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Make sure to hold drum stick strong enough so they don't fall - casey

If your in PIT, then put a small piece of duct tape on the mallets you play with, if you have a 4 mallet part. This will keep your fingers from become raw and sore when starting out or playing for a long period of time with four mallets - caleb pickering

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If you have a choice... choose not to have it. Because I play with one at my church and some times your head phones wont work or your aud. man would be lost - joshu@ pyL-E

Stretching - It is very important to do a few stretches before a set. Especially legs,and feet which seem to be overlooked by drummers. You be amazed how much of a difference it makes in your playing ! - Dave Seibert

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Take a drumming bag with an extra pair of sticks, just in case you drop one while playing. - Maya
Yea, Im the guy with the huge drum tips. My band has fell apart and I'm left with nothing more than beat up drum sticks. TIP- DO NOT join a band that you "think" we'll do good. TIP- Join a band that you "know" will be determined. TIP- Tell your musicians that you expect determination or they'll be traded off first thing. TIP- Don't be in a band for a past time, follow your dreams and maybe something will happen for you...like it happened for our inspirations..... Even though that tip hasn't came true for me...Im gonna keep trying. TIP- download some of Mike Portnoy's solos..It will give you a whole different picture of drumming. - Oscar Nolan
If you learn a new drum beat/fill don't play it once and then not play it again 4 a week because you WILL for get it. Keep playing it over and over again until you can do it with your eyes closed - Grant Holford

Learn as many different songs as you can, after a while you'll start adapting the drummers style - anonymous

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Just a couple of things...

1. Listen to ALL types of music (including classical etc.) It doesnt matter if your in a Metal, Punk band, it'll give you a huge advantage in your musical knowledge. And plus if your additioning for a band and they have to coose between you and a guy who knows nothing else apart from Punk, who do u rekon they'll want?

2. Learn a basic knowledge of trebel clef cos thats what guitar and keys are in and if u really wana some bass clef to, doesnt hurt...

3. Support up and coming drummers in the lower years of your school, you may be better bigger and faster, but they'l appretiate it.

4. Sorry guys, but John Bonham is the greatest drummer of all time. Id like to see Buddy Rich play "Moby Dick"

5. FACT : Ringo Starr is thee most overated drummer of all time. I will now back up my argument with a quote from George Harrison.

Reporter: So George, is Ringo the best drummer in the world?
George: No, he's not even the best drummer in the Beatles! - BenJ - Trick Avenger

The problems I have with rock drummers is that 1.They play the hats too loud, 2. The hats are so close to the snare drum that too much hat goes in the snare mic. 3.They use large hats which again, are too loud (13" hats are a good starting point). - Iain Wetherell

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THE FOUR BAR RULE - this is a simple trick for playing a song when you aren't familiar with the arrangement. Fills are used to mark an arrangement, tipping off changes from verse to chorus. Most songs are arranged in multiples of four bar sections - a chorus may be 16 bars long for example - so if you play a fill (this could be a cymbal crash, a snatch on the hihat, a short roll, whatever) every four bars it fits most arrangements. It sounds like you know the arrangement of a song when in fact you don't! - Adrian Wood

Fact - Neil Peart is the best drummer alive. Fact - John Bonham is the best non-living drummer - Listen to Led Zeppelin

Play good! LOL - Zac

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Number one most important thing I can think of is learning to play drums both soft and hard at the same time, and with expression. Too many drummers just play at the same dymanic throughout and it will sound very stale quickly. Learn to play solid 16th's between the highaht and snare, and then accent the one and three(or 2 and 4) on the snare while keeping the other notes extremely soft - Jason Weiesnbach
Try playing difficult songs to the radio, cd player, Ipod etc. such as Rush or Dave Matthews. Even though some of these fills are very advanced and you may not be so advanced, you will learn how to play some of the hard stuff and the easy stuff will become 2nd nature. Just because you can play a Rush song, it doesn't mean you are as good as Neil Peart. - mark
If you do not have enough money to buy a heap of stands for your cymbals,and dont have much room for any more try my cool idea and hang your cymbals from the roof.

Here's a tip for working on your meter/time keeping. Program your drum machine to loop 4 measures of time followed by 2 and then eventually 4 measures of silence. The challenge is to come back in on the 1 after the silence. This is a great way to internalize the groove so that you are not dependent on the metronome for keeping time. - Harry Kniznik

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GET A PRACTICE PAD! Practice pads are a convenient way of practicing drum rudiments and increasing your stick speed - Carter
Don't listen to those negative people who say you are wasting your time.Think about it this way. God gave you that great talent for SOME reason to use it. So don't get all depressed. YOU WILL MAKE IT! - Rich

Drumming is like driving. It's not all the time we open the hi-hat so quickly, sometimes we release them slowly like the clutch pedal. Always start at slow speed and gear up one a time until everything goes smooth. And have a regular check up or maintenance, we drummers would want an unwanted disaster in the middle of a gig. - kimlo

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Here's a great tip to imporve on the speed of your playing, and you can do it accuratley. It's called the singles excerise. What you do is set a metronome to a certain speed and then play 4 quarter notes (4 crotchets) then play 8 eighth notes (8 quavers), then play 16 sixteenth notes (16 semi-quavers) one each straight after the other, then straight after that you play 4 quarter notes then 8 quaver notes then 32 sixteenth notes, then you keep adding 16 sixteenth notes to each sixteenth bar until you get up to 64 sixteenth notes. (or to put it easier, you could just count 1 bar of quarter notes, 1 bar of eighth notes, then 1 bar of sixteenth notes and keep increasing the sixteenth bar by one each time until you completely play correctly 4 bars of sixteenth notes) then after you do that, you increase the speed of the metronome and repeat. I am now at a speed of 205 and i am only 14 years old! you must try it. - Rob Clark

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Play heal down - play heal down this is a good way to have more control and power - james
Try not to compare yourself to other drummers. Just worry about being a good drummer and making yourself better every day and pretty soon, you'll be kicking everybody's a** in no time. - Newlin
Think of a good beat to play even tho u may not be able to play it and practice that beat everyday until u get it perfect and then just add some shit in to make it sound cool - Ross Wheatley
Dont drop sticks - casey
If you have hardware or chrome that is starting to look "hazey" (like its about to rust) try car wax, it should do the trick! - Chris W

If you are looking for advaned technic on drums, I would suggest some of Steve Smith's instructional video - Jprince

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Use a verity of rolls, it will make any song better. - some random drummer
Use your fingers! No matter where you are, drum with your fingers on everything. Use the index finger and the middle finger of your right hand as bass drums, and the index finger of your left hand for the snare. It drills lots of ideas in your head for you to try for real on a kit. - Ross

If the overtone on your bass drum is too high, dont go waste your money on all the weird and wonderful solutions, just tape a bit of cardboard at the exact bit your beater hits the head to dampen the sound and give it a good punching sound. - Ross

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Dont concentrate on anything repeatitive .. you are gonna screw up - Sarah
Keep eye to eye contact with the bass player for great ideas together. Written by the GREAT RONNY MATHEWIS.

This is personally something that I find helps out alot. Try taking a piece of tape. Preferably duct. Take a small piece and stick it to the underside of your ride cymbal..I'll leave you other drummers to find out the results! - Joey Jordison

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Don't play drums by yourself, try and get more experience by playing with a band from church,school or even your own band.It is a totally different experience. - cool_sock
Hey listen, even if ur a beginner. Listen to more than one kind of drumming. Listen to jazz, blues, metal, country, or even marching drum lines. U'll always need more things to put into ur style. As u progress try to learn small things from drumers like Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, etc. Try it and see. - Lover of all Drums
WANT THE SECRET TO PLAYING FASTER.....use your fingers more than your wrists, why?? because finger muscles are smaller than wrist muscles therefore they work faster, while doing this try to contro the sticks height to about 1 inch of your drum or pad. remember (DTYD)"Drum Till You Drop" - fast n furious beatz

I've studyed this for years tryed every thing.the best notes to tune your drums'drum roll please;d flat snare'first tom b' next tom d flat;next tom e;bass drum d flat;an this is the way [bonzo tuned;an alot of great drummers did it.if you have alot of toms like more than a 5 drums you start again instead of bass drum d flat do the tom that note an start over like d flat'b' d flat e' d flat b'd flat e'over an over this really works an sounds good.happy drumming' - anthony

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Make sure you are an even handed drummer. don't let one hand be faster or stronger than the other. You should be able to play closed and open handed. - EVAN LEWIS
Dont worry what other people say just take yr time b paitient think it through and if u make a mistake it might even sound better than if u didnt plus it will be original and go girl drummers we kick a**! soz guys - bec

Always practice with any free time and always enjoy what your playing because an easy beat can be made with with attitude - Young Gun

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Stop forcing it! All you have to do is relax, use the same sticks consistently, and get used to playing with all ranges of pedal tension. It'll help. Strengthen your weak hand, and if you play closed-hand try open-hand. Sometimes it sounds great, even if it is a little slower. Also don't drink water during gigs...Drink Gatorade, it replace lost electrolites and carbohydrates. Also, after every show, or if you have a break between songs, eat a bannana, the potassium that it has with help. If you play the entrie show then go to sleep your putting yourself at risk! EAT THE BANANA! - Mark

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The best way to become a good drummer: listen, observe, analyse, practice and play with music(recorded and live)/bands/musicians/teachers within all styles. take advantage of all the great sources out there, but be selective! Spend your time wisely and stay healthy! - Andre Banini

My set takes 45 min to set up. What I have found to keep the time to this short is to place my set on a carpet and trace around the legs on to the carpet. I place a # on the carpet right under the base(in the center of the leg markings)that same # is also placed on the stand. Nice tip on marking position on the stand for quick set up.I use that one too. - Kevin Atkinson

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BETTER SNEAR SOUND. If you want a dry sound on your snare and remove the spair air in it to take away the ringing noise.....if you have a spear coated snare head...get a thick pin and pierce hole a the sied of the skin beside the rim....then place a little bit of duck tape...
THIS DOES WORK HONEST!...TRY IT - Mike
TOO MUCH PRACTICE????? You can never practice too much. When you think you have it down, make it better. "Flip it around, turn it upside down, pull inside out, push it outside in slice it, dice it dice and do it over again."-Twigs Slow it down. Speed it up. Make it quiet. Make it loud. Use different combos: Ex: Fast and quiet (my favotite) Add dynamics. Place accent marks in wierd places. (You may find somthing totally different) When you've done all of these, find somthing new and do it all over again. - Nick Hudson
Try some thing new and different. - Nick Hudson

Your never too good or too old to learn. - Nick Hudson

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Find out your own signture way of playing. Dont try to duplicate your favorite drummer. Find out a comfortable way to play, and just play what u think is good. - Henry Pacheco
Never forget the basics, no matter if your playing set or marching. They're the most important part of drumming, you will never stop using them and if you think about them and use them (double beat, triple beat, infinity rolls) you'll get bigger chops and be able to play just about anything. - Chad WCU Drumline

When playing a role let hands loose and let it bounce. - brady

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Just enjoy while your playing drums and focus your attention 4 what u play. - pugzzz
When you are learning drums, it helps to hav drumsticks, and i dont mean chicken - nirmal

Hey guys just have a good time and if you mess up pick up from where you mess up so you wont get sick of the same part of the song. Smile and just DRUM! - Jill Coy

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Incorporate flams on off beats of fill ins. This sounds really cool, especially while rolling down toms. Also backstick traditional hand to impress crowd...Show off all that hard work - Ricky Altman
Always incorporate both the bell and rim of ride - Dunlop
Handle your cymbals like a cd. Touching the face of it makes the sound worse - Jake
Make drumming come straight from you. dont copy other people's style. have your own style but occasionally you can put in other people's style in your own. - zach gibbs

Double-Bass drumming is a game of endurance. Use a metronome and start at a low speed and work your way up. Soon you'll be dazling the crowds with your double bass chops! - Johnny Popp

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Remember to accent you firsts beats when playing triplets on the bass drums. instead of simple semiquaver or 16th rhythm on the bass try triplets they sound better and are easy to play!! - Kevin Carlisle

Dont go over over over the top as it may in the end sound poop try keeping it simple and smooth start small go big then stop and go back into groove. especially in drum fills don't want to show all you've got in the first 30 secs and then fall apart at the end of the solo. - Kevin Carlisle

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Try not to use your ankles when playing double bass. It tires you out faster and you can't go as fast as you normaly can. Lift your legs. In the end you will have saved yourself a lot of pain and frustration. - Sarah
When doing a solo, never over-do something. IMPROVISE! - greg

The saying "practice makes perfect" is wrong. It's "Perfect practice makes perfect. You must practice perfectly to be perfect. If you don't your wrong too. - greg

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Practice getting your weak foot steady enough to play bass drum parts with it. you never know when/if your going to mess your strong foot up with an injuryu and can't use it. - Duncan Grantz
If you snap your drum stick. DONT try and glue it back to gether. it will temperarilly work intill it snaps again. - Dead Fish

When starting out drumming, don't learn everything from out of the book, mess around, and if you do something you like, write it down so you can play it later. - Chris Klein

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If you own pets make sure they have not interposed themselves between your bass drum head and the beater before you attempt triplets or quarter notes. - Dr. Weisman

Neil Peart is,,,,,the best drummer in the world. LOL - SHAWN

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Try putting clear plastic tubes inside the "air holes" in your toms. By blowing and sucking, the tension of the head tightens, creating a higher pitch. Creates a tympani/rototom effect without the use of an extra limb! - Ben Nichalson

Always think of the best even if someone better than you is facing the competition - noel

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Every job requires a different tool, Some jobs may require some sticks with Nylon tips, you may find that for other jobs the same sticks sound like crap. USE THE RIGHT MALLOTS DARNIT! - GW
When playing drums muffle ears - bob

Sometimes, it really depends on the stick, whether its lght, or it has weight. - spectermm3

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If you wanna play really fast try slipknot songs,the drummer JOey jordison its the best and fastest in metal history - Joey 666
If you can't afford new heads take them off of your drum and iron them to remove the dishing and small dents. - Jim Dwyer
Use a ball point pen lid to replace a worn out cymbal sleeve. Just cut off the top of the lid and slide it over the threads! - Jim Dwyer
Screw up..honestly.. try playing a song that u no by heart,,then.. somwhere in it.. screw up.. hit the wrong drum or change beat.. thats a good way to create new songs - red

Textas can makde sheet music and especially drum tabs a lot easier. By assigning a colour to each drum, it makes sight-reading and reaction times that much quicker and easier. I colour my snare notes green, top-tom yellow, mid-tom orange, and floor-tom red. This will save your eyes and make huge drum fills effortless to read. - John Knight

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Ok, listen to songs and listen good.then try to do it yourself.In the words of Kurt Cobain "This is a world Kurt built for himself, listen loud if you think you know it, listen again if you dont know it yet, then build your own." - F.B.P.

Double Bass Drummers!!! Don't be fooled by these people who say that your pedals have to practically whacking you in the shins to achieve speed. Set your beaters 45 degrees from the head(3")and set the pedal height to go with your foot. If you have a high arch, your pedal board needs to be higher. Flat footed people need lower pedal boards. Also remember, a pedal with low spring tension will play exactly what your foot plays, more tension will give you extra rebound. Its all a matter of personal liking. - Andrew Wood

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Young and/or beginning double bass drummers!!! Stop starting out trying play slipknot or slayer. Start slow and lock your feet in with a metronome. There is no point in playing something fast and sloppy - Andrew Wood
Watch watch watch all the videos of your favorite drummers and songs, look at what they do and try doing it the same way, by time you can do it at you re own way and just as well, but always look at what the original drummer does, visualizing is the best way to transform it onto your own kit - sander bosscher

Try not to look stupid - david G.

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If u are finding a hard time figureing out a beat to a song dont think of it as a beat think of it as a pattern dont add the cymbal in just figure out what the bass drum line is then lay down the snare line over then add the high hat and then add crashes and fills and all that extra stuff be uniqe - Tony hammond
Myth: ringo is the best drummer, Reality: travis barker is the best, he has been on the cover of drummer magasines many times n as for being a drummer shoot high n try to be as good as him - BlinkDrummer69
Tony Royster Jr Is The Greatest Youngest Drummer... Check Out His Solo... - Delano
If you are thinking of using mics look at triggers instead. I have used DDrum slapshots with a Alesis DM4 the triggers are pretty reasonable and so are the modules I think I paid as much for my module, trigers, and snake as I would have for a good set of mics - Choppy geins

Soaking your hands in hot water is a great pre-warm-up. It loosens and relaxes your muscles and tendons. And it also feels great!

For sympathetic snare buzzing, put a small square of duct tape on the snares in the middle. Duct tape is usually as wide as a standard set of snares, so it fits perfectly without touching the head. It also dries out the sound, which is sometimes desirable. Furthermore, a piece of tape, combined with loosening the 4 lugs closest to the snares, can entirely eliminate snare buzz altogether.

To break in a new cymbal, take a stick and hit the cymbal repeatedly on the edge with the shoulder of the stick all around the perimeter, letting the sound build up. - Matt

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If you use a double kick pedal then try using your left foot to play the dominant beat (that your right foot would normally play). Its good practice for building up your left foots coordination! - Steven

You dont have to go out and buy expensive muffle rings just moke a ring out of card board and use it it really works i have 1 on my snare - andrew

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Get use to the beat of double kick pedals first. If you want to be able to play awesome double bass fast, you have to play slow first. Practice eigth notes w/ hi-hat and snare, then move on to triplets and quads, and etc. Rock on!!! - ElementDrummer
You just don't have that much time for practice but you want to increase foot technique technique immediately? If you are a desk worker put that bass drum pedal(s) under your desk with a practice pad and rudiment around while working on other things! - aarbo

TAKE YOUR STICKS EVERYWHERE YOU GO....also take your practice pad if you have one, and what helps me is sticking to one rudiment for a week about 15 minutes a day.....DRUM TILL YOU DROP PEOPLE - drumtastic

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Always tell yourself you are the drummer never give in to anyone else's negativity.And always practice to learn new techniques, because you never stop progressing. - billy
You can make your own isolation headphones by getting cheap heeadphones and a gun muffle for your ears. just throw the headphones in the gun muffle an kazaam! - Rob Bonsell

Man I took the ammonia advice on cleaning my cymbals with some apprehension of course so i used one of my wuhan cheapies (spares) just in case. My only regret is that I didn't do it in the part of the yard i wanted to die LOL... It works great!!!! I ve bought my last Zildjan polish. - Russ Jones

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When you play on a drumline, remember that no matter how many times you watch Drumline (the movie) There is NOT a individual drumer on a drumline. You all have to work and play together as a team. (That means to put aside your feelings for the guy that got the spot you wanted!) -MARCHING BAND RULES!!!!! - Conway snare

Ok whatever year you're at or what style you play buy today's sounds for drumset by Murray Houliff, man this guy knows what to do. Not only do yo learn basic, yet difficult beats, he teaches you how to read drumset music - Timmm

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Hello all. I have read alot of these great tips........but one that probably alot of us neglect is... drink alot of water when playing. Just like sticks, Keep a few bottles of water near you while you are playing that long hot gig. You will be amazed at how much more stamina you have if you keep your self hydrated during all of your sets. Stay away from the soda pops and the alchohol during your gig. These drinks just slow you down and distract you. Keep parcticing and reach for the stars!! - Sergio Perez

If you're a heel-down player on the bass pedal, try to practice with your foot on the floor without a pedal, and try to hear the sound of your foot clearly. When you can play the beats without a bass pedal, then you can play it very easily on the pedal. Try it, It really works.- Joe

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if you are new at drumming... dont practice with a realy good drum kit, because when i practice i think it just sounds okey,so i do all i can to make it sound good..but when i go on a good set i sound freakin amazing!! - Blink-182 fan
Before i start to drum i do a lot of push ups or lift some weights,and that warms your muscles up which makes you moove around faster p.s. it doesnt tire you out ,just keep some water near you incase you get thirsty though.. - Andrew

I'm bad at english but i'll do my best to explain =) When you are playing a groove don't throw you arm out there. Just place the stick between your thumb and the finger next to it. Then with your other fingers you just "tipp" the stick, so really you don't youse your arm. just your fingers! belive me it is a good tip - erlend(norway)

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Learn your Do, Re, Mi's.. After you get comfortable being able to play without having to think about what you're doing, pick up a few singing lessons, or try some karaoke. A drummer that can sing will be looked at more than one that doesn't if they hvae the same drum talent for the gig. Being behind the drums and playing is one thing, singing is different since it puts you out of your comfort zone. Do some karaoke (and somewhat take it seriously as practice) in order to get rid of your 'singing' stage fright. - Tazman
STAY WITHIN YOURSELF! at least in your head. Definatly try new things, and work to expand your horizons. However, less is more- I will take a guy who can hold a 4-4 with a few fills over someone who hot dogs and gets caught out there. Oh and uhh PRACTICE!!!! - Bernard
For fun cymbal sounds, try bending the cymbal while hitting the bow with the tip of your stick. This bends the pitch of the cymbal up - evan

Drumming is a poetry, not a math. - evan

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For a sweet effect put an 18" crach on the bottom of an X-Hat mount and a 20" ride on the top. It make a crazy sweet never-ending sizzle ride. - evan
Listen to Songs without drums in them, or very little drums, then imagine adding in your own beats and fills. This helps you be more creative. Also, when you are practicing a certain fill or solo, don't just play it over and over, start a beat, and play it in the beat and keep playing it, don't stop. - Colin

If you get blisters each time you play the drums, it means that you are holding your drumsticks wrong. - Rinel Tabamo

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Playing with ear plugs really helps you listen to yourself better. - Rinel Tabamo
It takes alot of hard practice. if u r practicing a certain beat keep practicing until u get it right!!! this will help u in the future. - mallory

NEVER buy a drum set unless it is a name brand even if you're a beginner and not sure if you'll stick with it. They're nearly impossible to sell. Trust me, I learned this the hard way. Your better of putting some money on a Pearl, Tama, Ludwig, Mapex, etc. - Jessica

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An excellent way for a "Match Grip" drummer and/or percussionist to develop balance, strength and endurance during rudimental practice, is to release the thumb and "pointer"
so that the three remaining fingers are maintaining the grip or hold. (as if you're holding 2 toy pistols) Make the effort to extend the thumb and pointer. Depending on your present development, pay attention to pain and strain. This will also help you to gauge your strength and endurance. Plan your practice time so that you're able to achieve the same level of power as all fingers are being used. TAKE YOUR TIME!!! I GAURANTEE YOU, you will feel, hear and see the difference after a good month of concentrated practice...if not sooner. After this period of development, alternate these two grips going from three fingers, then to all five (release and close). Then when it starts getting good to you, alternate left to right, right to left. Lock it in by initiating your strokes with the opposite hand. (left if righty, right if lefty) Practice starting your strokes with the opposite hand for both practice pads and kits. Take time to soak your hands in hot water and massage your hands and forearms as needed. Many of us old drum corps drummers have forgotten about our stretches. Your attitude will determine your altitude...how far do you wanna' go? ..and oh yes, USE A METRONOME!!!! - Eddie Santos
Turn cymbals upside down for more splash and power. - art
Play some snare drum reading pages with your double kick. Books like "Syncopation" by Ted Reed are great for this. It will help you to develop creative rhythms with your feet. - Zatoichi
Get inside the head of non-drummers, and non musicians to find inspiration.Whether it be Miles Davis's spacing ,or your favorite movie, or your wife's cooking you can get a urdge to play the best music possible. Charlie Haden said (and I'm probably getting it wrong) that trying to become a better,happy, and more focused person can help your playing greatly. soak as much music as you can up, and get inside the music. Have Fun!! - nathan boucher

Once again, another great way to return or help restore the color of wrapped drumshells that have been scratched, scrapped or faded, is to either purchase pre-colored car waxes, or pre-colored shoe polish/wax. This is especially great when having solid color wraps. Black is especially cool because of how the shine and lustre is reflected once restored. It will take some elbow grease and at least two applications, but it will work. When looking to use show wax, pay attention to the "stains". They work best. They get in the cracks and deep scatches that discolor. For the pearl and sparkle wraps, use a poly coat polish used on autos. It will restore shine, lustre and protect. I've been using this method for over 20 years...and I've even used it on my motorcycle tank and covers.
You have the kit, licks and tricks, now add a little style. - Eddie Santos

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To get your snare and toms to sound like new and be exact use a preset torque tuning ket and it really works!! Use 0 for the toms, 0 for the bottom of the snare and anything from 0 to 3 for the top of the snare. Just play to your ears desire and it's totally up to you what sound you get out of your kit!!Remember to loosen all of the lugs before tighening or you will be in for an expensive replacement! - John

I play in a pipe band as well as a rock band. I find that the fast rythms of the pipe band work very well for fills on a normal kit. Go on, try it!!! Above all though, have fun!! - Sniff

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Another great way to enhance the look and add protection for your shells from the constant expansion and contraction (temperature and humidity) is to carefully pick and purchase a wood stain and sealant. Kits that are especially covered can still reveal its "inner beauty" by carefully applying these two treatments. The sealant will help to control the expansion and contraction, and yes, depending on the thickness of the application/coat, it will greatly increase in sound projection. You've got the kit, licks and tricks, now add a little style and protection. - Eddie Santos
For those with electronic kits, force yourself from time to time to play with the sound off, as practise pads. this helps you innovate your exercises without being distracted by the sounds you would otherwise be making. this can also help to show how accurately you've been playing. - danny

If your practising with your band in a small room the best way to get even levels, is for you (the drummer) to kick the bass drum and have everyone leveled around that. This tip gets a really good all-round sound, and then you just make any required adjustments and wammo you're away mate! - Jordan Clark

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When you are practicing heavy snare beats always leave the bass drum out and just use the HH and the snare..it doesnt sound as good but it will help you a lot in the end. It worked for me and i am only 15 i got my first set when i was 8 but never played them so i sold them now about 7 months ago i got my new set and that tip really helped me. - craig watson
Get some good double kick books, learn the phrases as meant. Then slow the bpm to a comfortable single foot speed. Play the measures using a single foot while placing the hihat on different combos of the 1e&ah 2e&ah etc. Then play the same measures using just your left foot, leaving the right resting for awhile. Not only will you gain single pedal speed and power, but independence and left foot power are also benefitted. - Benjamin

Once again folks, when playing "Swing" charts in school or a paying gig, review your charts and check those measures that repeat patterns keeping time. To add a little spice, ask one of the cats playing trumpet or coronet to let you see those exact same measures and add those "hits" or accents the horn section play. Ensure you have the imaginary string attached to the bassist's fingers to your bass pedal. If you're not a reader, use your memory and creative spirit. Sing the instrument, we've been doing it our life. Now use it. You've got the kit, licks and tricks, now add a little style. - Eddie Santos

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For Drummers with complex setups: They don't make memory locks for everything, so you have to get creative. I have my drum rug marked off with duct tape, so that I know EXACTLY where to place everything. I also have my cymbal arm tilters marked straight across with a black Sharpie. When the two marks line up, you know you're set. This has saved me HOURS of setup time at shows, as well as in the studio (plus, your band can't give the excuse "I don't know where it goes" anymore!). The lengths I have gone to to simplify setup is legendary, but, with a little extra effort, it can really help you. - Jim ".50 cal" Deabenderfer

Are you sick of tri-pod bases cluttering up your floor space? I recommend getting a Drum Rack. It keeps your drumset more organized & it's easier to set up. Plus it looks really awesome. I reccomend Pearl, it's very durable. - Paul Johnson

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Many of us like to customize our kits much like drivers do with their favorite autos or bikes. One unique way to add flair and originality to your kit is to go to a store that specializes in trophies and award plaques. Look at some of the small plaques that are placed with names, brief remarks or quotations. Order ones you might want to have placed on your drums with either your specific kit (eg: USS WMD) name or your name. Being that they're flat, you can carefully add a curvature by rolling a pin roller over the piece, or the likes to begin adding the curve you need per drum. Check the surface and handle with care. You have the licks, the gear, now add a little style. - Eddie Santos

When playing doube bass allways try to keep your feet in the middle of the pedal for max power and max punch.And also try to keep a track of your speed with a drum monitor set a speed and try not to lag behind. - Andrew Whittaker

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Drum Throne - Remember your drum throne only has to deal with one butthole. The drummer that sits on the drum throne has to deal with two or more buttholes. Keep your cool. - Keith Scott

if you are a natural, you are a natural you dont have to read music. you can get inspiration from other drummers but know that each drummer has their own sound/style. some of the best drummers have not yet been discovered. And if you ever get a chance buy a DW kit there is a distinct difference in sound from any other drum - Jacob Gouge

In order for one to be in authority, he must be under authority. Being under authority also means that you have mentors, tutors and teachers. Same principle applies for those who wish to offer "tips". Here's a tip for you, especially if you lack experience.......BUY THE BOOK!!!
*Accents and Rebounds
*Master Studies
*Drum Wisdom
*Stage Band Drummer's Guide
***Mel Bay's Easiest Drum Set Book***
*The Gigging Musician
*Alfred's Drum Method
*Harvard Concise Dictionary of Music
***WEBSTER'S DICTIONARY...Good God Almighty, learn how to spell! A $12 book can offer more insight that a $45 dvd and book that never gets read. DVD's are great, but I'd much rather burn the midnight oil and really learn this craft. Come on folks, get a clue! Many of you folks are making us look realy bad!!! I'm embarrassed reading some of these so called "tips". - Eddie Santos

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Pearl is a great brand especially for beginners because when I first started playing I got a Pearl drums and lasted for ever and gives a professional sound - Eric

Dont waste your money on a brand spanking new kit. i have a god knows how old kit ant the only thing thats broken is my crash when i hit it too hard - Ben
Get a double bass pedal ASAP. Most stuff today has at least one doublebass part in it. - Mr. Drummerman
Groove, groove,groove. You can do that and you got it all. - Nathan

Great places to go shopping for some unexpected surprises are flea markets, consignments, pawn shops and even some Goodwills. You can light upon some really great finds and gear some people don't have a clue to when it comes to value and rarity. e.g.: Old beat up toms can make great drum triggers with a little money and creativity. One tom can make 2 trigger pads by carefully cutting the drum in half. Drum triggers can be purchased from your favorite musical instrument distributor/store. How you choose to cover your project is up to you. Follow manufacturer's instructions for best results. Obviously, the net provides endless ideas on how to also become a bit of a craftsman when building or repairing drums. - Eddie Santos

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Take Lessons Fools! - Andrew

Right guys...i started out with a stagg wine red TIM kit...i fell in love instantly..i must say i was pretty crap to begin with but i started out playing the basic rock beat which is bas on 1 and snare on 3 and the hi-hats on 1,2,3 and 4....then from there i tried playing bass on 1 and 2, and added little things to it....i do that with every new beat i learn and now, 4 months later, i'm better than most drummers in my school....including those who been playing for 3 year...lol. so keep practicing, added new things to your beats, buy some silencing pads and away you go...you drummer you :) - Danny, leeds

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Always learn to play the ghost note... They are so totally cool in drum solos -Kenneth William Polinar

When playing (especially) in college jazz band, wind ensembles or combo, make copies of your drum/rhythm charts. You can jot down additional notes and/or changes without fear of having to replace damaged or lost charts you have to return at the end of the semester. Store the originals at home in a folder. Many of those charts have been around for a while so it's cool to be a good steward. Besides, you can build your library this way for pennies per copy for future reference. - Eddie Santos

Keep your wrist loose!!! If you start playing with a stiff wrist, it will hamper your playing big time - Ilany

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Never get discourage out all the years i have been playing every day i though im never gonna get better but a year or two later down the road i listen to them pld tapes and its like while im alot better and when i hear a drummer better than me i dont get upset and think ill never be that good i just think im gonna be like that oneday just never get discourage - james

Make sure you buy the most expensive cymbals first and the most expensive drums later. Plus: dont pick cymbals only cause its "expensively" good. But something that sounds right with your kit and your style. - Cian-Terrasis

Make it a point to purchase those neat little gadgets used to maintain your kit. Such things as drum torques and keys, head tuners (tension watches), ratchets, tool sets designed for drum maintenance, screw driver set, a couple of metronomes (programmable and preset), oil for moving parts, cutting tools, paper and/or blank manuscripts and pen, inventory sheet, etc. Everything that could quickly and effectively disassemble and assemble your entire kit. Utilize an old hard brief case OR ALUMINUM TRAVEL CASE (or just purchase one) along with a couple of pieces of foam to insert on both halves of that case to transport your tools when needed. It's allot easier to carry this "Drum Assistant" through airport security and get stopped for 10-15 minutes than it is to stop or delay a show that could result in a disaster...and dock everyone else's pay because THE DRUMMER DIDN'T PREPARE!! Promoters and road managers can be very harsh when it comes to artists/performers that don't prepare and appear more like amateurs...not to mention the group members. I've seem people get fired on tour because such incidents. IT'S NOT PROFESSIONAL. Learn to stock up and buy and/or save those little parts that seem useless at the time. Thank God it never happened to me!! So get this, a drummer is also a technician and repairman, administrator and assistant. Check over your contract and scrutinize it. Know and understand what the production peeps will provide and be responsible for. Be an asset and not a liability! X-PEER-EEE-ANS! - Eddie Santos

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Dont play because u want to be a musician but because u love it and have fun - nate

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For all you drummers just starting out practice the boring stuff like the old 1e+a2e+s3e+a4e+a it'll really help out when you get to more complicated stuff. oh also if you dont firt understand something....practice it SLOW. later (hope it helps) - Eric Glenn
NEVER and I mean NEVER use any kind of oil to lube tension rods or anything else on your kit. Why? oil attracts dirt which over time will later "gum up" the very parts your trying to lube. Insted, go to any auto parts or locksmith and get you some graphite. It works great and will never draw dirt or dust. REMEMBER IT ONLY TAKE A VERY SMALL AMOUNT AND NEVER USE GRAPHITE AND PARTS THAT YOU HAVE OILED good rocking to you all - FUNKMASTER J

Before you practice always listen to the music you are going to be playing, this will help u get more motivated when you come to practice and make you try different things around your kit. Before i play i listen to a bit of Blink 182,Boxcar Racer because they motivate me to play beats i have never tried before. Anyhow Happy Drumming :) - Rob F.W.W

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For a few minutes when you first sit at the drum set use your opposit hand on the hi hat. This will eventually freeup your style. - louie monteiro
Don't let little obstacles get in your way, if you break a pair of sticks just drum with your hands. if you get noise complaints over your metal drumming, start jazz drumming with brushes. etc. - eli young
Dont throw sticks into the crowd!! Toss them your fans will thank you. - TheFamousAnus
Videos Videos Videos. Pick up as many instructional videos you can. I.E. Thomas Lang, Royster Jr. Portnoy etc. The reason why is simple. Seeing is believing. It's much easier to learn by watching than by reading and more interesting to the individual. - Aaron Richardson

Listen to music and try to play with it (seems to help the most) - Ted

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IF YOU PLAY HARD LIKE I DO , BRING A FEW PAIRS OF EXTRA STICKS TO YOUR GIG , MAYBE 5A'S OR 5B'S. - JAKE BROWN
Just have fun!!!!!!!!!!!! work hard - TJ

Just because you can do it, doesn't mean you should do it. © - Wil

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Write down beats you learn or make up in a folder - brad arnold lover
Make sure your electrical drum set doesnt blow the speakers.(make sure the speakers are the right kind before wasting them. - josh
Never put your cow bell on the top of your hi-hat.I did and when I did it it messed up my chain and it eventually broke - Taylor Windsor
If you feel your losing your touch, remeber your playing for the PASSION, and nothing else. Repeat that to yourself. Don't forget what inspired you to start playing. - Hannah

Never, never, never be late. You may well be the best player on the block, but start getting a reputation for late or tight arrivals and it will cost you work. - Phil W

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A great way to reduce the ringing sound in your snare is to tape a piece or cardboard (not big probably about 4"x1") to the edge of the head....give it a try.- Eric

If you want to gain leg muscle, play with weights strapped to your legs. This also works with you arms. You'll be rocking harder than ever .- Hannah

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Learn Jazz you learn everything - Harrison
I don't agree with the person that said that for double bass you should "Always" play heel-up, that's not true, Thomas Lang in is DVD "Creative Control" explains his technique in which he uses both ways (heel-up/down) to play more accurate and more musical, incorporing accents and different stickings, so my tip would be: don't take everything written here as a wise word of advise. Happy day. - Ricardo Gómez

Even if youre not in a band, get a buddy to take up guitar and lock yourselves in a room, you'd be surprised on what you can accomplish. - Tom Chong

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LISTEN.. when you are playin in the line your not the only one. there are people around you. listen to them. Even though i dont play... i love to listen. and you need to hear a flow - Hannah Reysen
Try inverting your entire drum set, if you always kick with your right foot, switch it to the left and let your right foot work the hi hat, its pretty difficult at first but once you can get the hang of it you'll become a seasoned drummer. - Tom Chong
Just do it - Dan
Keep youself hydrated, long sets can cause you to sweat heavily, but stay away from the booze and soda's, water and juices will get you alot farther. - Tom Chong

A good way to muffle your drums is put a strip of felt under your batter heads, works great. - Yogurt Slinger

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Control cannot be taught. Practice does not make perfect, only better. Always listen to your counterparts when performing, get into that pocket... the zone... and when you lock in your fans will never be dissappointed. - S. Montes

Cleaning Cymbals! Learned this from a drummer in Malaysia.Most the locals clean all thier brass decorations with it.Use tamarind paste (type of date palm used for cooking asian food).Bulk with or without big seeds.Take a handful and swish around in a basin of water deep enough to cover cymbal.Let cymbal soak for about 1/2 hour and wow! Must be some acid base in it.Dont soak too long as metal will turn pink.Really cleans without all the elbow grease.Do every couple of months and things will improve. - Mark Ruffin

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