2009 31 Dec

More Top Tips For Starters Learning To Play Drums

When I was about to be taught how to learn play drums way back in the 60’s it was the period when live music was all the rage with the pop scene. I was providential in that my father was the manager of a quite famous dance hall placed in Tottenham North London with a resident group the “Dave Clark Five” and the “Johnny Howard Dance Band” .

I was introduced to the drummer in the dance band and he suggested to give me certain advice and boy was he good, a real musician who was able not only play but also site read music. So not just did I get to see the “Dave Clark Five” play and rehearse their first great hits “Glad all Over” and “Bits & Pieces” but I got a chance to play drums now in the classic traditional way from a great teacher. This helped me tremendously and taught me to learn the rudiments of music and to play in different styles , which enlarged my drumming experience.

How to hold the sticks – Almost all modern drummers tend to hold the sticks in the matched grip with the palms turned down and the sticks held in the hands by the thumb and first fingers, but the traditional method is for the left hand to be kept palm up with the stick laying across the palm lower the thumb and between the 2nd and 3rd fingers. I believe this provides far more control and dexterity from the wrist and enables greater versatility as you improve your skill.

Rudimentary Exercises – When you begin to play any instrument you have to do exercises that will increase the dexterity and suppleness of the wrists and fingers. The drums are no exception and I would advise practicing the following exercises.

Playing 4 beats to the bar alternate between left and right hand for 4 bars and then inverse to right and left hand. Every stroke have to be of the equal weight. Start of very slowly and gradually increase the speed.

The Paradiddle – This a good exercise for fortifying the wrists and improving left and right hand co-ordination and needs a lot of practice to perfect, but is well worth the effort in the long term.

Again play 4 beats to the bar for 4 bars and then inverse. Begin very slowly and gradually raise the speed and then when you sense able try and double the speed to 8 beats to the bar.

Remember that the drums drive the rhythm and timing for the rest of the band and it is essential that a good drummer, apart from anything else, may hold perfect timing, just like a metronome.

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