Drummer Cafe Community Forum

Hi

I am 15 years old, and have been learning drums for about 8 months on my own. Now, since I have gotten a new kit Mapex QR (is it good?), and gotten serious about drumming, I really want to improve my technique. I really don't know where I stand atm, concerning my drumming. I found notes of Higher by Creed, and was able to play that pretty comfortably.

But I hear things about rudiments, and heel-toe, and Moeller method, and I don't really know what to do. Can you suggest where I should start? I really want to improve my technique.

I can play most beats pretty ok. I have some problems with the bass drum though, maybe it is because I use heel down. I always have problem playing sixteenth notes in the beginning of a beat, when my hand is also playing sixteen on the hi hat. It never seems to follow the hand the first time around. I can't also make it go with the hi hat, when I play the beats fast, or when I play the beat immediately after a snare. I am talking about a beat like this

http://www.onlinedrummer.com/images/tabs/rock_16.gif

Also, I can't play my hands really fast after a beat. I see drummers having fills after a beat, when the just play extremely fast on the snare, and then on the toms, it's like one motion (if you know what I mean). Is it to do with the way I hold my sticks? Can you suggest some practice for this?

Thanks, and sorry that it's such a long post.

Read my articles and lessons here at the Drummer Cafe ... that would be a good start. I discuss how to come up with Fills, Kick Drum Technique, How to Practice, and much more!

Have a look in the Education (http://www.drummercafe.com/content/section/5/19/) section of the Drummer Cafe.

Practice slowly ... gradually working up your speed.