So, you’ve decided to embark on the exciting journey of learning how to play the drums. The drums are an incredibly dynamic and expressive instrument that can add a powerful rhythm and energy to any musical composition. In this “Attack Chapter,” we’ll focus on the fundamental aspects of getting started with the drums, from understanding the different parts of the drum set to learning basic techniques for producing clear and distinct sounds.
Understanding the Drum Set
Bass Drum
The bass drum, also known as the kick drum, is the largest drum in a standard drum set. It produces a deep, booming sound that provides the foundation for the rhythm. The bass drum is typically played with a pedal that is attached to the side of the drum. When you press the pedal with your foot, a beater strikes the head of the drum, creating the sound.
Snare Drum
The snare drum is a smaller drum that is placed on a stand in front of the drummer. It has a sharp, cracking sound that is often used to accentuate the rhythm. The snare drum gets its characteristic sound from a set of wires (called snares) that are stretched across the bottom head of the drum. When the top head is struck, the snares vibrate against the bottom head, creating the snappy sound.
Tom-Toms
Tom-toms are a set of drums of different sizes that are mounted on stands or on the side of the bass drum. They produce a range of tones, from high-pitched to low-pitched, depending on their size. Tom-toms are played with drumsticks and are often used to create fills and add variety to the rhythm.
Cymbals
Cymbals are metal disks that are used to add accents and punctuation to the rhythm. There are several types of cymbals, including crash cymbals, ride cymbals, and hi-hats. Crash cymbals produce a loud, explosive sound when struck, while ride cymbals provide a more sustained and shimmering sound. Hi-hats are a pair of cymbals that are mounted on a stand and can be opened and closed with a pedal. They are used to create a variety of sounds, from a soft, sizzling sound to a sharp, staccato sound.
Choosing the Right Drumsticks
Size and Weight
Drumsticks come in a variety of sizes and weights, and choosing the right ones for you is important for comfortable playing and good technique. Generally, lighter drumsticks are easier to control and are better for playing fast, intricate patterns, while heavier drumsticks produce a louder, more powerful sound and are better for playing rock and other energetic styles of music. As a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with a pair of medium-weight drumsticks, such as 5A or 5B, which are a good all-around choice for most styles of music.
Tip Shape
The tip of the drumstick also affects the sound it produces. There are several different tip shapes available, including round, oval, and pointed. Round tips produce a warm, full sound, while oval tips produce a brighter, more articulate sound. Pointed tips are often used for playing jazz and other styles of music where a more focused sound is desired.
Basic Grip Techniques
Traditional Grip
The traditional grip is a classic way of holding drumsticks that is often used by jazz drummers. To hold the stick in the traditional grip, place the stick between your thumb and index finger, with the tip of the stick pointing towards your elbow. The middle, ring, and little fingers wrap around the stick, providing support. The traditional grip allows for a great deal of control and flexibility, but it can take some time to master.
Matched Grip
The matched grip is a more modern way of holding drumsticks that is used by many drummers, especially those who play rock and other styles of popular music. To hold the stick in the matched grip, place the stick between your thumb and index finger, with the tip of the stick pointing away from your body. The middle, ring, and little fingers wrap around the stick, providing support. The matched grip is easier to learn than the traditional grip and is more comfortable for many drummers, especially those who are just starting out.
The Attack: Producing Sound on the Drum
The Basics of Striking
When you strike a drum with a drumstick, the goal is to produce a clear, distinct sound. To do this, you need to use the right amount of force and the correct technique. When you strike the drum, the stick should make contact with the head of the drum at a 90-degree angle. This will ensure that the stick strikes the drum evenly and produces a clean sound.
Developing a Good Stroke
A good stroke is essential for producing a consistent and powerful sound on the drum. To develop a good stroke, start by practicing simple single strokes, where you strike the drum with one stick at a time. As you get more comfortable with single strokes, you can start practicing double strokes, where you strike the drum twice in quick succession with the same stick. Focus on keeping your strokes smooth and even, and try to develop a consistent rhythm.
Controlling the Force
The force you use when striking the drum will affect the volume and tone of the sound. If you strike the drum too hard, the sound will be too loud and may be distorted. If you strike the drum too softly, the sound will be too quiet and may not be heard. Experiment with different levels of force to find the right balance for the sound you want to produce.
Playing Different Parts of the Drum
Center of the Drum
Striking the center of the drum produces a full, rich sound. This is the most common place to strike the drum when playing basic rhythms and fills. When striking the center of the drum, make sure the stick makes contact with the head of the drum at a 90-degree angle for the best sound.
Edge of the Drum
Striking the edge of the drum produces a brighter, more articulate sound. This can be used to add accents and variety to your playing. To strike the edge of the drum, position the stick so that the tip just touches the edge of the head.
Rimshots
A rimshot is a technique where you strike the rim of the drum and the head at the same time. This produces a sharp, explosive sound that is often used to accentuate the rhythm. To perform a rimshot, hold the stick at an angle so that the tip strikes the rim of the drum while the shaft of the stick strikes the head.
Cymbal Attack
Crash Cymbals
Crash cymbals are used to add a loud, explosive accent to the rhythm. To strike a crash cymbal, hold the stick with a firm grip and swing it down onto the cymbal with force. The stick should make contact with the center of the cymbal for the best sound.
Ride Cymbals
Ride cymbals are used to provide a continuous, shimmering sound that helps to keep the rhythm steady. To play a ride cymbal, hold the stick with a relaxed grip and gently tap the edge of the cymbal with the tip of the stick. You can vary the speed and force of your strokes to create different sounds and textures.
Hi-Hats
Hi-hats are a versatile cymbal that can be used to create a variety of sounds. To open and close the hi-hats, use your foot to press the pedal. To strike the hi-hats, hold the stick with a firm grip and strike the top cymbal with the tip of the stick. You can also use the stick to play the edge of the cymbal or perform a combination of strikes to create different sounds.
Practicing Your Attack
Start Slowly
When you’re first starting out, it’s important to practice slowly and focus on developing good technique. Don’t worry about playing fast or complex patterns right away. Instead, focus on producing clear, consistent sounds and mastering the basic techniques.
Use a Metronome
A metronome is a tool that can help you keep a steady rhythm while you practice. Set the metronome to a slow, comfortable tempo and practice playing simple rhythms and patterns along with it. As you get more comfortable, you can gradually increase the speed of the metronome.
Practice Regularly
Like any skill, playing the drums takes time and practice to master. Try to set aside a regular time each day to practice your drumming. Even if you only have a few minutes, regular practice will help you improve your technique and build your skills.
Conclusion
Learning how to play the drums is a rewarding and challenging experience. By understanding the different parts of the drum set, choosing the right drumsticks, mastering basic grip techniques, and learning how to produce a clear and distinct sound on the drum, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient drummer. Remember to practice regularly, start slowly, and have fun! With dedication and perseverance, you’ll be able to play the drums like a pro in no time.
Related Topics:
- What Band Did Phil Collins Drum For? [Don’t Miss]
- 5,000-Year-Old Chalk Drum Sculpture Found in Children’s Grave Could Be Key to Prehistoric Art
- What is a Drum Major? A Full Guide
