Drum Basics

Inspiration & Exploration

You're about to discover one of the most physical and fun creative skills around — drumming! Start by watching a few YouTube videos of drummers you love, from rock to jazz to hip-hop. Notice how they hold their sticks and how their whole body moves with the beat. Check out the r/drums subreddit to see what beginners post and ask about. Visit a local music store in SLC — like Summerhays Music — and just sit next to a drum kit to get a feel for it. Listen to songs and try tapping rhythms on your knees or a table. You're ready for the next step when you can tap a steady beat with your hands for 30 seconds without losing the rhythm.

Tools & Techniques

Now it's time to learn the basic tools of drumming. A standard drum kit has a bass drum (foot pedal), snare, hi-hat, and cymbals. You don't need a full kit yet — a practice pad and a pair of drumsticks are perfect to start. Watch Drumeo's free beginner videos on YouTube to learn how to hold sticks using the matched grip. Practice the "single stroke roll" — right, left, right, left — slowly and evenly. Learn what BPM (beats per minute) means and try clapping along to songs at 60–80 BPM. You're ready for the next step when you can play single and double strokes cleanly on a practice pad at a slow, steady tempo.

First Creations

Time to make some actual beats! If you have a practice pad or borrowed kit, try playing a basic rock beat: bass drum on beats 1 and 3, snare on 2 and 4, hi-hat on every beat. Use a free metronome app (like Metronome Beats) to keep time. YouTube channels like "FreeDrumLessons" walk you through beginner patterns step by step. If you don't have a kit, try a free drum machine app like "Drumbit" online to program and hear your patterns. Record yourself with your phone so you can hear how you're doing. You're ready for the next step when you can play a basic rock beat all the way through a full song without stopping.

Style Development

Now explore different drumming styles to find what excites you most. Try a shuffle groove for blues, a straight-eighth feel for pop, or a syncopated pattern for funk. Watch videos of drummers like John Bonham (rock), Questlove (hip-hop), and Buddy Rich (jazz) to hear how style changes everything. Join a local drum circle — SLC parks often host them in summer — or attend an open jam night to see live drummers up close. Start building a short "vocabulary" of 3–4 grooves you like and can play. You're ready for the next step when you can play two different styles of groove and explain what makes each one feel different.

Refine Your Craft

This is where you tighten everything up. Focus on timing consistency — use a metronome every single practice session. Work on your weakest hand (probably the left) with specific exercises. Learn basic drum notation so you can read and write out rhythms. Drumeo and vic-firth.com both offer free sheet music for beginner patterns. Try "Paradiddle" rudiments (RLRR LRLL) to build hand independence. Record your playing and compare it to the original song — be honest with yourself about where you rush or drag. You're ready for the next step when you can play a full song from start to finish in time with the recording, with no major tempo stumbles.

Portfolio Piece

Now put together your showcase piece! Pick one song that represents your style and shows off what you've learned. Practice it until you know every fill and transition by heart. Record a clean video of yourself playing along — even just with your phone propped up. Share it in r/drums or with friends and family. If you want a live audience, check out open mic nights at SLC venues that welcome all skill levels. Write a short note about what you learned and what you want to work on next. You're ready for the next step when you have a complete recorded performance you're proud to share.