Is it possible to teach yourself to play the drums?

Question

I recently bought a drum kit and I am teaching myself but I'm not sure if I will learn everything if I always teach myself, please help! Also how difficult is it to learn?

Answer 1

I've been playing drums for close to 40 years, and I don't think it's a good idea to teach yourself.

You mentioned that you just purchased the set. Jokingly, I tell people in your position that you are a few notches below a beginner!

At this point you are learning the very basics, and you can certainly teach that to yourself. You can teach yourself how to read rhythm notation, simple patterns, rudimentary coordination, and practice how to smooth out counting out a rhythm.

At some point in time you are also going to begin to learn your rudiments. This is your sticking techniques, your speed, and your fingering.

You are going to learn how to control the "bounce" of the stick. Some of these techniques will require you to bounce the stick two times, and sometimes even three times.

Here you may want to take some lessons. If for no other reason then it will shorten your learning curve. I guarantee you will develop bad habits in your technique. Sooner or later, you will realize these bad habits, and then you will not only have learn and practice new techniques, but you will have to unlearn the bad techniques.

Why put yourself in that position when you don't have to?

There are all sorts of ways to learn a triple ratamacue, but if you want to play it smoothly, you will see that most of those ways to learn it are wrong. You can figure that out on your own, and have to go through the hassle of relearning it, or you can have a teacher show you the proper way for you to learn it in the first place!

You are not in a position where you are ready to learn bad habits, but in 6 months or a year, you will. You can save yourself a lot of time, frustration, and hassle, if you let someone show you do things properly.

Answer 2

When you say learn "drums" that implies a drum set to me. So the answer to that question is no, you cannot learn to play a drum set without having access to a drum set for practice. What you can do is learn things like stick control, rudiment, and how to count and read. All you need for that is a pair of sticks which you have. A practice pad would be best and you can get them very cheap, but you can also use most anything to practice on whether it's your thigh (that can hurt after a while), a counter top, or whatever. These are all skills that you will need when moving to the drum set. But these exercises won't help you with the limb independence or the needed rhythm and agility in your legs. Also techniques like using the hi-hat, bass drum, cross sticking, rim shots, etc. So you can learn some things about playing a drum set with only a pair of sticks and a cheap practice pad, but not how to actually play the entire kit.

Answer 3

You can teach yourself drums by learning the drum parts to your favorite songs. Just listen to the drums and try to play what you hear. After you learn a few songs it will be easier to learn other songs because most songs have similar beats. When you first start it will be difficult, especially getting the coordination with your hands and feet, but if you master that, then you can learn quickly.

Answer 4

I recommend you start taking at least a few lessons. You can probably find a student who will give lessons for cheap. At Berklee, many of my friends give lessons to beginners, while they may not be pro's themselves, they know the basics and can teach you. Once you have a basic understanding of the instrument, then you can try independent studies. But learning on your own, while there are exceptions, will cause you to learn inccorrectly. As the saying goes, Practice DOESN'T make perfect, Practice makes Permenant. You'll end up learning bad habits that will in the long run, cripple you.

Answer 5

I taught myself how to play and I didn't come out too bad if I do say so myself. The only complaint I had was that once I learned all of the basics wrong, and wanted to move on to cooler stuff, I couldn't. I had to go back and re-learn all of the fundamentals using a few videos and books. I'd start with books and vids now, and then explore on your own.

Answer 6

Yes, you can teach yourself to play the drums badly.

If your are serious get a drum tutor to start you off properly, it will soon become clear why this is important

Next - get to play with other musicians - you'll lean more in a hour playing with other musicians than you will practising at home

I play double bass,

Answer 7

apparently not too hard, my teacher's grandson plays the drums in his father's songs (and no i'm not even kidding he's two)
but it might be wise to get a teacher to teach u the basics, and to see if you have a gift- then like u no go out on ur own and if you don't, keep with the teacher.

Answer 8

I suppose it is possible to teach yourself but maybe it would be wise to get a teacher for a little while, just so they can teach you the basics!! That way you will be more equipped to teach yourself and be aware of errors!!

Answer 9

If you have to ask this question i'm sorry you will never make a good drummer, you either have it or you dont
Try this, tap left foot 1234,keep it going tap right foot 1 and 2 and 3 and 4 tap left hand 12345678 tap right hand 123 now get them all going in time "no cheating" if you can do it your've got a chance !when you have done it i will give you your next lesson.
email me.

Answer 10

yes you can but get a teacher to help with technique look at Larry Mullen Jr when u2 started out he couldn't play very well but after a few lessons and lots of practise him and his u2 band mates are among the best in the business