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Talk
to other drummers! Most drummers are more than happy
to explain a cool lick if you ask them. I take it as a
complement! - Lil' Adam
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Click
track on stage? Not every band needs (or wants) the
drummer to use a click track in live settings, but a relatively
inexpensive and reliable setup is to buy a Tama RhythmWatch
($100) and use it with a $100 pair of in-ear monitor buds
(you don't have to have the whole in-ear system). Make
sure to set the tempos at practice and WRITE THEM DOWN
on the setlist. Very useful for emo/punk/rock bands that
want that consistency! - Adam
|
Practice
Your Beats Until You know them by Heart - Ryan
Hencken
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|
Keep
2 extra drumsticks in your pocket in case you drop
one, if you do, don;t stop just grab one from your pocket.
- Yo
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|
Practice
practice practice practice practice practice practice
practicepractice practice practice practice practice practice
practice practice
practice practice practice practice
practice practice practice practicepractice practice practice
practice practice practice practice practice practice
practice practice practice practice practice practice
practicepractice practice practice practice practice practice
practice practice and you will suceed - Briana
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Let
the sticks do the bouncing for you. - Reed Brashears
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|
For
a good rim click sound, use an LP Jam Block. It can
easily be heard by your audience-even in unmiked situations.
Jam on!!! - Dave
|
For
double bass patters, use power from your thigh muscles
and backs of the calves, and use the heel-toe technique
for slower stuff to ensure hard hitting and good timing.
For really fast stuff like that use in thrash, death
metal, etc, float your heels above the pedal board and
push with just the ball and toes of your foot, with
power from the back, and especially the front of the
calves (you'll cramp on the shin muscles if you're doing
it right, this is normal, but can be avoided with proper
stretching). - Ariel
Drum
Lessons Organized
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|
Some
metal drummers will tell you the playing barefoot
is best because you have a full range of movement. Although
I agree, I find that playing barefoot means less power
because you feel more vibrations, and it can be painful
for some. There are shoes that I use, and other companies
make them, for track and field athletes which feature
soles with a huge range of motion and are extremely flexible.
They're also very breathable, and the ankle is made of
a durable elastic that forms to your ankle. They're designed
for wearing barefoot anyways, so it's all the comfort
and flexibility of playing barefoot, but with the power
of a shoe. - Ariel
|
When
you're practicing on the practice pads, it's good
to use bigger sticks (maybe double the size you use
now) because your hands will work harder, and you'll
build the muscles that will give you power, endurance,
and speed. You'll notice a big difference when you go
back to your smaller sticks and snare drum. I use Vater
XD-5B's for regular playing, but I practice on my pads
with Regal Tip 3B's, they're like playing with the butt
end of a pool cue. It'll feel weird at first, but once
you get use to it, and go back to your regular kit,
HUGE difference (no pun intended). - Ariel
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Always
switch your hands up between the hi hat and the snare,
it adds more of an effect to the song that is almost indescribable
(or however you spell that)! - Daniel Moore
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LISTEN
TO YOUR INSTRUCTER belive me if you dont listen to
your teacher you will mess up - NIck e
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Play
with passion! Don't let others judge your drumming
based on what they want to hear. If you spend your drumming
career conforming to what people want you will never
be happy. - Alex Norton
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Cheap
way to muffle that 16" or 18" take a thin
paper towel fold it twice to make a square and then tape
it on the underside of the batter head - johnathan
mccoy
|
Learn
the technicalities - drum
rudiments, essential drum beats, fast sight reading
- you'll pick up new beats a lot faster and won't be wasting
time trying to comprehend that drum tab or doing a fill
thats just a mixture of stuff you should already know.
- Duckford
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Be
as clean and solid as you can be, but don't be stiff!
Keeping the time perfectly is harder than trying to to
do fills, besides many musicians want the time and rythm.
(Try to hit the rim shot on the snare) Try to use a loop,
so you can learn to sound like a loop. Fills are extras,
they have to be clean too though... - pdp drummer
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Start
using your weaker hand more for everyday things and
your hand will improve more in drumming
- dan wall
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Always
remember to stay confident. believe that you can
play like the pros and just study your craft. - roderick
To
the Top
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Although
i haven't been playing for long, i think that when
you start playing-start whith basic,not too trashy but
not too expensive a set. and from there progress sloly-i
don't think you should get a slightly expensive instrument
but saving up and going all out-unless you r not sure
about your persistence. - ittai hoffman
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My
drum tip is that if you mum gets annoyed with you
Because ITS TO LOAD!!! ask her to get sound mats and
make sure you dont pay for them. - ya mum
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Stuffing
like 5 towels in your base drum really comes out with
a good sound. - Ben German
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Mix
it up.Dont be afraid to take a bunch of stuff you
already know and bunch it togethor to make your own sound.
- bob
|
Dont
go incredibly fast if yur a begginer go to the speed
yur comfortable with as fast as the fastest drummer
on the planet PRACTISE!!! - jack isaac
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Everytime you do hands and feet exercise, either
it's paradiddle, single stroke rolls, double stroke rolls,
use a liftweigther on both of your wrist. Try to reach
your normal speed with the liftweighter. When you take
the thing off, your speed will be increasing. - Febby
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Don't
only play tabs, JUST JAM!!! It helps you develop your
own style. - Tom Tom
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When
you hear a really good song,(for me, sugar we're goin'
down from fall out boy) and you know how to do the drum
solo, but you cant do the bass drum rythm? Well, to all
of you who have heard sugar we're goin down, the bass
drum beat is pretty intense. I've found a cure to this
problem. For some intense drum beats, just pop the drum
key in the socket used for adjusting the footboard, and
place the indent of you foot there. Then, this focuses
all the pressure on the pedal. Trust me, it works a lot.
- Henri Wizdrummer
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|
Actually, Welfare, not trying be "that guy",
but Mastodon's drummer is Brann Dailor, and yes his style
is tech, but Brann is known more for his odd time signatures
- Rob
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Wright
your owen songs to see what your made of. - marsy
To
the Top
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WHEN
PLAYING IN A BAND!! If you are a drummer of a band,
just keep in mind that you are the key to the band. Keep
the rhythm going straight!! - Fluffy
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What
ever you do, don't ever color the tip of the drum
stick. It could leave unecessary marks on the drum and
it could be hard to clean off. Especially on someone
else's drum set. - Jefferson
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|
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When
playing the drums, don't try to chew gum while you
are playing. It help messes you up on your rhythm. - Jefferson
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When
playing on the drums be sure that you have ear plugs
so that it wouldn't ruin your hearing. - Jefferson
|
If
you have a not-so-good ride cymbal, try using the
tip of your drum stick. I did that, and it worked. Also,
make sure that you have a felt on the top and bottom
of your ride. That also helps it to sound better. Another
way to get rid of the problem is to just buy a brand
new cymbal all together. - Cheeseman
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Before
you go and buy the cheapest equipment, do a little
research. Sometimes that extra $50 will ensure that your
hardware will last another year. But then again, it's
up to the drummer to decide which companies are his/her
favorite. - Cheeseman
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Backsticking
- Once you've mastered double pedal technique, speed and
endurance try to combine it with backsticking technique.
Use your pointing and middle finger to hold the stick
and twirl it to the back, try to master this and use it
to the cymbal as you hit both of the pedal, let's see
if you can drive the crowds mad. - Edgar Rohnzen
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If
you're looking for a sort of echo effect on your base
drum, apply pressure with your toes on the very tip of
your pedal with your heel up, then drop your heel while
lifting your toes to get a softer sound, then slam with
your toes in one smooth movement. you'll get a bad-BUM
sound. - Max Z
|
HERE
IT IS- 1.)Everyone has opinions,their are people
out there that think the drummer for slipknot is the
greatest. Thats is hardcore wrong.
2.) remember that their are latin,metal,funk, and tons
of types of music. Their is not a single drummer out
there that is the best at all.
3.) dont look up to drummers who are just good or because
people say he is good. Be inspired by who you like not
who you are told to like
4.) remember also to be yourself but take ideas that
have been done before. It is said that being original
cant be done anymore and it is true. If you think of
a cool idea....it has been done before. dont get caught
up because it has been dont before.
5.)Final tip is to show of by NOT just solo's. some
cool things to do at shows involve things like twirling
sticks and standing on your throne(just dont fall off
like the pantera drummer :) - Drake Wilder
To
the Top
|
Myth:
Ringo Starr/Neil Peart/Mike Portnoy/Travis Barker/whoever
is the best drummer ever. Fact: There's no real "best
drummer", it's all subjective. You can have a favorite
drummer (Brann Dailor of Mastodon in my case), but that
doesn't mean he/she is the greatest.
Now, for an actual tip, take lessons. That may sound obvious,
but I was self-trained for a couple of years. I've been
taking lessons for about a month and a half now, and I've
learned so much. If you want to be a good drummer, it's
cruicial that you have a basic understanding of drum
rudiments and timekeeping.
That having been said, have fun! Drumming isn't a cubicle
job, it's a great way to have some fun and get physical.
Find your groove and go with it! - Keith
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If your floor drum sounds BAD,TIE A WASHING CLOTH
ON TOP OF THE PAD,THIS WILL MAKE IT SOUND LOUDER,DEEPER
AND COOLER,SO.....ROCK ON FREACKY BRO - aaron ward
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|
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Practise
all variations of triplets, even away from the set.
use your hands, sticks on a pillow, whatever. by mastering
triplets, not only will you chops improve, but your flow&rhythm
will be superior. this includes triplets between bass
and sticking. GO DRUM. - Dylan Todhunter
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Use
double bass: Double bass pedals sound a bit extreme
but when you have been using them for a month or so you
will start making your beats more complex with double
bass pedals. - Matt
|
If you aren't at home or somewhere that has a
drumset that you can practice on, try practicing your
drumroll on a staircase. It works for me. Remember,
practice makes perfect!!! - Shawn R.
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|
Make
sure you never bite off more than you can chew while
playing. Play to your ability's edge, but don't fall over
it. - Guru
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|
One
simple trick to get good, is... TRAIN HARD! Come on
all you drummers out there. Everyone can be good and famous
if they really really want. I'll see you guys out there
someday, peace! - Oliver.
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Try
to have a nice Repertoire of drum sticks. not only
do they produce different sounds, they set the right mood
for music, and change it up a bit - qwerty
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|
When
practicing use slightly thicker sticks, it helps develop
speed. Don't waste money on 'o' rings or expensive dampners.
Tissue paper folded into a little rectangle then taped
on works fine! Looks bad, but sounds good and is cheap.
- Gareth
|
There
is a new drumsticks on the markit called Slapstik.
YOu don't have to play 16 notes with both hands anymore.
This drumsticks will do it for you. - Rizer
To
the Top
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|
If you're having trouble tuning your drums, you
may just have cheap drums. I found that when I bought
more expensive quality drums, they were much easier to
tune. They practically tune themselves. - Mark Schuer
|
Remove
residue from duct tape, stickers, labels, or undetermined
marks from your cymbals, hardware or drum shell finish
or heads; WD-40 and a soft terri-cloth rag. Works wonders
and won't harm the finish!! - Patrick Minikus
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- Percussion
|
|
Cross-stick
sound - Try this, I get a lot of compliments on the
sound / tone - When cross sticking have a Red plastic
'Jamb Block' mounted on the kick drum hoop where some
might traditionally mount a cow bell. The leading playing
edge of the block will sit just to the right front of
your snare rim about 1" or so from the drum. Now
instead of hitting the rim of your drum for your cross
stick sound, hit the jamb block. You get an especially
sweet sound when using a good quality all wood snare w/
wood hoops. Try it!! - Patrick Minikus
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Get
a inspiration, dont just give up because you can get
one thing down, look up to a certain drummer when playing,
it will want you to get better. - Jesus Christ
|
IF YOU PLAY DEATH METAL to get an amazing sound,
get 2 quarters and put them where u pedal head would
hit, then tape them so they stick. They fall off a lot
so put lots of tape on it to make a nice bassy sound
to it aswell. If you wana hear what it would sound like
before doing it, listen to one song by LAMB OF GOD there
drummer does it to his bass drum - gc
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|
Never
take in too much(more than enough) food before playing.This
makes you feel uncomfortable when playing. - Gilbert
Yankson
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|
If
you have an Ipod or cd player or whatever listen to
that while you play drums, it'll help you with staying
in beat if you have a band. also, its just fun to do.
- Austin
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|
Don't practice on the practice pad 100% of the
time. Be sure you're practicing on real drums too since
that is what you'll be performing on. - Dave
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Varnish
the inside of your shells - it stops the wood absorbing
sound so you get a brighter louder and clearer sound -
Patrick
|
If
you want to measure you single stroke rolls and
get them fast, get the drumameter. Its a cool drum machine
type thing and they judge the worlds fastest drummer
contests with it. - Engle
To
the Top
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If
you have an addiction to drums, just practice more.
You'll get over it. ;>) Seriously, be sure to lead
a balanced life. An addiction to drumming is ok but continue
to socialize. You'll need the diplomatic skills in working
with bandmates. - Giggle
|
When
you're taking a break on the drums and you need
to put your drumsticks down for a minute, you can't
put them on your legs because they'll roll off. I suggest
you put one drumstick in your mouth and the other one
under your left leg. This way you can adjust things
hands free. - andy g.
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|
Ive been playing death and thrash metal for a while
now and i find even in genres associated with fast and
continued playing of double kicker some times enough is
enough a bridge played with closed hats or ride with a
simple beat is more effective then a blast beat in some
cases - cameron
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|
Just remember when you're in a band you're there
to make good songs for the audience not to show off that
cool drum fill you've been working on. If you're bored
your probably not playing the style you want - steele
|
Watch
some travis barker. - MICHAEL
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CHOOSE
YOUR STICKS CAREFULLY - If you are having trouble
rolling or doing quick bouncy rudiments
or fills, try using some heavier sticks. The same vice
versa- if you are having trouble playing quickly or your
arms are getting tired, use lighter sticks. A good median
is a pair of 5A sticks - Max Holmberg
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rlrrlrllrlrrlrllrlrrlrllrlrrlrllrlrrlrllrlrrlrllrlrrlrllrlrrlrllrlrrlrllrlrrlrllrlrrlrllrlrrlrllrlrrlrllrlrr
sice paradiddle for starters - anonymous
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Start slow then go faster challenge your self by
playing with your left hand playing 8th nothes then vice
virca a easy paradiddle is rlrr lrll continue this then
play rrlrr llrll until you master both - abuk
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|
For
help with your grip when your hands are sweaty , either
use a light leather glove or rub your hands with chalk
or a soft type of oli based lotion - Ant Cooke
|
When
using a cheap snare head a little bit of paper towl
and Duck tape helps cut down on the ringing - Ervin
To
the Top
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|
Always
have fun when you are playing and when you play just
stick some hearphones and have a tune going in them and
play along with it i do it it is great and i been playing
drums since i was 6 years's old and still loveing it -
adam
|
Learn
all metallica, streetlight manifesto, and catch
22 songs. Enough said. - Amanda Persinger
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|
When
I first started learning drums I would listen to my
favorite music with the headphones, and concentrate on
blocking out everything except the drums. Headphones in
my opinion allow you to do this easier. I still do this
today and play drums with the music, and I play anything
from Tool, Rush, Muduvayne, Godsmack, Disturbed you name
it. Always back it up, replay it step by step until you
get it right. + always keep a set of sticks close by!
You can do anything, if you want it bad enough. - Drumjammer63
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|
I just started percussion a week ago, and I'm already
practicing to get on my school's Winter Percussion Drumline.
Try-outs are in less the a week! Bottom line is. No matter
what, you should ALWAYS stick with it, and dream big.
- erin
|
To
increase power and to get the right sound out of
your cymbals, tilt them slightly inward. this will help
prevent hitting them wrong and cracking them. and also,
raise the height of your high hats, the lower they are,
the more power you are losing when you hit them. - 18
wheeler
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|
For
a nice trap case get a large rubbermaid tub they stand
up well to the wear and tear and you can find them with
weels - Chris
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|
If you play hard bring a large sheet of plywood
to your gig & bolt your drums to it , so they wont
move. - Gene
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|
Whilst
setting up the drumkit at a gig, make sure you take
your time to get it just how you like it and dont feel
rushed. If it isnt set up right, you will soon notice
it about half way through the first song! - Rocky Racoon
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|
Stuff
your bass drum to the max it makes it sound better
- me
|
PUT
GOD FIRST AND YOUR CRAFT SECOND AND HE WILL ELEVATE
YOU - JAY 3
To
the Top
|
|
WHEN
PLAYING THE DOUBLE BASS EFFECT:HEEL UP, KICK ONCE
CLOSE TO THE END OF THE PEDAL AND SLIDE INTO THE FRONT
IN A SINGLE STROKE - JAY 3
|
You
can make paradiddles more fun to play if you also
practice them inverted. ie: LRRL RLLR or LRLR RLRL,
etc. - Drummer
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|
|
Just
love your drums. If you get mad at something or someone,
don't take it out on your drums. - Kevin
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|
If
someone tells you that you're drums "aren't tuned
right," call them an idiot. Or if they play guitar
or bass, tell them there is no "right" way.
Either way, do what YOU think sounds good. - President
of Antartica
|
When
you are trying to play fast start out by playing
the strokes using only your wrist, then switch to your
middle finger and your ring finger to control the sticks.
(Dave Weckyl does it all the time) - Zach
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|
An
overlooked contributor to carpel tunnel syndrome is
poor posture, especially in the neck. - metlhart
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|
Stop
sizing-up other drummers. Who is better than who is
subjective and irrelevant. We all have an interesting
approach to playing and drums and anyone can benefit from
watching/listening to anyone else play with an open mind.
- Kevin
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|
To
stop you drums from ringing put a bit of foam in them
- ryan
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|
If
u dont make noise in your drum room or in your house
when you practice paraddidles...join 2 thickness mouse
pads and put over hard base... and problem fixed!!!!!
its great...!!!! - Dudu
|
Gaining
the confidence to perform in front of people is
as simple as making sure you know your parts by heart,
and that simply means practicing them (the way you plan
to play them) until you don't have to think about them
anymore. - metlhart
To
the Top
|
|
It's
better on your sticks when you hit with the tip and
the not body - Shawn Jones
|
To
get easier and faster drumming when doing paradidles
put your hands further up the stiks makin sure your
grip is loose and hit the drums u r using hard and when
the stick hits the drum and cums bak up to the position
where it was sitting loosly in ure hands push ure fingers
up which makes it faster and more comfortable to drum
! - ??
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|
hi there everybody from my home town iowa and around
the world. i dont have much time to talk so wen using
a double basss pedal try making both your legs at equal
strength otherwise you wont be able to properly play a
double bass. - joey jordison
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|
Try
playing Progressive Rock or something with awkward
timing. Jumping in and out of a 3/4 and 7/8 makes you
feel the rhythm much easier. My previous band played 15
min songs with 5 or 6 changes and pauses. I hated them
initially but it made me an exponentially better drummer.
If you like your fills listen to 'The Who'. Keith Moon
knew the rest of the band knew the beat without him so
this freed him up to do whatever fills he liked. -
Jimbo
|
NEVER!
NEVER! NEVER! Start with uneven spring tension -
Joe
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|
NEVER!
NEVER! NEVER! Start with uneven spring tension - Joe
|
|
Practice
using different rhythms. It will improve your drumming
and stimulate you creatively. - Polyrythmic "Greek"
Drummer
|
|
This
may be overstating the obvious, but don't booze it
up when playing a gig! Drink water or gatorade!You will
play much better and enjoy the night a lot more! - Mark
Guetzka
|
|
We
asked a number of band leaders what constituted a
'good drummer'. These were their responses:
-Good time
-Good attitude
-Ability to adapt musically
-Being reliable
-Originality
Surprisingly (or not) their answers had nothing to do
with playing fast, double bass, or drum solos. Now I'm
not trying to spoil anyone's fun here. Nobody likes a
good drum solo better than yours truly. But, let's make
sure we have our priorities in order. After all, we want
to work don't we? - Mike Donovan
|
Some
guys think that if there's a wrinkle in the drumhead
you're doing something wrong. Actually, if the drum
sounds good, you're doing everything right! - Mike
To
the Top
|
|
When I was young, I would polish my symbols till
they shined to beat loud and in time. But then one day
I stopped, leaving my only symbol (a big one)to flourish
with the grimes of dispair. Then it all started, I felt
a muffled ting somewhere, there, amonst my three peace
drum set. It grew and kept growing, larger each day, until
like a rudiment it hit me. I would take and find that
muffled sound and use it as best I could. And there I
was, having come through a bitter plague of symbol, now
hearing the grown of a crudy unpolished symbol. I surfaced
with this terror-ishly flying sound, which looked just
like one of those flying saucers there, and was I now
but a child of the Rock n' roll. A ferrocious Crocodillian
rhithyme, swelltered between me, and my sticks and three
peace drumset. I Thank You for the time, and hope I have
been a help to someone out they're. - Rich Mahtaps
Stickloid
|
I was reading about double bass. I saw what that
DB person was saying. High expectations is correct.
I found that for the way I made double bass work is
that I started playing and alternating on foot at a
time. I use a ghost pedal or a double kick pedal. I
found that it helps me out a lot. I can`t play 2 single
pedals i`ve tried. I`ve been playing drums for over
20 years and due to the alternating and trying everytime
I play, i`ve managed to work my double kick in but a
few years to 64th notes. My advice is for anyone wanting
to play double bass is to start out slow as I said by
alternating right left. Try to keep a steady run as
much as possible. Don`t try to go as fast as you can
to start. It usually never works out. When you feel
comfertable with that, then go a little faster. Also
for me what I find helps with my speed is doing it barefoot.
When you get death metal drummers telling you as a compliment
that you got some awesome foot work, i`d say that you
have achieved what you are trying to do. Hope this little
bit of advice helps those up and coming double bassers.
- Dave
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If your drums are hard to tune,it maybe that the
drum has bad bearing edges.It doesn't matter if the drum
is a student line or a top of the line. Any drum can have
bad bearing edges. I have seen lower line drums that sounded
great! And I have seen top of the line drums,sound horrible.
3 reasons why drums sound bad:
1--bad bearing edges.
2--Something wrong with the drum head.
3--lack of knowledge of how to tune. - Mike Fillion/
the"Drum Doctor"
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DOUBLE
BASS - If you can't do double beats and possibly a
few sloppy triple beats with one foot, you may not need
a double pedal yet. Mastering the dominant foot first
will help you develop your weak foot faster because you
already know what works - Jonathan
|
You
Don't need the best equipment to make good music........
although it does help! - Bruce
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|
Buy
cheap drum sticks they last forever also dont try
throwing your drum sticks at the ground and watching them
fly back up the tips will break off its cool to watch
though. - Cougar boy
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PRACTICE
FROM A GOOD DRUMMER OR LOOK ONLINE FOR DRUMMING TIPS
IF YOU WANT TO BE AS GOOD AS ME. - HOLDEN VELAZQUEZ
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Put
your drumkey on a rope or keyring so you don't lose
it. People like to steal these things so don't leave them
laying around. - Bill Beley
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|
Stick
trick - when playing a solo or any beat in the middle
of your fill in you can flip your stick all you have to
do is you can hit the snare once with your left hand and
with your right hand put the stick under the stick and
flip it catch it with that same hand and continue playing
it shoud only last a second so you can get back to your
song or solo - Anthony D
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Don't
practice when you play the drums in a band. Play
for the music and forget about practicing. You can practice
later in your garage or studio. - Sojo
To
the Top
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If
you're working on difficult drumbeats, count out loud.
This helps you know where you are and its a good habit
to get into for all practicing. - Sojo
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If you like congas but don't know how to play
them, consider playing the cajon. It's easier to master
and the bass tones are outstanding. - Bataboy
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|
You can use the cajon drum as a drum seat (instead
of using a drum throne). This way you can play the cajon
while you play your drumset. - Bataboy
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Don't
wait until the day of the gig to tune your drums.
Tune them in advance so you'll be a lot closer to that
desired sound when you're ready to perform. - Miles
Brody
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Drumset
Tip: Some say to bury the bass drum beater and some
say you should let it rebound so that you can hear the
tone of the bass drum. I say, play to the music. If
you're playing funk, burying the beater is fine. It
lends itself to the style. I mean guys prefer the dead
bass sound anyway so why not? Likewise, if you're playing
in a band where the desired sound is more of an open
tone bass drum, then you can play it differently. -
Marcus L.
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|
The
5 primary snare drum rolls you need to know for band
are the long stroke roll, the 5 stroke roll, the 9 stroke
roll, and the 13 stroke roll. - Deon
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To
be a good drummer, always keep a positive attitude
and work very hard. - Pfunk
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You
don't need a drumset to practice drums. You can work
on drumbeats by doing them on your hands and legs and
working out difficult patterns that way. Then you can
take them to the kit later. - Jeremy S
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Want
to be the worlds fastest drummer. RELAX! - Wise
One
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Make
eye contact with the ladies in the audience BUT
at the same time stay focused on your groove so you
wont drop your sticks, the ladies give inspiration to
play better if you know what I mean ;) - Phil
To
the Top
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|
It's easy to make your own snare drum muffling
ring. Just take an old drumhead that you're not using
anymore and and cut a circle around the outside edge.
- Pete
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Discover
all the possibilities of your drumsticks, try holding
them softly and clutching strongly, near of the tip,
far from the tip, hit with loose movements fast or slowly
and also tightly. You'll find complete new sounds in
your symbals. - Uriel Hernandez
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|
If your trying to lower the sound of your drumms
so your room mate dosent get pissed put your bass as close
as possibel to a wall. it works - alan sanders central
middel schools jazz drummer
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Dont
try to fill the song with a ton of drums when the
song doesnt need it. the drummer of wolfmother did nothing
but keep the time for most of one of their songs. know
when to go all out and when to pass the lime light. -
Matthew Hagen
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Even
if you're not around your set, you can still play
with your feet(airdrums or air bass) that way when you
get to your set your feet will be warm and ready, to
sound like speeding demon. (take advantage of it everytime
you're siting) - Excalibur
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To
find the best licks that you can call your own,
just get comfortable and jam for a while, when you find
yourself doing something you've never done before that
sounds cool, then stop and practice it for a while.
next time you play make sure and be able to duplicate
it, This is how i have come up with all my best stuff!
- Lew - The Influence
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Sing
the limb you have problems with. Suprisingly, when
you are having difficulty executing a new beat (for instance
you can't get the bass drum to land where you want, or
the clave on the samba isn't landing where you want),
slow way down and don't play the limb you are having trouble
with. Sing the part instead and keep slowing down until
you can sing it. You will see that your problems are not
physical but mental. You will also find that if you do
this and really slow down until you can sing the part,
the limbs will come fast. Voila! - Jackrabbit
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When
you first start playing make sure you have a drum
teacher because you may pick up some bad habbits without
one. - Matt
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|
When
trying to come up with new fills (Try to do this,
it sounds good and develops a personal style)dont try
and hit every drum on the kit! Try and play some of your
fave rythems( that are within ur ability) and then try
each drum out individually. then choose ur fave drums.
mark then wit something and create ur rythem using only
those drums, also dont be afraid to use ur cymbals in
the fill. too many drummers only use there cymbals at
the end and they sound rubbish. use ur cymbals wisely.(
ps. i worked this theory out on my own in my garage with
my kit. it really helps). - thorpedo
|
One
of the top questions about drums is, how can i play
faster. Dont worry about playing faster, just play cleaner
and keep a good beat for the band. - OddBill
To
the Top
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When
ur doing a drum solo try not to think too much,let
urself go!Dont always think u need to do the fastest most
technically stuff all the time, work up ur solo smoothly
its way more powerful too go from slower spaced out fills
to hard rockn then to go straight into the craziest shit
u can do!?
Just feel it and enjoy it thats what i do! - Adrian
kelly
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Have
a favourite drummer. it is good to have someone
to aspire to. but listen to a veriaty of music. pick
out your fave tracks within ur ability and practice
playing them increasing speed until you can play it
as fast or faster than the song. and dont let people
pressurise you on a fave drummer. pick one you like
and has SKILL. EG I like tre cool and joey jordison
but everyone at my schhol thinks they r poo. hope this
helps - nathan thrpe
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|
|
Practice
playing on dead surfaces, but not all the time because
if u do, then u will get use to playing on dead surfaces
all the time and will be a bit difficult to play on the
actual drum - D
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|
If
you can beatbox (make drum noises with your mouth)
you can make up new beats anywhere, and if you had a voice
recorder it would be much easier. Also check out drummers
like Jon Theodore from the mars volta, he was trained
in tribal drumming and incorperates it into his prog rock
band, and also ben walsh from the bird, he might be harder
to track down he's from a local band in sydney but i have
never seen any drummer live get the crowd worked up as
much as he does, and i saw them do a tabla verses drumkit
battle and it was amazing. tappa tappa tappa - Willbott
|
If
u want to listen to a clss drummer check out THE
NAMELESS by slipknot. fact. slipknot have 3 drummers
1. shaun crahan 2 joey jordison( brilliant, best metal
drummer ever)and chris fehn. also listen to wednesday
13 I WALKED WITH A ZOMBIE. ta - nana t
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This
is for all the greatest drummer myths. The truth is
is that you are the greatest drummer, you just havn't
practiced enough. - Greg
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Hi
hat stand tip: Sometimes when you buy a high stand
the rod is too long. It sticks up and gets in the way
of hitting the toms. You can actually take a hack saw
and saw it off. My hi hat rod only sticks up an inch past
the top hi hat cymbal. Just be sure not to saw it off
too short. - Peter
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I
find that in my "repair Kit' I can use 2 cymbal
felts on my sticks if I need "mallets" in a
quick hurry. They work great - Steve Hlabse
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If you don't use accents right, then the whole
purpose of the song is lost - Mike
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Keep
god 1st. practice makes perfect. PRACTICE PRACTICE
PRACTICE! Listen to drummers that are better than u.
listen to all types of music! - josh "spanky
jr." Truiett
To
the Top
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IF
U HAVE 2 PAIRS OF STICKS like i do, dont practise
then snap the nylon heads off ur practice pair. mistake
2.dont in a desperate fit of panic about how ur going
to practice take ur best ones and leave them there 5 hours
away in your aunties house with a 8 yr old, 5 yr old ,
and 3 yr old. i cant sleep for worry of whats happened
to my vic firths. i have to play with staggs with a missing
head. AAAAAAAAAAGH - NATHAN T
|
Im
a bigginer but every time i start to do a rool i
lose my sticks so i put electrical tape about half way
and down to the bottom of both sticks it make it eiser
to grip - travis
DRUMTIPS.com
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|
Doubles,
Triples, Ahhh! Practice your quintouples to get your
quadruples better, quadruples to get triples... ect. -
Sean Collins
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|
Don't
use your fingers! If you want to get really fast,
put your fingers on the stick and use your wrist. - Sean
Collins
|
Practice does not make perfect, you practice
to get better. - Bnard
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your submission.
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|
For
hardware use travel golf case, holds alot. - shaun
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Be
supportive of other drummers! - Nicole
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|
Tips
for Drum Teachers - Want to make it more interesting
for your students? Fill your drum room with percussion
toys. Bongos, Shakers, Splash Cymbals, etc. and work them
into the lessons. It keeps it interesting for them. -
Bert
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NEVER
CLEAN YOUR CYMBALS!!!!! the sound gets better with
age and looks retro and funky - ruby*soho
|
Listen to vinnie paul and lars ulrich. they are
both amazing double bass drummers and they will inspire
you - Will
To
the Top
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|
Sometimes
you CAN over work when you feel like hurting your
drums step away from the drums and relax start practice
again when you are in a better frame of mind (it took
me 2 weeks one time b4 i could play again but when i did
i nailed my songs perfectly) - bob bobertson (its an
alias)
|
Try
getting one of the multiple sized cowbell sets.
it can give you differant sounds and wils allow you
keep your music not boring. - casey jones
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
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Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
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- Percussion
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|
Wrap
the grip and the area below the tips of your drumsticks
in either electrical or duct tape. It provides a slightly
improved grip and can prevent alot of splinters from forming.
Oh and one more thing, Neil Peart is king of all drummers!!!!!!!!!!!
- JRock
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|
Squeeze
a soft ball in your weaker hand evey now and again
to improve wrist strengh and to improve drumming! - dan
wall
|
Buy
a Vater stick holder. the company dont know it but
u can use it as a bell also =] - justin
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Become a drumtech for a local band you like. you
can teach that person and learn something from them and
in th long run its beneficial to both parties - xTOASTx
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Before
a show or practicing make sure all your nuts and bots
are properly tightened. You don't want a falling cymbal
or drum when you're playing. - Greg
|
|
Myth:
neil peart is the best drummer in the world fact: it is
ringo,ringo???? not even close, Peart is the best... -
anonymous
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|
When
you're looking for songs to play the drums along with,
be sure you pick songs that challenge you. If you play
nothing but the easy ones, you'll never get anywhere.
- Teeah
|
Express
yourself, just let your emotion drive you in playing
the drums... - Bryan
To
the Top
|
|
411Drums.com
- An established and respected educational resource
for teachers and players. 411 contains lessons, drum history,
tips, glossary, FAQs, articles, and more.
|
Just
hang loose and have fun. - Bob
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If your Bandmates say you play to loud. Tell them
to take there skirts off... - Gregory Finley (School
Bus Yellow)
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|
A
good inexpensive way to carry stands, etc. is a golf
bag. I got a nice big one with a bunch of clubs that I
ended up not using for $15 at a garage sale. It can get
heavy but it keeps the unwieldy things in one place. If
you have room in your vehicle, a golf bag mounted to a
cart would be good too. Roam the local gorge sales for
bargains. - Jim
|
Practice
always!! - Allister
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I
find it good using a 2" piece of DUCT TAPE on
the top of my tom tom drum heads for an INSTANT SOUND
TUNE-UP before a gig if you can't tune your drums with
a room full of people! - Darrell
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The
more things you add to your drum set, the more ideas
you have for the song. - Rich Piechnik II
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Never
leave on a practice night before a show it can really
mess you up (if you not peforming then its fine) - liz
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|
Playing
HEAVY with Skills - There are two names that come
to mind Danny Carey (TOOL) and Dave Lombardo . Danny's
easily up there with Neil - and that other old guy can
still double - kick the crap out of his TAMA's - bay
area metal
|
LEARN TO PLAY JAZZ - not only does it make you
a far more advanced drummer, but jazz drumming takes
bits and pieces from all styles of music and compiles
them all into one, making you a more rounded drummer.
- Max
To
the Top
|
|
If your Bandmates say you play to loud. Tell them
to take there skirts off... - Gregory Finley (School
Bus Yellow)
|
MYTH:
Niel Peart, Ringo and Ringo, and John Bonham are the
greatest drummers who ever lived.
FALSE: they all learned primarily by watching drummers
like Buddy Rich, (who I might add is the greatest drummer
who ever lived) or perhaps even Gene Krupa, who taught
Rich. With out those two drum geniuses, drum soloing
probably wouldn't be in existance right now - Max
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- Percussion
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|
TUNE
YOUR CYMBALS by putting a thin piece of duct tape
under an area of your cymbal that sounds good. It slightly
mutes it, but makes the whole cymbal sound better. - Max
|
|
Be
a jazz drummer. jazz drummers are the best drum set
players in the world. ask any jazz drummer to play rock,
funk, jazz, most latin, or anything else and they should
have it down on the spot, instead of having a rock drummer
who knows how to play 8th and 16th notes on the HH while
hitting the snare on 2 and 4. - Max
|
Practice
getting independence in all four limbs, and then
practice getting drum
rudiments down while practicing independence in
all four limbs, put it together with listening to a
lot of great drummers, and you've been turned into an
amazing drum soloist - Max
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An
amateur practices until he gets it right, but a professional
practices until he can't get it wrong - Peter
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|
If your playing with a double pedal dont sit too
high and dont dont too low on your throne because sitting
too high damages your back and if your too low ur lets
wont wor as fast so my tip is to sit o your thighs are
parralell with the ground - sam pritchard
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|
Don't ever EVER try and play in a gig with a broken
leg....it hurts - mr mcdrum
|
Odd
Time Signatures, Make your sound more interesting!
Say if you're playing in 4/4, that's 4 bars of quater
notes. To make it more interesting you can play something
like 1 bar which has 1+ 2e+a 3 4+ a, you know just play
with different timmings in each bar to get a more technical
yet good groove going, don't stick with the whole "that
suits the song" although that's very important
too, suit the song but in a more creative way i suggest
you listen to alot of proggressive music to get this
kind of feel goin. - Rick Verma
|
Drum
Sticks - Choose the right ones for you! There are
thousands of sticks and mallet available from Zildjian,
Vic Firth, Vater, Pro-Mark, Pearl and others. It may
take abit of time but beleive me it's worth finding
what sticks can potentially make you play better, rather
than getting a different pair everytime or purchasing
artists series find your own one. If you even feel the
slightest uncomfortable with your sticks the wieght,
thickness or feel of your sticks can matter alot. I
personally use jazz style 7AN. Also the right tip is
very important too. Choose wisely!
- Rick Verma
To
the Top
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|
For
all you hacks out there it's easy to copy someone
elses work , it's to make myour own sounds and grooves
is the tricky part! DUH! - Robbie Peterson
|
Roll with a single stick. I just found this out,
even though I've been playing for ~5 years now. But
if you take a single hand, put it over the drum, push
down using your whole hand (perhaps more energy down
with the middle of your hand as the fulcrum) and use
the rim to help you bounce back up, using gravity you
can roll with a single hand. - kris
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
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- Percussion
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|
Sit
up straight when you play the drums. Poor posture
is not only bad for your back but it throws your center
of gravity off and adversly affects your balance on the
drums. - Joe Mitano
|
|
Make
sure u guys warm up b4 u guys start drumming....lots
of pplz 4get to do that. - Azraei
|
Put
a blanket in your bass drum to get a better sound
- david
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your submission.
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|
|
|
Cross
overs on drumset is one of the tricks I do while doing
triplets on a single foot pedal - jonathan fortson
|
If
you are getting blisters on your fingers, you are
holding the sticks to hard. Hold the stick only enough
to keep the stick in your hand. Your thumb and index
finger should hold the stick. Plus, when you hold the
stick to hard you can cause massive tension in the elbow
or top of forearm. Lighten up the grip and control the
bounce. You will still have the power. Get a dvd of
Led Zep and watch John Bonhams hands. Pure power. -
Wilbur
|
|
Always
start VERY slow when working on a beat, fill, rudiment
etc. After you know that you have the basic feel for it,
then you can speed it up slowly until you are at the speed
that you want it. Pay attention to accents and hitting
every drum as close to the center as possible. This makes
for better practice and a much crisper and tighter sound
out of your playing. I have heard some wicked fast drummers
that sound like poo when they play slower grooves. Fast
is not really essential at first. PACE YOURSELF - jgiles
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|
If
you want to play funky, don't play too loud. The ghost
notes will get lost. Make the accents and rimshots speak
out, but don't let the overall volume get too loud. -
Big D
|
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