Get a grip: How to hold drum sticks

Get a grip: How to hold drum sticks

In this article we will be taking a little look at the secret art of holding a drum stick! Don’t forget that drum sticks are not the only type of drum-hitting impliment you can use. Brushes, rutes and rods can be used instead of sticks. Drums are full of tones and textures all itching to be explored. For now, the drum stick shall be our weapon of choice… Confused about grip? I’m...

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Playing grooves using triplets

Playing grooves using triplets

Triplets are groups of 3 notes. They are used in many different forms of drumming, whether constructing drum fills, solos or grooves. In this article we’re going to look at using triplets to construct a groove. Andy Burt gives us an introduction to triplets and how to count, play and apply them in a groove context. The Triplet Feel Sometimes referred to as 6:8 or 12:8 Blues, or even the 6...

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Great songs to play drums to

Great songs to play drums to

We’ve been asking our students and our ‘likers’ on our Facebook page to name their favourite tracks to play along to. Below are the results. This list is growing so we will add new suggestions over time – feel free to contribute to the list by adding your favourite drumming songs by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page. Playing along to songs is a great way to...

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“The Plan” – drumming practise regime

“The Plan” – drumming practise regime

Want to improve your drumming skills faster? Have a go applying the following system: THE PLAN Let’s start by sketching out an effective Practise Plan/Routine. This is of utmost importance for some serious improvement! Grab a pen and some paper or Smartphone/Laptop. This is where you’ll be monitoring your work and progress. PHASE ONE – Practice Pad Chose 5 aspects of your hand or...

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Paradiddle Mania

Paradiddle Mania

In this edition of the blog, we’ll explore further into the world of drum rudiments. Previously we talked about single strokes and double strokes in the context of drum rolls (click here to read the article). The paradiddle is a versatile rudiment because it utilises both the single stroke and the double stroke within a particular sticking combination. Diddlin’ away The paradiddle...

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