Drum Lessons: Drumming Tips for Beginners – Part II
Drumming is a wonderful way to learn music and a great way to release stress. Without a firm grasp over the basic skills required for drumming, you aren’t likely to get far. Even if you do manage to learn music properly, you can end up developing physical problems or bad drumming habits. We have already discussed a few tips for beginner drummers at http://drumlessonssingapore.com/drum-lessons-drumming-tips-for-beginners-part-i/. Here are a few more …
Good posture is essential
Developing a good drumming posture is important if you are to keep physically fit while playing the instrument. A bad posture can make you tired much faster than you need to be, and you are likely to develop sore muscles and fatigue. Over a period of time, this can add up to serious consequences, affecting your quality of playing. A good posture ensures that you are in a position to play properly. It gives you the freedom to move around your kit without straining your muscles. You will automatically notice that the quality of your playing will improve once you begin to use the correct posture. Sit up straight, relax your arms and make sure your seat is at the right height for maximum comfort. Developing a proper posture might not feel comfortable at first but with a bit of practice, it will become a habit. It might take a while to get the posture correct during your drum lessons, but it is worth your while.
Experiment with your drumsticks
Drumsticks come in a variety of sizes and materials. The most commonly used materials are maple and hickory, though oak, aluminium and plastic are also used. Each of them has their own advantages and disadvantages and it is up to the player to make a choice on which suits them better. Each one provides its own distinct sound. The shape of the tip and material of the tips also affect the sound. Finally, the size of the stick is very important based on what feels comfortable in your hands. Considering the large amount of choices you have in drumsticks, it is advisable to experiment with a number of them before settling on one which not only provides a tone that you like but is also comfortable in your hands. This is one of the most important decisions you will make in setting up your drum kit.
Drum according to time
A drummer finds it difficult to understand when they are off-time because trying to make out your timing is next to impossible while you are playing. If you are practicing in a group, then it is even worse as everyone begins to blame the others for going off-time. So, the best way to ensure that you don’t go off time while playing is to use a metronome. There are many different kinds of metronomes, but a simple one is sufficient for a beginner. Once you get the hang of using a metronome, you never have to worry about going off time. Most expert drummers advise always using one while practicing so that you can keep track of your progress. If you can’t hear your metronome because of the volume of your drums, you can use earplugs or plug it into a stereo. Using a metronome is the best way to learn drums.
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