finishes allow for personalized preferences and a unique look
- Constructed with durable materials, ensuring a long-lasting investment
- Expensive price point, making it a significant investment for most drummers
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Elevate your drumming experience to new heights with the DW Collector’s Series Exotic 5-piece Shell Pack. As a drummer myself, I can attest to its unparalleled craftsmanship and exceptional sound quality. The exotic wood veneers not only make a stunning visual statement but also contribute to the rich, nuanced tones that this professional drum set produces.
Whether you’re in the studio or on stage, the DW Collector’s Series Exotic Shell Pack delivers the ultimate in performance and satisfaction.
Are Drums Hard to Learn? Yes, and No!
Summary
Deciding to learn the drums can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. It’s like unlocking a new language where each drumbeat is a word!
Just remember these:
Drumming requires great coordination; your limbs work together in new ways. Picture them like a well-oiled machine, each part perfectly in sync.
Basics are crucial. Don’t rush it—mastering simple rhythms sets a rock-solid foundation. It takes patience, a lot of it!
Practice makes perfect. Well, maybe not perfect, but definitely better! Regular practice cultivates your groove and timing, trust me. You’re building muscle memory, one beat at a time.
Get a drum teacher; It will never hurt to get one, and they can work wonders. They navigate you through the tricky bits, keeping frustration at bay.
Equipment matters, but you don’t need the fanciest kit. A decent drum set and some sticks can take you pretty far.
Listening to music critically helps, too. Dissect your favorite drum solos, listen to your favorite songs, and you’ll see what I mean. Make this your new hobby, and you’ll definitely learn to play drums more easily.
Patience is your friend. All good things, including drum skills, take time to bloom.
Embrace the challenge; you’ll find joy in every thump and crash. Your drumming journey is a personal rhythm waiting to be explored!
Wait! There’s more…
If you find yourself getting interested in learning to play the drums and happen to look for additional information on what drum kits to get and the necessary accessories that must come with them, the next article is perfect for you!
ok but why is no one talking about the challenge of just sitting straight for practice sessions? like, I get distracted by literally anything. any tips on staying focused?
learning basic beats is where the real fun starts. kinda like learning the alphabet before you start writing stories. stick with it!
Sam has done a commendable job outlining the essential steps in learning to play the drums. From choosing the right equipment to mastering coordination and timing, each section provides invaluable insights for drummers at any skill level. Developing limb independence is particularly challenging, yet rewarding, and practicing with a metronome cannot be emphasized enough. Additionally, overcoming challenges such as frustration and maintaining motivation is crucial for long-term success. I strongly encourage fellow enthusiasts to follow these guidelines for a comprehensive and fulfilling drumming journey.
couldn’t agree more, especially on the part about limb independence. it’s tough but feels great once you get the hang of it!
hey, just started drumin and super excited to learn more. one thing tho, choosing the right equipment feels like a maze. like, there are so many options out there, how do you even decide? I wanna make sure I get something good but not overly pricey, ya know? would love some tips on picking gear thats not gonna break the bank but still decent for a newbie. thx