Effective Drum Practice 101: 5 Essential Tips for Newbie Drummers

“Practice makes perfect” – we are all too familiar with this old adage. While putting in the time and effort will certainly help you develop your skills, it is the way that you practice something that will affect your progress and ultimately determine whether you are going to get better at it.

When you are just starting your drumming journey, it is important that you know how to practice effectively, and relying on the following tips will ensure your practice is efficient.

Develop a practice routine

Getting better at what you do requires constant practice, so you want to develop a daily practice routine. Even if it’s just 30 minutes a day, practicing on a regular basis is still better than skipping practice for a couple of days and then playing for hours to make up for it. Consistency is key here, so try to put in as many hours of practice as you can – whenever you can. Pick up a practice pad and use it to boost your skills during lunch, and put that commute time to work/school by absorbing new material. Consider creating a practice plan and setting goals for each of your sessions and maybe keep a practice journal to record your progress. That way, you’ll be able to see what you need to improve on so you can get the most out of each practice session.

Use a metronome when practicing

Using a metronome is essential for learning how to keep time and be accurate. If there are any rhythm problems, the metronome is there to emphasize them. Because of this, some drummers may consider foregoing using the metronome as it may discourage them, especially when it comes to drummers who are just starting out. However, practicing with a metronome is imperative for developing a sense of timing and staying on top of your playing. Start slow so you can focus on the technique and then build up the speed gradually. After practicing a beat or a phrase for a while (the number of repetitions will depend on the phrase’s length), you can increase the speed a bit and perfect the beat or phrase you are practicing.

Rely on useful drumming-related content for guidance

Whenever you’re starting something new, it pays to learn a few tips and tricks from people who know a thing or two about the subject. For newbie drummers, seeking useful drumming-related content is an essential step for making progress and so is staying up to date and learning from the pros in the field. For instance, websites such as Begin Your Drumming that provide helpful beginner tips, reviews, insights, and how-tos are perfect places to head to when you are just beginning your drumming journey and need some guidance and pro tips. By absorbing useful information, you will be able to make significant progress and advance your skills in music, whether you’ve had a couple of sessions already or are just planning on purchasing your first drum set.

Play with other musicians

Playing on your own and practicing techniques is essential when you’re just getting started. However, keep in mind that music is a team sport, and playing with other people is crucial if you want to make progress and grow as a musician. When you’re at home, you can play along with your favorite music and try to match the feel of the drummers you’re listening to. You also need to get out there and find like-minded musicians to play with. Whether it means starting a cover band or taking a gig, getting yourself into bands is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and learn something new. On the plus side, it also helps you stay passionate and motivated about what you’re doing, so don’t skip this important step.

Stay open-minded

We’ve all got certain genres we’re particularly interested in playing. But then there are also those genres that we don’t really like or enjoy that much. While it’s important for you to play the music you like and usually listen to when you’re just starting out, it doesn’t hurt to listen to something new from time to time. Expose yourself to different genres whenever you can – this will help you learn about new styles and grow as a musician. Staying open-minded and expanding your horizons will help you improve your overall skills and gain new ones, making you a better, well-rounded drummer.

Conclusion

Music can certainly be a wonderful tool for self-expression! While the path to becoming a great drummer does take time and effort, if you arm yourself with knowledge and patience and employ effective strategies when practicing, you can embark on this exciting journey with confidence, learning and growing one beat at a time.