Introduction

So this is it. You've decided to learn the drums? Good choice. No matter who you are, experienced drummer or beginner, these tutorials, along with the rudimentaries, will help you brush up on the basics to enable you to play more complex riffs or start you off on an excellent step towards your future as a drummer!

In this tutorial you will learn, how to grip the sticks properly and a simple beat using the hi-hat, snare and bass drum.

The start

Figure A shows the stave, this is where all the notation is written. The 'notes' go on and in between the lines, this shows you which part of the kit to play.

Figure A.

In the sidebar to the right, if you go to 'notation' you will find examples of each drum and where it is positioned on the stave. You do not have to do that now, but if you want to be able to read drum notation and carry on with the other tutorials then it's a good idea to go to that link.

Grip

Grip is very important. It helps you play more complex and faster beats. In the picture below (Figure B) you can see that I have the backside, knuckles, facing straight up and I have my thumb on the side of the stick. I am gripping it part way up and not right at the bottom.

Figure B.

The image is an example and is an exageration but as long as you have your knuckles facing the ceiling and you have all your fingers tucked in and NOT pointing out, with your thumb on the side, you will be fine!

The kit

Figure C shows the layout of the kit. Familiarise yourself with it and refer to this image if you're ever not sure about which piece of the kit I am talking about.

Figure C

Your first beat

Figure D shows a simple beat using the hi-hat, bass drum and snare drum. I know it's simple, but you have to start somewhere!

Figure D (drum notation)

You play the music right to left, any notes that are placed above each other are played at the same time. If you can, watch the video, Figure E, of me playing Figure D.

Figure E.