Drumming is an incredible way to show off your musical prowess, with famous drummers such as Phil Collins, John Densmore and Dave Grohl leading the way. If you’ve always wanted to be the band member that women (and men) swoon over, then drumming is the way to go. However, you have to learn to play the drums first. Here are our 3 easy steps to becoming that famous drummer.
Step 1: Pick your kit
Before you start learning how to play the drums, you’re going to need some equipment. If you’re not musically inclined then it may very well be your first time in a music store, and you’ll realise how many different pieces of kit there are to chose from. Have a look through some good drumkits for beginners in order to get a good idea of where to start, before selecting the one you like the look of. Ideally you’re looking at a 5 piece set to start, along with some drumsticks and a stool, unless your beginner drum kit comes with all the necessary accessories. Once you’ve purchased your first kit, you’re ready to begin.
Step 2: Use free lesson tools
You don’t need to invest in a music teacher to show you the drumming ropes, thanks to the internet. There are a whole range of free lessons online that will teach you the basics, as well as how to read music and some pretty cool techniques. A lot of drummers will actually watch their favourite bands perform live, in order to pick up tips and tricks to help them better themselves. You can watch YouTube videos of drummers performing, make use of free lessons, and learn the basics of reading music, all from the comfort of your own home. Once you’ve started to learn the basics, you’ll find that drumming is all about keeping the beat and the tempo; you’re the main part of the band, and without you, the other members wouldn’t be able to play.
Step 3: Practice, practice, practice
By now you should already have the basics down, meaning you could probably play a couple of White Stripes songs, but you’re no Genesis level yet. If you want to enter the Hall of Drumming Fame along with the greats, then you need to practice. No drummer ever got where they were today by learning the basics and then jumping on stage. If you have a band then make sure you get in as much practice as possible with them, as well as on your own. You may find that the neighbours kick up a bit of a fuss about you drumming day and night, so look for somewhere you can practice undisturbed. They say practice makes perfect, and they’re completely right when it comes to learning how to play the drums.
Three pretty basic steps that will help you to become a drumming professional in no time, without having to fork out a fortune in lessons and expensive bits of kit. It won’t be long before the best bands of our generation are asking you to drum for them. Maybe.
