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If you want to learn to play the drums, and you do not have a drum set yet, you can begin by tapping your hands on a hard surface; simply improvise and utilize the available resources around you. But if you can shell out around thirty dollars, get a set of drumsticks and a practice pad.
The value of a complete drum set can be anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the type, brand, and quality, so even if you do not have the money to invest in a complete drum set at this point, you can just practice your drumming, so that when you have acquired a drum set, you at least know how to play the basics.
In choosing your first pair of drum sticks, the rating "2B" is usually recommended for beginners. You can ask your local music store about it. It is important to remember that there are different kinds of sticks - they are not all created equal! Your stick choice should relate to your style of music. For example, in rock or heavy metal music, you should use heavier sticks.
Drum practice pads are readily available on the market and on the internet. Some practice pads even have design prints, and some can be purchased in 5-piece kits. You also have the choice whether to get a practice pad stand to go along with your pad and your "throne". Your throne should preferably be cushioned and adjustable. For professional drummers, a regular chair just isn't adequate, but since you are just beginning, improvising is still advisable-- just make sure that you are comfortable as you're sitting.
Now that your equipment is ready, you can begin with your stick exercises; a good one for beginners is "snap-ups". This exercise teaches you how to let your sticks naturally bounce off a drum. You should let your wrist bend on each stroke of your sticks. Your arms should only move in reaction to the movement of the wrist. While you play, your hand should stay parallel to the floor. It is important that you stay relaxed, and that your elbows are kept close to your body. Only the tips of the drum sticks should hit the center of the practice pad. You can practice in front of a mirror so that you can watch your movements and whether or not your sticks are moving straight up and down.
You can improvise and practice with whatever is available, so learning how to play the drums is not limited to those who have the instrument; after all, it is better that you know how to play an instrument even without it, than to have an instrument without knowing how to play it. Happy drumming!
About the Author
Angela Nazario, is a freelance Internet programmer who enjoys writing articles about learning to play music for Music Wizard's "Music Library".
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