Two things that really helped me make gains was playing with music. The other was recording myself and then Re watching. I would think I was Mike portnoy but after reviewing my video I was a giant nope. Really helped me sort out timing issues and over excitement.
Thankfully i don't get discouraged easily by others being better than me. On the contrary, i then want to rise to the same height and try to find inspiration and education in what i see them being better at. But the first 2 mistakes i totally get. Thank you for this video and for being the voice of reason in my head! I started drumming 2 weeks ago, so basically still a little bongo baby, thought about buying a kit for over 3 years and finally just did it. I've been playing guitar for over 10 years before that, so i know a thing or two about solidifying the basics. Problem being, that i didn't listen to my own (or yours in this case) advice and started to "jam" a lot. What i learned so far... it's good to practice with the immediate goal of playing to a specific song as a start. Gets you motivated, you have an inner drive to arrive at that song at full speed at some point. But that is definitely not all one should be doing. Like with my guitar back then, i wanted to play songs immediately. How i played the chords was sloppy though and timing was real bad. Also barre chords where a nightmare! So with drums i will now dial it back again, slower and cleaner movements with rudiments and fundamentals in mind, before i jump too high. Chasing stars is one thing, but when you're impatient, you start grabbing while it's still daytime. And then you just end up like Icarus, being too close to the sun and burning off your feathers. Don't be like me or Icarus. Grab for the stars at the correct time. 🤘👍
I have a great practice routine, doing everything right handed ( and footed ) then left handed, doing steady backbeat with hands while playing 8th notes, 8th triplets, 16th notes with bass drums, 16 bars then switch sides, 3 or 4 rounds of each, at a few different tempos, with a click in my headphones, plus a few other things as part of my routine. My problem isn't the drumming, it's technology, I don't know how to record with a computer, mix, make videos. I grew up before all this stuff, and I can't seem to get myself to put the time in to learn it, I hate computers and get frustrated very quickly, but I've got to learn, it's the only way to get my drumming out there for people to see, so that's what's holding me back !
There’s always a learning curve when attempting to take on new technology. It’s definitely worth it to put in the time, I’ve learned everything so far through RU-vid. There’s tons of great tutorials!
I play left-handed completely daily too for training. I think always pushing your comfort zone is important and trying to play slow, while making sure you train for speed too.
Straight up, you play beautifully! Peaceful and controlled. I’m developing my skills within the death metal genre, but I will always prioritize peaceful/controlled movements. I have suffered from burn out on drums many times, but not anymore. I’ve let go of trying so damn hard to sound like other drummers, I just want to sound like 100% me. Your title sounded like click-bait, though it was anything but! No bs, thank you buddy.
Great advice. I'm 6 months into learning the drums. Trying to find to practice right now is the hardest thing for me. Before I decided to buy a drum kit I knew it would be difficult but now I realize this is pretty much a life commitment. 1 thing I need to do more is practice with a click. I also haven't even practiced any rudiments on a practice pad yet so I need to do that. Unfortunately I almost cut my finger off the other day lol so practicing is pretty difficult right now.
I was studying drums in musical college. I was an absolute beginner and everyone told me that I am bad drummer. That was an absolutely discouraging environment. So, after 2 years of the studies I had some serious problems with my wrists and had to quit the college. Thus, I know about the third advice a bit wider experience and made my own conclusions.
Great tips. I played regularly from age 9 to 20 (college band and university jazz band fresh an soph year). Dabbled very sporadically and before I knew it, I’m now 51. Just bought a new set which will be here today. 1000% identify with that last point. Goal is to be better than I was in my early 20’s ad without the bad habits.
You are so right regarding these points. Drumming takes time, dedication and precision. Not allowing yourself to adopt the basics in whatever you are doing will probably make you a sloppy drummer. There is no shortcut to achieving greatness. Sorry 😅
Back in the seventies, drum "lessons" were about $10 a half hour and the instructors were nowhere close to the caliber as what's seen on You Tube for free. Kids today have an opportunity to be better than the last generation with the best of the best giving tips on You Tube - free of charge.
Taylor, greetings to you from South Bend, WA. What part of Washington are you from? You mentioned that you are in education. I taught in the elementary school for 39 years and coached high school varsity football for 45 years. I really enjoyed this video you shared with us, and I am looking forward to watching all the others you have put out. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us.
I've always been self taught and never knew about rudiments and accents so it always sounded bland. Hoping when I get going again I can get these aspects down to actually play something worthwhile. Anyone with good reccomendations is much appreciated!
Very good advice !! Most Videos is about....have a look how fast I can play even with one hand and drinking a Soda with my other hand 😅 ...ist more like a Circus act. Bad example for young Drummers. Its better to watch a slow playing Drummer with a lot of feel in it then a super fast Drummer without it.
@@tedwardsdrums NICE! I just got a Stage Custom set, so far I love it. They sound so good, and the quality & craftsmanship is really amazing, especially considering the reasonable price.
I am going to be really honest with the "getting discouraged by other drummer who plays better than me" This has happened a lot of times with me...Guys if you are dealing with this problem... what I will suggest you is practice more and get inspired by your idols and beat them in your way
I've been doing everything wrong for so long that when I play with a band no one knows only a good drummer could pick up on. I'm not content improvising I'm just impatient and now I'm paying the price. It's like pretending to fight like Bruce Lee for years without actually training
