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Tambourine
Thumb Rolls - Put some bees wax, cello or bass rosin on
the perimeter of the head. Apply pressure whith your thumb as
you use it to go around the head. Your thumb will bounce quickly
as it moves. - Mary Ellen Hodges
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Don't
quit your day job. - Joe Blow
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Hey,
we get to submit our own??? Cool!! Well let's see....how
about don't spend too much time in this drum tips site or you
won't get any practicing done - Ha! - Jim Rvezky
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Try
plastic straws for those snare holder thingys that keep
the snares on. They've held up for me so far. You just need
to cut them down a bit and you're ready to go. - Adam
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I don't
know if this makes for a good drum tip ...but I once saw
a guy stuff newspaper in his bass drum to get a wet sort of
punchy sound. I tried it and it sounds pretty cool. Just my
little tip for the day. Thanks for this cool site. - Bernard
Wilton
To
the Top
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Eat
more chicken. No wait, wrong tips page. - Eli
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Drum
Tuning Tip: If it sounds good to the ear, don't screw it
up by trying to use an exact technique. It's about the sound.
In other words, if it's not broken, don't fix it. - Benny
G.
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Mark
your drum stands with a permanant marker to keep your
place.
This saves time when setting up your drums. Later. - Rori
Martinez
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|
Buy
yourself a little clip on fan for your drums. You can clip
it on the drum stands anywhere (I put mine on the HH stand)
to keep yourself cool. I wouldn't trade my fan for anything
in the world. All my band mates are jealous. - Michael Rose
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I have
found that if one keeps the right perspective, playing
becomes more enjoyable. Are you playing just to impress someone
or for their enjoyment? I look at it like I am serving someone.
I love to play and if it makes someone else happy other than
me than that makes it all the better. You never know how your
playing may make someone elses day more enjoyable. - Della
Barrett
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000 Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums! - Tons of advice
on Drumming!
|
My
name is Marc White. I am a Vic Firth PDT(since 4/2000).
I will be conducting drumset workshops @ THE WINDHOVER CENTER
for the ART'S starting 1/2003. What i have to say is this
"always play for the song and the style your playing
for in the moment", do NOT overplay and listen good"!!!
Two
more:
One: Practice having a good attitude!
Two: Learn HOW to reeellllaaaaaaxxxxxxx!!! - Marc
White
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|
Dude..dont'
use the same size drumsticks for every gig. That's why they
make different size sticks. If you're playing a light ballad,
you don't want to be playing with your Metallica woodchoppers.
Have 3 or 4 different sizes of drumsticks and use them for the
different applications they were made for. - Jason (PS
I don't work for a drumstick company)
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|
Sometime
ago, I had no place to set up an acoustic set of drums,
for a duration of many years. What I did was purchase a set
of "table-top" drums ie. Yamaha DD14, & then the
DD50. These little gems have many drum loops to play along with,
plus a set of "pedals" / triggers for the kick &
hi hat. Granted, they are not the real thing, but the DD's improved
my timing immensely nonetheless! Plus they contained a fully
adjustable tempo dial & a click track.
"Keep the beat!" - Joe L.
|
Practice
with your left hand, it will help strengthin it and make
it equal to your right. Learn everything you can. - Sean
To
the Top
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Practice
as much as humanly possible when you can. There is no song
too difficult. The more you practice it, the better you will
get. Confidence is everything when you're behind the kit. A
truly dedicated drummer lets nothing take priority over the
drums. Practice makes perfect. - Kevin Divoll
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When
you play, don't concentrate on what you are doing. Just
do what comes naturally. - Yours truely
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End
every drum practice session with a short solo. You will
come up with new ideas and your solos will improve greatly.
Plus, it's fun. - Alfonzo Houlihan
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Always
stretch your hands in a warmup, it will help you in the
long run. Also, don't thighten all your muscles, relax and play
with the band. - Ryan Robertson
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
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For
all levels of musicains, dedication and patience is the
key to get better. - Bhaskar Baskota
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|
I
have found that if one keeps the right perspective, playing
becomes more enjoyable. Are you playing just to impress someone
or for their enjoyment? I look at it like I am serving someone.
I love to play and if it makes someone else happy other than
me than that makes it all the better. You never know how your
playing may make someone elses day more enjoyable. - Della
Barrett
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|
One
cymbal doesn't have just one sound! Practise hitting the
middle of the cymbal with the tip of the drum and then whacking
the edge of it with the stick angled straight after. Sounds
great and adds a little extra to your playing if you don't have
many cymbals. - Dan
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|
What
ever you do, do not make the mistake of buying all the expensive
things when you are first starting out. Use the cheaper to appreciate
the better things in this drumming world. - Sam T.
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Learning
how to get started? Well...for all those drummers out there
who think they can play drums without reading music.....well
it'll work for a while but it will only get u so far so when
u get to the point where u dont think u can learn any more,
look at some tabs and try em out it really helps!!!! - Kevin
Osburn
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If you
seriously need work on your left hand take a stick and hold
the butt of it in your hand with the tip being able to hit your
elbow. Now play continuosly for as long as you can. My friend
does this at least one hour a day and it works really well.
- Alex
Miehl
To
the Top
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If
you set your drumset up backwards you will gain more cordination.If
your a righty, set up lefty and visa versa for this exercise.
If you do this it will help you with cordination. Also, even
if your not a Double Bass player you should play a Double Pedal.
Playing differant stickings over different foot patterns helps
cordination. Think about it, would you learn one hand at a time,
NO. By playing Both hands as a unit, each hand gets strong and
the same is true with your feet, So don't learn one foot at
a time. By playing them together your feet get better, even
if you NEVER intend on playing double bass songs. I found myself
liking the Double pedal for fills & Cashendo's (excuse my
spelling lol). These Tips Work don't over look them. - Bill
Dolan
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Playing
in Perfect Time is NOT easy, but if you practice slightly
ahead of the beat, then practice slightly behind the beat you
will notice playing in PERFECT time is NOT impossible. If your
in Perfect time you will not hear the Metranome. Practice on
a Drum Pad, it's alot harder but you will be happy you did when
your done. Make sure you do this exercise with all the Drum
Rudiments. - Bill Dolan
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While
playing along with cds or radio be creative and use fills
that are not in the recorded song. - Jim Coudle
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|
A
hose clamp will fix a broken Bass drum pedal where the foot
plate meets the pedal (normally a strap there).
Teachers:
Make use of abbreviations BD, HH, SD, FP, CYM etc. - No Name
Provided
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
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Handle
your drumsticks correctly. The drumsticks should be held
in both of your hands so loose that if someone were to hit your
hands, they would fall out. Handling your drumsticks this way
will make your overall preformance much better, as opposed to
holding the drumsticks in a firm grip. Happy drumming! - Suzann
|
While
playing along with cds or the radio, be creative and use
fills that are not in the recorded song. - Jim Coudle
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Rattling
snare? I have found that if you put crinkled up news paper
inside your snare drum it cuts down on rattling. - Lindsey
|
Never
tune or re-tune another drummer's drums. THIS COULD LEAD
TO SERIOUS INJURY - Nicci Fritts
To
the Top
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PRACTICE
..if you want to be good at it.- Down South Dirty Girl
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Reach
for the sky.. and if you don't make it, at least you will
know you are among the stars. - It's ME
|
|
Handle
your drumsticks correctly. The drumsticks should be held
in both of your hands so loose that if someone were to hit your
hands, they would fall out. Handling your drumsticks this way
will make your overall preformance much better, as opposed to
holding the drumsticks in a firm grip. Happy drumming! - Suzann
|
|
Sisters
screaming at you all the time cause your drums are to loud?
Just put a lot of blankets on your drums and cymbals. - Octopus
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Play
with your Heart, not just your hands and feet! Your band
members and the audience will tell the difference. - Buddy
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Clean
your cymbles and make them shine, they look better when
there bright and when the light hits them. - Danny M.
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
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If
you want to really get your rudimental chops down, join
a drumline or drum corp. The practice is regimented and the
drum competitions keep you motivated. The progress in learning
with a drumline is great and will advance a drummer to another
level. - Arny Milstead
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Travis
Barker rules!!
That's my drum tip of the day. - Jose
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What
i've learned is to take every job, whether you get paid
or if you do it for free. You never know when there,s someone
out there looking for a drummer. - Sean Krall
|
All
drums have their own pitch. To truly tune your drums to
their pitch remove all heads & hardware, hang the shell
from a string or something & hit the edge of the shell.
The sound you hear is the pitch to tune to. This is a little
timely but your drums will sound the way they were built to
sound. - Keith Weiler
To
the Top
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THE
SWEET SPOT! For all you metal heads out there who play double
bass, the sweet spot is the key to finding your maximum speed.
Find the center of your pedal and place the groove between your
toes and your foot. You're on your way! - Daniel Mifsud
- drummer of Argento
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The
little boy stopped an old man on the street and said, "Hey,
Mister! How do I get to Carnegie Hall?" The old man replied,
"Practice, son. Practice." - No Name Given
|
Lose
a stick? Try sitting on a pair of sticks (one on each
side) so you don't have to reach in your bag in the middle
of a song to get another. - CK
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Playing
along to the radio is better than playing to records. The
temptation with records is to pick the ones you like or find
easy. The radio makes you try to play things you've avoided,
extends your range, and shows up your weaknesses.- Mike
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Keep
an extra hi-hat clutch in your stick bag because there is
nothing worse than rocking up to a gig and finding out you have
forgotton your hi-hat clutch! - Daniel
|
Play
along with a CD or radio, then turn it off and play it
from memory as close to the original as possible! It works.
Try It! :) - Andrew Glass
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
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Your
Bass player can make you a better drummer listing to the
why he rolls out of (verses&chours) & try to duplacate.
- Rick Brown
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At
band reharseal go through the songs with just you and
your bass player.This will help your band get super tight.
- Rick Brown
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|
If
you have dreams of being a "Commercially" successful
drummer, i.e. Fame, Money,hit songs, etc. you have to know
and accept your place. Don't try to steal the show. You are
a time keeper and you lay down the backbeat. The simpler the
better. Any band where the drummer is the center of attention
is probably not a very commercially successful band. Neal Pert
is an exception to the rule, not the norm. Consider Phil Rudd.
- Jake Levee
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Keep
practiceing every day, because if you stop you will get
bad. Practice. Practice. Practice!!!!!!!! - Isaiah
To
the Top
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Always
make sure that your hands are dry or you are wearing gloves
to avoid the stick from slipping out of your hands in the middle
of a song. - Nick
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|
Learn
to play the piano/keyboard also. A good drummer knows other
instruments and how to sight read. - Bob Bouvier
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If you're in Pit (side-line percussion) and set up on
the front side-line, always listen back to the drumline never
directly follow the drum major. It will help with phasing problems
which is almost always an issue for marching bands (especially
for a large band with a big Pit). Lining up the sound from the
field to the stands is key to an amazing proformance. GO KATY!
- Captain K-dawg
|
When
playing at a fast pace, always keep the arms raised at
a reasonable height. - DrumHead
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|
If
you want be good drummer you must listening Vinnie Colaiuta!
and that is all. - Karrdo
|
Make
personal sounds, especially if you're in a band, it will
give your band a "signature " sound, just like guitars
and bass, don't hold back with your ideas :) - Lasse
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
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|
You
dont need a double pedal... just use both of your feet on
one pedal..but you gotta be quick - Drummer123
|
When
playing fast tempos, mindfully RELAX your hands! The faster
you play, the more relaxed you should be. Though it may seem
paradoxical at first, you'll soon realize that you can play
those smokin' tempos alot better without the fighters fists
of fury on the sticks! - Brad Spradlin
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|
If
you want a tip...take it from two famous dudes that know talent!!
The construction of this site went great!! We both really
like you guys having fun with these tips!! Tip 1-don't ever
take tips but ours!! Tip 2-get offline and play drums!! Tip-3
get a job!! Tip-4 Don't even think about outdoing our progression!!
Tip-5 Let those childish studder screamin bands do there own
thing and bring music back to life!!! Tip-6 Expect better songs
on your tv!! Tip-7 Keep your tips private!! You'll never be
the best by tellin people to be better!! Tip-8 give fake tips
to confuse the drummers who need tips!!! Tip -9 Make fun of
dumb drummers!! lol... Tip-10 Keep it musical!!!! - Mike
Portnoy and Oscar Nolan
|
The
drummer should be very strong minded in many different ways!
The success isn't all about the money and fame! Although fame
can build a confidence for you and money can always help out
for music equipment!! Having success to me is how well the
listeners/fans really get the message of the song! (The whole
meaning of the song should always be the most important thing!!!!)
Creative music is musical music to me!! If your a young drummer
like myself and you want to be the best!! Find that talented,
progressive, band and compete with the progression!! Try to
avoid listening to that same old 4/4 time!! DONT WEAK OUT
ON MAN! I incourage all drummers to download some Rush, Dream
Theater, Symphony X, and all those talented musical bands!
Do somethin different after every 4 measures!! Don't let the
world of drums get simple!! Write songs that are hard for
you to feel at first!! Write songs that play with time signature!!
Try to put all knowlege and natural talent to your songs!
!! Don't repeat over and over!! If you play something for
one measure its always gonna be there in that song. Be musical
and remember doin somethin once is doin it!! Don't drive it
into the ground! Not putting down on modern bands...But lets
face it Talent has gown down hill!! Music is something special
to us all!! When road is over for me...I don't wanna be described
as that one guy saying look at me!! I wanna be that guy that
tried to make music as musical as he could!! That one guy
that tried covering all musical aspects!! (DONT GET ON STAGE
TO BE SEEN) (GET ON STAGE TO SHARE SOMETHIN) being on stage
is a perfect time to say somethin...every one is listening....(EXPLAIN
A SONG THAT THE AUDIENCE MAY HAVE TROUBLE GETTIN)(MAKE SURE
THE AUDIANCE HAS HAD A CHANCE TO UNDERSTAND THE MESSAGE OF
THE SONG) being the drummer is different from singin...Singers
tell the story and the drummer helps the feelings express!!
(MAIN THING OF THE MAIN THING IS THE MAIN THING) (JUST HAVE
FUN WITH IT) (AND IF POSSIBLE HELP MUSIC BE FOR A GOOD CAUSE)
(((MUSIC IS MUSICAL WHEN ITS BASED UPON MUSIC)))) - Oscar
Nolan
To
the Top
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|
The
best cover up for droping a stick during a concert is to
stick your tounge out at everyone!! - Just another dude
|
Don't
separate your equipment when you bring it home. Keep it
together or you'll forget something the next time you go to
pack it in the car. - Drummer
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|
When
purchasing drumsticks from your local drumshop take four
pairs of the same sticks to the counter. Take them out and roll
them on the counter to check for warped sticks. - Lori Henderson
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|
Look
at drum solo's of the great drummers - Ruben
|
|
Don't
get frustrated alot when you can't seem to do any good.
Some of us drummers just have certain days where we can't play
anything, So when you get frustrated, just slow down and start
with something simple ..and just go with the flow. - Josh
|
Myth:
Ringo is the greatest drummer in the world. He's probably
the most popular one though. Fact: Neil Peart is the best
drummer alive (Buddy Rich is best non-living drummer). Neil
has way more skill than Ringo. - Dan
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
|
|
Watch
the booze intake when gigging. It's very easy to drink too
much in the right venue. But remember, you're performing. Be
professional. If you've had too much to drink, your drumming
will be sloppy - even if you think it isn't! - Matt
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|
Never
stop trying and just keep practising ...and soon you'll
get there. - Edward Ogg
|
"When
I first started playing, I was interested in music and I was
able to read it. But when I moved into playing with groups,
I did a silly thing and dropped it. I do think it's great
to be able to write down ideas in music form. But I also think
that feeling is a lot more important in drumming than mere
technique. It's all very well to be playing a triple paradiddle--but
who's going to know you're actually doing it? If you pay too
much attention to technique, you start to sound like every
other drummer does. I think that being original is what counts.
When I listen to other drummers, I like to be able to say,
'Oh, that's nice, I haven't heard that before.' I think that
being yourself as a drummer is so much better than sounding
like anyone else." - John Bonham - Luigi Scarface
To
the Top
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|
Put
a thick(not too thick) coat of Plasti-Dip on the striking
spot of the bass drum head. Home depot has it. - Christopher
J. Furfaro
|
|
If
using a pillow to muffle the bass drum, put it in a plastic
pillow cover. This prevents drawing moisture & damaging
the inner ply. - Christopher J. Furfaro
|
You
can use a sheet of felt for bass drum muffling. Available
at any fabric store. Take the head off, lay the felt over
the drum, tape the edges down so the felt stays put. Make
sure you have ample material to extend past the flesh hoop.
Put head ,hoop & hardware back on, remove tape & trim
the excess felt. Be careful with the sissors! If it's too
dead, cut the center of the sheet out. I use a full sheet
on the reso head & center cutout on the batter.You can
also give some slack to the felt before you tighten the head(s),
this will control the degree of deadness. Then maybe cutting
the felt won't be necessary - Christopher J. Furfaro
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|
I
use rubber cement to glue zero rings (especially for bass
drum), you don't need to use alot of cement. Two way stick tape
works well too. Also,rubber cement can be easily removed. Christopher
J. Furfaro
|
|
Right
Hand-Left Hand Ratio: The great thing about this exersice
is that it not only speeds up your off hand but also helps in
matching speed/timming of the hands.
L-R LL-RR LLL-RRR LLLL-RRRR (repeat) - Faiyaz
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|
MYTH:
Ringo is the greatest drummer who ever lived. TRUTH: Tommy
Aldridge is!!!! - Mike
|
You
get a music stand and a spiral notebook and make a drawing
of the drum sets however you want. Write a number on each
drum peice like when there is a "1", you hit that
one. Then hit "2" and then memorize what you have
done and try it manually. It worked for me. - Brandon
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
|
|
Drum
sticks make a good weapon if there is any burgurlars in
your house. Use your drum sticks as a weapon. Also you can do
a rimshot to sound like a gunshot! - Harvin
|
|
Find
"1" style of drum stick the best fits your need
and "use that style only," don't fill you stick bag
with different sticks, your never get a good feel when playing,
your hands will have to get use to each pair you pull out! -
Travis A. Walker
|
When
setting up/breaking down, make sure "you" the
drummer is there and/or the one doing it, it's a shame to
have part of your set in the bass players car and the other
with the lead singer, and all you have is the snare and your
best cymbal! It never happen to me, but I have seen it many
time. - Travis
A. Walker
To
the Top
|
Ever
get to a gig and find that you need a carpet but didn't
bring one?
Use the floor mats from your car. Put the smaller sizes under
the bass drum spurs and the larger sizes under the bass pedal
and hi-hat stand - Mat Marucci
|
|
When
playing live, fast tempo's often appear rushed. Consciously
try to play a little more slowly on stage than when you're practising
in the basement. - Bob Penny
|
|
Neil
Peart is hands down the most fluent speed/hard rock drummer
ever and is one of the best rock drummers ever for those
who dont know the name listin to the band RUSH - Josh
|
|
Use
duct tape on your toms and even your snare to muffil the
sound. - Christian Brewer
|
|
Play
with your Heart, not just your hands and feet! Your band
members and the audience will tell the difference. - Buddy
|
|
When
you play, just go crazy man. It helps. You will be surpriesd
at what you can do. Dont be afraid to experiment. - Thando
Naba
|
Reach
for the sky and if you don't make it, at least you will
know you are among the stars. - It's ME
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
|
|
PRACTICE
if you want to be good at it. - Down South Dirty Girl
|
|
Never
tune or re-tune another drummer's drums.THIS COULD LEAD
TO SERIOUS INJURY - nicci fritts
|
|
Take
the time to study the history of drumming. It's very enlightening
and will make you a better player. Drum History's where it's
at. Literally! Upon learning a standard jazz cymbal ride pattern
(you know; spang, spang-a-lang), be sure to Learn to listen
to "all" of the players of the band. If you're not
hearning them, you can't react to the music properly. Jazz players,
be sure to learn as many of the jazz standards as possible.
You'll be called upon to know them. - Me
|
You
can't be a good drummer sitting on the couch watching
TV. - Marc Dufour
To
the Top
|
|
When
hitting the crash cymbal be careful not to hit the bow of
the crash cymbal(located halfway between the center and edge
of the cymbal)with the shoulder of your stick. doing so increases
the likelihood that your expensive cybal will crack. - Emmanuel
Valcin
|
|
WHENEVER
YOU WANT TO BE GOOD TO GO BEFORE A GIG YOU SHOULD STRECH
YOUR HANDS AND ARMS SO YOU WONT GET PAIN IN THE MIDDLE OF YOUR
DRUMMING. - Anthony Porras
|
|
Work
on your "weak" hand/arm. Single stroke rolls are
best achieved with daily practice. Work with a metronome and
develop a true "single stroke" roll which sounds even!
Do 10 repetitions with the "weaker" hand/arm every
day! - Dr. Paul E. Rosene
|
|
If
you live in dighotn kansas, forget about going to the library.
They dont have any drum stuff whatsoever! I would also like
to say that this is the best web site i have ever been too.
- Davina
|
Train
SLOWLY! The better way to play well a piece is firstly
to play it RIGHT IN PLACE. Divide by 4 the tempo and train
small part of the piece in loop : 2 or 3 measures. When it's
right in place, go further in the piece. Finally, when all
the piece is ok for you, try it a bit faster and then, to
the tempo requiered. - TraXX the french Drummer
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
|
|
Soundproofing:
to soundproof your drum room two tips. For the wall, install
heavy curtains about 4" from the wall all around your piece:
It prevents the rebounce of the sound and avoid the transmition
of vibration to the walls. For the ground, the carpets are great
but try to put some judo's tatami (it's really elastic and so
prevent your ground to quake under your beats ) and carpets
over it to avoid your drums slipping. - TraXX the french
Drummer
|
|
Always
remember to stay loose with the drum sticks, don't let them
slide, but let them be free. - Gabi
|
|
Charlie
Parker practiced 14 to 15 hours a day for 3 to 4 years.
- Timoteo Alonso
|
|
Relax
ur hands and feet, do not be stiff, feel the beat in ur
mind before playing it - Gorkhali Kanchha
|
|
To
make a practical and useful drum/practice pad take a hard-back
book and place an old magazine on either side, sandwiching the
book in the middle. Put a mouse mat on top so that the side
you scroll your mouse on is facing upwards. Then wrap the whole
thing up with a t-shirt or an old rag of some sort, securing
the package with a rubber band or two. Find a good place to
practise, and do just that. It may be crude, but it works! -
Adam Boney
|
|
It's not important to be the fastest playing drummer;
but to be an accurate playing drummer. You can hide speed by
playing ballads. But you can't hide mishits and poor roles.
- Eric Wehnau
|
|
Be
totally relaxed, yet focused. - Lady Drummer 16-NC
|
|
Clear,good
and cool sound. If you haven't got it, more practising in
true way ... Viva Turkey - Cagdas Yapicilar
|
|
I
have found the "triplets" of various forms that
Dave Weckle perfected, has been a great help. I use them at
home practicing and work them into songs and play them throughout
the whole CD or tape so I can get a feel for it and then it
comes so natural when I need it while playing out - Steve
Hlabse
|
|
Drum
sticks make a good weapon if there is any burglers in your
house. Use your drum sticks as a weapon. Also you can do a rimshot
to sound like a gunshot! - Harvin
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
|
|
It's
important to practice with metronome and without one as
well. - Sthrudel
|
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The
greatest technical drummer in the metal world right now
has 2 be Deron Miller of "Mastadon". Check 'im out.
- Welfare
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When
playing with a double kick, try to use your heels vs. your
whole legs. - Dustin
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Keep
your eyes open at all times, the audience wants to see your
eyes. Also, to me there's nothing worse than seeing a bandstand
full of musicians, each of them just staring at the necks of
their guitars, in their own worlds, trying to be cool, or with
their eyes closed, not being a part of the goings on. Attempt
to be aware and play "with" the others as a unit,
as much as possible. After all, we are there to entertain the
audience, not just look cool. The whole is greater than the
sum of the parts. - "Lay it Down" Larry
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If
your snares are rattling a lot and you want to stop it,
I found you can put a strip of paper in between the snares and
the resonant head. - DJ
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Got
the Blues? A trick I learned from a Muddy Water comment
before a song. He told a drummer to, "Give me some butt".
If I recall it was "Hoochie Coochie Man". Using
the butt end of the stick in some songs gives it a fuller
sound without hitting the snare harder and overpowering the
band. If you are a Blues drummer, you should know it is all
about being aware of the feel and mood of the band. - Jeff
Gover
To
the Top
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Learn
what the hell groove and feel mean and forget paradiddles.
- Todd
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Teaching:
Have your students do simple math and spelling problems
aloud while playing ostinato foot patterns such as Bossa, Samba,
Songo, etc...This forces them to rely on muscle memory and allows
them to think of their hands independantly of their feet. -
Paul Knight
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Label
ALL your stix. I had some bright pink and green ones that
I thought would be fine not labelled and they got nicked. It
don't take much time and it saves loads of money ...... just
my lil tip!!!!!!! - Beth
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Taking
care of your hardware and prevent it from building rust.
As you guys probably know, weather plays an important part in
this process. Countries where there's high humidity tend to
eventually ruin our hardware. There's this wonderful product
called Pro Gold Lubricant Oil. http://www.progoldmfr.com/ This
stuff is amazing. Apply it to your brand new hardware every
other month. Your pedals and stands will NOT rust that easily.
- Raj
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MORE
COWBELL!!! - Bruce Dickenson
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
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Warm
up but also stretch the limbs, including forearms, properley.
This will promote greater flexibility and ward off any injuries.
Stretching after the gig calms you down and prevents those sores
or aches coming on after a hard day. Seek professional advice
if you begin to hurt. - Matt Hobson
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To become very skilled and keep pace, practice with a
metronome! ;-) - Daniel Vincent
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Fact:
Neil Peart is the greatest Rock Drummer ever. Buddy Rich
is the greatest Jazz Drummer ever. Progressive Rock is the most
exciting music ever. And Rush are the greatest band ever...and
Dream Theater are the Gods of odd time signatures.- Jack
Morris
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No
where to put your drink? Use an old scotch tape or duct
tape roll. Tape it to your cymbal stand. - Greg
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We
all know how boring it is to practice daily with the sound of
a click. Why don´t you try the paddle with some groovy
chill-house music ? Your motivation will increase, the tempo
is constant ... and don´t forget to have fun, it´s
the most important !! - No name given
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
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Band-aids
make great mufflers if you want to tone down an unwanted
ring. - R. Luszczak
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One
important piece of gear that is overlooked alot is the drum
throne . A cheap seat will wobble making it harder to perform
plus it will get very uncomfortable after a long gig or session
. High quality thrones make the gig more comfortable and helps
keep that all important center of gravity . - Kelly Stodola
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Make
sure to play everything.. you practice at three different
volume levels (quiet,normal and loud) . This helps to build
your dynamics . Kelly Stodola
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A great
rim shot can be accomplished.. by placing the tip of your
stick about an inch off the inside of the snare rim (i.e.
on the stripe of a pin stripe head) and the stick butt between
the rim lugs. This delivers a "fat" rim shot sound.
- Berry Bairrington
To
the Top
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SOUND IS CO-ORDINATION. We so often execute rudiments
on the snare. When we start orchestrating them around the kit
we find it more difficult. The same goes for accents. If you
always accent the downbeat whilst playing a paradiddle, when
we put it around the kit or try accenting off the downbeat it
is harder. Practice everything you play around the kit and shift
accents so that what you play doesn't always sound so linear
and 1,2,3,4 solid. - Dom Tribe
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Listen
to your Drum Captain. Even if it's a GIRL!!!!! Channah
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Use
a sheet of paper (taping it down helps it to stay) instead of
tone rings if you are low on money. They work just as well
as are very cheap. - David Myers
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You
know how you can hold a pencil in the center with your thumb
and forefinger and tap each end alternately - you can hold your
drum stick the same way and do a roll on the high hat with one
hand. - Ted Duthoit
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
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Don't
screw up! - joe blow
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Learn
how to spell correctly before sending drumming tips to this
site. In this way we might begin to challenge the stereotype
that most drummers are morons who hang round with musicians!
- parkkeeper
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Look
after your wrists and hands - regular wrist exercise is
vital to avoid problems like carpal tunnel syndrome. I find
shock absorbing sticks work for me, especially 'Ahead' sticks.
- parkkeeper
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enjoy
YOURSELF!! - roco
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Learn
to relax and feel the beat and don't think about having
mistakes... focus on the beatings and not on the countings!
Ü.. - *LadySiLver*
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Practice
makes permanent. - Erik Bardin
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Instead
of putting duct tape on any of your equipment, consider
using camper tape. Get it at a hardware store,its adhesive
foam tape about an inch wide & an 1/8" thick.Dampens
cymbals & heads. Walmart has an adhesive cloth/tape,"athletic
works". Excellent stick tape & cheap! - Charles
Gonzales
To
the Top
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Lube
your tension rods. spread a very very thin coat of vaseline
over the threads on your tuning rods. this will ensure that
the rods are threading smoothly. it will also help to prevent
over or under tightening - Kieran Bittles
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I
have been playing drums for 6 years and i found out that the
cymbal stands rought the holes on the cymbals (they make
the holes bigger). Ok well put the washer on then a felt washer
and then place a piece of tubing in so the cymbal will not move
around back and forth to rub and then put the cymbal down then
the other felt washer then the washer and then screw the wing
nut down and then holes will no longer get bigger!!!It helps
alot!! - Alex Spilios
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Annointed
playing:- know God and fearing God and obeying His commandments
will make you. - probaba
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
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Inventory
your equimpent. - Bennett Burnside
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Anytime
you learn a new rudiment, be sure you know it inside and
out. Push it to (and beyond) the limit. Play it as fast as you
possibly can. You may never have to play it at that speed (and
believe me, just because you can, doesn't mean you should, anyway!),
but, to go to any extreme as a musician means that any level
of performance below that extreme is much simpler. (Ex: if you
can play 64th notes at 240 BPM for 5 minutes straight, playing
64th notes at 120 BPM for 3 minutes with be nothing to you.)
- Jim ".50 Cal" Deabenderfer
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Explore
different muscle group combinations when playing usual double
bass licks. You'll find that you can pull out the same patterns
for longer with less fatigue and/or cramping. - Jim ".50
Cal" Deabenderfer
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Want
more speed out of your snare hand (or is it getting tired)?
Use your free fingers to push up on the base of your stick,
to lever it down towards the head. Use this in tandem with
your wrist to develop a "seesaw". You'll cut down
on fatigue, and keep your snare strokes even and powerful,
even on blast beats. - Jim ".50 Cal" Deabenderfer
To
the Top
|
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Think
you know everything? You don't. No matter how long you've
played, or how much you have learned, there's always something
you haven't seen, someone that can play faster, or a technique
that you haven't tried. Never stagnate. Be open to new ideas
and other perspectives to the instrument. - Jim ".50
Cal" Deabenderfer
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One thing for beginners, start out with a cheap 5 piece
kit. (this is one thing that always piss's me off) a beginner
saying he is really bad a** and gets on the kit and can't do
anymore than a 4/4 beat. And another thing for you beginners
NO DOUBLE BASS! that will come in time but wait a couple of
years and get the basic's first, unless you pick it up really
fast. - ~Crash~
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Try
out for all bands... if you don't get in, at least you know
you tried! - Chris Baker
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When
comiting a drum solo use your left hand alot if you are
a right hand drumer - Kyle
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Be
a good drummer. Have a unique style. Listen to diferent
types of music and you'll get diferent ideas - James
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Always
have a favourite drummer to motivate u..listen to their
records and also listen to other many drummers.. - Didi
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
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Watch
pro drummers play and from there u can be motivated to be
like them..etc..watch their videos or go to drum clinics. -
Didi
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If
you're a beginner, start out using the bass and develop
the rhythm for bass only, then add hihat, then snare, then anything
else. It helps a lot! - Steven
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Yeah
it's me. Guys, I'm not really the greatest drummer in the
world. Okay, yes I am. Cool site dudes. - Travis Barker
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Check
out : MIKE PORTNOY, NEIL PEART, BUDDY RICH, VINNIE COLAUITA,
TERRY BOZZIO, DAVE WECKL........AmAzInG DrUMMeRS!!!!! - Jerry
S.
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Keep
your sticks matched: When you buy more than one pair of
sticks, before you take them out of their cardboard sleeve,
take a Sharpie and mark the butt ends of the first pair with
the number 1, then the second pair with the number 2, the
third pair with the number 3 and so on. This will help you
keep your sticks matched like they where when they left the
factory. Have you ever noticed, while playing, one of your
sticks feels lighter than the other? That's because you mixed
sets and they're no longer matched for weight and balance.
A small thing to some but I really can't stand playing with
an unmatched set of sticks...it just feels strange. ROCK!
- Martyr
To
the Top
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Either
you are good at drums or you are not. - Justin
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Tuning
Tips - Don't gum up your heads with duct tape, deadringers,
etc. (especially the snare drum). instead, get a small piece
of cloth and rest it on the head near the rim. Then tape the
cloth not to the head, but to the rim. When you hit the drum,
the cloth will jump up and when it comes down it will kill the
overring (especially the snare drum). - CG
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Be
On Time! Whenever you have rehearsals , auditions or studio
sessions, be early! You would not believe how very important
it is. Other people's time is just as important as yours and
you are likely to get the gig and impress everyone at the same
time if this element is immediately taken care of before you
ever even hit the drums. - Bryan Keeling
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Play
a 16th note parradiddle for x number of times and then shift
the beginning note by 1/16th and this will put the starting
note on the "e" of the beat. After playing x number
of times, again shift the starting beat another 1/16 to place
the starting note on the "and" of the beat. Repeat
the procedure two times to put the beginning beat on the "uh"
of the beat and then finally back to the 1, 2, 3, etc. of the
beat. - Sal
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Color-code
the sections of your stands and/or rack clamps with colored
plastic cable ties. They're less noticable than colored tape
or labels. - Dave From Chicago
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
|
|
Use
your weak hand in everyday things. Like right now you have
your main hand on the mouse. Maybe even try to write with your
weak hand! - David
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|
Be
sure to practice how you will play. Don't move a drum to
make it easier to practice if your wont have it there for a
gig. You won't want to have to rearrange your set durring a
gig. - Jebadiah
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|
I have devised a technique that can imrpove stick accuracy
and help to stop any unwanted rim shots caused by wandering
drum sticks during fills. Place 2 or 3 spare drum sticks afew
inches apart on the floor or preferred practising surface. Now
try and drum in the spaces between the sticks going from left
to right and back again in various combinations, being sure
not to hit the spare sticks. Increase speed gradually and when
you have the confidence/ ability lessen the space seperating
the sticks. - Adam Boney
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I
made an adapter to fit my drum key by soldering a 3/8"
drive socket to a sawed off generic drum key. I then use an
Inch pound torque wrench and tune my smallest tom to the tone
I like. I check the reading on the scale and then do all the
other drums to the same setting. It sounds like a lot of trouble,
but it really works like golfing. Each club will do the work
if the swing is the same.Each drum is a different size as
are golf clubs a different legnth and pitch. Try it out -
Steve H
To
the Top
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Make
sure you ALWAYS make notice of confusing stickings to
beginning and intermediate students. When learning at this level
students need to learn to alternate and fix sticking to work
the music. - Drumline Drum Tech
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If
you nod your head to the beat, you do much better. - Philip
Pompey
|
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Practice
practice practice practice practice practice practice practice
practice to be the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - Philip
Pompey
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Stay
loose and relaxed. It's not as easy as you might think but
thats why you always start at slower tempos and build you're
way up to help you stay that way as you get faster - JP
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Practice
to CD's with wireless headphones. Prices are right but get
a good name brand.
No wires to deal with, volume control is on the headset and
you can balance out the sound between you music and drum set
without killing your ears.
ROCK ON...windsweptrocker. - Paul Larson
|
Customize
a pair of sticks, I did one black and one white, then
sign them for when you become a rock star ;-) - Craigemboy
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
|
|
Jam
with a good bass player and keep the rhythm of their hand
movements. I also believe that learning to play bass can improve
drumming. - enalonde
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Play
with a mirror along side you so you can check out your technique
- Chris Bate
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I
think that you play alot better if you set your drums up
like you want them not like any one else - Daniel
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Just
because your cymbale looks good where you put it, doesn't
mean its the right place for it to be. Many times drummers put
things where its not comftorable to be and get at, its because
it looks good. DONT DO THAT, dont try to look good... try to
SOUND GOOD! - Brynner Agassi
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READ
EVERYTHING! Learn everything and dont take anything for
granted! You will become the best if you can just read those
black dots on a bit of paper! - Marcus Holloway
|
A good
way for carrying stands: Buy a hard golf club carrying
case with wheels from any sporting goods store. Works very
good. - rj simon
To
the Top
|
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If
your looking to expand your kit, instead of rocking a double
kick, add a microwave or a tv or a sno-cone machine, maybe even
a washing machine, or Belgian waffle iron. This way you never
have to leave your kit. PS you can convert your bass drum into
a urinal. - Harris
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To
DB players, wherever you are, perfect your feet. At school,
while you are eating, right now, whenever. Just go strait 16
on your feet all the time. This makes em way better. PS this
page is so friggn cool! - metal head
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If
you play chinas inverted, your china will crack easier,
but if you play them normal, your sticks will break easier.
lose lose situation isnt it? - Harris
|
Practice
alot or your never going to get better. - keith fulton
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
|
|
Moleskin
pads (available in any pharmacy) make the best bass drum
pads ever. They help maintain the true tone and beautiful resonance
of a bass drum unlike most commercial pads. Just cut into the
desired size and shape. - clay
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Carry
a few bicycle tire innertubes (26" mountain bike size)
in your hardware case. You can create a mucher tighter connection
than with duct tape. You can use them as industrial-strength
bungee cords to tie things together like your throne to your
kick pedal or to secure a case lid with a dead strap. You can
also use them to tie up a stripped out boom clamp on a piece
of hardware. And finally, you can cut out a piece and use it
as a gasket for the tilt pivot on the older snare stands by
the likes of Tama and Yamaha. - Jerry Gerlich
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If
you use heavy sticks always use heavy cymbals, it may reduce
the risk of cracking your cymbal. - Warren Hill
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Drumming
at home can be annoying to those who don't appreciate the
ART of the most ancient of musical instruments, soooooooo, I
invested in some neoprene drum mufflers.The sound is GREATLY
reduced and the most beneficial thing is the muscle tone and
reflex you must use to get the rebounds and doubles and triples.
So when you play "LIVE" the natural action of the
heads and cymbals will enhance your playing and you will definitly
be AMAZED as well as your "group" memebers and audience
will Appreciate" the most ancient instrument even more...
- Steve Hlabse
|
Know
what your playing and know how to play what your playing.
The drummer is the main key, if you anit got drums you anit
got nothing. Take it from me, a drummer myself - mike
To
the Top
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Keep
alcohal free before playing! - bob
|
|
If
you can play it slow, you can play it fast. Start by learing
it slow then do it fast.
- John Vasquez
|
|
Watch
yourself. It's always great to watch your hands in front
of a mirror and see what your hands are and aren't doing. Get
in front of a mirror and see! - Jose Mata
|
|
You
should not allways play hard all the time. Some times you
should play soft.
- No name provided
|
Put
a pillow in your bassdrum and it will make the sound flow
out better - Tyler
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
|
|
When
you first get your drum set the snair drum doesn't sound
like a snair drum . But all you have to do is take your drum
key and flip the snair drum. Then titen the spring with your
key. It needs to be tite or it will come loose. Then hit it
with your drum stiks . - Tyler K.
|
|
If
you need to work on your speed, use the heaviest drum sticks
you can find. I found that it was very helpful. Thanks. - Clayton
H.
|
|
Be
sure that you play what you want to play, if you're not
satisfied with the type of music your band is playing, then
say something. The point of music is to have fun, and its not
fun if your not playing something that you enjoy. - Michael
S
|
Practise
singing to a drum tune it will help you get an understanding
of that side of it. Don't over fill a song with fills, it
takes away from the other parts of the song. Don't put tape
on your snare drum rather out a drum ring because the tape
will mess it up some times. - Brad
To
the Top
|
|
Always
listen to the music and play how you feel, not what you
want people to hear. - John Bonham
|
|
When
you first get a drum set it might not sound the same as your
friends. It usually doesn't because it is new. All you have
to do is adjust on it and get used to it . - Tyler
|
|
When
buying your drumsticks, make sure you pick the style or
make which you feel comfortable playing with yourself. not what
someone has said to buy. - Sm Young
|
|
Practice
rolls on a really soft pillow, it will greatly increase
your - Uncle Luke
|
|
Learn
all the styles: Jazz, Rock, Blues, Ska, Punk, Rock - Joaquín
de Castro
|
Attention
drummers: This tip is from a soundman. Don't play your
drums while the soundman is trying to mike up your kit! -
CISCO
DRUMTIPS.com
Over
2000
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for Drums!
|
|
I
have a few tips, but first, some thank yous: Thanks to to
Alex Miehl for the arm tip, that works great, it hurts like
hell, but it works great, thank you. Also, thanks to Paul Knight
for the Math/Drumming tip. If I would have done that earlier,
I would have been better sooner, and I could have possibly been
more interested in math as a youngin'.
Tip
1: Travis Barker is great, and I study him as if I was his
apprentice, however, Dave Weckle is my idol, and drumming god...I
HIGHLY recommend every drummer check him out (Your library will
have his videos).
Tip
2: Take your standard practice pad(the thicker the better)
and attach it to the densest wall available in your house however
you wish and tape your bass pedal/double to the floor so that
the beaters match up and practice pad (works well when you need
the "feel" of the drum).
Tip
3: If anyone remembers those cool hand sqeeze things from
the 80's, find one and sqeeze that thing all day long (good
for strengthening yo!
ur weak hand also).
Tip
4: Try yoga or full body stretching before a show or practice,
it helps to loosen you up (great for the legs of double bass
drummer).
Tip
5: Use hunting hand warmers to get the blood flow back in
your hand if your are playing someplace cold.
Tip
6: Take a look at your hands when you play, if you put one
on top of the other, and it looks like you're holding a sword,
you're killing your wrists. TO SAVE YOUR WRISTS from carpel
tunnel, place your hand on a desk or whatever is available,
palm down. Now raise you hand and point your index finger out
and tuck your other fingers in. Now tuck in your index finger
so that only the first knuckle is visible to you, slide your
thumb along side of it like you were pinching someone. Slide
a stick in between your thumb and idex finger. Practice this
way and WATCH YOURSELF. It is hard to learn, but it will help.
If you already play this way, sorry for wasting your time.
Tip
7: AND THE MOST VITAL THING, STAY IN SCHOOL!!!!! Shoot for
the top, but get your head on straight and do what you have
to. And no, I am not some old fool who is just another drone
in society. I am 19, and I just ma |
