How to play the drums like a professional

Everyone loves a musician and learning to play a musical instrument can be a fantastic outlet for both creative passions and those overwhelming emotional moments. While every single musical instrument has merits, it is commonly accepted that drummers are crucial to bands as they the ones which are tasked with keeping the rhythm of a song in check. This article will examine what it takes to play the drums like a pro.

Getting started

The first trial you will be faced with as a beginner musician is the knowledge that nothing will be completed in a day or even a week. It will take a very long time to become a master of an instrument and patience is the key. Although this does not mean that you will not be able to play well and even more importantly, enjoy yourself. Types of drum It might be worthwhile familiarising yourself with the many different types of drum which exist, all of which have different set-ups which affect their sound. Some examples of the different types of drum are snare drums, bass drums, cymbals and Tom-Toms. Try and find the style which feels most suited to you! Holding the sticks It is all well and good picking an instrument. However, how do you actually play it? First, you must master the sticks. There are two main ways to hold drums sticks - matched and traditional. Matched grip sees the musician hold the stick between their thumb and forefinger, wrapping their remaining fingers around the stick, while traditional grip sees the artist cradle the stick between the thumb and index finger, over the top of the ring finger.

Getting more advanced

Being a drummer is all about mastering rhythms and being able to realise them at key moments with different limbs. Practice improving your rhythm by counting aloud, until it becomes second nature. Controlling the limbs It is important when you're drumming to have good control of each limb individually, so practice each one until it feels natural. This can be a tough step to breach, but once you master it, you're well on your way to becoming a top drummer. Where to go from here? Remember, practice and patience is key. Play as often as you can and you'll continue to improve. Never stop learning! Take professional lessons if you feel you need help. Most importantly of all, remember to enjoy yourself. Playing the drums is supposed to be fun, not a chore. Relax, enjoy yourself and the skill will come in time. Good luck!