Learn To Play Drums with Beginner Drum Lessons
Yes, you can learn to play drums for the very first time with this step-by-step drum lesson. All you need to get started is a basic drum set with hi-hats, a snare drum, and a bass drum. Here is the very first pattern you will learn to play. The "x" above the top line in the measure indicates a stroke to be played on the hi-hats. This is played with the drumstick in your right hand as you hold the hi-hats closed with your left foot. The numbers above are to be counted out loud as you play the strokes.
So, simply count 1, 2, 3, 4 - as you strike the hi-hat evenly and continually. You can repeat this measure several times as you continue to count (restarting at 1 after every measure). Really focus on keeping the volume of the hi-hat strikes even in volume and steady in time.
Next, we are going to bring in the bass drum on the one and three counts. So, continue with the steady hi-hat strokes as covered in the first pattern. Then, start adding the bass drum along with it as shown below. Really focus on syncing up the hi-hats and the bass drum. You want them to sound like one blended strike. Repeat this measure until you can play it all the way through 5-10 times perfectly (while still counting out loud the entire time).
Next, we will focus on the snare drum. So, we will forget about the bass drum for this exercise. Just continue with the hi-hats and add in the snare drum (played with your left hand) on the two and four counts. Again, focus on syncing these strokes up perfectly. The hi-hat and snare drum sounds should line up perfectly.
Here is where this drum lesson really comes together. You'll continue to play the hi-hats on all four counts, and then bring in alternating strokes on the bass drum and snare drum. You may need to slow down a little to get this at first, but really focus on playing everything steady in time. This is where the counting out loud becomes very important, as it should be steady and constant as you sync up the other shots with your verbal count.
Once you have mastered all four patterns independently, you can try playing them in a steady loop. Start with pattern one, and then transition to the other patterns after each measure. This will improve your limb control by mixing things up a little. You can even come up with your own combinations between the provided patterns. The important thing is to have fun while you learn, so don't stay loose and enjoy the drums!
When you are ready to learn more, check out our other drum lessons including the one on how to play drums!