4 Beginner-Friendly Drumming Tips to Keep You on the Beat

Learning to keep a beat and play along to tunes can seem impossible when you first pick up the sticks. Drumming has its own set of rules, techniques, and terminology, which may be overwhelming at first. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve recently started drumming or are considering taking it up as a pastime.

While keeping time may seem challenging at first, it’s something that anyone can learn with the right guidance and practice. If you’re looking to enrol in drum lessons for beginners or simply want to brush up on your skill sets, these beginner-friendly drumming tips will help you get started on the right foot.

1. Learn the rhythm basics

Rhythm is the foundation of all music, so if you can get that down, you’re ahead of the game. Begin by identifying the four most common rhythms used in popular music: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, and 6/8. These are also known as ‘time signatures,’ which help us understand the number of beats in each bar.

• 4/4 – There are four-quarter notes in every bar. This is the most common time signature in modern music, and it can be found in anything from pop to hip hop. It gets its name from the fact that each measure contains four-quarter notes.
• 3/4 – There are three-quarter notes in every bar. This time signature is common in folk music and some classical pieces. It gets its name from the fact that each measure contains three-quarter notes.
• 2/4 – There are two-quarter notes in every bar. This time signature is common in some folk and classical pieces. It gets its name from the fact that each measure contains two-quarter notes.
• 6/8 – There are six eighth notes in every bar. This time signature is common in Latin music, such as salsa and samba, as well as some folk music. It gets its name from the fact that each measure contains six eighth notes.

2. Develop your hand-eye coordination

You may have seen a drummer playing and wondered how they have such quick hands and eyes. You may be surprised to learn that drumming is more about accuracy than speed.

The goal of drumming is not to be the fastest musician on stage but to keep the beat and rhythm going while propelling the rest of the band. You may try practising your hand-eye coordination with a drumming app to get better at this. Not only will this help you get your hands up to speed, but it will help enhance your sense of rhythm as well. Many of these apps are available on the App Store or Google Play Store, so pick one that best suits your needs.

3. Commit to a practice routine

You won’t become a great drummer overnight. As with any other musical instrument, it will take time to build your expertise and get to a level where you feel comfortable performing in front of others.

Set aside sometime each week for practice to make the most of your drumming progress. The amount of time you should devote to practising is determined by your skill level. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day if you’re just getting started. You can increase this time to several hours a day as you advance. It’s also critical to make practice a habit. You must make time for it, just like anything else in your life. It’s better to set a goal to practice a little every day than to push yourself to do it all in one go.

4. Try Out Different Drumming Styles

As with any skill, learning from other drummers is essential. This will help you broaden your understanding of the instrument and learn new techniques you can utilise in your playing.

There are many well-known drummers you can study, but we recommend starting with these three: Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, and Phil Collins. All three of these drummers have had a significant impact on the world of drumming and are excellent teachers. In addition to studying the styles of notable drummers, it’s also crucial to learn the various drumming techniques. You can explore a variety of drumming techniques to help you enhance your performance and broaden your skill set.

Conclusion

Drumming is not only a fun hobby but is also a great form of exercise. It’s an excellent stress reliever that also improves hand-eye coordination. It may appear complicated at first, but with enough practice, anyone can learn how to keep a beat and play along to tunes. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals of keeping time and are confident in your drumming abilities, you can start branching out into different styles. You can learn many different drumming styles, so pick one that suits your needs best.

Consider signing up for drum set lessons with Drum Tutor for beginner-friendly drum lessons. There are no age restrictions, so whether you’re an adult or a parent looking for a drum lesson for kids, our classes are designed to accommodate students of all skill levels. From learning fundamentals to picking up new drumming styles, our team will work with you to develop your skills, confidence, and passion for music. Begin working on your musical journey with Drum Tutor today!