The drummer, together with the bass guitarist, form what is called the "rhythm section" of a group. They create the backing beat, driving force and "tightness" necessary for a successful group. PROGRESSIVE ROCK DRUMMING will provide you with an essential guide to the rudiments, beats and rhythms used by drummers. Within the three main sections of the book, a lesson by lesson structure has been used to give a clear and carefully graded method of study. No previous musical knowledge is assumed.
Aside from the specific aim of teaching drums to enable you to play in a group. music theory is gradually introduced. This will help you to understand the material being presented and enable you to improvise and create your own rhythms and beats.
From the beginning you should set yourself a goal. Mary people learn drums because of a desire to play like their favorite artist (e.g., Stewart Copeland of the "Police"), or to play a certain style of music (e.g., rock, "funk" reggae, etc.). Motivations such as these will help you to persevere through the more difficult sections of work. As you develop it will be important to adjust and update your goals.
It is important to have a correct approach to practice. You will benefit more from several short practices (e.g., 45 - 60 minutes per day) than one or two long sessions per week. This is especially so in the early stages, because of the basic nature of the material being studied. In a practice session you should divide your time evenly between to study of new material and the revision of past work. It is a common mistake for semi-advanced students to practice only the pieces they can already play well. Although this is more enjoyable, it is not a very satisfactory method of practice. You should endeavour to correct mistakes and experiment with new ideas. You should combine the study of this book with constant experimentation and listening to other players. It is the author’s belief that the guidance of an experienced teacher will be an invaluable aid in your progress.
The standard drum kit consists of :
- 1 BASS DRUM. Sizes vary from 12"(45 cm.), 12"(50 cm.), 22"(55 cm.), 24"(60 cm.) and 26"(65 cm.) with 22"(55 cm.) being the average.
- 1 SNARE DRUM, 12",(35cm.), either wooden or metal, with varying depths, e.g., 5"(13cm.), 6"(16cm.), 8"(20 cm.),
- 1 FLOOR TOM-TOM, 16"(40 Cm.), 18"(45 cm.).
- 2 TOM TOMS on the bass drum, varying in sizes from 12"(30 cm.) through to 16"(40 cm.), with 12" and 13"(30 cm. and 33 cm.) or 12" and 14"(33 cm. and 35 cm.) being the most popular combination.
- 1 PAIR OF HI-HATS, 14"(35 CM.) top and bottom.
- 1 RIDE CYMBAL, 18"(45 cm.) through to 22"(55 cm.), with 20"(50 cm.) being the most popular.
- 2 CRASH CYMBALS, sizes from 12"(30 cm.) through to 18"(45 cm.), with 16"(40 cm.) being the most popular.
These are only standard sizes and you will gradually develop your own preferences. Most major drum manufacturers make a variety of sizes and some will make them to your specification.
