5 Things That Most Drummers Neglect

Many drummers, both novice and seasoned, face the daunting task of continuous growth and development. The challenge, however, is often not in the lack of effort but in focusing on the right areas.

A majority of drummers tend to concentrate on the apparent aspects of drumming, such as speed and complex patterns, neglecting some crucial elements that could significantly accelerate their development.

Here, we delve into five of these often-overlooked techniques, explaining why they are neglected, their importance, and how to effectively practice them.

1/ Dynamics 

Why it's neglected: Many drummers focus heavily on technical skills and neglect dynamics because it's less tangible and more difficult to measure progress.

Why it's essential: Mastering dynamics adds depth and texture to your music, allowing you to convey emotion and nuance.

How professionals use it: Professional drummers use dynamics to build tension and release in their music, making their performances more engaging and moving.

Exercises and tips:

• Quiet-Loud Exercise: Play a simple beat or rudiment first quietly, then gradually increase the volume, then decrease it. Pay attention to maintaining your tempo and accuracy at all volumes.

• Accented Beats Exercise: Play a standard beat and add accents on different beats. The goal is to make the accented beats significantly louder than the others.

Practice schedule: Spend 15-20 minutes each practice session on dynamics exercises.

2/ Rudiments 

Why it's neglected: Rudiments can seem repetitive and uninteresting, causing many drummers to ignore them in favor of more exciting things.

Why it's essential: Rudiments are the building blocks of drumming, improving speed, coordination, and versatility.

How professionals use it: Pros use rudiments as the foundation of their playing, often in creative and nuanced ways that aren't immediately apparent.

Exercises and tips:

• Rudiment Repetition: Select one rudiment and play it continuously for a set period, starting slow and gradually increasing the tempo.

• Rudiment Breakdown: Break down complex rudiments into simpler components. Practice each component separately, then combine them.

Practice schedule: Dedicate at least 30 minutes of your practice to rudiments, focusing on one or two each day.

3/ Timing and Metronome Practice 

Why it's neglected: Practicing with a metronome can feel restrictive and monotonous.

Why it's essential: It develops precise timing and consistency, which are critical for any drummer.

How professionals use it: Pros often practice with a metronome to maintain their timing accuracy and improve their sense of rhythm.

Exercises and tips:

• Metronome Practice: Play along with a metronome, starting with a slow tempo and gradually increasing as your timing improves.

• Beat Displacement: Try displacing the beats, playing them a little ahead or behind the metronome. This exercise helps to improve your rhythmic flexibility.

Practice schedule: Incorporate metronome practice into all your exercises, spending at least 15 minutes per session focusing specifically on timing exercises.

4/ Listening and Transcription 

Why it's neglected: This is often seen as a passive activity, not a practice technique.

Why it's essential: It develops your musical ear and helps you understand and appreciate different drumming styles.

How professionals use it: Pros often transcribe and learn from their favorite drum parts to incorporate different styles into their playing.

Exercises and tips:

• Active Listening: Listen to a drum part and try to replicate it by ear. Start with simpler parts and gradually move on to more complex ones.

• Transcription Exercise: Transcribe a drum part from a song. Start with just the basic beat, then add fills and other details as you improve.

Practice schedule: Spend at least 20 minutes per day on active listening and transcription exercises.

5/ Independence and Coordination 

Why it's neglected: These exercises can be challenging and frustrating, leading many drummers to avoid them.

Why it's essential: Limb independence allows you to play more complex and interesting rhythms and fills.

How professionals use it: Pros often display impressive limb independence, allowing them to play intricate rhythms that can greatly enhance a song.

Exercises and tips:

• Simple Independence Exercise: Play a steady beat with one limb (for example, your right foot), then add in different patterns with your other limbs one at a time.

• Four Limb Coordination: Practice playing different rhythms with each of your four limbs. Start slowly and increase the tempo as you improve.

Practice schedule: Spend 20-30 minutes on independence and coordination exercises each practice session.

Summary 

While these techniques may seem daunting at first, incorporating them into your practice routine can yield impressive results in a relatively short time.

Just as a strong building requires a solid foundation, exceptional drumming skills are built upon these fundamental practices. Embrace these techniques, and witness a remarkable transformation in your drumming skills.

The difference between a good drummer and a great one often lies not in their technical prowess, but in their attention to the subtleties of their craft. 

By integrating these often-overlooked techniques into your practice routine, you'll be making a long-term investment in your drumming development.

These exercises might seem less exciting than learning a new song or flashy fill, but they are the stepping stones that lead to true mastery.

Be patient, stay consistent, and you will notice a significant improvement in your drumming skills.

It's time to step out of your comfort zone and start practicing like the pros.