[GhostUser]

Hi

Does anyone here play the drums? I've recently been thinking about getting lessons, but I'm kinda scared cos I dunno if I have enough rhythm. Surely it's not the sort of thing everyone could just learn to do? Anyway what sort of things do you do at the start of your lessons like the first few?

Thanks!

 

[Brandon]

I played drums for years, though it's been a few years now since I've sat behind a kit. I taught myself starting out. I started off playing along with old records and tapes, mainly the Beatles and such.

I've only had a few lessons on a kit, with the majority of my training being in snare drum and hand drums and percussion. The lessons I did have on a kit were primarily jazz-oriented, so I can't tell you for certain what your first few lessons would entail. I'd imagine that there would be some rudimentary snare drum exercises and exercises in using all four of your limbs at once.

If you already have a drumset, you might try playing along with your CD's (provided you aren't listening to Rush or speed metal

) and try to get a feel for what the drummer's doing on the recording. If you can watch someone play too, that might be a good thing (a concert DVD or something, maybe?)

If you have a set, what kind of set is it out of curiosity? (I.E. how many pieces, make, what cymbals, etc)

 

[SonicIggy]

Hey, go for it! it will be fun. Don't worry about whether or not you have rhythm because two of my friends had little to no rhythm before drumming and now are pretty damn good at it; and it's not like you will get made fun of by your teacher, his/her job is to teach you something you don't already know. I'd also recommend doing what Brandon suggested and trying to play along to a CD or DVD, I've found that with any musical instrument teaching yourself how to play is very rewarding and in some cases better than actually getting lessons.

 

[Brandon]

^^^ Exactly, but having a good teacher is invaluable and will allow you to improve and progress more quickly than you might be able to on your own. Being familiar with your instrument and comfortable behind the set beforehand will be a definite headstart.

That being said, I'd just like to share this pic.

 

[laurie15]

I studied drums in university. I'd only suggest lessons if you're buying a drum set.

 

[gas4]

Drums are great! I wish I still had my drum kit. Definately give it a go, there's only one way to find out whether you can keep in time. Plus if you're playing along to a song on a CD or whatever than keeping time isn't as important as if you're playing in a band.

Have fun.

 

[jenna]

I've wanted a drum kit for a long time, but have never had the proper space for it.

 

[GhostUser]

awwh i wanna go for it now! But I've only ever played them once in my life my bro tried to teach me - he's never had lessons either and doesnt have a kit so neither of us do. So I dunno what's best, spend money on getting one and not being able to do it or try lessons first and see what my impression is!

 

[laurie15]

buy a cheap kit and play around. you'll probably find your first few lessons a little boring and it will turn you off. i would definitely do it that way... once you're set, you'll be able to justify the ability to afford a better kit. i've played since i was 11, and i've taught for about 7 years. i can send you e-lessons until you're ready for 'live' ones, if you'd like.

 

[GhostUser]

Thanks very much laurie that's really nice of you. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks all for the advice!

 

[GhostUser]

I bought a new kit! Cheapish so i've been messin bout and gonna get lessons soon