Introduction
It’s Not What You Play, It’s The Way That You Play It!
We have all heard that famous phrase, “its not what you do, it’s the way that you do it.” And it couldn’t be more true in just about every life situation, including drumming.
Embarking on the rhythmic adventure of drumming is akin to discovering a universe where beats, fills, and rhythms come alive. Or at least they should.
The initial resonance of a drumbeat is not just auditory; it’s a pulse that resonates within every beginner drummer that can create a symphony of excitement when executed well. The heart pounds in sync with the drum, and the drumstick becomes an extension of the soul.
In the world of drumming, it’s not merely about what you play; it’s about the way you play it—the nuances, the precision, and the finesse that transform a mere beat into a rhythmic masterpiece.
While I was recently searching for an electronic drum kit that I could set up as close to an accoustic-sounding kit in both feel and sound, I listened to hundreds of demonstrations of Roland, Yamaha, and Alesis kits. And although there were some pretty technically great drummers, none except possibly one or two sounded like they were playing a drum kit. As opposed to hitting a drum kit.
99% of drummers these days play ridiculously complex beats and fills and play them very well. I mean, they should. They have the internet and access to some of the greatest drummers in the world and some of the greatest teachers to boot.
But for me, at least, most lack something that those two I mentioned had in spades. The ability to play the drums and not just hit them. One or two are ridiculously brilliant with the double pedals and hand techniques, but to me, they are complete… well, crap. They bring the art down to “just hitting stuff.” And if that’s your thing, then more power to you. It’s just not for me.
Don’t get me wrong, they are brilliant drummers and most people would be in awe of their skills. Including myself, to a degree at least. But I like more contemporary music as opposed to the hard-hitting rock and heavy metal players on YouTube. That style just isn’t for me. And in fact, I believe by adjusting their playing to be more musical rather than rhythmical, then that would mean the difference between being good and being great, being great and being excellent… and beyond.
Playing Versus Hitting The Drums
As novice drummers step into the realm of rhythmic exploration, a fundamental concept emerges—Playing Versus Hitting The Drums. This isn’t just a matter of semantics; it’s a pivotal understanding that lays the groundwork for a drummer’s proficiency. To appreciate the intricacies, let’s delve into the importance of hitting the drums, setting the stage for the ultimate expression—playing the drums.
Importance for beginner drummers to focus on hitting the drums
For beginners, the journey begins with understanding the power of hitting the drums. It’s not just about making noise though; it’s about striking with intent, precision, and control. In the beginning, it’s really all about getting a note played where it should be played. Along with limbs and coordination being able to physically play the beat or fill begin practiced.
And so the beginner should approach this as a mathematical process. Or, an exacting science if you will. Then, over time, after he has learned how to play a beat as far as muscle memory and mathematics goes. The drummer’s connection with the drum isn’t merely physical; it’s about feeling the resonance, understanding the impact, and acknowledging the symbiosis between the drummer and the instrument. The drum.
From this point the drummers job is to extract the best sound possible out of that drum he’s hitting… I mean to say, playing!
Hitting the Drums is Setting the Stage for Playing the Drums
Hitting the drums initially in a mathematical or rhythmical way becomes the canvas on which the masterpiece is then painted. Each strike is a brushstroke, and collectively, they form the rhythmic tapestry. It’s the foundational layer that sets the stage for the dynamics of beats, fills, and dynamic rhythms that will follow. Mastery of hitting the drums is akin to laying a solid groundwork, ensuring that every subsequent note resonates with purpose and precision. And of course extracting the best sound possible from each part of the instrument.
Again, you have to hit (the scientific or mathematical approach) until you know how to play a beat, rudiment, or fill. Then you move on to playing the drums. The 5-day challenge goes into this with more depth and a more disciplined approach.
Drumming, at its core, involves a scientific and mathematical precision. It’s not just a matter of randomly hitting the drums; it’s a structured approach that requires discipline. The process begins with hitting until you comprehend the intricacies, the dynamics, and the feel of each beat, rudiment, or fill.
The Stick Mastery 5-Day Challenge delves into this with unparalleled discipline and depth. It’s a transformative journey where hitting the drums is not just a mechanical action but a deliberate and calculated step toward mastering the rhythmic extraction of quality sounds.
Conclusion
In the rhythmic realm, the distinction between playing and hitting the drums is the heartbeat of proficiency and ultimately brilliance. Hitting the drums forms the essential heartbeat—the pulse that underlines every rhythmic exploration.
It’s the starting point, the initiation into the language of drumming.
Playing, on the other hand, is the culmination—the eloquent expression that follows the mastery of hitting. The journey from hitting to playing is the dynamic that every drummer aspires to achieve. Or should.
For those embarking on their drumming odyssey, the Stick Mastery 5-Day Challenge awaits as the portal to rhythmic excellence. It’s not just a challenge; it’s a transformative experience designed to hone the art of hitting the drums with precision, discipline, and depth. This challenge provides the scaffolding for beginner drummers to comprehend the scientific and mathematical intricacies, setting the stage for the melodious symphony that will follow.
The rhythmic journey beckons, and the Stick Mastery 5-Day Challenge is the key to unlocking the doors of proficiency. To all aspiring drummers, the call to action is simple: take the first step by registering for the challenge. Embrace the discipline, delve into the depth, and let the rhythm guide you from hitting to playing—the journey awaits!
