It helps to have a good instructor to help you sort out your technique (grip, movement, ergonomics of your set). With that in mind, rudiments, rudiments, rudiments. Go through the basic rudiments, use them as elements of a daily "drumming workout" routine. Hit every day so that you can build on each day's achievements. If you don't hit every day, what you learn on any given day will fall away from neglect. Then when you practice again, you have to "relearn" it, ... Read More

It helps to have a good instructor to help you sort out your technique (grip, movement, ergonomics of your set).

With that in mind, rudiments, rudiments, rudiments. Go through the basic rudiments, use them as elements of a daily "drumming workout" routine. Hit every day so that you can build on each day's achievements. If you don't hit every day, what you learn on any given day will fall away from neglect. Then when you practice again, you have to "relearn" it, wasting time going back over stuff again.

Learn to read music -- rhythms at least -- and keep a strong count everytime you play or practice.

Use a metronome.

Stay relaxed.

Pick up ideas from recordings of drummers you like. Go watch bands and study the drummers. Introduce yourself and ask them this same question.

Mostly though, just pick up the sticks and play. Go hit. Now. In fact, I have to go ... Time to practice. :-)

Doug Hitchcock, Kansas City, Missouri