Learn How to Play Drums DVD: Techniques, Tips And Grooves in Just One Pack

By Chris Bouman

The "next day" came, and soon it was my turn to see how fast I could play. I did my best and was completely shocked when I ended up winning with a "score" of 905 singles in 60-seconds (with absolutely no practice, and no idea "how or what" I was doing). Nevertheless, winning put me in the northeast regional finals elimination round - 3 weeks later at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Sometimes the drum heads may even puncture when the hit is hard. If all this still does not provide you with good reasons to go for a new one at regular intervals, then you should realize that once it becomes weak it is difficult for you to play the roll or the fast chops. As a drummer you should change your drum heads after every six months.

However, most of the drummers choose the ones that provide sustainability, a good quality tone, excellent durability along with a great blend of depth and attack. A few drum heads may consist of a ring or a dot in the middle. These are considered excellent for tonal focusing. They also help in longevity of the drum skins by straightening the head from the middle.

Some would say that it's a secondary rhythm section (second line) that answers the calls of a "first-line" rhythm section in a New Orleans Mardi Gras parade. The first line would play a rhythm and the "second line" would respond to it, others will tell you that it's just something that comes from New Orleans music and involves a marching snare rhythm: They'll admit that they don't know where it comes from but they're quick to show you an example of how they think it's played.

This is your spotlight where you can command everyone's attention. Make sure there is a purpose for each stroke of the drum stick. Your drum set will not play by itself, you are the creator, make some noise. It is not necessary to create a masterpiece performing a solo. By keeping the solo precise and to the point, your creation can be of any length given the flow of the performance. Now is the time to take your listeners on a percussive journey that they will never forget.

Many drummers are missing an essential skill. They have great hand speed as well as good control, but they have trouble mastering the bass drum. Most probably work on their bass drum skills occasionally but never get to the point where their ability needs to be. Perhaps this is because beginner drum lessons spend too little time on this skill or students just don't enjoy practicing on the bass. Either way, an important part of being a complete drummer is missing.

Foot warm-ups, in a sitting position, raise your right foot off the floor about 10 inches. Point your toes away from you as far as you can, then point them towards you as much as you can. In a circular motion, rotate your foot to the right, then rotate to the left, repeat this exercise 4 times. After you have completed this for the right foot, do the same for the left foot.

Some days use your entire practice time on developing your tuning skills. You want to know each of your drum's best sound. You need to be able to hear it in you mind so when you tune a drum to that sound you will know it. - 31989

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