[drumwhisperer]

Hi drumjunkies,
I am really at a crossroads. During the earlier years of my life, I drummed in several small local bands. I was actually in demand.
Well I sold my set to help with paying for new furniture, and I went about 20 years with out even touchiong a stick. About a year ago I purchased a beauty set of pearls. I have practice pads for ruddies and play the set almost daily.
o.k. tuesday night during my normal walk I heard a drummer in the garage and they sounded AWESOME !! 2 things went thru my mind. Am I weird if I knock on the door and say what's up? People just don't do that anymore. Next I feel like I completely suck and maybe my expectations are way to high, I even said "I am quitting" to my very supportive wife.

mike w/drummers block

[butter]

Well D00dbro, never quit. Never. Always practice, thats the only way to get better. A good kick in the ass is a good thing sometimes, when you realize you aren't up to par, you should get motivated, not discouraged. Change your attitude about your abilities and how they compare to others' and it will benefit you.
Okay, I would be pretty surprised if a drummer knocked on my door and said whats up, but I wouldn't think it was weird, I would think it was awesome. It might be a bit awkward, but you know, situations are only awkward if you make them that way. Anyway, maybe that drummer can show you some stuff and you can learn from him. Can't hurt to try. The worst that could happen is he would turn out to be a serial killer trying to lure drummers into his house with his playing so he can add to his basement, but your chances of that happening are pretty low, so I'd say you're good

Good luck and happy drumming!

[xxvenom13xx]

Uh...Butter...that's a scary scenario don't you think? Ha

And yeah, dude, don't give up on it. Practice. Do it. Now.

[dtxtremeiiispecial]

Drumwhisperer,
I'm coming back after thirty years off, and way back then I was much better than I am now. It's not easy. But the longer I stick with it, the better I get, bit by bit. It's discouraging, and I don't always want to practice, but the more I practice, the more I improve. I am definitely improving.

I'm maybe only a third of the way back, but if I stick with it, I'll get back there, eventually, and so will you.

Definitely knock on the door - anything could happen, but it might be something good. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

There's a part of you that's a drummer. If you're willing to stick out some hard times, you'll get him back. How bad do you want him?

[chaser334]

I know everyone has already said this, and more are probably going to as well but,....... DONT GIVE UP! Of corse not you should keep trying and even if your not good you should still enjoy yourself while playing because thats what its about not being good. Im a realitivly new drummer, i only got my set about 9 months ago and i really think ive gotten good sence. You'll be able to get your skills back up in not time no worrys bro. just keep on drumming!

[Tainojim]

I was out of commission for a few years. I can't drum like I used to back in the 60's and 70's. For me it's a hobby and I'm back in the saddle. I had to take baby steps before I could get back in the groove.

Rudiments my brother, rudiments is what got me back in.

The creativity comes latter. So take your time and stop comparing with others.

Just have fun.

[Homeularis]

Dont worry about how other people play, its a waste of time.
I'll bet his style is very different than yours too so you cant really compare your playing to his. You both have taken different roads to get where you are now.
let him take his own road and you take yours. Its all good.

[meahal19]

Im another one who had 25 year hiatus. I was much better in high school but we also played everyday for hours. It will take time to get to that point as well as improve from how you played back in the day. I work on basic rudiments as well as dedicating time to just jamming & having fun. Its not just you, i hear people playing in some garages and think the same thing " wow I suck and that kid probably has only been playing a couple years" Quit? you can never quit being a drummer its in our blood. You tried that 20 years ago and look what site your on!!

[slingerland59]

Count me in as another drummer who had to let about 20 years of life get in the way of a perfectly good gigging schedule. But I'm back and more excited than ever. Double bass grooves, lots of toms, two hi-hats, gravity blasting...heck, I'm in kindergarten again when it comes to learning the youngsters' fancy tricks. But I've got something they don't all have -- experience, feel and an inner drive that makes me need to play, not just want to play.

Knock on the door brother. Bring your sticks or a hand drum or something. You might end up playing a multiple percussion jam session like the drummer from the Grateful Dead swears by. That's not competitive or worrisome. That's freakin' amazing. And let the little sh#t dazzle you with his double bass speed. It'll inspire you.

[skinslapper]

I'm in with the others dude. Go knock on the door. Ask that guy for some pointers or just hang out and learn from his chops. It's a great way to gain techniques.