Did you know that the world’s fastest drummer is 11 years old and can drum 39.5 beats per second? It’s true, and it’s incredible.
If you’re ready to pick up a set of sticks and start drumming to your favorite song, you’re probably wondering, “How hard is it to learn drums?” This answer depends on several factors, mostly how much time and effort you want to put into learning and perfecting your craft.
Your natural rhythm also affects how hard it is to learn drums, but one fact remains: with the right amount of practice and dedication, anyone can learn to rock out like their favorite songs in no time. Keep reading to learn more about drum lessons for beginners.
How Hard Is It to Learn Drums?
Learning to play drums comes down to several factors. For example:
- How quickly do you pick up beats and rhythms?
- How coordinated are you?
- When you hear a song, how difficult is it for you to clap in time to the beat?
If these items are easy for you, then you may have an easier time learning drums than others. If you find that these items are challenging, then learning to play drums may be a little more difficult.
Regardless, learning to play drums – or any instrument – is incredibly fun and rewarding, and with enough patience and practice, you’ll be playing drums like a pro before you know it.
Is There a Good Age to Start Playing Drums?
For children, it’s said that the best age to start learning to play drums is either 6 or 7 years of age. However, there is really never an ideal time to learn to play drums – no matter how old a person is, they can learn to play this incredible percussion instrument. Children and older adults alike can all benefit from playing drums. All ages can benefit from drum lessons.
As long as you have the dedication and drive to practice – and the free time – anyone can learn to play drums regardless of their age.
Does It Take a Long Time to Learn Drums?
The length of time it takes to learn drums depends on what you’re looking to achieve. Mastering drum basics, for example, takes about three months. At this point, you’ll know how to play drums for fun, enjoying your newfound hobby.
Should you want to take up and join a garage band, on the other hand, requires more practice. On average, it takes about six months of dedicated practice until you’re able to listen to songs and play along with them. This still might not be enough time to play shows with your band, as several years is typically the sweet spot with mastering the beats.
What Equipment Do You Need?
Of all the acoustic instruments, drums are one of the loudest. This is why you need certain equipment when playing, especially if you want to keep your eardrums intact (and not wake the neighbors).
It’s of the utmost importance that you have proper hearing protection used every single time you practice. Once hearing damage occurs, it’s typically irreversible, so be sure to have proper hearing protection ready to go the moment you sit at your drum kit.
You can also invest in silent sticks – these work to reduce the overall noise when you’re practicing, especially if it’s late and you have neighbors close by.
Additionally, you can use isolation headphones or earplugs, whichever you prefer. Keep them close by your drumkit as an easy reminder.
Next, you’ll need drumsticks. When beginning your drumming journey, look for sticks around a 5A size, this size is right in the middle, but if your sticks feel uncomfortable, speak with your drum instructor about a more comfortable size.
You’ll also need a practice pad, as this helps you practice the best hand technique for drumming.
Last but not least, you need an acoustic drum set. You can also invest in an electric drum set if you don’t have room for a full acoustic drum set.
What Does a Beginner Drum Set Cost?
Your budget affects what you’ll spend, and drum kits vary significantly in price.
For example, drum kits cost between $400 and $2,000, on average. The cost goes up significantly as you look for more professional kits, where more basic setups are on the more affordable side.
The minimum pieces of equipment you should purchase include:
- Bass drum
- Bass drum pedal
- Snare drum
- Hi-hats
- Ride cymbal
- Throne aka your seat
You can purchase these items from local music centers or online retailers.
Always have a notebook ready to go. You never know when inspiration might strike and you want to write some ideas down! It’s also important to take notes of how you’re processing as a drummer, what you need to work more on, and what your goals are.
Beginner Drumming Tips
As you start lessons for your drum-playing journey, it’s important to play with a comfortable drum set. This means that all your cymbals and drums should be easily within your reach.
Take a look at drum sets to see how other established drummers have their kits set up, and go from there. You can also ask your music instructor for advice.
Next, don’t overlook posture. To prevent injury, position your seat so your thighs are angled downwards, starting at your knees. Your hi-hats and bass drum pedals should be where your feet are naturally, approximately at a 45-degree angle between where your legs are.
Hold your drumsticks the same way in both hands using the “matched grip” and practice using a metronome for accuracy and to improve your overall sense of rhythm. You’ll also want to play consistently.
Are You Ready to Rock?
Of course, you are.
So how hard is it to learn drums, exactly? The answer varies, but if you’re willing to put the time, energy, and practice into learning an instrument, you’ll be rocking out to your favorite tunes in no time.
Music Lab Schools can help. We have tons of amazingly talented instructors, each ready to teach you to play drums.
To begin, find a school near you. You can also call us at 310.388.9592 or email us at info@musiclab.co to get started.
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