How to Play Drums

Summary: The drum was perhaps first created from the primal idea of mimicking the human heartbeat, yet today its music has developed into a technical, complex arrangement of beats and grooves. Different sized drums and cymbals are arranged into kits, where a drummer can pick from a variety of sounds to lead or accompany a particular song. Kit sizes vary from the simple to the outrageous. Modern drummers, including the likes of Buddy Rich, Billy Cobham, Neal Peart, Dave Weckl, and Jimmy Chamberlain, have helped drummers develop their playing skills by inspiring new beat and rhythm patterns, new combinations of sound upon sound. The modern approach to drumming, then, is to try and master the fundamentals of beat and time signature, and then to create fresh, innovative patterns and fills for each song.

In this free instructional video series, learn how to play the drums, both as an absolute beginner, and as a drummer who is looking to improve their skills. Our expert is a two-time winner of the Guitar Center Drum Off and will show you how to work on your chops. Drum clinic lessons include how to set up your new kit, basic stick grip tips and techniques, using the kick drum and hi-hat pedals, playing rock and jazz patterns, and using dynamics to make your playing more interesting.