Drumming Techniques: Tips and Tricks for improving your Drumming skills
Playing drums is one of those activities that may look like there isn’t much to them, but nothing could be further from the truth. Just like any other instrument, playing drums requires an incredible mix of discipline, perseverance, creativity, and curiosity that will allow you not only to become a great drummer but also to always have the appetite to keep learning.
Whether you’re just starting on your drumming journey or you already have some experience and would like to refine your skills, drumming techniques are something you can always work on. For some useful and easy-to-follow tips and tricks on how to get your drumming to the next level, keep reading!
Build a Strong Foundation
There are many techniques that you can master and different genres you can dip your toes in, and to do that easily, you need to have a strong understanding of the basics that will pave the path to becoming a proficient drummer. These are the key elements you should always keep an eye on.
Stick Grip
Your technique and your ability to express your creativity start here. Having a proper grip allows you to be in control of your playing speed. At the same time, it allows you to avoid tension and fatigue in your hands that can cause mistakes and even injuries. Work on mastering the matched grip (keep your palms down at a slight angle) and the traditional grip (different grip for each of the hands, often seen in jazz).
The Correct Body Posture
The importance of good posture can’t be overstated when you’re playing drums, because it allows you to move freely and play optimally. At any point in time while you’re playing, your spine should be straight and your shoulders relaxed. That way you won’t get as tired and there are fewer chances of getting injured.
Know Your Rudiments
Now that you have your stick grip and body posture on lock, it’s time to master your rudiments, aka the basic drumming patterns that will open the door to more complex rhythms. Practicing these will help you build your muscle memory and coordination, so practice them regularly and keep coming back to them, no matter how skilled you become. These rudiments include:
Single Stroke Roll is the name for simple alternating drum strokes (R, L, R, L) and it will be the building block for your playing technique.
Double Stroke Roll hints at the technique in the name – you play two strokes with each hand (L, L, R, R) and over time make your playing faster without losing grip control.
Paradiddles are where you bring your knowledge from single and double strokes together by alternating them (L, R, L, L, then R, L, R, R) to boost your coordination.
Hone Your Limb Independence
Drums are one of the more physically demanding instruments, and playing a full set is like a cardio workout. For this, you need to have stamina and top-notch limb independence. This is one of the most challenging aspects of drumming, but it’s also useful and rewarding when you get the hang of it.
Start by getting a strong handle on which limb is “in charge” of which part of your drum kit. Your right hand will be playing the ride cymbal, crash cymbal, and hi-hat, while your left hand is in charge of the snare drum and sometimes cymbals and toms.
Going to your lower limbs, your right foot is in control of the bass drum pedal, while the left one plays the hi-hat pedal. If it sounds like many things happening at once, it is – that’s why practice is so important. If you’re left-handed, your drum kit will be reversed, and over time you can find customizable drum hardware options that will allow you to play seamlessly and not lose any of your skill or speed adjusting to the right-hand-oriented instrument.
Work on a Flawless Sense of Timing
While this is great life advice, having excellent timing is also invaluable in drum-playing. Having a sense of timing is something that’s developed over time, not just a natural talent, as many would believe.
In this endeavor, a metronome is your best friend, as it will enable you to feel and internalize a consistent tempo in your playing. It’s a good idea to start with a slow tempo, and as you get comfortable, increase your playing speed. For a fun challenge, branch out and try playing songs from different genres, to understand different timings in jazz as opposed to rock, pop, or even metal.
Your Dynamics Should Be On Point
Whether you’d like to play at renowned festivals or you’re perfectly happy making drumming your hobby, the knowledge of dynamics will give flavor to your unique playing style. A lot of finesse goes into playing drums, and a well-placed accent here or a ghost note there can make a difference in how the drums sound and how the song feels to listeners.
The best way to experiment with dynamics is to incorporate different volume exercises into your playing routine and focus on perfecting your hi-hat technique. You can also play around with ghost notes for that extra texture in your playing.
Don’t Limit Yourself to One Genre
While it may be tempting to focus on playing the genre you like, experimenting with different types of music will help you grow and develop your skills. Having a varied approach can also give you a deeper understanding of timing and dynamics that you can then use in your preferred genre.
For example, playing along with funk songs will give you great insights into syncopated patterns with strong backbeats; jazz will help you master the slow, swaying nuances of swing rhythms and give you a chance to learn more about brushwork. Exploring Latin beats will give you a better sense of samba groove and bossa nova style, while variations of metal music will inspire you to level up your double bass pedal techniques. If you have a drumming skill that needs work, pick a genre that has it in abundance and jump right in!
Playing an instrument is a lifelong love and there’s always room for perfecting and diversifying your skills. Dedicating your time and energy to improving your basics like rudiments, sense of timing, and dynamics will let you become more creative in your playing while gaining a higher level of control, more speed, and better focus. By continually honing your drum playing, you mix your creative expression with a high level of skill, all of which will help you grow into a proficient and well-rounded drummer.
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