Top Qualities of Good Drummers You Can Develop from Drum Lessons (Part 1 of 2)

The Importance of a Great Drummer

An anonymous author once said, “An excellent drummer can make a mediocre band sound great, and an average drummer can make a great band sound mediocre.” While this quote might seem daunting, it underscores the critical role drummers play in a band. A skilled drummer keeps the music tight and solid, ensuring the band sounds cohesive and polished.

Essential Qualities of a Great Drummer

Physical Technique

Body Posture

• Sit Up Straight: Good posture is crucial. Slouching can lead to poor performance and potential injuries.
• Stool Height: Adjust your stool to a comfortable height. This helps maintain proper posture and facilitates better movement.

Proper Grip for Drumsticks

In drum lessons, you'll learn various ways to hold drumsticks, but the correct grip is essential. It enhances performance, allows for better control and movement, and prevents muscle and hand injuries.

Developing Muscle Memory

Muscle memory allows you to play drum patterns effortlessly, even with your eyes closed. This "auto-programming" of your muscles enables better execution of patterns, grooves, and fills, and allows you to focus on other roles like keeping time and listening to the rhythm.

Skills Technique

Sticks and Pedals

A proficient drummer has mastered the techniques for handling sticks and attacking pedals. There are numerous grip and pedal techniques to learn, and you should use the methods that work best for you and suit the song's requirements.

Tempo

Songs vary widely in tempo. A great drummer can play at the required speed, whether it's a fast-paced rock song or a slow ballad.

Dynamics or Volume

Drums aren't always played at full volume. A skilled drummer knows when to increase or decrease the volume, adding nuance to the music.

Listening Skills

Drummers don't just play to their own beat; they drive the beat while staying in sync with the band. Good listening skills are crucial for achieving this balance.

Timing

Drummers are often seen as the "masters of timing." This skill is essential for keeping the rhythm and tempo precise and steady. While practicing with a metronome is a good start, developing an internal clock is key to becoming a reliable timekeeper.

Interesting Stats About Drumming

• Physical Benefits: Drumming can burn up to 600 calories per hour, making it a great workout. Source: Healthline
• Mental Health: Studies have shown that drumming can reduce stress and improve mental health. Source: Psychology Today
• Coordination: Drumming improves coordination and motor skills, which can benefit other areas of life. Source: Harvard Health

Conclusion

If you're an aspiring drummer, take your drum lessons seriously. While natural talent is beneficial, the skills mentioned above are developed and honed through practice and discipline. Keep pushing yourself, and you'll see significant improvements in your drumming abilities.

For more insights on drumming techniques and benefits, check out Drumeo and Modern Drummer.