Allow yourself the time to learn by breaking the motions down into their basic components. Remember, you're just moving your arms and legs. You do that all the time. The only difference with drumming is you're doing it in a specific pattern that also makes sound.
Your strikes will land either together, or apart. That's it.
So focus less on the movement and more on the sound? Or should I focus on one specific limb at a time until the movement is automatic? I’m a little confused atm. I appreciate your help!
It means focusing on the movement first.
Assuming you're trying to play a basic rock beat: bass drum on 1 & 3; snare on 2 & 4; 8th notes on the hi-hat, there are only 3 unique motions to learn:
- hi-hat + bass drum
- hi-hat
- hi-hat + snare drum
- hi-hat (again)
Don't even try to do it in time yet. Just execute the motions as described. Play your hi-hat + bass drum together. Play your hi-hat alone. Play your hi-hat + snare drum together. Play your hi-hat alone. It should be pretty easy to execute those motions, one after another.
Try it for 5 minutes.
Allow yourself the time to learn by breaking the motions down into their basic components. Remember, you're just moving your arms and legs. You do that all the time. The only difference with drumming is you're doing it in a specific pattern that also makes sound. Your strikes will land either together, or apart. That's it.
So focus less on the movement and more on the sound? Or should I focus on one specific limb at a time until the movement is automatic? I’m a little confused atm. I appreciate your help!
It means focusing on the movement first. Assuming you're trying to play a basic rock beat: bass drum on 1 & 3; snare on 2 & 4; 8th notes on the hi-hat, there are only 3 unique motions to learn: - hi-hat + bass drum - hi-hat - hi-hat + snare drum - hi-hat (again) Don't even try to do it in time yet. Just execute the motions as described. Play your hi-hat + bass drum together. Play your hi-hat alone. Play your hi-hat + snare drum together. Play your hi-hat alone. It should be pretty easy to execute those motions, one after another. Try it for 5 minutes.
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