Premier Rock Forum

i switch instruments all the time...usually at least 3 times a show! i ain't gonna be chained down to one thing, baby! i just can't get into a mindset that would leave me to be a "guitarist" or a "drummer"...i like to play whatever i can...i like different instruments for different reasons and i like enjoy playing 'em...i'd be bored sticking with one thing...

wiggins wrote:Redundancy:
Drummers dont really need lessons or a lot of thinking to do well as with piano or guitar. All drummers really need is lots of constant and consistant practice, and a grasp of tuning.

For the most part, I agree that lessons aren't essential to learning to play the drums. However, I took 4 years of lessons and played in my high school band and I found it tremendously helpful to know how to read drum notation. I was able to challenge myself more because I could sit down with a music book full of drum patterns and sight-read as I was playing. I really enjoyed this because it enabled me to play beats and rhythms that were not part of my natural rhythm. Also, it gave me an appreciation for jazz and other non-rock drumming styles.

Lastly, I like having a way of visually seeing drum patterns in addition to just hearing them in my head. Being able to read and write drum notation has come in VERY handy in my 18 years of drumming. I can easily jot down a drum beat on a napkin or piece of paper and easily be able to recall it later. Not to mention, it helps me to understand music in a way that I find drummers who have not taken lessons or learned notation struggle with. All in all, I felt it helped me to progress faster as a drummer.

I will say this, however...Don't get so caught up in technique that you lose your creativity. Although I felt lessons were valuable, after a few years I decided I reached a plateau and needed to find my way by playing in a band. I believe I got my greatest skills from playing in a band. Oh, and, playing along with my favorite records!

I've been playing the drums for 15+ years. When I was in high school and "jamming" with other musicians, everyone wanted to play the drums, yet nobody could. While they were beating away on my kit, I'd pick up the bass or the guitar and start noodling around. I've eventually gotten to the point where I am comfortable playing any instrument in a "band" situation. They only thing I have yet to do is sing.

Play as many instruments as you can.

hellyes!! wrote:

wiggins wrote:Redundancy:
Drummers dont really need lessons or a lot of thinking to do well as with piano or guitar. All drummers really need is lots of constant and consistant practice, and a grasp of tuning.

For the most part, I agree that lessons aren't essential to learning to play the drums. However, I took 4 years of lessons and played in my high school band and I found it tremendously helpful to know how to read drum notation. I was able to challenge myself more because I could sit down with a music book full of drum patterns and sight-read as I was playing. I really enjoyed this because it enabled me to play beats and rhythms that were not part of my natural rhythm. Also, it gave me an appreciation for jazz and other non-rock drumming styles.

i'd recommend taking lessons for the first few months at least. get some references from trusted drummers on who might be good to learn from, and go from there. it'll at least give you a general direction to start heading in. (good rudiments, books, and general good starting habits).

personally, i'm a fan of lessons. most of my teachers were always crazy jazz teachers. i never had any intention of being a jazz drummer, but it's pretty cool to get different perspectives when playing.

and practice. then practice more. cauterize bleeding wounds with a lighter and keep practicing. then, once the blisters have matured into harder-than-kevlar calouses, keep practicing.

...

I grew up playing drums from the time I was really little. My freshman year of high school I decided to start playing guitar because I knew at some point drums were going to become a problem (i.e., college). I kept playing drums in high school and in college ensembles (school related), but focused on guitar and bass, as they're more dorm room and apartment friendly. About a month ago, 3 others and I started a band (first band in the last 5 or so years for most of us). I'm playing drums again, and it's amazing. Now that we have rehearsal space (and I'm closing on a house in a couple weeks) I can make noise again. I feel totally at home. Moreso than I ever did playing guitar or bass, even though I'll still play those when I can. That didn't answer your question at all. Sorry.

Yeah, play drums!

Electric drums? I think their kind of fun to fuck around on, but I don't think I could play them exclusively. Then again, maybe I should have been playing them in my apartment for the last 5 years instead of bitching about not being able to play because I live in an aparmtent.