Do you want to learn to play the drums like a pro? You’ve got to
start with a mindset that you want to be the best. You must decide to be
totally dedicated and prepare yourself to do whatever it takes. Keep
reading for instructions on playing drums like you were born to do it.
Method 1
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Working Hard
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1
Practice! If you don’t practice then you’ll never be good. It takes a lot of hard work.
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2
Take drum lessons. Many drummers will tell you that they are
self-taught. This leads some drummers to think that lessons are not
necessary and they’ll often avoid it altogether. We’re here to tell you
that, without a firm foundation, you could pick up some real bad habits
that may take you years to “unlearn”. Find a reputable, qualified
teacher and study the foundation of drumming before you do anything
else. Make sure you know how to read music and that you know the
different styles of drumming.
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3
Have the best gear. Remember that a drum kit is as good as the person
playing it. A fantastic drum kit tuned and played by a beginner will
sound awful, whereas a cheap no name drum kit that is tuned and played
by a seasoned drummer can actually sound wonderful. That being said,
sturdy hardware is no unnecessary luxury. Get a drum throne that suits
your height and supports your weight, and that you can keep proper
balance on. Make sure your pedals rum smoothly. And last but not least,
make sure your drums and cymbals are stable on their stands.
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4
Market yourself. There is an old saying; “Out of Sight, Out of Mind” and
it is one of the truest things ever written. You can be one of the best
but if no one sees you play, you can’t possibly get hired. Learn
marketing techniques and get out in front. Make sure everyone in town
knows who you are. Sit in on jam sessions and hand out business cards.
Leave no stone unturned.
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5
Follow the “no pain, no gain,” mantra. One thing weightlifters
understand is that progress in building a muscle really starts when you
push past that point where you want to quit. The same goes for drumming
too. If you’ll really dedicate yourself and practice diligently, you
will see a remarkable difference in your playing. Go the extra mile and
don’t settle for mediocrity.
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6
Be professional. Warm up before every gig, play for the music (not for
yourself), be on time, and act professionally. Your reputation will
determine how much you work. If you don’t take yourself seriously, other
musicians won’t take you seriously.
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7
Play with other musicians at every opportunity. You will learn much more
playing in bands than practicing in your bedroom. Never turn down a gig
and always be willing to play unfamiliar styles of music.
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8
Develop your own style. You won’t know what your style is if you only
copy beats, and once you join a band you can’t copy beats for your own
music. Never double book yourself and if you really have to cancel a
gig, make sure you recommend a reliable dep to fill in.
Method 2
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Playing with More Experienced Musicians
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1
Push yourself to perform with more experienced musicians, even if it’s
for a rehearsal or a jam session. Don’t be afraid; this kind of practice
will take your game up to the next level. Of course, they shouldn’t be
way more experienced than you or it’ll lead to some awkwardness. But if
you can hold your own in a jam session with them while learning
something, then go for it.
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2
Be keen and listen to what the bandleader says. Don’t be stubborn about
how awesome you are. Take his advice instead. Listen to what you can
really take away and use to improve your playing.
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3
If the bandleader says you are too loud or need to calm down, don’t take
it too personally. He’s probably right. He’s just trying to get you up
to speed with everyone else. Remember that you want to learn to work
together with other band members, even if it means you have to adjust
your style a bit.
4
Be aware of your surroundings. Be sensitive to the environment you are
playing in, if it’s a small room you need to adapt or play quieter, in a
large venue you may need to play a bit louder.
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5
Master the dynamics. Set yourself at least 10 different volumes of
playing. You can say to your bandleader would you like 1 – 10.

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