Not Being in Control of Playing Dynamics
Learning to play the drums takes time and dedication and can often be challenging. Although it is often a steep learning curve, common mistakes can easily be avoided with the right practice and technique. Here are some top mistakes that beginner drummers make and how to avoid them.
Dynamic is the amount of strength used to strike the drum or cymbal. Many beginner drummers find it difficult to adjust their dynamics when playing different parts and songs. This can lead to an unnatural-sounding performance and an overall loss of groove. To prevent this, practice slowly while paying special attention to how you hit each note. Developing your sense of control over how hard or soft you hit the drums is essential.
Having an incorrect grip
Having the wrong grip can cause strain and can also lead to technical issues. Ensure you are holding the sticks properly, with the butt end of the stick against your palm and the top of the stick in between your index and ring finger. It is important to change up your grip every once in a while so that the muscles in your arms and hands have time to rest from all the drumming. Investing in some sticks with different tips may help too.
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Get a QuoteStamping on the Bass Drum Pedal
Many beginner drummers fall into the trap of pushing down on the bass drum pedal rather than letting the beater do the work for them. This can cause pain and fatigue in your leg muscles and will cause your beats to sound weak and sloppy. The key to improving your bass drum technique is to relax and use the rebound of the spring on the pedal to your advantage. Make sure to practice balancing the pressure each time you hit and keep your foot slightly off the pedal so that the rebound is more efficient.
Not Practicing Effectively
Even though you may feel like you're spending hours playing the drums, your efforts may not be as effective as they could be. Beginners tend to focus on only one or two specific elements of practice, such as developing speed or mastering a certain beat. A more comprehensive approach is needed to build a solid foundation and become a competent drummer. Start by focusing on the basics, such as working on timing, reading music and keeping a steady beat. You can then gradually progress to more advanced techniques.
Not Hitting the Center of the Drums
One of the most common mistakes made by beginner drummers is not striking the centre of the drum or cymbal. It's important to focus on hitting the sweet spot of the head, in order to achieve maximum resonance from the instrument. The best way to arrive at the centre of the head consistently is to practice with a metronome and a visual point of reference. This will help to train the brain and muscles so that the correct point is hit each time.
In conclusion, playing the drums is an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but it can also be quite challenging. With the right practice and technique, the mistakes mentioned above are easily avoidable and should help novice drummers improve their playing.
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