For this first diddy I'm going to, for professional or accomplished drummers, make available some of the essentials to our craft that, for some reason might have been forgotten or put aside for a while. For those beginners or "not so accomplished" drummers these basic elements to our craft will help provide a basis for technical expertise in developing both the hands (wrists) and feet. They are the 26 American Drum Rudiments. Although I, myself, was never one to sit down for hours and hours and tediously practice the rudiments, I learned later in my career that if I had done so early on, many technical obstacles I ran into would have been avoided and successfully conquered much earlier and faster than had actually been done....thus eliminating much unneeded stress and discouragement.
I would suggest that the rudiments first be practiced very slowly while concentrating on proper form and evenness. Only when one feels more comfortable with proper sticking and hand combinations, gradually build up speed. In the beginning, practice with hands only. As you become more familiar with the combinations between right and left hand, try practicing some variations between both the hands and the feet. Experiment with combinations between left hand (snare drum) and right foot (bass drum) while playing constant 8th notes on the ride cymbal and possibly closing the hi-hat on all four beats...or beats 2 & 4. By this I mean play the bass drum on the "R's" and left hand (snare) on the "L's". Also, try a few variations between left and right foot. As you practice however, do not try to put everything together at once. Break down the combinations into small components. By this, I mean practice only with hands first. Then, and only when you are comfortable with the hands, maybe add one foot at a time. By putting everything together at once you will only frustrate yourself and believe me....this ain't good.
Just a thought....I think a big misconception among beginning students and some teachers is that the development of the hands are to be stressed over the development of the feet. Given the various technical demands on drummers from the many different styles of today's music, this is certainly a dated concept. We have 4 limbs... I believe we should use them equally and independently while covering the full spectrum of the drum set.
So here they are, the Drummer's Bible, so to speak. For those drummer's who are members of any marching band or drum corps, they are a must....and they are certainly a great technical base for any other drummer who's goal is to become somewhat of an accomplished player and enjoy the benefits of making music. HAPPY PRACTICING and GOOD LUCK!
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