Advice for New Drummers: Mastering the Craft and Integrating with Your Band

As someone who has been a drummer and knows firsthand the challenges and joys of fitting into a band, I want to share some valuable advice with new drummers, especially those who are looking to begin playing with their bandmates quickly.

Getting Up to Speed

Entering a new band can be daunting, particularly if you are a new drummer. You might be given a demo CD or a digital audio file of the band's music, and you'll need to practice intensively to get up to speed. It's important to review every intro, change, and outro thoroughly. The band often concludes one song and immediately starts another, so you need to clarify those transitions to ensure you can seamlessly play along.

Open Mind and Have Fun

Music is best when it's fun and spontaneous. Keep an open mind and be ready to adapt to different styles and new challenges. Growing up, I played cover tunes in Boston, transitioning to country music in a small town in Colorado. These adaptations required flexibility and a love for music, which will help you integrate quickly into any band. Embrace the process, and the chances are you'll have a great time.

The Case for Quick Learning

One memorable experience was putting together a scratch band with a few mates. We quickly needed a drummer, and no one was available. Our friend Jenny, who had never played drums, offered to give it a shot after a few beers. We borrowed a basic kit, taught her the very basics, and she practiced like crazy. When our first gig came around, she was doing pretty well and even managed a few fills. We were pleased with her performance, and she continued drumming after that gig and has even been playing in a blues band a few years later. The lesson? Keep it simple and practice extensively.

Master the Basics

It's easy to think that learning a basic back beat makes you ready to play, but mastering rudiments and techniques is essential. While learning, try to get a few basic beats under your belt so you can play along with recordings or jam with other musicians. However, don't forget to focus on the fundamentals. As you progress in your drumming journey, you'll find that the basics form the foundation of everything else you do.

Learning in a Band

If you're a new drummer joining a band, there are a few approaches to consider. Brand new drummers might want to wait until they gain some experience before jumping into a band. However, if you're already part of a band, the best way to learn is to listen. Pay attention to each member's part, especially the bass player. Get the song list from the band and listen to the original recordings. While you don't need to play the song exactly as the original drummer did, listening to these recordings will give you a feel for the song and how it should be played.

Bands can vary in their approach to songs. Some want a faithful recreation of the original recording, while others are "feel players" who like to make each song their own. Some read music, others play by ear, and some do a little of both. You need to find a good fit between your style and the band's expectations. If you play for fun, it's essential to enjoy the company and environment. Conversely, if you aspire to make a living as a drummer, you'll need to be adaptable and open to different styles and approaches.

Practical Steps to Success

To succeed in a band, listen to the band's approach and the songs. Find the groove and don't get too complicated initially. Keep it simple and focus on keeping a steady beat. The rest is icing on the cake. While the band may not care about your technique, they do need someone who can maintain the rhythm and keep the music grounded. Once you're comfortable with the song and the band, you can start exploring more complex beats and fills.

In conclusion, becoming a competent and integrated drummer takes time, effort, and a willingness to learn. Whether you're transitioning to a new genre or adapting to a new band, keep an open mind, practice diligently, and enjoy the journey. Remember, the joy of music is in the playing, and that's what it's all about.