DRUM QUESTIONS

When you start learning the drums there are a lot of questions that need answering: what kind of drums should I buy? Where is the best place to learn drums? How do I tune my drums? Do I need to be able to read drum music to be a good drummer? and many more. Here is some information and links to try and answer some of your drumming questions. If you can't find what you're looking for please - Ask a drumming question?  

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DRUM QUESTION OF THE MONTH

The best drumming question we receive each month will be posted here along with Drum Nut's reply for you to share.
Ask a drumming question here

 QUESTION: May 2010

Why do some people put black tape in the middle of their drum heads?

Ed.

DRUM NUT SAYS:

Hey Ed,

Thanks for your email question. People sometimes put tape on their drum skins to dampen the sound. Often a drum (especially a big one like a floor tom or bass drum) will have a long overtone when you hit it- like an echo. This is caused by the skin and drum shell vibrating or resonating from the sound waves after you hit it. The black tape you see on the drums stops these vibrations lasting so long and so 'deadens ' the sound of the drum.
Some people like this others hate it. Best thing to do is experiment on your drums and see what you like the sound of. Often a better way to get rid of unwanted overtones from a drum is to tune it properly. See the drumnuts tuning guide for help with this.

I hope this answers your question.

Thanks, Drum Nut.

 

QUESTION: Jan 2010

hey there,i am left handed but right footed!! what drum set up would you recommend? need help
thanks.

Steve

DRUM NUT SAYS:

Hey Steve,

Thanks for the email.

The most common set-up for a left handed, right footed drummer would be to play a standard right handed players kit with open hands. In other words don't cross your arms to play the hi hat. Many right handed players also opt for this position.

The only issue you may have is going round the toms with this setup- as they will still be in a right hand direction from high to low. An option for this would be to swap the two mounted toms on the bass drum around (assuming you have a standard 5-piece drum kit) and to place the floor tom to the left of your hi hat.

The most important thing to consider is whether you are comfortable. Don't sacrifice comfort for image or the way you think the drums "should" be setup. Play around and try different setups. There's no rules- just whatever enables you to play the drums the best.

Hope this has helped. Have fun.

Drum Nut

 

QUESTION: Nov 2009

Hi, I'm Matt from England and I've been playing drums for around four years now. I've decided I need to take my hobby to a higher level- but I can't find a band at all. I've tried online sites such as 'formingbands.co.uk'; however I don't trust the safety of them so I don't use them anymore.
The main piece of advice I'm looking for is how I can be a successful drummer, my main objective is to be in a successful band but I am limited for choice.
Is there any other jobs/ careers I can take other than being in a band? as playing drums is my one talent that I have.

Regards,

MP

DRUM NUT SAYS:

Hey Matt,

Thanks for your email.

It's great you're looking for a career in music with your drumming and yes there are quite a few options for having a career with your drumming apart from just being in a famous band. For example- teaching drums, being a drum tech, a session drummer or working in a drum shop.

I would suggest that you do continue looking to join a band though as when you are a drummer nothing beats actually playing with other musicians. And if you want to do any job related to drumming you'll find it much easier if you have experience playing drums in a band.

If you're still at school that is a great place to get bands together, either with friends or by advertising through school. Talk to your music teacher too as other students maybe looking to form a band.

If you're not at school try putting an advert in your local music shop- most musicians have to visit a music shop at some point so you're bound to get a response.

The best piece of advise though is 'Don't give up!' Keep playing and practising and looking for that band and things will work out for you. Maybe one day we'll be adding you to the Drum Legends section of drumnuts :)

All the best, Drum Nut

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 Drum Teachers

Can I teach myself the drums or do I need a teacher? Yes you can teach yourself the drums, many great drummers are self taught but learning from a good teacher can greatly increase your chances of being a good drummer.
How do I choose a teacher?

Try to find a teacher that is recommended by someone who has been learning for a while.

Meet the teacher and see if you get on together.

Don't be afraid to ask the teacher what their background is- how long they've been playing and how long they've been teaching and where.

In music education you generally get what you pay for- cheap drum lessons are not always a bargain.
How do I find a teacher?

Ask about your school's itinerant music programme.

Check out  the Drumnuts Drum Teacher Guide
 

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 Buying Drums

Can I learn the drums without a drum kit?

Yes you can learn the drums without a drum kit but it is difficult to get motivated to practise and not as much fun.

Sooner or later if you want to be a drummer you've got to get drums.
When should a beginner get a drum kit?

In an ideal world, from the first lesson but this is not always practical. It makes sense to see if you enjoy drums and you're going to continue playing before buying.

Compared to other instruments, like trumpet or saxophone, a drum kit is fairly cheap. Drums also hold their value well if it comes to reselling.

If a student is taking lessons and still practising regularly after 6 months without drums then they deserve a drum kit!
Where's the best place to buy drums?

The best option for beginners kits is still probably a good music shop. With a shop you can refer back to them if you need any assistance or have any problems with the gear.

Beginner kits are so cheap new that you're not going to save a great deal by buying second hand.

This however does not apply to intermediate level kits or cymbals. If you're in the market for either of these then internet sites like Trademe.co.nz or the Trade & Exchange are definately worth checking out.

Check out the drumnuts drum kit guide
 

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Hiring Drums

Can you hire drum kits?

Yes you can hire drum kits for a monthly fee. Some places offer the kits complete with everything down to sticks and stool.

Check out the Drumnuts Drum Hire
Is it good idea to hire drums before buying a set?

Beginner drum kits are so reasonably priced now ($500 -$600) that it's not good value to hire drums. After a few months hireage fees you could buy a drum kit new- and if you decide not to continue playing you can easily resell the drums.
Why do places hire drums then?

Some people prefer not to have the hassle of buying and selling a drum kit.

Other people hire a beginner kit for a short time and then when they buy drums go straight to an intermediate kit.
 

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 Setting up a Drum Kit

How do I assemble my drumkit, it came in pieces?

If you buy your drums from a shop try and arrange for someone to set them up for you while you watch when they are delivered or go through it with the sales person in the shop- take notes or photos.

Check out the Drumnuts Drum Set Up Guide
How high should I have my snare drum, tom toms, cymbals....?

It all depends on you. How tall you are. How long your legs and arms are etc.

A lot of people set their drums up with 'style' in mind rather than playing. Make sure you are comfortable, can reach everything and don't have to compromise good technique (the way you hold your sticks and move your arms, hands and wrists) for the sake of looking cool.

Once you're comfortable- then try and look cool :)
I'm left handed- do I set my drums up differently?

Most left handed drummers do set their drums up opposite to right handers e.g snare & hi-hat on the right hand side and floor- tom & ride cymbal on the left.

However some 'Lefties' prefer to keep the drums set up right handed and to play 'open handed' e.g they don't cross their sticks over to hit the hi-hat. They are then actually playing left handed but right footed as their right foot is playing the bass drum pedal.

I recommend left handers change the kit around but certainly try the other option too. In the end it comes down to what feels right for the individual.

The main thing is don't let anyone tell you that the drums have to stay 'right handed' - this is not true.
 

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 Tuning Drums

Can you tune drums?
 Yes you can tune drums. By tightening or loosening the skins with the tuning rods on the rim of the drum you can change the pitch or tone of the drum
How do I know if my drums are in tune?

Do they sound good?

Is your smallest tom-tom a higher pitch than the larger toms?

If you answered no to either of these questions your drums need tuning

Does your snare drum vibrate excessively when you hit the tom-toms or bass drum?

Do any of your drums 'whine'  or ring after you hit them?

If you answered yes to either of these questions your drums need tuning
How do you tune a drum?

By tightening or loosening the skins with the tuning rods on the rim of the drum you can change the pitch or tone of the drum.

Check out the Drumnuts Tuning Guide for more information

 

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 Reading Music

Do I need to read music to play the drums?
 No you don't need to read music to play drums- just as you don't need to read words to be able to talk.
Why do people learn to read music then?

The same reason people learn how to read words; it greatly increases your ability to communicate with other musicians and it speeds up the learning process.

(How?) If you can read music your teacher can go through the first exercise on a page with you and then you can do the rest by yourself at home- rather than having to show you each different beat or rhythm.
Is learning to read music hard?

Definately not. It is very logical- the notes on the page of music tell you when to hit the drum the rests tell you when not to. It really doesn't get a lot harder than that.

Check out Drumnuts Music Theory
 

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Electronic Drum Kits

Can you learn drums on an electronic kit?

Yes you can but you will certainly notice a difference when you play on an acoustic kit again.

Some students with electronic kits find it hard to reproduce the beats they've learnt at home in lessons because the feel and sound of the drums is so different.
Are there any advantages to having electronic drums?

The biggest advantage is that you can wear head-phones when you practise and so noise is no problem to others.

Also you can easily adjust the volume to play along with  your C.Ds or MP3s.

They also have a great variety of drum and percussion sounds which can be inspiring and fun.
Would you recommend electronic drums?

I wouldn't advise a beginner to learn on electronic drums but if the choice is between that and no drums - go electronic!
 

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 Drum Sticks

Are there different types of drum sticks?

Yes there are many types of drum sticks. Different weights, lengths, shapes and ones made of different materials.

Check out the Drumnuts Drum Stick Guide
How do I choose the right stick for me?

Go to a drum shop with a large range of sticks and try them out.

If you are a beginner ask for beginner or student sticks, the difference in price between these and a professional stick can be considerable.

The size of your hands should be considered when choosing a stick. Anything between a 7A to a 5B weight is usually good for a 10-12 year old.

Make sure the stick feels comfortable for you.
Some sticks have plastic ends- are they better?

They're not better- just different. The sound of the plastic on the cymbals will be different from wood and certainly the ends won't chip but apart from that either one is fine.
 

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Cymbals

Why don't my cymbals sound very good?
 Most beginner drum kits come with very cheap cymbals and the difference between them and a quality cymbal is very noticable.
What are some good cymbal brands?

Zildjian, Paiste and Sabian are three brands that make quality cymbals from their budget range up to profesional models.

There are other brands of good student cymbals out there too. Tama and Yamaha both make decent student cymbals to go with their drum kits. Meinl is another good student brand
How do I choose a cymbal that is right for me?

You can buy cymbals in student sets where the choice has been made for you and these are generally good value for money.

If you're choosing a cymbal individually once you have decided on a good brand use your ears and choose one that you like the sound of. Make sure you try it out with a drum kit.

Check out the Drumnuts Cymbal Guide
 

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 Drum Practice

How often should I be practising drums?

The more you practise the better you will play so it depends how good you want to get.

A good recommendation for a beginner age 10-12 years is 20 minutes 3 times a week but some teachers will say everyday.

Although some discipline is needed it is important that you enjoy practising. Quality wins over quantity every time.
What should I practise?

If you have a teacher discuss this with them.

Remember to practise new things or things you can't play yet. Don't always play things you're good at.

Practise a variety of material; rudiments, drum patterns, a song chart.

Practise with and without written music
Practising is boring, how can I make it more interesting?

Use a metronome and test yourself on beats at different speeds.

Play along to a C.D or MP3 of songs that you like.

Use the C.D as a metronome and practise rudiments or drum music you don't enjoy to your favourite song.
 

 
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 Sound- Proofing

 

How can I make my drums quieter?

You have two options; either soud-proof the room that you play drums in or dampen the sound of the drums

Sound-Proofing a room properly can be a tricky and expensive operation but there are simple things you can do to reduce the sound escaping

Closing windows and drawing curtains is the most obvious thing and it makes a big difference

Placing a mattress (or any large, dense object) infront of the drums will help

Hanging pieces of carpet on the walls or from the ceiling around the drums will also reduce the noise
What about dampening the drums?

The easier way of reducing the noise of the drums is to dampen the drums themselves

This means putting foam or material either inside the drums or on the skins

The problem with this is that it effects the sound and feel of the drum when you hit it
What are sound-off pads?

They are a brand of foam pad that sits on top of the drums and reduces the noise

They are very effective and the feel of the drum skin is still relatively bouncy

Check out the different brands available as they do differ in quality and price
So what's the best option for sound proofing?

1st choice would be sound-proofing the room

2nd choice would be placing shaped pieces of foam inside the drums- it dampens the sound of the drum without effecting the playing surface (you can still roll or buzz)

The down side is you've got to take the skin off the drum every time you don't want your drums dampened.

3rd choice would be the sound- off pads. Easy to put on and take off and not a bad bounce

Also try talking with your family or neighbours and check if there are times when it's not good for you to play- be considerate
 

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