So... I Just Got A Drum Set

[War Penguin]

I've had plenty of goals that I've wanted reach in my life. Two of the most relevant are:

1) Get a drum set
2) Learn how to play said drum set

The first goal I've managed to reach [small](in case you weren't aware from the title)[/small]. I've always wanted to play the drums for so long and I feel so goddamn lucky that I now have the opportunity to play! The second... uh...

Well, I've been playing around with it and I've kind of got an idea of what I'm doing. "Kinda" being heavily emphasized in the previous sentence. It's an electric kit, which includes a snare, two tom toms excluding the floor tom, kick drum, high hat, crash cymbal, and ride cymbal. I'll edit in a picture later when I can. I can do some basic rock rhythms, but that's about it. I don't know how to practice or whether or not what I'm doing right. I've been practicing by playing to some of the music I listen to, but easy stuff like Weezer and the like. However, I'm not sure whether or not that's something I should be doing.

So to the musically talented Escapists: what's the best way to get started on learning how to play? What's the best way to practice? Any tips or tricks? Advice? Lay it on me, Escapists! I want ALL the knowledge!

 

[Nouw]

Since I'm not a drum-player, I will offer you general tips that may or may not help xD.

Anyway, I recommend getting some kind of tutor/teacher. A good tutor/teacher can do wonders for your progression of skill and it can make a significant difference. I found an excellent teacher in my fourth year of clarinet playing, next year is my fifth, and I can already tell I am improving at a much faster rate. If you can't get tuition, my only piece of advice I can really give is practice with songs you enjoy playing. It really helps with motivation and you can get sucked into a 'one more bar!' mentality which is helpful.

This is from someone who still struggles with motivation so take it as you will, that last one anyway.

 

[SpinnokDurav]

As Nouw said, try to get a tutor, especially in the first years of learning an instrument this is important.
If you're unable to find one go to Youtube and look at some online lessons, these are generally also good. Furthermore try to get some books on rudiments, I have purchased this one :http://www.stephanechamberland.com/shop/images/cover-stickcontrol-large.jpg. It goes through all the rudiments, and if you follow the rules set in the first page, you're going to improve.

Also try finding a band, this will also improve your timing and things like that. It makes the instrument more fun to play. You'll learn a lot from trying to play songs and giving your own twist to it. This gives you more improvisational skills. Furthermore try to jam as much as you can, make up your own stuff and just bash away at the drums.

If you combine the discipline of learning the exercises and the freedom of just doing something, you'll get better fast.
I've been drumming since I was eleven or so and during those first years I didn't practice much, this was a really big mistake. Try to practice as much as you can, the only way to become better is through practice. Before I went to my university I practiced for around 1.5 hours a day, just playing songs and such. However you shouldn't start playing for so long, just slowly build up your time practicing.

Also when it doesn't work as fast as you want it to, don't give up. Just try practicing at a lower tempo and then gradually speed up.

Last but not least, please excuse my English, it isn't my first language.

 

[Artina89]

This has already been mentioned, but it is the best option, which is to get a tutor. In my first two years of playing the guitar, I had a tutor that was paid for me by my high school and it worked wonders in terms of my progression. He taught me how to read music and showed me the importance of running through scales and other excercises to improve dexterity. Ask at your local music store, or search the internet for local tutors, I highly recommend it.

 

[bojackx]

Well, I've been playing the guitar for 3 or 4 years now without ever once having a tutor or lesson on how to play said guitar. I'm really not that good for someone who's been playing for this long so I suggest you get a tutor.

 

[robot slipper]

I have played drums since I was about 10 (I'm now an ancient 31). Yep definitely get a drum teacher/tutor. Without that, you are likely holding and controlling the sticks incorrectly, which can effect your stamina (unless you have giant arm muscles) or even cause RSI. You will also be able to learn different styles and rhythms, learn how to read drum sheet-music (it does exist!) and learn how to take care of your kit.

And of course have fun! I don't think there is a more fun instrument than the drums. And there certainly aren't more fun people than drummers.

It's funny you mention Weezer, one of the first songs I tried to play along to was "Say it ain't so". Nirvana songs were also a favourite of mine.