Free Drum Lessons

Learn To Play Drums

« Back to Beginner Lessons

Claim Your FREE Subscription
To The Secret Drum Lessons

Secret Lessons

Fill out the form below for exclusive access to FREE bonus video lessons that teach hi-hat tricks, drum beats, drum fills, syncopation, practice tips, soloing ideas, gigging advice, and much more!

Name:
E-mail:
Alternative Video-Playback Options
Windows Media Windows Media Player YouTube Streaming On YouTube
iPod or iTunes Apple iPod & Quicktime Google Video Streaming On Google
Sheet Music Downloads
Adobe PDF Adobe PDF Sheet Music
Flash Paper FlashPaper Sheet Music
Additional Resources
Link Drum Notation Chart
Link Discuss This Video

Learn To Play Drums

Do you want to learn to play drums for the very first time? Watch Mike Michalkow's step-by-step training video on this page to get started. It will guide you through four simple patterns that form a basic rock drum beat.

The Drum Patterns

Exercise one is to be played on the hi-hats alone. The hi-hats are notated with the "x" symbols above the top line of the measure. The numbers 1-4 are there to indicate how you are to count these out loud. Simply put your foot down on the hi-hat pedal, and play the edge of the hi-hats with your stick on all four counts.

1
Learn To Play Drums #1

The second exercise includes the bass drum being played on counts one and three. Focus on keeping the four hi-hat strokes steady, and then add in the bass drum. The bass drum should be synced up perfectly with the hi-hat strokes as you continue to count out loud.

2
Learn To Play Drums #2

Exercise three brings the snare drum into the mix. Here you will no longer be playing the bass drum, but you'll hit the snare drum on beats two and four. Again, focus on playing overlapping shots in perfect sync. The two and four counts include two voices, but they should sound like one combined shot.

3
Learn To Play Drums #3

In exercise four, you will learn to play the first three patterns simultaniously. The hi-hats will continue on all four counts, while the bass drum and snare drum alternate. Focus on keeping everything steady and in time. Many beginners will have a tendency to start playing a little choppy. Be sure the hi-hat strokes continue to be even and continous while you bring in the other two voices.

4
Learn To Play Drums #4

If this is a little tricky, you can always go back and practice exercises 1-3 a little longer. Then come back and give exercise four another try. If you are able to play it continously - congratulations! You are ready to move on to more challenging drum beats!

Follow-Up Drumming Lessons

Looking for more information on how to play drums for the very first time? Watch Jared Falk's training video!

When you are ready to learn even more - watch the video lessons on: basic drum techniques, drum theory and notation, drum set rudiments, rock drumming , jazz drumming, and our many other drum lesson topics!

Claim Your FREE Subscription To The
Secret Lessons From FreeDrumLessons.com!

  • Secret LessonsGet exclusive access to bonus video lessons from the drum instructors here at FreeDrumLessons.com!
  • Learn cool and unique drum concepts like hi-hat tricks, modified drum beats, powerful syncopation, creative drum fills, fun soloing ideas, and much more!
  • Get easy-to-use tips and tricks for improving your practice sessions, helping you building groove, and improving your overall skills as a drummer!
  • All the secret lessons are 100% FREE and extremely valuable for drummers of all skill levels!

Fill out the form below for instant access to the FREE secret lessons!

Enter Your First Name:
Enter Your E-mail Address:

More Information About The Secret Lessons

Secret Lessons
Copyright © 2008 Railroad Media, Inc. - All Rights Reserved  |  Terms Of Use  |  Privacy Policy  |  Contact Us  |  Free Drum Lessons  |  Drum Forums  |  Drum Lessons