Wannabe drummer. How do I start?

[Kris015]

I've kinda always really loved drums, and lately i've also really wanted to start playing them.
But I have no idea how to start. I've found a cheap drumset, but I don't know anything about drums really and I don't know if i'd be a bad idea to just buy it if I don't know how to play or anything.

I could really use some advice, and ideas on how to started.

 

[Limecake]

practice Drum Rudiments while you are away from your drum kit/don't have it yet. also if you live with other people you might want to invest in some covers so you aren't blasting the noise through the house.

depends how you learn though, drum lessons should be easy to find, talk to a local music shop, most offer lessons for several instruments. there is a boatload of learning to drum books and even more free information on the internet.

I'd say the most important thing to do when learning an instrument is meet someone who also shares your interest in that instrument. a friend who you can talk to about technique or compete with will go a long way on your path to learning to drum.

I'd say buy the drums if you have the space, noise level available. You only live once and you seem like you are interested in them. Just remember that 'learning to drum' is just that LEARNING. Don't get discouraged because you aren't double kicking and drum soloing your first day.

put in the time, put in the effort and it will pay off.

 

[NitehawkFury]

While knowing I'll get blasted by any real drummers out there, I'm going to put this out there anyway:

Shamefully or not, I started learning the drums by playing Rock Band. Learning the coordination of a drum set, as well as getting basic rhythms and combinations down. Eventually, I kind of broke my first Rock Band set, and have had to rig up my own electronic set, which always elicits these wows and shocks from people who have never seen it before, especially since it's got WAY more wires on it than my actual drum set.

In any case, Rock Band really helped my drumming a lot, because it forced me to learn new patterns and such before I was ready, and gave me a chance to practice them over and over in a fun and interesting way.

Other than that, I just keep my sticks handy, and strum things out. Listen to your favorite types of music (I find that 70's and 80's rock works best for me), and try to pick out the drums. Listen for the snare, the toms, the ride and the high-hat. Try to piece together how you'd hold your hands if you were on your own set. Then, just try to duplicate what you're learning.

Oh! And strengthen the muscles in your foot. I can't tell you the number of times early on that I'd be playing for a couple hours and my foot just wouldn't want to stomp in time anymore. Stretch out your calf, make sure that you keep it limber.

All in all, have a good time, and just like Limecake said - Put in the time and effort. You'll be well on your way.

 

[Kris015]

practice Drum Rudiments while you are away from your drum kit/don't have it yet. also if you live with other people you might want to invest in some covers so you aren't blasting the noise through the house.

depends how you learn though, drum lessons should be easy to find, talk to a local music shop, most offer lessons for several instruments. there is a boatload of learning to drum books and even more free information on the internet.

I'd say the most important thing to do when learning an instrument is meet someone who also shares your interest in that instrument. a friend who you can talk to about technique or compete with will go a long way on your path to learning to drum.

I'd say buy the drums if you have the space, noise level available. You only live once and you seem like you are interested in them. Just remember that 'learning to drum' is just that LEARNING. Don't get discouraged because you aren't double kicking and drum soloing your first day.

put in the time, put in the effort and it will pay off.

Thanks! I do have like 4-5 friends who are drummers, but there are no music shop around here (I live in Denmark). Guess I should talk with my friends then!

While knowing I'll get blasted by any real drummers out there, I'm going to put this out there anyway:

Shamefully or not, I started learning the drums by playing Rock Band. Learning the coordination of a drum set, as well as getting basic rhythms and combinations down. Eventually, I kind of broke my first Rock Band set, and have had to rig up my own electronic set, which always elicits these wows and shocks from people who have never seen it before, especially since it's got WAY more wires on it than my actual drum set.

In any case, Rock Band really helped my drumming a lot, because it forced me to learn new patterns and such before I was ready, and gave me a chance to practice them over and over in a fun and interesting way.

Other than that, I just keep my sticks handy, and strum things out. Listen to your favorite types of music (I find that 70's and 80's rock works best for me), and try to pick out the drums. Listen for the snare, the toms, the ride and the high-hat. Try to piece together how you'd hold your hands if you were on your own set. Then, just try to duplicate what you're learning.

Oh! And strengthen the muscles in your foot. I can't tell you the number of times early on that I'd be playing for a couple hours and my foot just wouldn't want to stomp in time anymore. Stretch out your calf, make sure that you keep it limber.

All in all, have a good time, and just like Limecake said - Put in the time and effort. You'll be well on your way.

Thanks for the advice! I also play Rock Band/Guitar Hero drums on Expert, which just made me want to play for real even more!

 

[BlueberryMUNCH]

Good decision, friend.

Now, since you say you like drums, I'm guessing you've developed a natural ear for them? If that's the case...I don't think you'll need any more than 1 or two lessons, really.
I'm entirely self-taught bar the absolute basics by my dad.

First thing's first: Get some sticks. Hit some cushions with them just to get the feel for things.
Then...have a bash around on someone else's kit. If you have a good feeling for it...and have the room...then go ahead and invest in a kit, mate:].

Start exercising your arms and calves a lot, too.

Like someone else said, learning is learning. You might think you know exactly what you do, but you wont be able to until you put the practise in. Don't get discouraged by failure; keep at it!

Other than that...not much else I can think of.

Happy drumming!