POSITIONING

• Center yourself on the drumkit so that your drumsticks fall naturally in the middle of the drum pads when hitting a downstroke. If you're too far away from the kit, you will be reaching for the drums and making it more difficult for yourself. On the contrary; if you sit too close, you will be a bit scrunched up and won't be able to execute your strokes freely.

HOLDING THE STICKS

• You'll hear about several different ways to hold drumsticks. We recommend the matched grip for Rock Band.
• Don't hold the drumsticks too loose or they'll fall out of your hands. Don't hold them too tight or you'll be choking the natural movement and rebound of the stick.

BASS DRUM PEDAL

• You will hear different opinions on whether to play your heel up or down on the pedal. Either is fine but remember that heel-up is the most popular technique and the most proven through the years. Whichever method you choose, remember to keep your foot on the pedal the entire time. Some drummers lift their foot off the foot pedal between beats. This is an absolute no-no.

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TIMING

• One of the challenges in drumming is to keep a "steady" beat. Invest in a small digital metronome and learn to play your drumset beats with this. You will be amazed at how practicing with a metronome will improve your overall performance.

PLAYING FASTER BEATS

• Practice basic drum rudiments to help strengthen your wrist muscles and enhance hand-to-hand cooridination.
• Let the rebound of the sticks on the pad help propel the motion.
• Learn to relax. Many drummers tighten up when they're trying hard to keep up. If you tighten up, you're making it more difficult for yourself.

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MORE ROCK BAND TIPS

• "Play" the drums; don't fight them. I know you've seen rock drummers "flail" but believe me; much of it is for show. They are in complete control of their stokes and usually very relaxed.
• Don't play the drums too hard. They're not made as heavy duty as professional drumsets and they can't hold up to the abuse. You'll end up with some broken drums.
• The way to get good at Rock Band is to simply do it a lot. It's that easy.
• If you don't have natural rhythm and are struggling with the drums, don't sweat it. Rock band is about having fun. You're not trying to be a real drummer so relax and enjoy.
• Check out the many resouces and drum lessons links at DrumBum.com. You will be amazed at what you find there. Literally thousands of helpful drum lesson content featuring drum lessons, drum tabs, drum articles, drum tips, and more!
• Chat about Rock Band and Rock Band drums with other drummers at one of the most popular and friendly drum forums around - DrumChat.com.

MORE ROCK BAND TIPS