[xxvenom13xx]

Oh, and here's another tip:

BE OPTIMISTIC

[dragpyre]

Originally Posted by stud6543

Hi All,

I haven't played drums that long (two years), and am already feeling like quitting. I sit behind the kit and think I suck. I look at people on youtube who have played less than me or are considerably younger than me, and they seem to be the bees knees. What I'm trying to ask, is there any advice for a kid who wants to be that awesome drummer some day? I really enjoy playing the drums, but not when I know I suck and the whole neighborhood can hear. Did anyone else ever feel like this? Please help me out here. Does anyone have any practice tips that may have been a little unorthodox, but worked for them? I try to learn rudiments, but my hands don't cooperate and I just give up. Drums are a love/hate relationship for me now that I really want to become simply a loving relationship. Sorry to sound like a crybaby, the drums are getting to me.

1. Enjoy practising
2. Practise at least an hour a day
3. Spend at least half an hour on a rudiment. Don't try to learn multiple rudiments at once
4. Practise everything slowly, then speed it up, using a metronome
5. Practise what you want to practise, not what people want to hear
6. Spend significant time on your weaker side
7. Write up a practise time plan
8. Listen to a bit of every kind of music, to expand your interests and drumming knowledge
9. Check out websites such as » Free Drum Lessons - Learn How To Play Drums Online
10. Practise accents and ghost notes
11. Have fun!

All i can think of at the moment.
Keep drumming!

[Tainojim]

Originally Posted by xxvenom13xx

I've found a really good way to get your weaker hand stronger(well, not from experience because I'm ambidextrous) is to practice accent taps.

I thought you were a Virgo. And wore optics.

[stud6543]

Thanks everyone for all of the help and encouragement. I've had problems with my computer in the past few weeks and haven't been able to reply. Anyway, after I read the first few posts, I went to my garage and sat behind my drum set. I beat the crap out of the drums and everything started coming into place. More importantly, I had more than than I remember having behind a kit. I began to take the time to gradually move up the rudiments, but still haven't gotten them down yet. Which brings me to another question.

Is it a good idea to use actual music as a metronome? Lately, when I go to bed, I turn on my ipod, figure out the tempo, and whip my wrist with the beat like I'm hitting a drum. I've found that my hand tires out quickly when I try faster paced songs, so I assume something is working. When I do this, I also practice the simple rudiments like paradiddling with my hands and doing double strokes. I just want to make sure this isn't counter productive.

Also, are those DVDs you can buy online or at guitar center, whether they be Tommy Igoe beginning drums or the full blown "Drumming System," any good? If so, what is a good DVD (pack) that is easy to follow, can step me up the notch I want, but still not seem condescending?

I know it seems like a lot, but this information would be truly helpful to me.

Thanks

[Der Trommler]

stud,

I think listening to a tune while working on timing is a great idea. I believe that you can download or even make a click track that you could put onto your ipod and use it as a metronome.

As for the DVDs, I am not familiar with enough of them to tell you what is good or not, but you can find all of the lessons you could ever want at freedrumlessons.com as well as youtube.

[stud6543]

Hey everyone

Thanks for all of the help. It is much appreciated. Anyway, I just posted some new videos on youtube and I was hoping you guys might view and critique my technique and such.

On another note, I just purchased a double bass pedal today and am excited to slowly (very slowly) learn to play it. Any tips?

Thanks again

Here is a link to the video

YouTube - I Don't Wanna Dance

There are a few others on my channel I posted recently as well

[Tainojim]

As we say at the Labor Day Bar-B-Q, He's Ready!!!

Nice work, and I see you use "Vic Firth" 7A's maybe.

I think you're ready for double bass. May I sugest the DW 9002?

	DW Drums Shop for DW Drums at Musician's Friend

[docROCKER]

dont get down on yourself. just keep practicing. I often thought i couldnt do something but i ended up doing it. chances are, you dont suck. just take lessons, start basic like a simple rock beat or jazz swing, then build up to more challenging stuff.

[docROCKER]

you DO NOT SUCK

[stud6543]

Originally Posted by Tainojim

As we say at the Labor Day Bar-B-Q, He's Ready!!!

Nice work, and I see you use "Vic Firth" 7A's maybe.

I think you're ready for double bass. May I sugest the DW 9002?

As of late, I've been using pro mark millennium II American Hickory 5A. I really like them, but am definitely open to new sticks. As for the double bass pedal, I purchased a DW 3000. It was a good price and I liked the feel of it.

Thanks for the kind words so far. I'm looking into finding a local instructor, possibly joining my high school band, just as long as I would be able to keep up with their songs and such. It seems to me like it is imperative that I learn to read music soon.

	DW Drums Shop for DW Drums at Musician's Friend