Drums for Adults: A Beginner’s Guide to Playing the Drums

Drums are an excellent instrument for anyone looking to develop hand-eye coordination, a sense of rhythm, and overall coordination. They are also one of the most fun instruments to play. From learning new beats to perfecting your performance, drums can offer a challenging and rewarding experience for adults interested in playing them.

Arguably the most common drum type is the standard snare drum that most people think of when they hear the word “drum”; however, there are many kinds of drums that you can use to play different types of music. No matter which type of drums you decide to play, with practice and persistence, you will be able to learn how to play them with proficiency and confidence.

What is a Drum?

A drum is a musical instrument consisting of a cylindrical tube that is open at one end, with a head (skin/hide) that is forcefully hit with the hands, sticks, or other implements.

Other household items can also be used to create a similar sound. A drum can be used to create various sounds and rhythms, either alone or in conjunction with other instruments.

Some of the most common types of drums include the snare drum, bass drum, tom drums, timbales, and bongos. The drum consists of a resonating shell with either a single cylinder or multiple cylinders of wood, metal, or plastic.

Drums are traditionally made with a wooden shell; however, synthetic materials like metal and plastic are common. In the shell, there are many air pockets that, when hit, cause the drum to vibrate and produce sound.

Types of Drums

• Snare Drum – The snare drum is one of the most common instruments used in drumming. It is a type of drum commonly used in both marching bands and orchestras. It is usually placed on a stand, and the musician typically sits on the opposite side of the drum.
• Bass Drum – A bass drum is the largest of the drums in a drum set. It is often played in marching bands, orchestras, and other musical settings. It is used with a double bass drum pedal, similar to a pedal used with a bicycle.
• Tom Drum – A tom drum is a type of drum commonly featured in orchestras and popular music. The tom drum is widely used in jazz, country and rock music.
• Timbale – A timbale is a type of drum that is commonly featured in Latin and Caribbean music. The timbale is placed on a stand and is played with a drumstick.
• Bongo Drum – A bongo drum is a type of drum that is commonly featured in Latin music. The bongo drum is a part of a drum set and is played with two drumsticks.

Things to Consider Before Purchasing

Before purchasing a drum set for adults, you should think about what type of music you want to play, the space in your home where you want to set up, and your budget. There are many different drums and drum sets, and it can be overwhelming if you don’t know what to look for.

You should keep in mind a few things when purchasing your first drum set.

• Type of Music – The first thing to think about is the type of music you want to play. Many different types of music use drums, including rock, jazz, blues, country, and more. If you are just beginning, you might want to start with a drum set that has fewer types of drums.
• Space – The location where you plan to set up your drum set is also essential. You could choose a larger model with a more excellent drum selection if you have ample room. If you have limited space, you may want to purchase a smaller model.
• Budget – Lastly, you should consider your budget. There are many affordable drum sets available, but you want to make sure to find a high-quality drum set that will last. The cost of drum sets can vary widely, so it is crucial to set a budget before you start shopping.

How to Find the Right Drum Set for Adults

If you are new to drumming, you may want to start with a basic drum set that includes the most common types of drums. This will allow you to learn how to play every kind of drum before you add more drums to your set.

Beginners should opt for a drum set that includes a bass drum, a snare drum, and a tom drum. As you become more advanced, you can add more drums to your set.

Another thing to keep in mind when shopping for a drum set is the size of the drums. The drum sizes are referred to as “heads” and are measured in inches. The larger the drumhead size, the deeper the sound will be. For example, a 16-inch tom drum will produce a deeper sound than a 10-inch tom drum.

Tips for Playing the Drums as an Adult

If you have always wanted to learn how to play the drums but never got the chance, now is the perfect time to start. Drums are an excellent instrument for adults of all ages to learn.

Playing the drums is a great way to have fun, build confidence, and meet new people, whether at home, at drum lessons for adults, or in a drum circle. Here are some tips to help you in your drumming journey.

• Find a Drum Buddy – If you are new to drumming, it is good to find a drum buddy who can help you learn the basics. You can find drum buddies in various settings, including online groups, drum circles, and music stores.
• Join a Drum Circle – Aside from having fun, drum circles provide an excellent opportunity to meet new people. Whether you choose to attend a drum circle in person or online, you will meet people who love playing the drums as much as you do.
• Find a Drumming Group – Joining a drumming group is a great way to meet new people and learn more about the instrument. If there isn’t a drumming group in your area, you could also start one yourself.

Conclusion

Drums are an excellent instrument for adults to learn how to play. When played well, they can be beautiful and expressive, and they can be a great way to relieve stress and bond with others. Whether you want to play in a group or by yourself, many different types of drums can be used for different types of music. If you are interested in playing the drums, now is the perfect time to start.

Now is also an excellent time for young children to pick up on the craft of drumming. It is advantageous for young children to be exposed at an early age, as it has been proven to aid in their development. You can kickstart your child’s musical journey by enrolling them in drum set classes with Drum Tutor.

Er Chow Kiat, our award-winning drummer, creates engaging music programmes, and we personalise our classes based on every student’s learning pace. We can help your child develop proper drumming techniques and unlock their full potential through our interactive drum classes for children.