224 people want to do this.

play the drums


 

How to play the drums by arkowals

"A never ending goal. simple as that."

How I did it: I started just fooling around on my friends drumset. He didn't use it so he let me borrow it. Then I decided to take lessons at a local music shop once a week for 20 dollars. After getting down the basics, I moved on to a better instructor. Now at college, I continue to take lessons through the music department. 

Lessons & tips: - Take Lessons first, DON'T go purchasing any drums until you are two months into your lessons, maybe even more, especially if it is a child or teenager.

- Practice, Practice, Practice. Even though it sucks, you will not regret it.
- Don't be afraid to slow it down. I firrst learned some of the simplest beats at an obnoxiously slow tempo, but I had them down pat at any speed after that
- Play with earplugs! I regret that I did not start out using them and have experienced some hearing loss. 
- When you feel you are ready to purchase a drum set, go about it methodically:
    Step 1: Research
    - Look online at customer reviews, hear actual product demos and compare prices.
    Step 2: Try it out yourself
    - I prefer buying in person rather than online, simply because you KNOW what you are getting then. Go in the shop and play around with the kit you want to buy, and don't feel the need to make your purchase during this trip. DON'T let the salesmen pressure you. 
    Step 3: Buying the kit
    - ALWAYS go with someone else! That way you won't be so intimidated by the salesman, and it will offer a chance for anothers opinion. Preferably, bring another drummer or your drum instructor. 
    - Never settle for list price. Learn to haggle!!! It will save you alot of money and after all is said and done, it will give you a little more respect in the store. If you can, try and work out a deal, for example, if they have a high offer, get then to throw in an extra crash cymbal or something.

Note: you will most likely be buying your drums, cymbals and hardware seperately, but usually you can get one sum deal if you are buying it all from the same seller.


MOST IMPORTANT!!!

HAVE FUN!!! 

ROCK OUT!!!
 
and STICK IT TO THE MAN!!!

Resources: drummerworld.com


1 person found this helpful
 

Mar 30, 08:29PM PDT | 1 comment | 1 cheer


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    o0omuziko0o

    Drums 13 months ago

    It’s sad, really. I want to play the drums, dad says it’s too expensive (what a cheapo) and the neighbours will complain (well…I guess that IS true…).

    Dad said it would be okay if I worked in a corn field because I could just drag out the drums and play them at night. No one would hear. But, hello, dad, YOU would hear it. And mum. And Douglas.

    SO it’d probably take a while (um…after I leave school?) to learn the drums.

    Oct 07, 2008, 08:04PM PDT | 1 cheer | 1 comment


    jficklin

    Untitled 14 months ago

    play
    play
    play
    play

    everyday

    Sep 29, 2008, 04:01PM PDT | 0 comments


    strangelittlegirl tired, sick of it, and waiting for the light at the end of the tunnel.

    Untitled 20 months ago

    my phys ed teacher, it turns out, plays the drums. he now teaches me to do so (:

    Mar 07, 2008, 12:15AM PST | 0 comments


    jessl726

    Can't find lessons. 23 months ago

    This past year I’ve gone to so many awesome shows, that I’ve decided I want to take up the drums. I just don’t even know where to start. Does anyone know a website where I can find lessons.. for under $60/hr in Queens, NY?

    Dec 30, 2007, 05:03PM PST | 0 comments


    x0xLunacyx0x im puttin' out the lantern, find your own way back home.

    :] 23 months ago

    I love the drums. I’ve only been playing for about a year now… but it is so worth the practice because I’ve noticed a difference in speed and precision. My dad is an amazing drummer and inspired me to play. I think others out there who want to play should really try. It is amazing.

    Dec 30, 2007, 09:51AM PST | 1 cheer | 1 comment


    x0xLunacyx0x im puttin' out the lantern, find your own way back home.

    :] 23 months ago

    I love the drums. I’ve only been playing for about a year now… but it is so worth the practice because I’ve noticed a difference in speed and precision. My dad is an amazing drummer and inspired me to play. I think others out there who want to play should really try. It is amazing.

    Dec 30, 2007, 09:50AM PST | 0 comments


    flawless_happy

    practice makes you think your perfect 2 years ago

    i already play but i want to become faster. i want to play lead snare drum in the school marching band @ my school.

    Aug 28, 2007, 09:38AM PDT | 1 cheer | 0 comments


    SecretAgentGirl

    I can do it 2 years ago

    I’m a REALLY good drum player just like my dad, but I haven’t done it in a while! Maybe I’ll take it up again.

    Aug 09, 2007, 02:03PM PDT | 0 comments


    xgbabyxo

    drums. 2 years ago

    oh wow. i havent played my drums in a while. like. i am never home.
    ive been in florida. then jersey city. yeah. i love the drums because you can express your feeelings with it. just bang around if ur angry. or if your happy, u can play a nicee catchy beat. so yeah. i love my drums.

    Jul 24, 2007, 05:27PM PDT | 0 comments


    Kimberly Faith Hickman

    Awesome Feeling! 2 years ago

    Loud, liberating… puts you in a “zone” that’s pretty amazing.

    Mar 20, 2007, 09:11PM PDT | 0 comments


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