PLEASE make sure you wear hearing protection! Reusable earplugs, stinking tissues in your ears... ANYTHING! Your ears are only good once and it even makes your drums sound better. DEWIT.
PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS ADVICE. I was big believer of "ear plugs are for babies" and now i have PERMANENT RINGING. If it was just hearing loss that would be one thing, but the never ending ringing is a LOT. Plugs don't make you a worse player. they don't make you a baby. sure, some of the chain smokers will laugh at you in between hacking fits. but better to have clear hearing at 35 and be made fun of a bit at 20. Yes, you will have hearing loss at only 35 without ear protection!!!!!!! this goes even FASTER if you play in a metal band or a jazz band that plays any funk! god i wish i could go back in time and tell my younger self to suck it up, get laughed at by the alcoholic in the band, and wear the plugs. and the trumpet players that wore plugs have perfect hearing still! and they are all professional studio musicians!!
I can not vouch for this enough. I drummed and gigged for far too many years without ear protection and now I have the life long joy of constant ringing thanks to tinnitus. Funny enough when I bought a set of Roland V-Drums so my neighbors would stop calling to police on me for even breathing near my set it actually has an option to emulate the sound of the drums as if you were wearing hearing protection because as you said IT MAKES YOUR DRUMS SOUND BETTER.
@@TAZo-ml6ft I would just try to make sure the earplugs are rated for the excessive noise drums can make. Good rule of thumb is to look for a noise reduction rating (NRR) of at least 10db. Even though you have earplugs in as well it’s still also important to make sure your headphones aren’t too loud as well.
@@ChampionOfSkyrim Clearly he needs to be ska fusion progressive power mathcore bluesy industrial folk metal band. Can't waste his talents on simple things.
Fun fact: e-kits are still not silent, they might not make much noise but you are technically hitting them into the floor at however many BPMs. So if you live in an apartment or something and get some e-drums to not annoy your downstairs neighbours, you're going to want something to dampen that a bit, some people build drum risers and stuff. Or, you know, get a big proper drum set and then you can make everyone in the building want to break into your house. That works too.
If I recall correctly Roland actually makes some of their own pedals that have built in dampening to the floor which I've heard works pretty well but I've heard mixed things about the quality of them given that they cost dangerously close to a proper Iron Cobra. Best solution if you're handy would be to build (or buy) a drum platform so you're getting the pedal itself off the floor and you're not transferring energy directly into the floor. still won't be silent for your downstairs neighbors but they'll be happier
I've got a good friend whose a drummer that loves his e-kits and when I've gone to his house while he's playing I can hear them from outside the front door. Something as simple as a rug or strategically placed doormats can make a huge difference to help deaden the sound, especially if you've got hard flooring. (eg. Playing in the garage on concrete)
I would like to add that irrespective of what the box may say, -['dad']-; If you can hear finger tips rapping on the pedestal/platform more clearly outside the door than knocking on the naked floor : I should *very* strongly doubt its efficacy at _'sound dampening'_ versus its utility as a _'sound resonator'._
Another tip: As someone with over a decade experience with drums, the best way to keep a pulse/beat steady is to physically groove along to it with your body - basically dance in place. Bob your head, tap your foot, wiggle your butt, whatever. This is called embodiment. Our bodies have a natural sense of rhythm, so by moving your body you can align your ears, brain, and hands to that natural sense of pulse
Yes!!! As someone who sings a lot, this helps tremendously in parts where there is no rhythmic element and that makes keeping a beat to hit the next part super easy!!
Same here. I usually "sing" the patterns out loud when I am practicing something new. Makes it easier to remember patterns and fills if you associate them into specific phrases. For example: I'd phrase a skank beat on double pedals as "do-doda" or a simple snare roll as "tatatatata".
This works with any instrument, really. I have played euphonium, tuba, and electric bass. And with all of them, I do something to get in the groove of the music. From tapping a foot to bobbing your head, anything you can do to keep a steady flow will help you.
I played bass through college in the school's jazz ensemble. The instructor would always tell the rhythm section that all you need is a hi-hat and a ride. Everything else is for more flavour.
I absolutely love how palpable your passion for drums is. It really comes through every stream and video. Thank you for both The Drum Thing and Garbage Time.
Teachers like you are invaluable. The growth of artistic skill thrives on a base of approachably solid information AND enthusiasm. Kids who grow up in the system of "We're cramming dry info into you only because it's going to be on the test. Hope you pass." need examples of "Hey, see how cool X can be with practiced skill? Try it out, no pressure, you're allowed to have fun AND learn." My roots are in illustration, and higher education nearly sucked my soul dry until I had a teacher come along and asked me what I WANTED to draw. He let me have fun with my projects and made me remember how fun simple mark-making was once again; why I enjoyed art so much as a kid. That undercurrent of enthusiasm helped me find my current career which I've been at for 9 years. Thank you for being a good teacher. Keep being awesome! :)
me as a music sudent, or atleast someone in concert band, THIS IS SO AMAZING TO BEGINNERS, THIS IS THE EASIEST THING IVE EVER SEEN TO UNDERSTAND. AMAZING JOB MY GUY! you're magical i say
what i love about drums is that unlike other instruments you have the capability to fake it to you make it during rehearsals, as long as it fits the tempo
Given how much gatekeeping there is around virtually everything these days, it's great to see someone who not only smashed the gates down, but is standing out the front with a loudhailer yelling "come one, come all!" at passing traffic. Excellent work. 👍
This is perfect, one of the most annoying things about learning an instrument is how so many resources try making you learn difficult stuff right off the bat rather than show you how to have fun. I almost gave up on guitar in the first couple days because Justin Guitars course tries to get you to learn chords straight away, but then a friend showed me how to read a tab and how to play a couple songs and I was hooked and excited to learn.
I’ve only ever played mallet instruments in band really, but that simple drum beat over Soda City Funk has sold me, gonna see what I can do to get my little gremlin hands on a drum kit
Was on the fence about this as I am in a transitional period; this video slapped me in the face to just get one and I have been loving it for months thank you!
I played a lot of drums as a kid. I got alright and even now, my rhythm kicks ass. But what killed it all for me was despite all the effort, I could never coordinate my feet with my hands. Those pedals killed me. But I appreciate this kind of rundown! It'll help a lot of people.
Started playing drums exactly a year ago. Man i think that was one of best decisions in my life, the journey have been so much fun thanks to the good teachers and loving community that are always there to help out!
Your passion about music is contagious, not just about drums, but about playing instruments in general. Years ago I used to play the piano, but over time I forgot everything. After watching your videos, I bought myself a small synth piano and am trying to start again. Keep going mate!
Even as someone who played drums in a band for 7 years back in high school, I guffawed out loud when you started playing the one beat over Soda City Funk. (8:32)
I was thinking drums are too complicated and stuff to learn alongside playing bass but dang half of the philosophy of bass lines is literally the same as drums. It's like a bigger, beefier, crashier bass. Wonderful
i've seen myself go through these steps even without your help. After playing for about 3 years, this video makes me feel like i'm on the right path with drums. Like a reassurance, thanks for this video.
Thank you for reaffirming my belief that there is genuinely no better beginner drum book in existence than Frank Corniolas Rhythm Section drumming. I taught all my students with it.
I love this video! But one of the most important tricks is: Use hearing protection! Not only does it prevent you from all kinds of horrible ear damages but also your drums usually sound way nicer and less harsh, especially when you use the better earplugs with filters. Still, this video would've saved me a lot of time and money ~15yrs ago because most of this stuff you figure out if you play the drums for a bit and have half a brain cell but there's many people who still believe that drumming MUST be expensive to sound "really good"
I always struggled with reading music, but your description and showcase of it helped me understand it a lot more. I struggle with moving my limbs independently so drums are a bit intense for me, but I still want to learn so I can play Clone Hero someday. That, and I really want to learn Piano.
I played middle school bamd percussion for four years, as the only one for most of them, amd it gave me just the worst performance anxiety to even think about playing again. I hated every second of it. However I was really good at it and still kind of am, even after a long time not playing. this channel istg is the only thing that has ever gotten me to actually want to pick playing back up again, and I'm still more than excited to learn even without a set. Thx dank
Oh yeah I also wanted to say: thank you for the part at the end! It’s useful even for programming drums tbh. I’ve been struggling to make engaging drum loops in Ableton because I end up making everything a big polyrhythmic melange just like I like to do with my hands. So those examples of varying drum fills over a basic template is rly useful, and a great reminder yet again that music is all about carefully picking and choosing the moments of complexity. Just like how I had to learn to create contrast by not just showing off how many stacked chords I know!
Thanks so much this is kind of the perfect introduction for the basic things you need to know to get started, exactly what I was looking for takes a lot of pressure away from trying to understand the instrument!
I'm not a drummer, probably never will be, and have hit a drumhead I think twice in my life? BUT, despite that, this vid really helped me with learning how to better count a beat, which has been a massive issue for me learning Piano. So yeah, cheers.
I’ve been playing drums for about five months, got my grandfathers old kit sans cymbals and stands. So I had to save up and buy my own stands and cymbals, but I didn’t know where to set them up. So now there’s a drum kit in my bedroom I navigate around to take a piss at night. Also, I still can’t afford a tom rack, so for now the high toms have been replaced by a detuned snare off to the side, which sounds surprisingly similar.
OMG At my local tip there was a drum set. Kick, 2 toms F tom, hi hats, hard ware. In good condition, in tune, had a bit of loft insulation on them so clearly when the owner cleared the attic. all for 50 quid. I was soooo tempted. Then the dank man released how to start playing the drums and now I'm really tempted. If any one can seriously answer how to not upset the neighbours. I'll head back and buy them
I love the vibe of your videos. This one is exceptionally good. The _just go and have fun, fuck what the others think_ energy you bring is amazing and I wish there were more people like you.
the "snare" like sound that makes the machinery that i work from 7am to 5pm it's my inspiration to mount a gig while working listening to something energetic like the album Mirrored from Battles
"Rests are notes too" This entire video is filled with good information, but this in particular is a super underrated peice of advice for not just drummers but musicians in general. I have played guitar for about 6 years and am just now deciding to learn drums and I can say that one of my most valuable musical revelations was that silence is also a note. It gives a sense of space and it can add a suprising amount of color to an otherwise simple musical line. Thanks for the great video! I have a pretty good idea on how to get started now.
If money is a problem, you don't really need a teacher. But if you an afford it - get one! You an learn so much more than just drumming from a good music teacher.
I think this guide is missing one super important thing. Wade touched upon it briefly but I think it's super important. Wear hearing protection when practicing, gigging, etc. I learned the hard way that you can not get your hearing back if you lose any of it. I personally recommend either using those crappy foam in ear buds or "musician" ear protection if you want to drop $30. Nowadays I just use my tracking headphones (Sony mdrs) whenever I play and call that good enough. I'm primarily a dumbass guitarist/bassist who used to crank 100 watt tube amps every chance I could, then whenever I filled in on drums for friends bands I would forgo hearing protection for that too. So anyone wanting to get into drums- please for the love of your deity of your choice- learn from my mistakes...
As a percussionist, albeit the drum set is not my speciality, marimba for life, this is excellent and I wish I'd seen it when I was beginning, although I'd clarify in the video as he has in the comments, protect your hearing, and your hands for that matter, if your hands sting or wrists feel warm or hurt after playing, you're doing it wrong, either you're hitting too hard, gripping hard, holding the sticks incorrectly, or simply playing for too long, tinnitus and carpal tunnel are harsh lessons I hope nobody has to learn.
I was not a popular kid in school. Not even remotely. But I was in the pep band. I was the "main" drummer of the school for 5 years. 4 years high school, and they asked me to play during ball games after I graduated. Yeah there were other drummers, but they just goofed off. They didn't listen to the band, They didn't get creative. They just hit things. One of the popular pep-band songs only I could play the drum part. After the previous Drummer quit band. I learned from her. (I hope you are well, Kim!) During pep=rallies or games or even just practice, the instuctor would star off with his slow-ass one..two..thee. four.. and thew song would begin. Buy the middle of the song I had the tempo up by about 25% I would just lead the beat by a minute fraction of a second until I got to my own speed. The band kept up. If I heard them falling off, I would lag behind by a fraction of a second to slow them down a bit. After a few years, the band instructor FINALLY caught on to my thing. This just happened to come at a time where our pep band was being praised for being more up-beat and lively than other schools bands. But it also came at a time where for some reason, the band had some kind of negative attitude toward the drummers. Knowing of my little tempo trick, the instructor finally just spoke up. "Hey. I have heard just about enough of this ragging on the drummers. We have a good band here. I'm up here waving my little wand but do you want to know who leads you all? RIGHT THERE!" He points to me. "There is your tempo. There is your foundation. That drum kit and the drummer behind it is where it begins and ends. And here's a fun fact. I only recently learned about. It's Cammi that has been adjusting the tempo for the past 3 years! I didn't even relise it bu she fixed one of my own shortcomings. SHE knew you could play at a more lively tempo. She was listening to you and adjusting everyone in this room if someone faltered. She is the heartbeat of this band! She is how we got to be known for our specific rythmn. and upbeat style. So you all can just stop it with the crap against drummers and especially with the negative crap you sat about her.!" I just sat back and gave a "badum tss" Then he asked me. what do you use to set the tempo?" I sais it's right here. I started tapping the hi-hats. then filled in with the bass/kick, and added the snare until I was soloing the beat to the popular song. Then I sped it up. By a lot. a roll down the toms and a few splashes on the cymbals and I was going.. Then I improvised andchanged it u on the fly. Hell, I basically did a whole drum solo for about 90 seconds and then started dropping off the tempo. I stopped the snare, and stopped the kick. I was left once again just tapping the hi-hat. "THAT is your pulse. right there!" I said. I didn't win any popularity points with that little "show-off" session, but it did stop some of the bitching about the drummers. You'd think the younger drummers would take notice and learn how to adapt and improvise and maybe even listen.. Nope. After I graduated, the school didn't want them playing during games, The had me come and play for them until an new kid moved in who was another proper drummer with actual interest and heart to his playing. I passed the torch and let him rip! Sorry for my typos. I'm tired AF and not going back to fix em..
Thank you for talking about making lessons fun. The drum teacher I had in middle school was all rudiments. I didn't care about triple-ratamacues, I just wanted to play my favorite songs, though i will admit I wasn't the greatest student.
I have no musical ambitions but I'm starting college again this fall (third time's the charm, hopefully, after starting and stopping to constantly pivot over the last 15 years). I really hope even just one of my professors are as enthusiastic as you are. You're doing what you love, so that also helps, but you're also great at trimming the fat and teaching the essentials for beginners, making an approach to something new (anything new) less scary. I think I picked a major that doesn't require mathematics, the bane of my existence, but if somehow I do need to take a class for it, I hope they're as easy to understand as you are 😅
I finally got my first kit this week. An e kit, but a kit nonetheless. I’ve been waiting for this for over 20 years since I was a kid and fell in love with bands like slipknot, read about drumming in my brother’s metal magazines and saw his drums in the garage. My entire life drums have been a huge passion of mine and I never had the chance to start outside of sticks and a practice pad until now. Just wish I didn’t let my parents make me settle on a guitar as a teenager.
As someone who has been playing most of their life and have friends ask me how to get started, i can confidently just send them this video. This was hilarious and helpful
I appreciate your teaching style in this video. Helping people get set up with the basics and how to play stuff easily and early on is key. A whole lot better than diving straight into the theory side of things
I haven’t touched a drum set in over 5 years and I’ve been feeling the itch again. Thank you for a great reminder that it can be done on a budget! Hopefully soon I’ll be back to it
love this video. I really needed this like 17 year ago when I started playing the drums. I had the luck of a friend showing me this, but so many people don't. thanks for keeping drums fun and not getting boged down with roffle technicks and stuff, just smash some stuff mate.
Your teaching style is perfect for beginners. When I used to help beginners get into creative writing, I used to hate how some teachers would big them down with dense literature or mountains of text about literary devices from the start. It's just discouraging and daunting and exclusionary. They're hungry to create and explore and express! Give them a few basic pointers and let them fall in love with the craft before you pile on the tedious stuff. It's like trying to tell someone they need to know all the rules, history, and strategy of baseball before they play catch. Let them throw the ball first!
Wade, I have zero interest in ever learning the drums, but you make virtually everything you talk about interesting; from your dumb, smelly, long weird-lookin-dog to your bizarre obsession with condensing all objects into a single descriptive category: "nugget". I am so glad people like you exist, people who are excited to teach others about the thing they're passionate for, and more importantly than that, are _good_ teachers. If you still give music lessons (I know you said you used to), those students of yours are some lucky pupils.
I miss playing drums so much...was so passionate during school then one day my parents made me stop playing because our neighbor complained literally one time when it was only 4/5pm. Only had my double bass pedal over 2 years and was finally getting decent with them. Then time goes on and you just forget about it but I've always wanted to get a set again. Last time I played with an acoustic kit was 2010. Last year I bought some Alesis Electric drums because acoustic kits are too loud for where I live atm, but after setting them up I just couldn't get that spark I had when I was younger. Think it was the electric kit for sure it just didn't give that feeling you get when you play acoustic, so I sold them. Got to spend that $$$ to get a decent electric kit.
This video would have been so helpful when I started drumming. It's been a few years since I've been able to play consistently, but when I can afford to do so I will be converting my shed into a drum room with the cheapest second hand drums I can get. Thanks for the content and inspiration Dank!
Davie got me started playing bass during the pandemic. If only I didn't still live with my family, I would now get started playing drums. One day I will BECOME the rhythm section.
I have no desire to learn the drums at all. I still watched this entire thing and learned a lot. You're a pretty good teacher for how I learn. Thanks for sharing and please keep sharing your passion, it's inspiring.
As soon as I've decided to go down the drum path of music first off a joke my friend made about being a drummer for his band when I haven't even picked up sticks yet, the legend himself uploaded a beginners guide. I did decide to grab a pair of sticks on the way back home that day, and even though I'm starting from scratch I really am excited to learn. Gonna be a while before I dedicate to a kit of anysort but I've already started building a scrap 'kit' with boxes, paper and metal things just to get the practice in, and it's fun. But this guide helped alot with throwing away the intimidation of the hardware and the complexities of drumming, and it's great that you stand by just doing it, cause even junk still works.
Thanks for uploading this mate! I've been playing since 2007 and have only ever had 2 formal (ish) lessons, the rest was just playing along with the music in my ears like you said!
I played drums in high school, but that was years ago. I did marching band, concert band, and jazz band in high school. Haven't played in a while. I have a drum set in my parent's house, but it won't fit in my current house. After watching your drum videos, I went out and bought a practice pad and some sticks. I'm slowly getting back in to the groove. One day, I'll get my kit from my parent's and find somewhere to keep it (maybe in a self-storage locker).
Wade inspired me to play drums 2 years ago, and now I’m playing at Eisteddfods. It doesn’t come quick (2 years and I’m still crap at some stuff), but bite the bullet. It’s worth it. If you’re struggling with mental health like I have, it’s an amazing stress reliever.
Picked up an abused drum kit from the thrift store for 40 bucks, bought a bigger ride/crash for 70 online through goodwill with the stand. Done some minor work on it, but in a few weeks after I move I am gonna get it all set back up and start farming for noise complaints from my new neighbors and make sure they know that I hate me as much as they are about to hate me. I do appreciate how with a short video you finally took some of the scary out and got me an answer to how should I tune and make it sound with some solid tips for a couple of the sounds I am looking for.
"A professional set up does not happen overnight" Me: a Make A Wish kid that asked for Pearl Master Maple Gum seires drums with hand picked cymbals and hardware, plus all cases and every thing I'd ever need 😀
I was always thinking about starting to drum in my youth. Sadly I've never come through due to lack of knowledge and proper money for stuff like this... And maybe the part were my parents are living in an apartment and I would have being sent death threats from the neighbours... Anyways all I have done till now is taking some old sticks and playing along on my table with them. But anyhow... Seeing you encourage and teaching the drummer of tomorrow brings me so much joy. I ended up in a totally different kind of hobby niche and I love practising but I always have a soft spot for drumming. Wade please keep doing what you do, you really have fire in your eyes when explaining drumming and music in general. I love ya for this mate.
I would recommend getting a good teacher as well. It's not required (RUclips can fill in some), but a good teacher gives you feedback on how well you are doing and gives you guidance on what to work on next.
you a few months ago saying that new drummers should just play along to songs they like was amazing advice, ive just been playing along to sepultura and korn and shit is unbelievably fun even if i dont have a double bass pedal and I can barely play an even cymbal pattern
all you need is 10 minutes of Phil Collins Genesis drum cam footage and if you still wanna play after that, i trust you’re putting your entire heart (and ass) into it
I have been a drummer for four years now. I don't need to watch this video but my god does it make me wish this video existed when I started drumming. It's so much more entertaining than what I remember starting with. It also addresses some issues I'm currently struggling with (a cromulent drum sound I don't hate) because it's very rare drum teachers will teach you how to tune, a good tuning tip is also just listen to tons of your favourite tunes or a favourite band and listen to a drum sound you like and then try to recreate it, use a reference it'll make life so much easier.
Ive said this to people before and they laughed at me like you probably are... until they did it! Get into electronic drums! Theres a whole world of them, and when you start getting into vintage ones like def leppard used it becomes a genuine addiction. Never thought id like electric kits until i got into old ones
started drums a couple months ago and really felt like i was just fumbling along but i am glad to have confirmation that all the dinky ass shit ive been doing is dinky ass shit i should be doing one thing i learned: if your floors are solid, especially if theyre hardwood, get a rug
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PLEASE make sure you wear hearing protection! Reusable earplugs, stinking tissues in your ears... ANYTHING!
Your ears are only good once and it even makes your drums sound better. DEWIT.
PLEASE LISTEN TO THIS ADVICE. I was big believer of "ear plugs are for babies" and now i have PERMANENT RINGING. If it was just hearing loss that would be one thing, but the never ending ringing is a LOT. Plugs don't make you a worse player. they don't make you a baby. sure, some of the chain smokers will laugh at you in between hacking fits. but better to have clear hearing at 35 and be made fun of a bit at 20. Yes, you will have hearing loss at only 35 without ear protection!!!!!!! this goes even FASTER if you play in a metal band or a jazz band that plays any funk! god i wish i could go back in time and tell my younger self to suck it up, get laughed at by the alcoholic in the band, and wear the plugs. and the trumpet players that wore plugs have perfect hearing still! and they are all professional studio musicians!!
I can not vouch for this enough. I drummed and gigged for far too many years without ear protection and now I have the life long joy of constant ringing thanks to tinnitus. Funny enough when I bought a set of Roland V-Drums so my neighbors would stop calling to police on me for even breathing near my set it actually has an option to emulate the sound of the drums as if you were wearing hearing protection because as you said IT MAKES YOUR DRUMS SOUND BETTER.
and if you play with others, try to get them to wear hearing protection as well. if they don't, try to control your volume.
I use ear plugs and headphones, but my ears still ring, I hope it’s only temporary
@@TAZo-ml6ft I would just try to make sure the earplugs are rated for the excessive noise drums can make. Good rule of thumb is to look for a noise reduction rating (NRR) of at least 10db. Even though you have earplugs in as well it’s still also important to make sure your headphones aren’t too loud as well.
Mate this is exactly what I’ve been needing, you’re the reason I got my drum kit, and now you’re setting me up to be the best worst drummer
congratulations, now your neighbors hate you
Now you just need a snake and a few nuggets and you can start your own amazing RUclips channel!
If you really wanna become the best worst drummer, you gotta start a ska fusion power metal band clearly
@@ChampionOfSkyrim Clearly he needs to be ska fusion progressive power mathcore bluesy industrial folk metal band. Can't waste his talents on simple things.
Cool, good luck! 🙂
Fun fact: e-kits are still not silent, they might not make much noise but you are technically hitting them into the floor at however many BPMs. So if you live in an apartment or something and get some e-drums to not annoy your downstairs neighbours, you're going to want something to dampen that a bit, some people build drum risers and stuff.
Or, you know, get a big proper drum set and then you can make everyone in the building want to break into your house. That works too.
yep as an edrum player i agree.
If I recall correctly Roland actually makes some of their own pedals that have built in dampening to the floor which I've heard works pretty well but I've heard mixed things about the quality of them given that they cost dangerously close to a proper Iron Cobra. Best solution if you're handy would be to build (or buy) a drum platform so you're getting the pedal itself off the floor and you're not transferring energy directly into the floor. still won't be silent for your downstairs neighbors but they'll be happier
I've got a good friend whose a drummer that loves his e-kits and when I've gone to his house while he's playing I can hear them from outside the front door.
Something as simple as a rug or strategically placed doormats can make a huge difference to help deaden the sound, especially if you've got hard flooring. (eg. Playing in the garage on concrete)
I would like to add that irrespective of what the box may say, -['dad']-;
If you can hear finger tips rapping on the pedestal/platform more clearly outside the door than knocking on the naked floor :
I should *very* strongly doubt its efficacy at _'sound dampening'_ versus its utility as a _'sound resonator'._
use a double kick and practice blast beats at 3:00 AM to remind your neighbor who's really in charge here.
The hard part is not buying a drum kit, it's finding out where you can play in peace
Another tip: As someone with over a decade experience with drums, the best way to keep a pulse/beat steady is to physically groove along to it with your body - basically dance in place. Bob your head, tap your foot, wiggle your butt, whatever. This is called embodiment. Our bodies have a natural sense of rhythm, so by moving your body you can align your ears, brain, and hands to that natural sense of pulse
Yes!!! As someone who sings a lot, this helps tremendously in parts where there is no rhythmic element and that makes keeping a beat to hit the next part super easy!!
that's sounds like a great advice, thanks dude!
Same here. I usually "sing" the patterns out loud when I am practicing something new.
Makes it easier to remember patterns and fills if you associate them into specific phrases.
For example: I'd phrase a skank beat on double pedals as "do-doda" or a simple snare roll as "tatatatata".
Also start with prog or jazz. They only have 4 letters in their names so it’s easy
This works with any instrument, really. I have played euphonium, tuba, and electric bass. And with all of them, I do something to get in the groove of the music. From tapping a foot to bobbing your head, anything you can do to keep a steady flow will help you.
Mate please keep doing this! A tutorial series from you would be a gift from heaven!
I played bass through college in the school's jazz ensemble. The instructor would always tell the rhythm section that all you need is a hi-hat and a ride. Everything else is for more flavour.
Thats mostly for jazz- rock's basically the same but its bass snare and hats instead
You are so generous with your knowledge. If more people did half as much to pass on what they know to others the world would be a much better place
Love how casually you went from talking about poo rolled in sprinkles a month ago to playing drums guide
I absolutely love how palpable your passion for drums is. It really comes through every stream and video. Thank you for both The Drum Thing and Garbage Time.
+ DANKPODS
It's not just the drums, he's got passion for everything.
Teachers like you are invaluable. The growth of artistic skill thrives on a base of approachably solid information AND enthusiasm. Kids who grow up in the system of "We're cramming dry info into you only because it's going to be on the test. Hope you pass." need examples of "Hey, see how cool X can be with practiced skill? Try it out, no pressure, you're allowed to have fun AND learn."
My roots are in illustration, and higher education nearly sucked my soul dry until I had a teacher come along and asked me what I WANTED to draw. He let me have fun with my projects and made me remember how fun simple mark-making was once again; why I enjoyed art so much as a kid. That undercurrent of enthusiasm helped me find my current career which I've been at for 9 years.
Thank you for being a good teacher. Keep being awesome! :)
As someone who wants to get better at adding drums to the music I make, this is invaluable 👀
me as a music sudent, or atleast someone in concert band, THIS IS SO AMAZING TO BEGINNERS, THIS IS THE EASIEST THING IVE EVER SEEN TO UNDERSTAND.
AMAZING JOB MY GUY!
you're magical i say
what i love about drums is that unlike other instruments you have the capability to fake it to you make it during rehearsals, as long as it fits the tempo
Given how much gatekeeping there is around virtually everything these days, it's great to see someone who not only smashed the gates down, but is standing out the front with a loudhailer yelling "come one, come all!" at passing traffic. Excellent work. 👍
This is perfect, one of the most annoying things about learning an instrument is how so many resources try making you learn difficult stuff right off the bat rather than show you how to have fun. I almost gave up on guitar in the first couple days because Justin Guitars course tries to get you to learn chords straight away, but then a friend showed me how to read a tab and how to play a couple songs and I was hooked and excited to learn.
I’ve only ever played mallet instruments in band really, but that simple drum beat over Soda City Funk has sold me, gonna see what I can do to get my little gremlin hands on a drum kit
Finally, another drum video I'll rewatch 10 times despite not playing the drums and not having any plans to ever do so.
A lot of this is useful for programming drum loops in drum machines or DAWs too!
Even with 15 years under my belt I needed to hear this. Sometimes you find yourself forgetting to just have fun with it!
Dude I’ve been playing drums since the start of this year and I’ve never even thought of playing along to my Spotify playlist. You bloody genius.
Was on the fence about this as I am in a transitional period; this video slapped me in the face to just get one and I have been loving it for months thank you!
I played a lot of drums as a kid. I got alright and even now, my rhythm kicks ass. But what killed it all for me was despite all the effort, I could never coordinate my feet with my hands. Those pedals killed me. But I appreciate this kind of rundown! It'll help a lot of people.
Started playing drums exactly a year ago. Man i think that was one of best decisions in my life, the journey have been so much fun thanks to the good teachers and loving community that are always there to help out!
Your passion about music is contagious, not just about drums, but about playing instruments in general. Years ago I used to play the piano, but over time I forgot everything. After watching your videos, I bought myself a small synth piano and am trying to start again. Keep going mate!
Wade makes something informational and boring things into something funny to watch and yet Informational
That's why I love his content ❤
I was 2 years old when I started playing the drum set.
Even as someone who played drums in a band for 7 years back in high school, I guffawed out loud when you started playing the one beat over Soda City Funk. (8:32)
cant believe im getting a drum lesson from dankpod
I was thinking drums are too complicated and stuff to learn alongside playing bass but dang half of the philosophy of bass lines is literally the same as drums. It's like a bigger, beefier, crashier bass. Wonderful
i've seen myself go through these steps even without your help. After playing for about 3 years, this video makes me feel like i'm on the right path with drums. Like a reassurance, thanks for this video.
have i been playing drums for 8 years? yes. will i still watch this video to completion? absolutely.
Thank you for reaffirming my belief that there is genuinely no better beginner drum book in existence than Frank Corniolas Rhythm Section drumming.
I taught all my students with it.
I love this video! But one of the most important tricks is: Use hearing protection!
Not only does it prevent you from all kinds of horrible ear damages but also your drums usually sound way nicer and less harsh, especially when you use the better earplugs with filters.
Still, this video would've saved me a lot of time and money ~15yrs ago because most of this stuff you figure out if you play the drums for a bit and have half a brain cell but there's many people who still believe that drumming MUST be expensive to sound "really good"
I don't even play the drums I just like watching this dude
I always struggled with reading music, but your description and showcase of it helped me understand it a lot more. I struggle with moving my limbs independently so drums are a bit intense for me, but I still want to learn so I can play Clone Hero someday. That, and I really want to learn Piano.
me who listens to that toddler playing at the start and go, dude! this guy is a awesome jazz drummer!
I played middle school bamd percussion for four years, as the only one for most of them, amd it gave me just the worst performance anxiety to even think about playing again. I hated every second of it. However I was really good at it and still kind of am, even after a long time not playing. this channel istg is the only thing that has ever gotten me to actually want to pick playing back up again, and I'm still more than excited to learn even without a set. Thx dank
Love that Bozzio's kit got thrown in there for a split second lol. Great video as always Sir!
Oh yeah I also wanted to say: thank you for the part at the end! It’s useful even for programming drums tbh.
I’ve been struggling to make engaging drum loops in Ableton because I end up making everything a big polyrhythmic melange just like I like to do with my hands. So those examples of varying drum fills over a basic template is rly useful, and a great reminder yet again that music is all about carefully picking and choosing the moments of complexity. Just like how I had to learn to create contrast by not just showing off how many stacked chords I know!
Thanks so much this is kind of the perfect introduction for the basic things you need to know to get started, exactly what I was looking for takes a lot of pressure away from trying to understand the instrument!
When I was 8 I used to play on my uncles drumkit, he would join me with the bass, love my uncle.
I'm not a drummer, probably never will be, and have hit a drumhead I think twice in my life?
BUT, despite that, this vid really helped me with learning how to better count a beat, which has been a massive issue for me learning Piano.
So yeah, cheers.
Been watching for years got a thrashed kit for pretty cheap. Turned out phenomenal!
Mr. Wade never shorten your videos, we love the long ones
I’ve been playing drums for about five months, got my grandfathers old kit sans cymbals and stands. So I had to save up and buy my own stands and cymbals, but I didn’t know where to set them up. So now there’s a drum kit in my bedroom I navigate around to take a piss at night. Also, I still can’t afford a tom rack, so for now the high toms have been replaced by a detuned snare off to the side, which sounds surprisingly similar.
OMG At my local tip there was a drum set. Kick, 2 toms F tom, hi hats, hard ware. In good condition, in tune, had a bit of loft insulation on them so clearly when the owner cleared the attic. all for 50 quid. I was soooo tempted. Then the dank man released how to start playing the drums and now I'm really tempted.
If any one can seriously answer how to not upset the neighbours. I'll head back and buy them
Thank you for using the word cromulent in a sentence, it did not go unnoticed.
This is actually helping. Even though i’m broke and cant afford even a set of sticks, this helps in just “pretend drumming”. I can’t kick-drum right.
Been drumming for 10 years and I am watching this to teach my friends, good video 👍🏻
I love the vibe of your videos.
This one is exceptionally good.
The _just go and have fun, fuck what the others think_ energy you bring is amazing and I wish there were more people like you.
I’m not even the drummer in my family, my brother is. I just find this stuff really cool.
@0:47 Jesus Wade go easy, some of us are watching at work
the "snare" like sound that makes the machinery that i work from 7am to 5pm it's my inspiration to mount a gig while working listening to something energetic like the album Mirrored from Battles
Basically exactly what I've done. Great advice all around.
I barely knew what a Tom was but after watching this video I'm now the drummer for Dream Theater. Thanks Dank!
"Rests are notes too"
This entire video is filled with good information, but this in particular is a super underrated peice of advice for not just drummers but musicians in general. I have played guitar for about 6 years and am just now deciding to learn drums and I can say that one of my most valuable musical revelations was that silence is also a note. It gives a sense of space and it can add a suprising amount of color to an otherwise simple musical line. Thanks for the great video! I have a pretty good idea on how to get started now.
If money is a problem, you don't really need a teacher. But if you an afford it - get one! You an learn so much more than just drumming from a good music teacher.
I think this guide is missing one super important thing. Wade touched upon it briefly but I think it's super important. Wear hearing protection when practicing, gigging, etc. I learned the hard way that you can not get your hearing back if you lose any of it. I personally recommend either using those crappy foam in ear buds or "musician" ear protection if you want to drop $30. Nowadays I just use my tracking headphones (Sony mdrs) whenever I play and call that good enough.
I'm primarily a dumbass guitarist/bassist who used to crank 100 watt tube amps every chance I could, then whenever I filled in on drums for friends bands I would forgo hearing protection for that too. So anyone wanting to get into drums- please for the love of your deity of your choice- learn from my mistakes...
As a percussionist, albeit the drum set is not my speciality, marimba for life, this is excellent and I wish I'd seen it when I was beginning, although I'd clarify in the video as he has in the comments, protect your hearing, and your hands for that matter, if your hands sting or wrists feel warm or hurt after playing, you're doing it wrong, either you're hitting too hard, gripping hard, holding the sticks incorrectly, or simply playing for too long, tinnitus and carpal tunnel are harsh lessons I hope nobody has to learn.
I was not a popular kid in school. Not even remotely. But I was in the pep band. I was the "main" drummer of the school for 5 years. 4 years high school, and they asked me to play during ball games after I graduated. Yeah there were other drummers, but they just goofed off. They didn't listen to the band, They didn't get creative. They just hit things. One of the popular pep-band songs only I could play the drum part. After the previous Drummer quit band. I learned from her. (I hope you are well, Kim!) During pep=rallies or games or even just practice, the instuctor would star off with his slow-ass one..two..thee. four.. and thew song would begin. Buy the middle of the song I had the tempo up by about 25% I would just lead the beat by a minute fraction of a second until I got to my own speed. The band kept up. If I heard them falling off, I would lag behind by a fraction of a second to slow them down a bit. After a few years, the band instructor FINALLY caught on to my thing. This just happened to come at a time where our pep band was being praised for being more up-beat and lively than other schools bands. But it also came at a time where for some reason, the band had some kind of negative attitude toward the drummers. Knowing of my little tempo trick, the instructor finally just spoke up.
"Hey. I have heard just about enough of this ragging on the drummers. We have a good band here. I'm up here waving my little wand but do you want to know who leads you all? RIGHT THERE!" He points to me. "There is your tempo. There is your foundation. That drum kit and the drummer behind it is where it begins and ends. And here's a fun fact. I only recently learned about. It's Cammi that has been adjusting the tempo for the past 3 years! I didn't even relise it bu she fixed one of my own shortcomings. SHE knew you could play at a more lively tempo. She was listening to you and adjusting everyone in this room if someone faltered. She is the heartbeat of this band! She is how we got to be known for our specific rythmn. and upbeat style. So you all can just stop it with the crap against drummers and especially with the negative crap you sat about her.!"
I just sat back and gave a "badum tss" Then he asked me. what do you use to set the tempo?" I sais it's right here. I started tapping the hi-hats. then filled in with the bass/kick, and added the snare until I was soloing the beat to the popular song. Then I sped it up. By a lot. a roll down the toms and a few splashes on the cymbals and I was going.. Then I improvised andchanged it u on the fly. Hell, I basically did a whole drum solo for about 90 seconds and then started dropping off the tempo. I stopped the snare, and stopped the kick. I was left once again just tapping the hi-hat. "THAT is your pulse. right there!" I said.
I didn't win any popularity points with that little "show-off" session, but it did stop some of the bitching about the drummers. You'd think the younger drummers would take notice and learn how to adapt and improvise and maybe even listen.. Nope. After I graduated, the school didn't want them playing during games, The had me come and play for them until an new kid moved in who was another proper drummer with actual interest and heart to his playing. I passed the torch and let him rip!
Sorry for my typos. I'm tired AF and not going back to fix em..
Absolutely fantastic intro to the instrument.
Thank you for talking about making lessons fun. The drum teacher I had in middle school was all rudiments. I didn't care about triple-ratamacues, I just wanted to play my favorite songs, though i will admit I wasn't the greatest student.
I almost feel bad for your past and potential future students seeing you teach drums so well
this man just taught me more about music theory in 5 minutes than my fat incompetent music teacher did in an entire year. thanks brother
I have no musical ambitions but I'm starting college again this fall (third time's the charm, hopefully, after starting and stopping to constantly pivot over the last 15 years). I really hope even just one of my professors are as enthusiastic as you are. You're doing what you love, so that also helps, but you're also great at trimming the fat and teaching the essentials for beginners, making an approach to something new (anything new) less scary. I think I picked a major that doesn't require mathematics, the bane of my existence, but if somehow I do need to take a class for it, I hope they're as easy to understand as you are 😅
I finally got my first kit this week. An e kit, but a kit nonetheless. I’ve been waiting for this for over 20 years since I was a kid and fell in love with bands like slipknot, read about drumming in my brother’s metal magazines and saw his drums in the garage. My entire life drums have been a huge passion of mine and I never had the chance to start outside of sticks and a practice pad until now. Just wish I didn’t let my parents make me settle on a guitar as a teenager.
Bought a drum set today, set it up and this video had just been released. The stars have aligned
As someone who has been playing most of their life and have friends ask me how to get started, i can confidently just send them this video. This was hilarious and helpful
I have been playing for over 5 years and still watched this all the way through. Definitely gonna try the bass drum tuning method.
I appreciate your teaching style in this video. Helping people get set up with the basics and how to play stuff easily and early on is key. A whole lot better than diving straight into the theory side of things
I haven’t touched a drum set in over 5 years and I’ve been feeling the itch again. Thank you for a great reminder that it can be done on a budget! Hopefully soon I’ll be back to it
love this video. I really needed this like 17 year ago when I started playing the drums. I had the luck of a friend showing me this, but so many people don't. thanks for keeping drums fun and not getting boged down with roffle technicks and stuff, just smash some stuff mate.
In all my years of drumming I've never heard anyone call a tom a Thomas 😂 Definitely using that one
Your teaching style is perfect for beginners. When I used to help beginners get into creative writing, I used to hate how some teachers would big them down with dense literature or mountains of text about literary devices from the start. It's just discouraging and daunting and exclusionary.
They're hungry to create and explore and express! Give them a few basic pointers and let them fall in love with the craft before you pile on the tedious stuff. It's like trying to tell someone they need to know all the rules, history, and strategy of baseball before they play catch. Let them throw the ball first!
Wade, I have zero interest in ever learning the drums, but you make virtually everything you talk about interesting; from your dumb, smelly, long weird-lookin-dog to your bizarre obsession with condensing all objects into a single descriptive category: "nugget".
I am so glad people like you exist, people who are excited to teach others about the thing they're passionate for, and more importantly than that, are _good_ teachers. If you still give music lessons (I know you said you used to), those students of yours are some lucky pupils.
I miss playing drums so much...was so passionate during school then one day my parents made me stop playing because our neighbor complained literally one time when it was only 4/5pm.
Only had my double bass pedal over 2 years and was finally getting decent with them. Then time goes on and you just forget about it but I've always wanted to get a set again. Last time I played with an acoustic kit was 2010. Last year I bought some Alesis Electric drums because acoustic kits are too loud for where I live atm, but after setting them up I just couldn't get that spark I had when I was younger. Think it was the electric kit for sure it just didn't give that feeling you get when you play acoustic, so I sold them. Got to spend that $$$ to get a decent electric kit.
I like the humour and joie de vivre.
And the way you make it look easy and fun.
This video would have been so helpful when I started drumming.
It's been a few years since I've been able to play consistently, but when I can afford to do so I will be converting my shed into a drum room with the cheapest second hand drums I can get. Thanks for the content and inspiration Dank!
Amazing beginner's guide, even for intermediates this video was cool to watch and your vibe always helps.
Davie got me started playing bass during the pandemic. If only I didn't still live with my family, I would now get started playing drums. One day I will BECOME the rhythm section.
Great video! Super helpful tips for the newbie and great refresher for the returning seasoned drummer. Cheers!
I have no desire to learn the drums at all. I still watched this entire thing and learned a lot. You're a pretty good teacher for how I learn. Thanks for sharing and please keep sharing your passion, it's inspiring.
As soon as I've decided to go down the drum path of music first off a joke my friend made about being a drummer for his band when I haven't even picked up sticks yet, the legend himself uploaded a beginners guide.
I did decide to grab a pair of sticks on the way back home that day, and even though I'm starting from scratch I really am excited to learn. Gonna be a while before I dedicate to a kit of anysort but I've already started building a scrap 'kit' with boxes, paper and metal things just to get the practice in, and it's fun.
But this guide helped alot with throwing away the intimidation of the hardware and the complexities of drumming, and it's great that you stand by just doing it, cause even junk still works.
Thanks for uploading this mate! I've been playing since 2007 and have only ever had 2 formal (ish) lessons, the rest was just playing along with the music in my ears like you said!
I played drums in high school, but that was years ago. I did marching band, concert band, and jazz band in high school. Haven't played in a while. I have a drum set in my parent's house, but it won't fit in my current house. After watching your drum videos, I went out and bought a practice pad and some sticks. I'm slowly getting back in to the groove. One day, I'll get my kit from my parent's and find somewhere to keep it (maybe in a self-storage locker).
This is the intro to drums I need. I’ve been thinking about a kit. I’ve been drumming a little a while. Now I can finally dive in. Cheers Wade!
Wade inspired me to play drums 2 years ago, and now I’m playing at Eisteddfods. It doesn’t come quick (2 years and I’m still crap at some stuff), but bite the bullet. It’s worth it. If you’re struggling with mental health like I have, it’s an amazing stress reliever.
Picked up an abused drum kit from the thrift store for 40 bucks, bought a bigger ride/crash for 70 online through goodwill with the stand. Done some minor work on it, but in a few weeks after I move I am gonna get it all set back up and start farming for noise complaints from my new neighbors and make sure they know that I hate me as much as they are about to hate me.
I do appreciate how with a short video you finally took some of the scary out and got me an answer to how should I tune and make it sound with some solid tips for a couple of the sounds I am looking for.
"A professional set up does not happen overnight"
Me: a Make A Wish kid that asked for Pearl Master Maple Gum seires drums with hand picked cymbals and hardware, plus all cases and every thing I'd ever need 😀
I was always thinking about starting to drum in my youth.
Sadly I've never come through due to lack of knowledge and proper money for stuff like this... And maybe the part were my parents are living in an apartment and I would have being sent death threats from the neighbours...
Anyways all I have done till now is taking some old sticks and playing along on my table with them.
But anyhow... Seeing you encourage and teaching the drummer of tomorrow brings me so much joy.
I ended up in a totally different kind of hobby niche and I love practising but I always have a soft spot for drumming.
Wade please keep doing what you do, you really have fire in your eyes when explaining drumming and music in general. I love ya for this mate.
I would recommend getting a good teacher as well. It's not required (RUclips can fill in some), but a good teacher gives you feedback on how well you are doing and gives you guidance on what to work on next.
you a few months ago saying that new drummers should just play along to songs they like was amazing advice, ive just been playing along to sepultura and korn and shit is unbelievably fun even if i dont have a double bass pedal and I can barely play an even cymbal pattern
No matter how good I am at the drums I will always and ALWAYS watch this video.
all you need is 10 minutes of Phil Collins Genesis drum cam footage and if you still wanna play after that, i trust you’re putting your entire heart (and ass) into it
Thank you for this video, Wade. As a beginner, I find this extremely helpful.
Fantastic summary mate! Love your enthusiasm for it 👍
I have been a drummer for four years now. I don't need to watch this video but my god does it make me wish this video existed when I started drumming. It's so much more entertaining than what I remember starting with. It also addresses some issues I'm currently struggling with (a cromulent drum sound I don't hate) because it's very rare drum teachers will teach you how to tune, a good tuning tip is also just listen to tons of your favourite tunes or a favourite band and listen to a drum sound you like and then try to recreate it, use a reference it'll make life so much easier.
I got back into drumming a few years ago cause of you. (Got an old kit from a college friend) Such fun when I can make noise.
Ive said this to people before and they laughed at me like you probably are... until they did it! Get into electronic drums! Theres a whole world of them, and when you start getting into vintage ones like def leppard used it becomes a genuine addiction. Never thought id like electric kits until i got into old ones
started drums a couple months ago and really felt like i was just fumbling along but i am glad to have confirmation that all the dinky ass shit ive been doing is dinky ass shit i should be doing
one thing i learned: if your floors are solid, especially if theyre hardwood, get a rug