7 Tips to Master Playing the Drums

by Kevin on February 7, 2010

If you want to learn how to play the drums, you need to have a good reason why you want to. You have to know what motivates you to get drum lessons. You also have to find it very interesting to join drum lesson classes.

If you always dreamed about playing this instrument but you never got the chance to do so when you were younger, then you will see that drum lessons are for everybody who is willing to learn.

Whatever your reasons are for learning how to play the drums, you have to remember that you alone can identify to your goals and you alone have the power to achieve those goals you set. So, here are some tips that will help you master the art of playing the drums. By following these tips, you can be sure that you will be able to keep your enthusiasm alive and more importantly, have fun learning to play this cool instrument.

Obviously, the first step is to get started with this one of a kind hobby. Search for reliable music schools around your area or you can also find a professional who will be able to give you private lessons. Or, you can also enroll in qualified online websites that offer drum lessons. Whichever you choose, make sure that you choose one that works for you and one that you are comfortable with.

The next step is to identify what you need. Visit your nearest music store and look around for a drum kit. Get a professional drummer to advice you on what kind of drum set you need. You also need to get advice on the type of drum sticks you need as a beginner drummer. By knowing about what is required of you, you will then be able to find it easy to get the things you need to start playing the drums.

You also have to keep in mind that learning how to play the drums is not just about dexterity and the coordination of your hand and feet movements but it is also about using your listening skills.

You also have to remember that learning how to play the drums takes time and patience. You need to go through the process. Besides, you can’t expect to play the drums just like Lars Ulrich of Metallica or Travis Barker of Blink 182 after just one or two lessons. It takes years of hard work in order for you to play like these guys and really rock hard.

You need to study and review the lessons that have been given to you. By exercising the lessons you learned, you will eventually master it and keep your skills fresh.

The sixth tip that you should remember is to practice. You may know about theories but if you don’t apply it, nothing will happen to your drumming.

Lastly, stay motivated. This may be the simplest to do but it’s actually the hardest thing to maintain. Some people give up after a few lessons because they simply can’t play the drums like they wanted to in the beginning.

By keeping these things in mind, you will be able to master the art of playing drums. With these 7 tips, you will be well on your way to becoming a great drummer.

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By Guest Blogger Ian Fraser

When we first want to learn guitar we dream about the moment when we’ll be able to play chords and learn songs we know. Let’s face it the regular songs that most beginner guitar lessons cover are less then exciting, but once you learn chords you open up another realm of possibility with tab sites across the web offering up how to play hundreds of popular tunes.

The down side to learning chords is that when you first start your fingers are not going to want to go where you need them to. It’s going to take practice to be able to make those shapes to play chords and you might have to start slower then you’d like.

Today I’m going to share with you how to play the E and G major chords. There is a video at the end of this lesson article that will also go through the technique and correct shape your fingers should be making. Remember while it might seem impossible at first to make these shapes it will come with time, just keep practicing.

The E major Chord

E – 0 –
B – 0 —
G – 1 –
D – 2 –
A – 2 –
E – 0 –

The E major chord requires you to use your first three fingers. You position them as follows: 2nd finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, 3rd finger on the 2nd fret of the D string and 1st finger on the 1st fret of the G string. When playing the E chord you strum all six strings at once.

The G major Chord

E – 3 –
B – 0 —
G – 0 –
D – 0 –
A – 2 –
E – 3 –

Like the E chord the G chord also uses your first three fingers, except they’re going to have to stretch a little more. The positioning of your fingers for the G chord is as follows: 2nd finger on the 3rd fret of the E string, 1st finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your 3rd finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string. Again strum all six strings when playing the G chord.

Practicing Tips

When learning guitar chords it comes down to muscle memory to get your fingers to move in ways they haven’t ever done before. A good way to work on this is to make the shapes of the chords as we described above and then squeeze hard on the neck. Hold this for a few seconds and then release and repeat. This will help build muscle memory in your fingers.

Also take the time to learn the chords well individually before you start trying to strum and switch between them. You want to have good technique before you start trying to add in other skills.

Take a few moments to watch the video below, it goes through how to make the chords again and also provides some close up shots of the shapes your fingers should make.

Ready to learn more beginner chords and techniques? Why not try studying on your own using Guitar Lessons on dvd? DVD and online video lessons are becoming a very popular method of teaching yourself to play guitar instead of private lessons. It’s less money and you’re in 100% control.

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