To learn drums on an electronic kit, you need to get a good electronic drum kit that suits your budget, space, and goals.
Then, you need to set up your electronic drum kit properly and safely, following the instructions in the manual. Next, you need to get some essential accessories, such as drumsticks, headphones, drum throne, and drum mat.
After that, you need to learn some basic drumming skills, such as how to hold the drumsticks, how to use the pedals, how to read drum notation, and how to play different drum patterns and grooves.
Then, you need to practice regularly and consistently, using a metronome, a recorder, a coach mode, or an online learning platform.
Finally, you need to play along with your favorite songs or backing tracks, using the module’s sounds, effects, and functions. And most importantly, you need to have fun and enjoy your drumming journey!?
In this guide, we will show you how to master the art of drumming by learning drums on an electronic kit. We will cover everything you need to know about electronic drum kits, from choosing the right one for your needs and budget, to setting it up and playing it like a pro. We will also share some of the best tips and tricks to help you improve your skills, technique, and musicality on the drums. Whether you are a complete beginner or an intermediate drummer looking to take your drumming to the next level, this guide is for you.
Why Learn Drums on an Electronic Kit?
You should learn drums on an electronic kit because:
- It is quieter and more space-efficient than an acoustic kit, which is good for home practice and noise control.
- It has more sound variety and features than an acoustic kit, which is good for playing different genres and styles of music and improving your drumming skills.
- It is easier and more convenient to use than an acoustic kit, which is good for setting up, maintaining, and connecting your drums to other devices.
Getting Started
Before you can start learning drums on an electronic kit, you need to get yourself an electronic kit first. But how do you choose the right one for your needs and budget? And what are the essential accessories that you need to get started? Here are some tips and recommendations to help you out.
Choosing the Right Electronic Drum Kit
Choosing an electronic drum kit can be hard. You need to consider:
Quality: How good are the components: pads, pedals, rack, module, cabling, etc. You want a kit that lasts, works, sounds, and feels good. Better kits cost more.
Size: How big are the pads and pedals. You want a kit that fits your space and lets you play well. You also want a kit that is easy to move and store. Smaller kits cost less.
Features: What can the module do: sounds, effects, functions, connectivity, etc. You want a kit that has enough sounds and options for your music and goals. You also want a kit that helps you learn and improve. More-featured kits cost more.
Here are some of the best beginner electronic drum kits:
Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit: A cheap and popular kit with 8 all-mesh pads, a kick tower, a hi-hat controller, and a 4-post rack. It has a module with 40 kits, 385 sounds, 60 tracks, a metronome, a recorder, and a coach mode. It connects to laptops easily. This kit is good for beginners who want quality mesh heads and great sounds for less money.
Roland TD-07DMK: A new and advanced kit from Roland, the top brand in electronic drums. It has 5 all-mesh pads, a kick pad, a hi-hat controller, and a stand. It has a module with 25 kits, over 140 sounds, 30 songs, Bluetooth connectivity, USB audio/MIDI interface, and online learning platform access. This kit is good for beginners who want a premium kit with all-mesh pads, great build quality, and Bluetooth features in the module.
Yamaha DTX402K: A small and light kit from Yamaha, another top brand in electronic drums. It has 5 rubber pads, a kick pedal unit, a hi-hat controller, and a foldable rack. It has a module with 10 kits, 287 sounds, 10 training functions, an app for iOS/Android devices, USB connectivity, and online learning platform access. This kit is good for beginners who want a simple and portable kit with rubber pads and app integration.
These are some of the best beginner electronic drum kits. You can find more online or at your music store. Choose a kit that suits you
Essential Accessories for Learning Drums
You need some essential accessories to play your electronic drum kit. Here are some of them:
• Drumsticks: You need drumsticks to hit the pads. Drumsticks vary in size, shape, material, and weight. Choose drumsticks that suit your hands and style. Lighter and thinner drumsticks are easier and faster, while heavier and thicker drumsticks are louder and more durable. Try different tips (wooden or nylon) and grips (plain or coated) too.
• Headphones: You can play quietly with headphones. Headphones let you hear your sounds clearly without bothering anyone. Choose headphones that are comfortable and have good sound quality and isolation. Closed-back headphones are better than open-back headphones for electronic drums because they block out noise and prevent leakage.
• Drum throne: A drum throne is a stool or chair that you sit on. A drum throne is important for your posture, comfort, and stability. Choose a drum throne that is adjustable in height and angle, has a padded seat and backrest (optional), and has sturdy legs and feet. Round seats are more comfortable than saddle seats for electronic drums because they allow more movement.
• Drum mat: A drum mat is a rug or carpet that you put under your kit. A drum mat protects your floor from scratches and marks. It also stops your kit from sliding or moving. Choose a drum mat that covers your whole kit area and has anti-slip backing or spikes.
These are some of the accessories for learning drums. Now you can set up your kit and start playing. But how do you set up your kit properly and safely? And what are the best tips and tricks to improve your playing? Here are some steps and recommendations to help you out.
Setting Up Your Electronic Drum Kit
Setting up your electronic drum kit can be fun and rewarding, but also challenging and frustrating. Here are some steps to follow:
Read the manual: This will give you important information and instructions about your electronic drum kit. Don’t skip this step or throw away the manual.
Assemble the rack: The rack is the frame that supports your pads, pedals, and module. Follow the instructions and diagrams in the manual and use the tools and screws provided. Tighten and adjust the rack securely and comfortably.
Attach the pads and pedals: The pads are the surfaces that you hit to trigger the sounds. The pedals are the devices that you step on to control the hi-hat or kick drum sounds. Use the clamps, rods, arms, or brackets provided to attach them to the rack. Tighten and adjust them securely and comfortably.
Connect the module and cabling: The module is the brain of your electronic drum kit. It contains the sounds, effects, functions, and settings. The cabling is a set of wires or cables that connect your pads and pedals to your module. Follow the instructions and diagrams in the manual and use the labeled cables provided. Connect your headphones or speakers to the module using an audio cable. Connect your power supply to the module using a power cable.
Turn on and test your electronic drum kit: Plug in your power supply to a power outlet and switch on your module. Turn on your headphones or speakers. Hit each pad and pedal and listen for the sound. Check if all the buttons, knobs, and screen on your module are working.
You have set up your electronic drum kit! Now you can play and enjoy it!
Understanding Electronic Drum Components
Now that you have set up your electronic drum kit, you might be wondering what each component does and how it works. In this section, we will explain each component of your electronic drum kit in detail and give you some tips on how to use them effectively.
Electronic Drum Pads
Electronic drum pads are the surfaces that you hit to trigger the drum sounds. They come in different sizes, shapes, materials, and types. Here are some of them:
Mesh pads: Mesh pads have a mesh-like surface that feels like a drumhead. They are realistic, responsive, quiet, and durable. But they are expensive and need maintenance.
Rubber pads: Rubber pads have a rubber-like surface that is smooth and hard. They are cheap, easy to maintain, versatile, and flexible. But they are less realistic, responsive, loud, and less durable.
Cymbal pads: Cymbal pads are shaped like cymbals. They are used for cymbal sounds, such as hi-hat, crash, ride, etc. And they can be rubber or metal. They can have features like choke, bell, edge, bow, or dual-zone.
Kick drum pads: Kick drum pads are shaped like bass drums. They are used for kick drum sounds, such as acoustic or electronic bass drums. They can be rubber or mesh. And they can have sizes and designs like tower, bar, or pedal.
Hi-Hat Controller and Pedal
The hi-hat controller and pedal are electronic devices that control the hi-hat sound on your electronic drum kit. The controller is a device that attaches to your hi-hat stand and connects to your hi-hat pad and module.
The hi-hat controller allows you to change the pitch and timbre of your hi-hat sound by opening and closing it with your foot. The pedal is a device that attaches to your hi-hat controller and connects to your module. The hi-hat pedal allows you to trigger the hi-hat sound by tapping it with your foot. The hi-hat controller and pedal work together to simulate the realistic movement and sound of an acoustic hi-hat.
Kick Drum Pad and Pedal
The kick drum pad and pedal are electronic devices that control the kick drum sound on your electronic drum kit. The kick drum pad is an electronic drum pad that triggers the kick drum sound when you hit it with your foot.
The drum pedal is a device that attaches to your kick drum pad and connects to your module. The kick drum pedal allows you to hit the kick drum pad with your foot. The kick drum pad and pedal work together to simulate the realistic feel and sound of an acoustic bass drum.
Drum Rack and Stand
The drum rack and stand are metal frames that support your electronic drum kit components. The rack is a frame that holds your electronic drum pads, pedals, module, and cabling.
It has several bars or tubes that are connected by clamps or joints. The drum rack allows you to adjust the height, angle, and position of your electronic drum kit components to suit your preferences and posture.
The drum stand is a frame that holds your electronic drum module. It has a base and a pole that are connected by a clamp or a joint. The drum stand allows you to adjust the height and angle of your electronic drum module to suit your visibility and accessibility.
Sound Module and Cabling
The sound module and cabling are electronic devices that produce and transmit the sound of your electronic drum kit. It’s a device that contains the drum sounds, effects, functions, and settings that you can access and control with buttons, knobs, or a screen.
The cabling is a set of wires or cables that connect your electronic drum kit components to your sound module. The cabling allows you to trigger the drum sounds on your sound module by hitting your electronic drum pads or pedals.
These are the main components of your electronic drum kit. By understanding how they work and how to use them effectively, you can enhance your playing experience and performance on your electronic drum kit.
Basic Techniques and Fundamentals
Now that you have set up and understood your electronic drum kit components, you are ready to start learning some basic techniques and fundamentals of drumming.
These are the essential skills and knowledge that every drummer needs to master, regardless of their level or style. By learning these basic techniques and fundamentals, you can improve your accuracy, speed, endurance, coordination, and musicality on the drums. Here are some of them:
Proper Drumstick Grip and Technique
Drumstick grip and technique are important for playing drums well. They affect how you control the drums and how you prevent injuries and bad habits. There are two main types of drumstick grip: matched grip and traditional grip.
Matched grip means holding both sticks the same way, with palms down and thumbs on top. Traditional grip means holding one stick (usually the left one) with palm up and thumb under, and the other stick with matched grip. Matched grip is more common and versatile, while traditional grip is more specialized and historical.
There are three main variations of matched grip: German grip, French grip, and American grip. German grip means holding the sticks at 90 degrees to your forearms, with bent wrists. French grip means holding the sticks at 180 degrees to your forearms, with straight wrists and curled fingers.
American grip means holding the sticks at 45 degrees to your forearms, with slightly bent wrists and fingers. German grip is more powerful and loud, while French grip is more delicate and fast. American grip is a balance between them.
The best way to learn drumstick grip and technique is to practice with a teacher or an online resource. You will need to learn how to hold, move, balance, stroke, accent, and avoid mistakes with the sticks.
Understanding Drum Notation
Drum notation is a way of writing down music for percussion instruments. It uses symbols and signs to show different parts of the drum set, different sounds and strokes, and different rhythms and patterns. Drum notation is like sheet music, but it has some differences and variations.
Drum notation is written on a staff, which has five lines and four spaces. Each line and space means a different part of the drum set, such as snare, hi-hat, bass drum, etc. The position of the note shows which part to play and when.
Drum notation uses different symbols and signs for different sounds and strokes. For example, an X-shaped note means cymbal, while a round-shaped note means drum.
A stem shows the length of the note, such as quarter note, eighth note, etc. A flag or beam shows that the note is part of a group of notes. An accent mark means louder or stronger, while a dot means softer or weaker.
Drum notation also uses different symbols and signs for different rhythms and patterns. For example, a bar line splits the staff into measures or bars, which have a fixed number of beats.
A time signature shows how many beats in each measure and what kind of note gets one beat. A repeat sign means to play again. A tie joins two notes of the same pitch and adds their values. A rest means silence or pause.
The best way to learn drum notation is to practice with a teacher or an online resource . You will need to learn how to read and write drum notation correctly, how to understand different symbols and signs accurately, how to count and play different rhythms and patterns fluently, and how to use drum notation for different music styles and genres.
Mastering Basic Drum Rudiments
Mastering basic drum rudiments is vital for developing your technique, speed, control, and coordination on the drums. Drum rudiments are basic patterns or combinations of strokes that form the foundation of drumming.
They are like the alphabet or vocabulary of drumming. There are 40 official drum rudiments recognized by the Percussive Arts Society (PAS), but there are also many variations and hybrids of them.
Drum rudiments are classified into four main categories: single stroke rudiments, double stroke rudiments, diddle rudiments, and flam rudiments.
Single stroke rudiments consist of alternating single strokes with each hand (such as single stroke roll). Double stroke rudiments consist of two consecutive strokes with each hand (such as double stroke roll).
Diddle rudiments consist of two strokes with one hand followed by one stroke with the other hand (such as a paradiddle). Flam rudiments consist of two strokes played almost simultaneously with one hand slightly ahead of the other hand (such as flam tap).
The best way to master basic drum rudiments is to practice them regularly with a metronome or a backing track. You will need to learn how to execute each rudiment correctly, how to switch between different rudiments smoothly, how to vary the speed, dynamics, and accentuation of each rudiment effectively, and how to apply each rudiment creatively to different musical contexts.
Exploring Different Drumming Styles
Different drumming styles reflect different genres or cultures of music. They involve different techniques, sounds, rhythms, and grooves. Some of the popular drumming styles are:
Rock drumming: Loud and powerful drum sounds, simple and steady drum beats, big and flashy drum fills. Uses a standard drum set. Has many subgenres, such as hard rock, metal, punk, etc.
Jazz drumming: Subtle and dynamic drum sounds, intricate and syncopated drum beats, tasteful and musical drum fills. Uses a smaller drum set. Has many subgenres, such as swing, bebop, fusion, etc.
Blues drumming: Warm and mellow drum sounds, simple and groovy drum beats, sparse and effective drum fills. Uses a basic drum set. Has many subgenres, such as delta blues, Chicago blues, Texas blues, etc.
Funk drumming: Crisp and tight drum sounds, complex and syncopated drum beats, funky and creative drum fills. Uses a standard or expanded drum set. Has many subgenres, such as soul funk, disco funk, jazz funk, etc.
Latin drumming: Complex and syncopated drum sounds, clave-based and polyrhythmic drum beats, expressive and dynamic drum fills. Uses a variety of drums, idiophones, and hand percussion. Has many subgenres, such as rumba, samba, tango, mambo, bossa nova, etc.
You can explore and learn these drumming styles on your electronic drum kit. This will help you to expand your musical horizons and versatility on the drums.
Learning Drum Patterns and Beats
Now that you have learned some basic techniques and fundamentals of drumming, you are ready to start learning some drum patterns and beats on your electronic drum kit.
Drum patterns and beats are sequences or combinations of strokes that create rhythmic and musical phrases on the drums.
They are the building blocks of drumming. By learning different drum patterns and beats, you can play along with different songs and styles of music, create your own drum parts and compositions, and develop your groove and feel on the drums. Here are some of them:
Introduction to Drum Patterns
Drum patterns are groups of notes that form a rhythmic unit or motif on the drums. They can be simple or complex, depending on the number and arrangement of notes.
They can also be repeated or varied, depending on the musical context. Drum patterns can be played on one or more parts of the drum set, such as snare, hi-hat, bass drum, etc.
They can also be combined or layered with other drum patterns to create more interesting and diverse sounds.
The best way to learn drum patterns is to practice them with a metronome or a backing track. You will need to learn how to play each pattern correctly, how to switch between different patterns smoothly, how to vary the speed, dynamics, and accentuation of each pattern effectively, and how to apply each pattern creatively to different musical contexts.
Here are some examples of drum patterns for different styles of music:
- Funk drum pattern: A syncopated and swung groove with sixteenth notes on hi-hat and snare, and quarter notes on kick. Add ghost notes, open hi-hats, and accents for variation. Use for funk, soul, R&B, hip-hop, etc.
- Rock drum pattern: A powerful and straight groove with eighth notes on hi-hat and snare, and a simple kick pattern that follows the bass. Add crashes, toms, and fills for impact and excitement. Use for rock, metal, punk, grunge, etc.
- Jazz drum pattern: A swing groove with swung eighth notes on ride and snare, and a feathered quarter note pulse on kick. Add comping on snare, kick, or hi-hat to complement the melody or soloist. Use for jazz, swing, bebop, etc.
- Hip-hop drum pattern: A looped groove with sampled or synthesized sounds that match the rap vocals. Use different types of sounds and rhythms depending on the subgenre or style of hip-hop, such as boom bap, trap, lo-fi, etc. Use for hip-hop, rap, R&B, etc.
- House drum pattern: A dance groove with four-on-the-floor kick drums and syncopated hi-hats and snares. Add claps, shakers, cymbals, and other percussion sounds for variation and interest. Use for house, techno, disco, etc.
- Trap drum pattern: A hip-hop groove with fast and complex hi-hat rolls and triplets, heavy and distorted kick and snare sounds, and occasional 808 bass sounds. Add claps, snaps, cymbals, and other percussion sounds for variation and interest. Use for trap, rap, R&B, etc.
- Drum ‘n’ bass drum pattern: A breakbeat groove with fast and syncopated kick and snare sounds, often sampled from old funk or soul records. Add hi-hats, cymbals, and other percussion sounds for variation and interest. Use for drum ‘n’ bass, jungle, breakbeat, etc.
Conclusion
We have covered some of the essential topics and tips for learning drums on your electronic drum kit. We have discussed how to set up your electronic drum kit properly and safely, how to understand your electronic drum kit components and their functions, how to master basic techniques and fundamentals of drumming, how to explore different drumming styles and genres of music, and how to learn different drum patterns and beats on your electronic drum kit.
