Drum Learning Guide

Knowing where to start is difficult.  Having direction and guidance in your learning process is important in order for you to progress.  With this in mind, we’ve created a learning guide for Beginner and Beginner-Intermediate level players below using the resources found on OnlineDrummer.com.  We hope you enjoy!

Beginner Learning Guide

  • 1. Learning To Read Series: Quarter Notes and Quarter Rests

    This “Learning To Read” video drum lesson series is designed to teach you how to read drum music. Becoming fluent in reading drum music can be very beneficial to your drumming career.

  • 2. Learning To Read Series: Eighth Notes

    In this lesson you will learn how to read and play eighth notes. This lesson will also introduce you to accents. Before you do this lesson you need to have an understanding of quarter notes & rests, repeat signs, measures and 4/4 time signature.

  • 3. The Geek Technique

    This lesson introduces a technique that can be used as a warm-up or stretch. It also helps to insure proper wrist strokes. Earn your “Geek-status” with this lesson.

  • 4. Learning To Read Series: Eighth Rests

    In this lesson you will learn how to read and play around 8th rests. In order to do this lesson you already need to know quarter notes, quarter rests, eighth notes and 4/4 time.

  • 5. Learning To Read Series: Dynamics1

    In this video drum lesson you will learn to read and play the dynamic markings piano, forte, crescendo and decrescendo.

  • 6. Accents on Parade

    This is a practice beat sheet to work on the reading skills you have learned so far. This beat sheets helps you to work on accenting. Make sure you are alternating sticking!

  • 7. 8th Rest Sticking Challenge

    This is a practice beat sheet to work on the reading skills you have learned so far. This beat sheet introduces a new technique: clicking your sticks together.

  • 8. 8th Rest Walking, Drum Stick Talking

    This is a practice beat sheet to work on reading skills you have learned so far. Some of these exercises are a bit challenging, so take it slow!

  • 9. Get Down

    This beat sheet is an interesting piece that will help pave the way for full drum set playing. This is a piece designed to work on coordination. Take your time.

  • 10. Learning To Read Series: Sixteenth Notes

    In this lesson you will learn how to read and play sixteenth notes. In order to do this lesson you need to be comfortable with quarter notes & rests, eighth notes and 4/4 time.

  • 11. Paradiddle

    In this lesson, learn the rudiment called the “Paradiddle.” It gives you a brief introduction to the paradiddle and what can be done with it.

  • 12. Learning To Read Series: Sixteenth Rests

    In this lesson you will learn how to read and play around sixteenth rests. To do this lesson, you should be comfortable with playing 16th notes and the 4/4 time signature.

  • 13. 3 on a hand (Resource not yet created)

  • 14. Learning To Read Series: 8ths Connected To 16ths

    In this lesson you will learn how to read and play 8ths notes connected to 16th notes. To do this lesson you should already be comfortable with 8th notes and 16th notes.

  • 15. The Double Paradiddle

    Learn the double paradiddle rudiment and a technique to “spice it up” a bit.

  • 16. Learning To Read Series: Dynamics 2

    In this lesson you will learn the dynamic markings mezzo piano, mezzo forte, pianissimo and fortissimo.

  • 17. Blue Wool Snare Solo

    This is a practice beat sheet to work on your reading skills. Everything in the beat sheet has been discussed in previous lessons. Try your hand at playing this solo.

  • 18. The Buzz Roll

    Learn what the buzz roll is and some techniques to help you learn to play it.

  • 19. Learning To Read Series: 3/4 Time

    Learn to read and play drum music written in the 3/4 time signature. In order to do this lesson, you already need to have an understanding of quarter notes, 8th notes, 16ths notes and their corresponding rests.

  • 20. Learning To Read Series: Basic Drum Set Music

    In this drum lesson you will learn to apply what you already know about reading single-drum music to reading multiple drum music, or drum set music. In order to do this lesson, you should already have an understanding of quarter notes and 8th notes.

  • Congratulations!

    You’ve completed the beginner guide. You now have a strong understanding of the basics and fundamentals of drumming and are ready to move onto the next level!

 

Intermediate Learning Guide