Learning the Drums

Even if you are a complete beginner and have never sat behind a “rig”  there are a few things you can learn and practice before you decide if the drums are for you. The first of these is to learn how to hold a drumstick. There are a couple of classic drumstick holding positions which can be learnt quite easily. However, as you observe different drummers you will see that many hold the sticks in their own way, departing from the classic grips. The important thing is to find a style that you are comfortable with and with which you can keep a beat..... which brings us to.... timing. The next thing you need to find out about yourself is if you have an ear for, and can keep, a beat. If you discover after practice that you can’t find a beat let alone keep one, then maybe the drums aren’t for you, since keeping a beat is the “bread and butter” of drumming. Once you have mastered the grip and keeping time, you will be ready to learn some basic beats.