[TBBucs]

I spent the first 20 minutes or so afraid to actually hit the drums with any amount of force, so I just kind of worked on some hi-hat technique. Then I practiced the basic rock beat and threw a couple of wrinkles in here and there. At the end of the day, I started messing around with some songs, mostly "Schism" by Tool and a couple of songs by Isis.

But this is my second day with a drum set and I am starting to realize that I need to get some sort of practicing done now that I've kind of gotten comfortable with my kit and sticks. Any help on developing a practice routine? What kinds of things should I be focusing on at this point in time?

Advice, links, videos, etc. are all greatly appreciated.

[Drumsticks1]

We all have to start somewhere. I've been on and off (mainly off) since I was a teenager. Just got a nice large set and starting to read sheet music. I've always played by ear but I want to learn how to read sheet music. Anyway, don't be afraid to hit the heads. Unless they're really cheap, they won't bust. Smack the **** out 'em.
Here's a good link on how to read music: Tomás Howie Drumming Web - Home
Also, go onto youtube and type in 'drumming tips'. Alot of good stuff out there. One thing that's frustrating to new drummers is that "my sounds don't sound like what I'm hearing on the CD". Of course not. Whoever your listening to had the track made digitally mastered in a studio. Most of us don't have studios. We have garages, basements, other rooms in the house, etc... Neil Peart, Lars Ulrich, Terry Bozzio, Dave Weckl and others all got their kits when they were pretty much kids. They all started from the very beginning. You have to crawl before you can walk. Walk before you can run. And run before you can sprint.

It's like going hunting and having that monster 10pt. buck in your sights but your afraid to shoot. Why have the gun and why go hunting then???
Best of luck to ya!

[Sean Francis]

I would recommend picking up some drum set method books. At first it seems boring, but it really does pay off in the long run to be able to read the music. That will get you a pretty good headstart on getting really comfortable with your drum set, and it will give you a broader range of beats and tools to use.

Advanced Techniques for the Modern Drummer by Jim Chapin is a good one for building independence and coordination, but be warned that it's a doozy!

Check out the website for Berklee Press also. They have a lot of good stuff for drum set. Good luck, and have fun!

[pantera]

I picked up the Ultimate Realistic Rock drum book (by Carmine Appice) and also bought the DVD that now comes with it. I'm well into the book now and find each section builds nicely into the next one.

I've also been jamming with an experienced guitar player and it's teaching me quickly how inept and green I am (even with basic rock songs) but its also given me the experience to figure out where to do certain things and how to improve quickly.

I also just ordered Secret Weapons for the Modern Drummer DVD (JoJo Meyer) to help improve my stick technique even further.

I spend whatever time I can pretty much every night to keep the lessons going and playing to some songs on CD.

[SirBlastsAlot]

Just start arbitrarily hitting things

[juan (the ping-pong ref.)]

First, learn how to read sheet music. Buy a drum magazine, they all just about teach that.
Then, get some sheet music. slowly learn the beats, then you will eventualy be able to play the song. You don't need to learn every song in the book, just get comfertable with quick changes.
Then, Jam. Mess around with the beats that you just learned.
Finnaly, you can plug in your iPod and play to a song.
And dont be affraid to mess up, drumming is all about having fun.

[Sean Francis]

Well put, sir!

To our new, green friend, keep us updated, and let us know if there is anything we could offer our help with.

[PocketProtector]

Originally Posted by juan (the ping-pong ref.)

First, learn how to read sheet music. Buy a drum magazine, they all just about teach that.
Then, get some sheet music. slowly learn the beats, then you will eventualy be able to play the song. You don't need to learn every song in the book, just get comfertable with quick changes.
Then, Jam. Mess around with the beats that you just learned.
Finnaly, you can plug in your iPod and play to a song.
And dont be affraid to mess up, drumming is all about having fun.

I agree. That's probalbly your best bet.