Practice Tips For Drummers

 

Whether you’re just starting out or have been playing for a while, you’re sure to find at least a few of these “practice tips for drummers” helpful.

 

Start Slow

1. Any difficult concept or groove that you’re working on, take it so slow that it’s impossible to miss a note.  At this point you’re not concerned about keeping an even tempo.  All you should focus on is playing the notes where they should be on the drums.
2. Now that you are playing the notes in the right places, begin counting the subdivisions while you play.  If you have to, write out the subdivisions above every note.  We want to ensure that every note is being played on the proper beat/subdivision.

 

Metronome or Drum Machine

Metronome.   

1. Start off by only counting the subdivision up above each note along with the metronome.
2. Play along with the metronome now, by setting it at a speed where you can comfortably play and say the subdivisions to yourself.
3. Only once you can play the rhythm a min. of 8x in a row, (without hesitations, stops or mistakes), pick up the speed in 3-5 BPM increments.

 

Drum Machine

1. Once comfortable with the above, program the groove into a drum machine. Set your groove/rhythm to a tempo where you can manage playing with it.
2. Only once you are able to play your pattern a min. of 8x in a row, pick up the speed in 3-5 BPM increments.

ProTip!

If you happen to hit a tempo where you are having difficulty staying even, slow down the tempo where you can play it even, then increase the speed again.

 

Example:

Start at 60BPM.  Play the groove for 30min-1min at 60, then increase the tempo to 63, then 65, 67, 68, 70, 72….etc.
Then if needed, bring the tempo back down to 65 or so and try pushing it further, (75BPM).

 

Be sure to check our additional practice tips on our blog.

Best of luck!!