If Drums Are Your Musical Instrument Of Choice, Start Small

You've seen those rock drummers on stage and in videos. Their impressive array includes a half a dozen cymbals or more, at least that many toms, maybe a double base, and perhaps some things you've never seen before. How in the world did they learn to incorporate all those musical instruments into their playing? The answer is simple, they started small.

Learning a new musical instrument is tough and percussion instruments depend on using several skills at once. For this reason alone it is best to start with a small set and then add pieces as your skill and your needs grow. Percussion isn't all or nothing. Start small.

If you want to play percussion instruments in a rock band, you will want to work hard to choose the right drums not only for you, but to match the band you are playing with as well. Like any musical instrument, drums aren't one size fits all. There are many types of drums. The best drum set for one person may not be the best set for you.

Every drum set has a different sound to it and with drums, unlike any other musical instrument, the exact sound of the set, has a great deal to do with the actual player rather than solely relying on the specific musical instrument. Your strokes with the drum are uniquely yours. Have you ever tried to imitate another drummer? If you have, you probably know how difficult it is to match another drummer stroke for stroke. While it is possible to play the piano or the flute or almost any other musical instrument for that matter, like other players, it is quite another story for the drums.

If you like rock, trying playing along with Keith Moon for example. Good luck! No matter how good you are it just isn't going to happen. In fact pick almost any creative drummer and it's almost impossible to follow along stroke for stroke.

If you are new to playing the drums you should probably start with a smaller more basic set and add new pieces as you gain proficiency and discover your specific style. You do not want to invest a lot of money into pieces and parts that you find you either don't have a taste for or don't really fit in with the particular sound you and your band are trying to accomplish. Musical instruments are expensive and you don't want to spend money you don't have to. Instead, save the money to upgrade your equipment later on.

All musical instruments seem to come down to one basic premise. What works best for you? In a rock band you are probably going to need a louder set. You will want to use heavier sticks in order to be heard over the amplified guitars and other musical instruments. However, if you are playing to smaller crowds or in smaller rooms you can soften your sound simply by playing with lighter sticks. There aren't many musical instruments that allow such versatility of sound or volume.

The best bet when choosing the perfect set of drums for your musical instrument needs may very well be to walk into the store and try every set they have. Remember that only the basics are necessary in the beginning. Add pieces as you need and eliminate those you don't. Starting with a base, two toms, a floor tom, a cymbal, a snare and a high hat is more than enough.

The best way to discover what your musical instrument needs are for your percussion playing in the band, is to try out a few sets. Pay attention to the features that you use and those you do not. Don't pay for equipment you have no need of.

Add it later, upgrade as needed, go slow. All good advice while determining your particular style that others will soon be trying to imitate without much success.