Drummers!

Swede · 03-03-2010, 01:34 AM

The most important thing I would stress to get right if you're teaching yourself is TECHNIQUE!

When I first started drums I had lessons, but after my first year I had to take a break due to lack of funds... Long story short, my technique absolutely fell to pieces without me even realising. I went back for lessons the next year and my new teacher had to help me repair all the damage (took months).

If you think you can handle getting your technique down on your own then go for it, but I would seriously suggest getting at least ONE lesson on technique and going from there. Bad technique can be a huge roadblock later on down the track... It might limit your speed, stamina, and overall sound... You may even end up severely injuring your wrists (have heard of people not being able to play for months because of injuries).

But besides that, if you're teaching yourself then try and feature at least some rudiments in each of your practices. Master the basics before moving on to more complex things. It's frustrating to go back and learn basic rhythms you never looked at (and can't play well) when you're rolling sixteenth triplets at 150bpm no sweat.

Anyway, good luck with whatever you do!

03-03-2010, 01:34 AM	#10 (permalink)
Swede Groupie Join Date: Mar 2010 Posts: 3	The most important thing I would stress to get right if you're teaching yourself is TECHNIQUE! When I first started drums I had lessons, but after my first year I had to take a break due to lack of funds... Long story short, my technique absolutely fell to pieces without me even realising. I went back for lessons the next year and my new teacher had to help me repair all the damage (took months). If you think you can handle getting your technique down on your own then go for it, but I would seriously suggest getting at least ONE lesson on technique and going from there. Bad technique can be a huge roadblock later on down the track... It might limit your speed, stamina, and overall sound... You may even end up severely injuring your wrists (have heard of people not being able to play for months because of injuries). But besides that, if you're teaching yourself then try and feature at least some rudiments in each of your practices. Master the basics before moving on to more complex things. It's frustrating to go back and learn basic rhythms you never looked at (and can't play well) when you're rolling sixteenth triplets at 150bpm no sweat. Anyway, good luck with whatever you do!