About to start drumming

[Failtality]

I just ordered a kit online the other day, and was wondering if anybody could give me some small tips to start off learning how to drum. All I've done in the past is mess around on my friend's brother's kit from time to time over the last like five years, but have always wanted one for myself.

Also, if anybody could recommend a cheap (but decent) brand of sticks for me to start out with it would be greatly appreciated.

[Ben_Jamin]

Just play on random objects.

[Failtality]

Just play on random objects.

Thanks...?

[DarkEternalNight]

I find it much easier to play with smaller sticks such as 7A Vic Firth. Also, get some grip tape for your sticks (you don't have a technique yet so you can't avoid callouses). Work on hi-hat, snare, and bass pedal patterns first to get a feel for everything then expand to the rest of the kit.

[bosk1]

I usually use Vic Firth 7a's as well.  But I also keep a set of 5's around for when I want to bash a little harder.  (Unfortunately, my kids used my 5's to completely ruin my splash cymbal recently by just wailing on it.  It didn't help that I had it upside down, stacked on my china.)

[Adami]

I've been using 7A's since I started drumming 13 years ago. I know the 5A's or whatever are the more popular kind, but the thicker sticks just aren't comfortable.

[Failtality]

Thanks for the replies, I'll try to keep them in mind!

[setrataeso]

For sticks, I would go to your local music store and just try out different sticks. Find one that the most comfortable for you.
I personally use the Pro Mark Mike Portnoy TX420N sticks for all my rock and metal projects. They just have a good feel to them. I like nylon sticks because of the cymbal sound. I also used Zildjian's artist series sticks for a while. During lighter projects, I use Pro Mark Shira Kashi Oak Jazz Sticks. Nice touch to them.
If you are starting out, though, finding the best equipment is not very important. Not sure if you are in high school or anything, but I would recommend taking music classes and learn the rudiments.
I happen to just have a knack for drumming even before I took lessons, and my dad bought me a kit the summer before I started high school, so for those months, I just played along to albums I really liked which helped me develop some dexterity. I only took one year of classes to learn the basics; I was moving too quickly for the class.

I am now a session drummer.

So just some quick points:
- don't worry about top-notch equipment
- take lessons to learn the basics. They'll help you later on
- know how to read music
- play, play play! Practice to your favourite albums. Get some musician friends together and learn and write some songs. Join school bands. Join town/city bands.
- have fun. Don't forget that's why you wanted to do this. Don't get bored with the instrument. There is always another part of drumming to explore.


I'm always happy to help out another drummer. Feel free to ask me any questions.