Beginner's Troubles

stud6543 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-23-2010, 06:02 AM

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.

xxvenom13xx · #2 (**permalink**) 07-23-2010, 04:00 PM

I have actually been feeling like that lately, but I'm only allowed to play a little because of my ankle problems...which is entirely different.

But anyway, if I were you I would practice basic, feel good songs that you can get into and that you can use as warm-ups later.

For example, I use a song called "Come on Eileen" by Dexy's Midnight Runners to warm-up now. It's an upbeat song that you could get into, it's easy to play and feel, and it's an all around great song to play.

And don't compare yourself to other drummers...you aren't them. There's no reason to compare. People learn at different speeds and have different capabilities than others. It all comes at a steady pace with practice and dedication.

Now, for the rudiments, it takes literally an hour of practice a day to get them. It's all muscle memory, and once you have a rudiment slow, you get to where you can just fly with them like it's nothing! Don't give up; it's all a matter of time dude.

And if you need help with anything, don't hesitate to ask. That's what this forum is here for. And if you can't reach anyone on the forum, you can call me. I'm always here to help, ok(:

Bo Eder · #3 (**permalink**) 07-23-2010, 05:23 PM

Do you have a good teacher to learn from?

Some people are where they're at, and that's all there is to it. If it takes you a little longer, that's OK. This isn't supposed to be a race. You play be cause you enjoy it, period. It sounds like your frustrations are stemming from not being where you want to be, but you haven't been playing that long.

I've been playing for over 30 years now and there's still stuff I can't do (or I have to come up with another way of doing it). But I would really recommend finding a good private teacher if you don't already have one. Things happen alot quicker that way in the beginning. Don't give up!

xxvenom13xx · #4 (**permalink**) 07-24-2010, 01:27 AM

Yeah, Bo comes up with another good point; maybe you just need help learning your instrument.

I've been playing for 7 years now and I'm still trying to learn stuff...drums aren't easy to come to, you know what I'm sayin' mon?

Just enjoy what you play; like Bo said, it isn't a race. If you're in it because you love drums it shouldn't feel that way. Go with the flow(:

**Tainojim** · #5 (**permalink**) 07-24-2010, 02:13 AM

It's all great advice given above.

In my 50+ years of drumming, at times we all tend to fall into what i call a rut.

Perhaps playing something different for a little while would help. The go back to playing things you way. At times I even have to go back to some basic rudiments to exercise (Warm UP) before I get back to my regular routine.

mickyramone · #6 (**permalink**) 07-24-2010, 04:25 PM

Ive just got back into drumming after a 30 year gap and i fully appreciate how frustrating it can be when your hands dont wanna do what ya want em to do, or your feet for that matter. Like a lot of the other guys have said, relax dont pressure yourself, take time to count out, learn the rudiments at your pace. I am currently going through the basic learning process now, give yourself 30 mins or an hour a day on things like single and double stroke rolls, take your time, count out and it will happen, it is for me right now. Choose some songs you would like to play along with,keep up with the beat, if you can get some tutoring.

One question for you guys, i am struggling with my grip, i am ok on doubles and single strokes and can get a good consistent sound and tempo, however when i try playing paradiddles at speed my left (weaker hand) seems to turn up like 45degrees and this does feel more comfortable for me. I am also doing some hand/wrist drumming exercises on my weaker arm to try and improve it, any advice would be great.

**Tainojim** · #7 (**permalink**) 07-24-2010, 09:27 PM

Just keep switching you rudes from left to right and vice verse. The Molloer Technic is the best way to go.

YouTube - Jim Chapin on the moeller technique

Bo Eder · #8 (**permalink**) 07-24-2010, 10:40 PM

Jim Chapin! That guy owes me 20 bucks!

xxvenom13xx · #9 (**permalink**) 07-24-2010, 11:08 PM

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.

HXCBencore · #10 (**permalink**) 08-03-2010, 11:55 PM

Like venom said; Never compare yourself to other drummers. You aren't them.
Technically, no one is better than anyone else, it's how you play and what you play that differs you from everyone else (:
Practice, practice, practice.
I was never taught, found it difficult to tell myself I was good (and still do) but you ask Venom, everything I know now I've taught myself, and I'm pretty alright at it (:

Hope this helps.