The electric drums, or electronic drum kits, offer a versatile and compact solution for drummers of all levels. These instruments provide a wide range of sounds and effects, making them popular for practice and performance. If you’re new to drumming, electric drums can be an excellent starting point. This article will guide you through the basics, from setting up your kit to playing your first beats.
Setting Up Your Electric Drum Kit
Unboxing and Assembly
Unpacking the Kit: When you first receive your electric drum kit, unpack all the components carefully. The main parts include the drum pads, cymbal pads, drum module (brain), rack, and cables. Lay everything out in a clear area.
Assembling the Rack: The rack is the frame that holds your drum pads and cymbals. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble it. Typically, you will need to connect the horizontal and vertical bars using clamps and screws.
Mounting the Pads and Cymbals: Once the rack is assembled, attach the drum pads and cymbal pads to the appropriate locations. Most kits come with labeled pads (e.g., snare, toms, hi-hat) to help you place them correctly. Use the provided mounts to secure each pad.
Connecting the Drum Module
Plugging In the Pads: The drum module, also known as the brain, is the central hub of your electric drum kit. It processes the signals from each pad and triggers the corresponding sounds. Connect each pad to the module using the labeled cables.
Powering Up: Plug the module into a power source using the adapter provided. Turn on the module and ensure it powers up correctly. You may need to follow an initial setup process, as described in the manual.
Positioning Your Kit
Adjusting Heights and Angles: Sit on your drum throne and adjust the height and angle of each pad and cymbal to suit your playing style. The snare drum should be at a comfortable height, with the hi-hat and toms within easy reach.
Final Checks: Once everything is in place, double-check all connections and mounts. Ensure that nothing is loose and that all pads are responsive when struck.
See Also: What is the Best Electronic Drum Sets? [Revealed!]
Understanding Your Drum Module
Basic Functions
Sound Selection: The drum module allows you to select different sounds for each pad. Common options include acoustic drum sounds, electronic beats, and percussion instruments. Familiarize yourself with the sound selection process.
Volume Control: Adjust the volume levels for each pad to ensure a balanced sound. Most modules have individual volume controls for each pad, as well as a master volume control.
Advanced Features
Effects and Customization: Many drum modules offer effects such as reverb, delay, and compression. Experiment with these settings to create unique sounds. You can also customize the sensitivity and response of each pad.
Metronome and Practice Tools: Most modules include a built-in metronome and other practice tools. Use these features to improve your timing and rhythm.
Basic Drumming Techniques
Holding the Drumsticks
Grip Styles: There are two main grip styles: matched grip and traditional grip. For beginners, matched grip is recommended. Hold the drumsticks with your thumbs on top and your fingers wrapped around the sticks.
Stick Control: Practice controlling the sticks with relaxed wrists. Avoid gripping too tightly, as this can cause fatigue and reduce your speed and accuracy.
Playing the Pads
Basic Strokes: Start with simple single strokes, alternating between your left and right hands. Aim for consistent volume and timing. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
Rebound and Bounce: Allow the sticks to rebound off the pads naturally. This will help you play faster and with less effort. Practice bouncing the sticks on the snare drum pad to develop this technique.
Using the Pedals
Hi-Hat Pedal: The hi-hat pedal controls the open and closed sounds of the hi-hat cymbals. Practice pressing the pedal down to close the hi-hat and releasing it to open the hi-hat.
Bass Drum Pedal: The bass drum pedal is played with your foot. Start with simple single beats, striking the pedal with the ball of your foot. Keep your heel slightly raised for better control.
Learning Basic Beats
The Rock Beat
The basic rock beat is a fundamental rhythm in many genres of music. It consists of a steady pattern played on the bass drum, snare drum, and hi-hat.
Hi-Hat: Play a consistent eighth-note pattern on the hi-hat.
Bass Drum: Add the bass drum on the first and third beats of each measure.
Snare Drum: Play the snare drum on the second and fourth beats of each measure.
Once you can play each part separately, combine them to form the complete rock beat. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed.
The Shuffle Beat
The shuffle beat is a swung rhythm that is common in blues, jazz, and rock. It has a distinctive groove that is slightly different from straight eighth notes.
Hi-Hat: Play a swung eighth-note pattern on the hi-hat.
Bass Drum: Add the bass drum on the first and third beats.
Snare Drum: Play the snare drum on the second and fourth beats.
Practice each part separately before combining them. Focus on maintaining the swung feel of the hi-hat pattern.
Developing Your Skills
Practice Routine
Daily Practice: Set aside time each day to practice. Even 15-20 minutes of focused practice can lead to significant improvement.
Warm-Up Exercises: Begin your practice session with warm-up exercises. Single strokes, double strokes, and paradiddles are excellent for developing hand coordination and control.
Playing Along with Music
Choosing Songs: Select songs with simple drum parts to play along with. Start with slow tempos and gradually work up to faster songs.
Using Backing Tracks: Many drum modules include built-in backing tracks. Use these to practice playing in time with other instruments.
Improvisation and Creativity
Experimenting with Sounds: Explore the different sounds and effects on your drum module. Experiment with creating your own beats and rhythms.
Jamming with Other Musicians: Playing with other musicians is a great way to develop your skills. It helps you learn to listen and respond to others in a musical context.
Advanced Techniques
Dynamics and Accents
Controlling Volume: Practice playing at different volume levels. Use softer strokes for quiet sections and harder strokes for louder sections.
Adding Accents: Accents are emphasized notes within a rhythm. They can add dynamics and interest to your playing. Practice placing accents on different beats and subdivisions.
Ghost Notes
Subtle Notes: Ghost notes are very quiet notes played on the snare drum. They add texture and groove to your beats.
Incorporating Ghost Notes: Practice adding ghost notes between the main snare drum hits. Keep them very soft, so they blend into the background.
Maintaining Your Electric Drum Kit
Regular Maintenance
Cleaning the Pads: Wipe down the pads regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust and sweat. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the surface.
Checking Connections: Periodically check all cable connections to ensure they are secure. Loose cables can cause connectivity issues and affect your playing.
Software Updates
Updating the Module: Check for software updates for your drum module. Manufacturers often release updates that improve functionality and add new features.
Installing Updates: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install updates. This usually involves downloading the update to a USB drive and connecting it to the module.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Pad Sensitivity
Adjusting Sensitivity Settings: If a pad is too sensitive or not sensitive enough, adjust the sensitivity settings on the module. Refer to the manual for specific instructions.
Testing Pads: Test each pad individually to ensure they are responding correctly. If a pad is malfunctioning, it may need to be replaced.
Sound Issues
Volume Balancing: If the volume levels are unbalanced, adjust the individual pad volumes on the module. Make sure the master volume is set to an appropriate level.
Sound Quality: If the sound quality is poor, check the connections and cables. Ensure that the module is connected to a good-quality sound system or headphones.
Conclusion
Playing electric drums can be an exciting and rewarding experience. As a beginner, focus on building a solid foundation with proper technique and basic rhythms. Practice regularly and take advantage of the features your drum module offers. With dedication and patience, you will improve your drumming skills and enjoy making music. Happy drumming!
