New to drums and need some help

[ACCLUDE91]

Hey everyone. A buddy of mine moved his drums into my house about a week or two ago. I've been playing them daily ever since. I'm pretty good so far....another drummer even swore that I had been playing for at least a year or two. But anyways, I'm not taking lessons and I'm only playing whatever comes to mind. I can keep simple beets but not for long periods of time. Also, I find myslef using the hi-hat, snare and bass drum 90% of the time pretty much cause I'm not quite sure how to work in the toms and make it sound good. I just want some advise from drummers who have been playing for a while. Anything I should practice? Good habbits? Bad habbits? I'm curious how many drummers are on this site and what you have to say. Thanks.

[timmy0tool]

music is a great thing especially when you put your own style and personality to it. i've been playing the drums for about 8 years now and i still consider myself a "n00b". my advise to you is to listen to a lot of music and pay attention to the different beats and rhythms. initially try and copy some music then add your own flare. it will come naturally.

it seems you got the basics down. now slowly try and incorporate a cymbal crash here and there. if you want an idea on how to use your toms, again all i can say is listen to music and see how they use them (it's kinda hard to explain). good luck!

check out my thread here for pics of my drum set:
http://www.cb7tuner.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=17513

[LX Rida]

nice drum set timmy!

i wish i could play the drums or any type of instrument! hah

[93h22accord]

Pat wants to learn how to play drums...lol. Ive also been playing the drums for about 9 years now. Nothing is going to help you more then just playing and playing and playing...untill your fingers get blisters. Also just listen to alot of different beats, dont just subject yourself to one type of genre(sp?) Thats what I did. Well I took lessons when I was alot younger but It got boring after awhile.

[Boost_Lee]

i agree practice and practice man. Dont be afraid to try new thigns, isolating your feet and hands is the key man. Once you get the flow of drummin, it the rest should feel natural to you Ive been playin hmm...for 9 years since middle school. I've come to not like set playin, i dunno, kits just arent my thing. Im more of a percussionist- concert and 'core.

[93h22accord]

I cant play unless I use full use of my arms and legs. I dont know, just playing snare or bass is boring. Maybe its just me.

[ACCLUDE91]

Daniel, I've known you for how long now and had no idea you played drums? Maybe after the drag races this Fri. we'll jam a little at my place and kick back a few beers.

Thanks for the advice so far fellas. I'm gonna keep practicing daily and I know I'll get better. I've been able to isolate my hands and feet movements, but for some reason the my right arm and leg still wanna move at the same time. Even tho my right leg wants to hit the bass drum the same time that my right hand hits the hi-hat I've gotten used to "hiding" it by not hitting the bass drum pedal as hard so it doesn't make contact and only putting some force to it the times that I actually want bass drum. Is there anything I can practice to help isolate my arm and leg movements?

[CBsevenDX]

the key to being a good drummer, is play every day, and challenge yourself. also in my expierence the nicer stuff you play, the more you play it, therefore making you a better drummer. enough comma's im out......,
blaine