Practice Sessions

[pimpdaddy]

Being a new drummer, I'm not sure that I am utilizing my practice time effectively. I warm up for a bit, then I 'roll' around the kit- trying to get a handle on using ALL the drums, (6), & cymbals, (6). I practice 'paradiddles' for a bit, then I turn on the music & start to follow along. Although I am improving, I feel that it is at a slower rate than what I am capable of. Does anyone have any suggestions that might help me improve quicker? I play along to mostly oldies, and my wife is pretty cool about letting me practice whenever I want. Thanks in advance to ALL-(Pimpdaddy Snowman).

[stanhandler]

Being a starter , if you're not doing so already , the sooner you're thinking in 4 , 8 and 12 bar phrases the better - get this embedded in your head early ( many popular tunes are laid out in this way ) and keeping your place within the music you're playing should , hopefully , be a breeze.

[jajo]

Being a starter , if you're not doing so already , the sooner you're thinking in 4 , 8 and 12 bar phrases the better - get this embedded in your head early ( many popular tunes are laid out in this way ) and keeping your place within the music you're playing should , hopefully , be a breeze.

Excellent advice!

[gonefishin]

Welcome to the board pd.

I think youre off to a good start with practice sessions mixing it up like that. Try adding in some music you dont typically listen to like some jazz, funk or country.

Just keep your sessions fun or practice time will become more of a chore and you will slowly lose interest.

[Timactionfigures]

Pick up a good book/video. I'd highly recommend Tommy Igoe's "Groove Essentials". He covers TONS of different genres and explains in detail how to play each of the 100 grooves he provides. It's the next best thing to private lessons.

[Kazaamski]

Learn rudiments. Learn Rudiments. Learn Rudiments. You can find every rudiment online and mousepads make great practice pads. Plus, there are also online metronomes. That's a win combination right there. Also, spending some time practicing on a pillow will do wonders for your chops. This isn't the most drumset specific advice, but it will really help out over all.

[Thatoneguy]

Just keep your sessions fun or practice time will become more of a chore and you will slowly lose interest.

great advice gonefishin

[bongobro]

+1 on the practice fun -- and jammin' to a wide range of music will increase your versatility and give you some serious inspiration to boot!

[Pearl MCX Man]

+ 1 on all the advise above.