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How To Start Playing the Drums: An Essential Guide for Beginners

So, you're ready to dive into the world of drumming! Here is a step-by-step guide on what every beginner should know before they start.








 

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Is there an ideal age to start?

Drumming can be started at almost any age, but typically, kids as young as 5 to 7 years old can begin learning basic rhythms and playing on a simple setup, provided they have the physical coordination and attention span. At this age, lessons should be more about fun, movement, and rhythm games. 
Teens and adults can dive right into drumming at any time! At this age, they’ll have the strength, coordination, and focus needed to learn different drumming techniques, read sheet music, and play along with songs.

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What type of drumsticks should I use?

A basic pair of 5A drumsticks is a great starting point. This size is versatile, giving a you balance of weight and power without being too heavy. 
Buy a few pairs! Sticks can break, disappear, or mysteriously vanish into a parallel universe as soon as you need them.










 

What type of drums should I buy?

Choosing the right drum kit depends on your budget, space, and whether you need an acoustic or electronic kit.
Go for an acoustic kit if you want the classic feel and the sound. They have a natural resonance and a tonal variation that drummers love. Just be aware that acoustic kits are loud. If you have a soundproofed space or deaf understanding neighbours, an acoustic drums is fantastic.
Go for an electronic kit if you're in an apartment and have volume restrictions, those e-kit are ideal because you can practice with headphones. These products offer tons of sound options, from classic rock kits to electronic beats, allowing you to experiment and adapt without buying extra gear.  
Also electronic kits are smaller and easier to store and transport, making them convenient for a small space.










Some drummers start with an electronic kit for practice, then transition to an acoustic kit as they grow more experienced and have the right space.


The cost of a drum kit varies significantly depending on the type and quality, or whether it's acoustic or electronic.
Beginner acoustic drum kit: many brands like Pearl, Ludwig, Yamaha and more, offer entry level-kits that include shells and hardware (pedals and stands) from £300 to £700. 
Intermediate acoustic drum kit: for drummers who want higher quality sound and more durable material I would recommend the Yamaha Stage Custom, Mapex Armory or PDP Concept Maple. These are my favourites kits to play. 









Beginner electronic drum kit: An entry-level kits from brands like Alesis Nitro, Roland TD02K or Yamaha DTX402K offer basic sounds and playability. Kits in this range are great for quiet practice and tend to have rubber or mesh pads. The price for an entry level e-kit starts from £300 to £600. Some of them come with drum thrones and headphones.
Intermediate electronic drum kit: A mid-range e-kits often have mesh heads, better sound quality and a module with more advanced features, like bluetooth and coach mode. Roland TD17K and Yamaha DTX6K-X are very popular in this range. I would highly recommend spending a bit more and having a better quality product. Normally the price for these models ranges from £850 to £1400.









If your budget is tighter, but you still want a good quality drum kit, I would suggest looking at secondhand products. Check what's available on platforms like marketplace, ebay or at your local music store. Remember that marketplace is full of scammers, so check the product first, and always pay on collection.

 

 

Throne is a fancy word for the drum stool. The short answer is YES! A comfortable and sturdy stool is essential for a good posture and for long practice sessions, even for beginners.
When choosing a drum throne, the most important aspects to consider are:

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  • Comfort - Drummers spend a lot of time on their drum stool, so comfort is essential to prevent fatigue and encourage longer practice sessions.

  • Stability Drumming involves a lot of movement, especially when using both hands and feet, so a stable throne is essential to keep your balance and prevent some wobbling.

  • Adjustability Proper height is crucial for good posture and technique, especially when it comes to foot control on pedals. I normally look for a throne that allows easy adjustment, ideally with a spindle or pneumatic gas lift system (the last one is my favourite).

  • Durability Drum thrones endure a lot of wear, so investing in a durable option saves money over time. I recommend a high-quality and sturdy frame with double legs, steel and well made padding will hold up much better over time.

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Many thrones have a memory foam or gel padding for extra comfort. Some drummers prefer round shapes, while others prefer motorcycle-style seats for more support.

A drum stool is an investment for your drumming comfort and performance, so it's worth choosing a good one. 

Here are 3 of my favourites: 

  • Gibraltar 9608E with round seat

  • Roland RTD-SH hydraulic

  • Roc-n-soc Nitro 

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Ready to start?

Drumming is fun, and getting started doesn't need to be complicated. If you're looking for more guidance and feedback, a trial session is a good way to jump into the world of drumming. 

With these essentials you'll be rocking out in no time!

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How much does a drum kit cost?

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What about the drum throne? Is it important have a good one?

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              Alex Marino
Session Drummer/Drum tutor

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