Any drummers here? Need advice...

[ThatPurpleGuy]

A little while ago I picked up my guitar which I hadn't played for about 5 years with the thought of "relearning" it. I was actually surprised by how much I could still do even if I was quite rusty (and my guitar way out of tune). I played for an hour or two but wasn't really feeling it like I used so I decided that I want to learn the drums. They look like so much fun.

Now I haven't had a full time job in over 5 years thanks to a large amount of money I received through inheritence and my money is gradually running out. Now I have a house, I am single and have zero debt my plan is to never work full time or a "real job" ever again. They do my head in and if I don't need to do it I won't, even if it means never making it rich. One of the reasons I would like to learn drums is so I could maybe later down the line play as a casual drummer in pub and club bands and stuff like that. Make some money to get by without having to do 40+ hours a week, not to mention the extra hours of travelling to and from etc.

For any drummers out there I have a couple of questions..I am looking at buying a decent quality but basic set of electronic drums so I can play them inside and not disturb neighbours with a view that if I keep interested I would try and convert my garage into a soundproof room and grab a real kit. Would learning on electronic drums hamper me drastically in anyway or would they at least let me get the basics down??

I am ok musically I guess, so roughly how long would it take to get to a competent level of where you could play most basic/intermediate beats and maybe play in bands??. Keep in mind I have quite alot of time on my hands and if I ended up loving it I will play obsessively.

 

[Jadarendir]

Speaking as a professional drummer, I personally don't like electronic kits. I learned to play on real drums from scratch and I've always found that the differences, specifically the sizes of the targets, can really throw me off when I switch back and forth. That said, I realize that the quietness of electronic drums can be a huge asset when it comes to practicing near not-necessarily-drum-friendly neighbors.

Now, with this in mind, if you were to pick up an electronic kit, it would cost as much or more than a standard kit. I don't know where you're from, but I live in Canada and a decent set of electronic drums can cost anywhere from $1000 to almost $5000 here. If you were planning on picking up a standard set eventually as well--$500 to $1000 or more--then that is a boatload of cash. So I would recommend this:

Pick up a standard kit--five piece, hihat, ride and crash cymbals--or whatever kit you want, and then pick up a set of these: http://www.vintagedrum.com/item/Sound-Off-Fusion-Drum-Kit-Box-Set-Drum-Set-Mutes-UP-SOSETFSN . Drum muting pads are excellent for taking away the noise. With them, you get the quietness of an electronic kit, but you can still take them off whenever you want and then you have a full standard kit. Granted, you don't hear very much while you're playing, whereas an electronic kit lets you wear headphones and hear the electronic beat, but personally I don't think the ability to hear pre-recorded drum sounds is worth another grand or more.

I hope this helps out a bit, and good luck learning the drums! Remember, the most important thing is to practice ALL THE TIME. Keep it up and you'll be rockin' in no time!

-Jay

 

[BonsaiK]

Electronic drums are fine. The skills you need are in co-ordination and rhythm, that doesn't change no matter what type of kit you play.

Keep in mind that you can buy "drum mutes" that go over real drum skins and cymbals that make playing them sound exactly like hitting a practice pad. A real kit and mutes might work out cheaper than an electronic kit (especially as you don't need to buy two kits) so that's something to consider.

It's impossible for me to give you a timeframe on how long it will take you to play good enough to be in a band, but keep in mind that if you're not playing jazz or heavy metal you don't need to be brilliant, just functional (i.e in time) will do. The reason why I can't quantify it is because I have no idea what your sense of co-ordination and rhythm are like, plus your innate musical sense which means your ability to listen to other musicians in a group setting and bounce off them - those are the things that are going to make all the difference. I'm no great technical drummer (it's something like my fifth instrument) but I was completely self-taught and able to pick up drums and start playing in bands at a basic functional level literally immediately. Other people never get it after years of practice. Your brain is either cut out for it or it isn't.

 

[ThatPurpleGuy]

Speaking as a professional drummer, I personally don't like electronic kits. I learned to play on real drums from scratch and I've always found that the differences, specifically the sizes of the targets, can really throw me off when I switch back and forth. That said, I realize that the quietness of electronic drums can be a huge asset when it comes to practicing near not-necessarily-drum-friendly neighbors.

Now, with this in mind, if you were to pick up an electronic kit, it would cost as much or more as a standard kit. I don't know where you're from, but I live in Canada and a decent set of electronic drums can cost anywhere from $1000 to almost $5000 here. If you were planning on picking up a standard set eventually as well, then that is a boatload of cash. So I would recommend this:

Pick up a standard kit--five piece, hihat, ride and crash cymbals--or whatever kit you want, and then pick up a set of these: http://www.vintagedrum.com/item/Sound-Off-Fusion-Drum-Kit-Box-Set-Drum-Set-Mutes-UP-SOSETFSN . Drum muting pads are excellent for taking away the noise. With them, you get the quietness of an electronic kit, but you can still take them off whenever you want and then you have a full standard kit. Granted, you don't hear very much while you're playing, whereas an electronic kit lets you wear headphones and hear the electronic beat, but personally I don't think the ability to hear pre-recorded drum sounds is worth another grand or more.

I hope this helps out a bit, and good luck learning the drums! Remember, the most important thing is to practice ALL THE TIME. Keep it up and you'll be rockin' in no time!

-Jay

Wow first reply and it from a pro. Thats good advice thanks alot!

I sorta thought that any "real" drummer would never like electronic drums but I actually like the thought of using headphones while hearing computer generated drum sounds. While the drum pads to mute your drums would be ok for noise, I would never actually get to hear the real sound of what I was playing because I don't think I would ever feel comfortable bashing drums knowing I am most likely annoying someone.

I am in Australia and the prices you said are roughly the same. They start around $1000 but I am guessing these are bottom of the line. I would probably be prepared to spend around $2000 for now..My biggest question is though, will these put me into bad habits and not teach me things that I would learn with real drums?

Thanks again, I will be taking your advice onboard.

 

[ThatPurpleGuy]

It's impossible for me to give you a timeframe on how long it will take you to play good enough to be in a band, but keep in mind that if you're not playing jazz or heavy metal you don't need to be brilliant, just functional (i.e in time) will do. The reason why I can't quantify it is because I have no idea what your sense of co-ordination and rhythm are like, plus your innate musical sense which means your ability to listen to other musicians in a group setting and bounce off them - those are the things that are going to make all the difference. I'm no great technical drummer (it's something like my fifth instrument) but I was completely self-taught and able to pick up drums and start playing in bands at a basic functional level literally immediately. Other people never get it after years of practice. Your brain is either cut out for it or it isn't.

Yeah I was reading about Jazz drumming and alot say its the most advanced. Probably good to learn some basics if possible but generally I would just want to be playing popular stuff.

I do have decent rhythm and having learnt an instrument before I know what I am in for, even though the whole co-ordination with drumming is entirely different. All I know is if I love doing something, I generally get very good at it because it becomes my obsession. I don't see why drums would be any different but like you say its one of those things some people never get, so I will only know by trying it out for a while I guess.

If I keep living my current lifestyle my money should last another 2 or so years, so hopefully in that time I will be able to get to a decent level, if I enjoy it of course. I can't see myself not enjoying it though, whenver I watch bands on stage I always watch the drummer and they always look so "into it", yet they never collapse out of exhaustion. How is this?

 

[Jadarendir]

My biggest question is though, will these put me into bad habits and not teach me things that I would learn with real drums?

Well, no, it probably wouldn't put you into bad habits. In fact, if you learned to play on an electronic kit at first, the pads would be smaller than actual drums, so playing an actual kit would probably be easier. Then again, that's just me guessing.

One thing that is different, and sometimes tricky, about switching from an electronic kit to a standard one, is the kick pad. I've never played an electronic kit that had a kick pad that felt even remotely similar to an actual kick drum. It might not seem like much at first, but when you get used to the feel of one type of kick sometimes it can make other kicks just feel unnatural. Again, that could amount to nothing; I'm just nitpicking.

If you don't have a problem with spending the extra cash on the drum sounds, then go for it. I'll admit, it's much more satisfying to be able to hear what you're playing, so I definitely understand why you would want that. I was lucky enough to grow up in a house where I was allowed to practice my drums whenever I wanted (well, while everyone else was awake, anyway).

 

[Kaptajn Emil Alfred Conan Swagga Benzon]

Pearl ftw, is all hat I can say.

 

[Jadarendir]

Yeah I was reading about Jazz drumming and alot say its the most advanced.

That is definitely true. Some might argue it, but the fact is most of the most difficult, technical tricks in drumming were either taken from Jazz, or invented by Jazz-trained drummers.

I can't see myself not enjoying it though, whenver I watch bands on stage I always watch the drummer and they always look so "into it", yet they never collapse out of exhaustion. How is this?

I love playing live because when the audience is into it, you can't help but be into it. You could be dehydrated, have sore arms and legs and otherwise not be able to continue, but if you let the adrenaline carry you then you can play like you'd never think yourself able to play. It's the single most rewarding thing, for me, about being a drummer!

 

[BonsaiK]

It's impossible for me to give you a timeframe on how long it will take you to play good enough to be in a band, but keep in mind that if you're not playing jazz or heavy metal you don't need to be brilliant, just functional (i.e in time) will do. The reason why I can't quantify it is because I have no idea what your sense of co-ordination and rhythm are like, plus your innate musical sense which means your ability to listen to other musicians in a group setting and bounce off them - those are the things that are going to make all the difference. I'm no great technical drummer (it's something like my fifth instrument) but I was completely self-taught and able to pick up drums and start playing in bands at a basic functional level literally immediately. Other people never get it after years of practice. Your brain is either cut out for it or it isn't.

Yeah I was reading about Jazz drumming and alot say its the most advanced. Probably good to learn some basics if possible but generally I would just want to be playing popular stuff.

I do have decent rhythm and having learnt an instrument before I know what I am in for, even though the whole co-ordination with drumming is entirely different. All I know is if I love doing something, I generally get very good at it because it becomes my obsession. I don't see why drums would be any different but like you say its one of those things some people never get, so I will only know by trying it out for a while I guess.

If I keep living my current lifestyle my money should last another 2 or so years, so hopefully in that time I will be able to get to a decent level, if I enjoy it of course. I can't see myself not enjoying it though, whenver I watch bands on stage I always watch the drummer and they always look so "into it", yet they never collapse out of exhaustion. How is this?

Really good drumming is about technique, not force. They're not necessarily hitting super-hard, they're just looking like they are, and one thing that a good drum teacher will teach you is economy of motion and letting gravity work in your favour. Once you've got that principle down, then you can make a show of it if you want...

Having learned another instrument will definitely help. Your odds of taking to it well are good if you already play another instrument at a good level.

 

[ThatPurpleGuy]

Yeah I was reading about Jazz drumming and alot say its the most advanced.

That is definitely true. Some might argue it, but the fact is most of the most difficult, technical tricks in drumming were either taken from Jazz, or invented by Jazz-trained drummers.

I can't see myself not enjoying it though, whenver I watch bands on stage I always watch the drummer and they always look so "into it", yet they never collapse out of exhaustion. How is this?

I love playing live because when the audience is into it, you can't help but be into it. You could be dehydrated, have sore arms and legs and otherwise not be able to continue, but if you let the adrenaline carry you then you can play like you'd never think yourself able to play. It's the single most rewarding thing, for me, about being a drummer!

Man now I am going into the city tomorrow and having a good look at some just from that comment. I guess the soreness comes the next day but that whole adrenaline thing you talk about would just take over. I guess its like when you play sport and sometimes you just find that little extra.

As for the techical side of it, I know what you mean when it comes to the bass drum. All the ones I have seen, even the kits worth 5k+ that have all mesh cymbals and the works still have a crappy looking kick that doesn't even look like a proper kick drum. Based on what you have said I think the electronic kit would be good for me for now because I know it won't hurt me too much technique wise. I just know if you develop bad habits from the start in anything they are hard to break, let alone an instrument that requires you to play on feel.

 

[Jadarendir]

Really good drumming is about technique, not force. They're not necessarily hitting super-hard, they're just looking like they are, and one thing that a good drum teacher will teach you is economy of motion and letting gravity work in your favour. Once you've got that principle down, then you can make a show of it if you want...

Having learned another instrument will definitely help. Your odds of taking to it well are good if you already play another instrument at a good level.

All good points. I find that I can get a lot more force out of my strokes when I use the 'Moeller Strike', which is basically a whipping motion with the stick that increases the speed of the tip and makes it hit harder. That, combined with knowing how to do a proper rim shot, makes me able to produce a very loud sound with relatively little effort.

Man now I am going into the city tomorrow and having a good look at some just from that comment. I guess the soreness comes the next day but that whole adrenaline thing you talk about would just take over. I guess its like when you play sport and sometimes you just find that little extra.

As for the techical side of it, I know what you mean when it comes to the bass drum. All the ones I have seen, even the kits worth 5k+ that have all mesh cymbals and the works still have a crappy looking kick that doesn't even look like a proper kick drum. Based on what you have said I think the electronic kit would be good for me for now because I know it won't hurt me too much technique wise. I just know if you develop bad habits from the start in anything they are hard to break, let alone an instrument that requires you to play on feel.

Glad I could help, my friend. Let me know if you have any other drum-related questions!

 

[The Afrodactyl]

If you're getting a drum kit, but don't want to soundproof a room, you can always buy some rubber pads that go over the drums and cymbals (crash pads I think they're called, I'm not too sure though).

Yeah, but make sure you're coordination is up to scratch.

 

[BioHazardMan]

Most local bands will take just about any drummer if they can hold a beat, pretty much all drumming is is that but making it fancier sometimes. I recommend jam buddies.

 

[FinalHeart95]

Most local bands will take just about any drummer if they can hold a beat, pretty much all drumming is is that but making it fancier sometimes. I recommend jam buddies.

This.
Guitarists far outnumber drummers. Even counting bands with rhythm and lead guitarists, there aren't enough drummers out there. At least around here.

 

[Sightless Wisdom]

I've been drumming for a couple years now, I'm not great but then... I'm self taught and I don't practice nearly as much as I should. Either way I suggest a real kit for two reasons: dynamics and the kick drum/pedal. While it may not be a problem for you it is really important to know how to get the right force behind your strokes to get the right amount of volume on different kinds of drums(snare vs toms or cymbal). And I've played several electric kits abut not one of them has had a realistic feeling kick on it, I personal find the response you get for the drum to be important in getting the right speed and force behind your kicks.

That said, you can get a good sound out of an electric kit without annoying anyone which I suppose could be good for you. However, I don't know about the noise laws where you are but where I am it's perfectly legal to be making noise during the day, so even if your neighbors don't like it... they have to deal with it(maybe, again I don't know the laws over there.

 

[5-0]

I've been drumming for about five years now. I second what everyone else said regarding buying an acoustic kit and using silencer pads- that's what I do. In order to get an electronic kit that reaches the standards of something acoustic, you do, unfortunately, have to spend quite a lot of money. I can't imagine you'd pick up any bad habits from going electric, it would just FEEL very different; you won't get the same bounce from a stick as you would on a real drum kit.

Regarding learning basic beats, I was playing the most basic 4/4 beats (bass drum on 1, snare on 2) within, I dunno a couple of weeks? These sorts of beats are prevalent in arguably most of today's modern rock and pop music.

If you really do have to go electric because of noise laws or whatever, I think you may be at an advantage when practising. If I had an electric kit I'd be on it ALL THE TIME, knowing I could practice my chops without disturbing anyone even in the middle of the night.

Once you get limb coordination down, as long as you work at it, everything should come.

 

[ThatPurpleGuy]

Most local bands will take just about any drummer if they can hold a beat, pretty much all drumming is is that but making it fancier sometimes. I recommend jam buddies.

This.
Guitarists far outnumber drummers. Even counting bands with rhythm and lead guitarists, there aren't enough drummers out there. At least around here.

Yeah I always see just in my local paper at least 3 a week "looking for a drummer". They are normally just at local clubs and R.S.L's so you are really only doing music from say 80's to present thats generally on the radio so people know it.

I learnt guitar when I was at school, along with about 5 other people in knew at the time. Noone I know plays drums. I guess guitars are alot more accessible and don't need the space so they are great for kid living in a bedroom.

 

[ThatPurpleGuy]

I've been drumming for a couple years now, I'm not great but then... I'm self taught and I don't practice nearly as much as I should. Either way I suggest a real kit for two reasons: dynamics and the kick drum/pedal. While it may not be a problem for you it is really important to know how to get the right force behind your strokes to get the right amount of volume on different kinds of drums(snare vs toms or cymbal). And I've played several electric kits abut not one of them has had a realistic feeling kick on it, I personal find the response you get for the drum to be important in getting the right speed and force behind your kicks.

That said, you can get a good sound out of an electric kit without annoying anyone which I suppose could be good for you. However, I don't know about the noise laws where you are but where I am it's perfectly legal to be making noise during the day, so even if your neighbors don't like it... they have to deal with it(maybe, again I don't know the laws over there.

I actually think it is legal here to make that level of noise during the day, but regardless of the law, I do consider that there are people surrounding me that may not share my passion, plus with electrics, I can play day or night.

 

[ThatPurpleGuy]

I've been drumming for about five years now. I second what everyone else said regarding buying an acoustic kit and using silencer pads- that's what I do. In order to get an electronic kit that reaches the standards of something acoustic, you do, unfortunately, have to spend quite a lot of money. I can't imagine you'd pick up any bad habits from going electric, it would just FEEL very different; you won't get the same bounce from a stick as you would on a real drum kit.

Regarding learning basic beats, I was playing the most basic 4/4 beats (bass drum on 1, snare on 2) within, I dunno a couple of weeks? These sorts of beats are prevalent in arguably most of today's modern rock and pop music.

If you really do have to go electric because of noise laws or whatever, I think you may be at an advantage when practising. If I had an electric kit I'd be on it ALL THE TIME, knowing I could practice my chops without disturbing anyone even in the middle of the night.

Once you get limb coordination down, as long as you work at it, everything should come.

Yeah this is almost exactly what the guy in the shop I went to today was saying. You can no doubt learn to play drums on an electric but the whole feel (which from what everyones says)is really important.

He actually said to me if I did buy the electronic kit I was looking at from him, I could go in once or twice a week just for an hour or two on a real kit just so I know the difference in feel between the two.

So while I am going to go with the electics for now, everyones advice here has been taken on board and is appreciated. If my interest keeps up I will definitely consider a real kit with silence pad until I can afford to soundproof my garage.

 

[Blights]

Once you've learned the basics, you don't really need anything else, drumming is simple enough as long as everything feels natural. I'd recommend trying Grade 1 drums, maybe to 2. Just to get things in motion, that would take a few months, maybe more.

After that you should be set, just keep practicing and things should fall into motion, practice different techniques, etc.