By: Grey Point (Pen Name)
My name is Grey, and I started playing the drums when I was seven. I have always loved music, and drums are amazing. I didn’t take lessons until this year – but I have learned so much.
Have you ever noticed the noise drums make? They make a song better. You can do all types of music and change the song just by changing the drumbeat. Without drums, we wouldn’t know how to clap on beat. Some people clap on the first and third beat of a song, but it is better to clap on 2 and 4. That’s called clapping on the downbeat. Some songs make you think you should clap on the second and fourth beat, but that is wrong. The drummer can help you know exactly when to clap.
Playing is fun, but not everything goes as planned when you are playing the drums. One time I was playing, and the power went out, and I was still playing. I used a flashlight and just kept playing. It is nice to have an instrument that doesn’t use electricity.
The rhythm of the drums is important because you need a rhythm to help make a song better. There is something called a tempo, and some tempos go like 1- 2-3-4 in a rhythm, and you can learn your rhythm from a tempo. Sometimes they are faster or slower. Some tempos will make your head spin if they are super fast.
If you haven’t noticed, drums are kind of loud. If you are practicing (which you have to do to get better at playing, electric drums are a great drumming choice. You can plug in headphones to play with them, or you can use speakers too. The electric drums are a great choice if you have someone who is sleeping in your house or you want to practice at strange times. You can also play drums while someone else watches t.v. or reads a book. I’m a huge fan of using headphones to play drums.
The cymbals on the drum set are helpful to make a clashing noise or a cymbal-type noise. You can use the cymbals to get into a verse (a verse is a part of a song). There are lots of elements you can add to a drum set, and any music store can help you find out what you’re looking for.
While you’re at the store, pick up some drumsticks. The first thing you need to know about drums is how to use the sticks. If your hand is loose on the sticks, hold them very tight, so they don’t slip out when you play. I suggest you watch a video or ask someone to show you exactly how to hold them. It’s kind of complicated, but kind of easy too.
Next, if you don’t know how to get a rhythm going, just put your electric drum setting on a rhythm time. It will do 1-2-3-4 in a rhythm, which helps you get set up to do the high hat on all four beats. Hit it at 1, 2, 3, and 4, then the snare on three and the kick drum on 1. Practice it slowly and then speed up. Soon, you will have a good rhythm going.
The most important thing you need to know about drums is — just have fun! Let the music flow and enjoy yourself.
If you are going to learn the drums, put your all into it. Follow your dreams, and don’t listen to people who say negative things. Look for good reasons to work hard. And practice, practice, practice…
green beans 