Many drummers are missing an essential skill. They have great hand speed as well as good control, but they have trouble mastering the bass drum. Most probably work on their bass drum skills occasionally but never get to the point where their ability needs to be. Perhaps this is because beginner drum lessons spend too little time on this skill or students just don't enjoy practicing on the bass. Either way, an important part of being a complete drummer is missing.
This is your spotlight where you can command everyone's attention. Make sure there is a purpose for each stroke of the drum stick. Your drum set will not play by itself, you are the creator, make some noise. It is not necessary to create a masterpiece performing a solo. By keeping the solo precise and to the point, your creation can be of any length given the flow of the performance. Now is the time to take your listeners on a percussive journey that they will never forget.
Depending on the type of music, begin your solo to match the flow of the music. You might not want to perform a hard and fast solo to slow, smooth, easy listening jazz nor drum softly to hard, power-driven metal. Make your solo tasteful. Let it make a statement and signature of what you are creating. Utilize all the instruments of your drum set such as your snare drum, bass drum, toms, cymbals and other instruments that accompany the drum set. The final step in developing a solo.
Musicality is the purpose of playing any instrument is to play music. And music should be kept foremost in mind whenever practicing. Even when playing a rudiment or technical exercise it should be thought of musically and how it can be applied to music.
However, most of the drummers choose the ones that provide sustainability, a good quality tone, excellent durability along with a great blend of depth and attack. A few drum heads may consist of a ring or a dot in the middle. These are considered excellent for tonal focusing. They also help in longevity of the drum skins by straightening the head from the middle.
Everyone, was chuckling and having a good time. And of course, eventually I was prodded to "test" my own drumming speed. After playing through the 60-second time interval (which is standard for the International Fastest Drummer Competitions - or WFD competitions) I watched my own form and speed fall away as I played.
I was informed that Mike Mangini (the world's fastest drummer and record holder "gulp") would be the judge. I was also told that the regional winner would be sent (for free) to winter NAMM for the chance to qualify (again) for the final 10 positions at "World's Fastest Drummer Finals" to be held there. I must say, I liked the idea of a free trip for 2 to California and NAMM in the winter. But I really had no expectations - since I knew essentially nothing about how to improve my drumming technique, speed and endurance.
But it was fun! A sales rep then told me I should enter their "fastest drummer" contest. When I asked him when it was, he said, "THE NEXT NIGHT"! After trying to bow out, I eventually said "okay". Since I've always disliked "musical competitions" I don't know why I agreed? So, I decided I wouldn't tell anyone (including my wife) about it - talk about being insecure!
What you just learned about drum beats is just the beginning. To get the full story and all the details, check us out at beginner drum lessons dvd
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