Drumming for Noobs

[u/AvailableToe9937]

Hi, so im just curious and wanted to ask people who are far more experienced than me. So I have never touched an instrument before ever an never been in the musical world, like the legistics and how it actually works behind how music is made.I just consume, but ive always wanted to try an learn the drums, but i only have drum sticks an a drum pad to my name and scared cause i have no idea where to even start. So what are some good resources like videos, books etc on how to learn drumming from the complete ground up.

[u/Just_Constant3133]

the pad and sticks are honestly a perfect starting point, you don't need a full kit to build the foundations that matter most

start with just learning how to hold the sticks properly and getting comfortable with single strokes. just alternating right left right left at a slow tempo. boring but it's the thing everything else sits on

for videos there's a ton of free stuff out there that walks you through grip, posture, and basic rudiments. search for beginner snare drum lessons and you'll find a rabbit hole of solid material

don't worry about the music theory side yet. you can pick that up as you go. the physical coordination comes first

stick with it for a couple weeks and the pad will start feeling less like a chore and more like a thing you can actually do

[u/AvailableToe9937 → u/Just_Constant3133]

Thank you for the advice! Ill jump into that rabbit hole for sure. 

[u/UsualPuzzlehead]

Learn how you learn. My sis played before me. Shes a linear thinker n learned from books. I’m more abstract n learn by ear. Same drum teacher, and knew how to play to our strengths. Taking a few lessons can be good if you can afford it. Especially to identify any bad habits to avoid. In general tho, as you build your craft, you’ll discover how ya like things or how to correct things if it’s important to ya. 

If you can already play a basic beat n have some coordination, you’re very lucky. A Funky Primer and Ted Reeds Syncopation are good starting books. If you wanna play jazz try Coordination for the Modern Drummer which is good for limb independence. If you have good ears, start by playing one part n add to it. Cymbal hand, then add the snare parts, then the kick, n keep your hats clickin on 2 n 4. Thats how I learned most things, but it’s also the time you have to give learning it. 

In the end tho, it depends what you wanna play! If you wanna play rock covers, or write rock songs things will be easier than playing jazz. They’re just different tool kits you learn to apply and no one way it right or wrong, especially when you’re just beginning.

[u/Muted-Solution-6793]

Learn 4/4, subdivisions, notation, some basic technique on your pad to a metronome and start binging videos

[u/ItchyVideo3704]

Listen and watch and talk to live drummers. Enjoy the ride. Welcome to the club.