Beginning Drums

So you are beginning drums! If you are like me, you have probably been a drummer all your life (but maybe didn't know it)! Do you find yourself constantly tapping out rhythms or making rhythmic noises either out loud or in your head? No,you're not crazy--you're a drummer.

The first thing that you will need to do is to decide what kind of equipment you will need to begin your study of drumming. There are a lot of choices and the process of selecting your equipment can be rather confusing for the beginning drummer.

We have included information about the basic pieces of equipment that you will need, as well as examples of what is available and resources for purchasing equipment at reasonable prices.

EQUIPMENT

So, you first of all need some Drum Sticks. There are hundreds of kinds and sizes. For beginning drums, I would recommend that you start with a good basic stick--at least Size "2-B" for regular playing.

Invest in a good Practice Pad. There are times when you want to practice without waking everyone in the house!

If you are thinking about buying a drum set, in the beginning it would be wise to look for a decent used set or an inexpensive set with cymbals included. Keep the investment low until you have enough experience to know what you really want in a set.

Cymbals can be the most expensive part of a drum set. Some of the new inexpensive sets come with cymbals. This is a good idea because when you know a little more, you can upgrade your set with better cymbals.

So that should be enough beginning drums equipment to get you started. If you need a good place to buy equipment, I highly recommend that you check out the online dealers! I bought both of my drum sets and countless cymbals from them. I have found them to be honest and fair and to deliver quality goods. Here are links to two of my personal favorites:

Zzounds.com

Musician's Friend.com

SETTING UP YOUR DRUMS

You just got your new drum set and you are standing there looking at all of the parts--NOW WHAT? No need to worry just click here for A detailed step-by-step manual for setting up a drumset

SOUND

Now you are standing there looking at your new drum set and wondering "Why do they sound like I am beating on old barrels?".Well, a bit of customizing is in order!

Are two heads better than one?

Some drummers swear by one head on their toms or basses. Most drummers use double-headed toms. It's all a matter of the kind of sound you're looking for. Single-headed toms tend to sound a little thinner than a double-headed drum. (For a good recorded example of single vs. double, listen to some Rush albums before Neil started using two heads on his 6", 8", and 10" toms, then listen to "Presto". His newer double-headed small toms have a bit more sweetness.)

Bass drums also sound different depending on the presence of a front head. Single-headed bass drums will be somewhat quicker, but with less low end.

How Do I Tune My Drums?

You will find a detailed discussion of tuning and sound at Tuning Drums.

How Do I Start Playing?

Of course, you should take advantage of all of May Music Studio's Absolutely Free Drum Lessons. These lessons cover virtually every aspect of drumming.

If you want a more intensive course, try BEGIN DRUMMING. This course is really great and one of the best things about it is that you can put the video lessons on your iPod and take them wherever you go! Take just a moment to check it out--I think that you will be impressed.

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