learn drums

How to get started with drums for free with Yooplay?

The regularity of rhythm is an essential point for any drummer, since it is he the conductor of all the other musicians. Once you have acquired the basics and fundamental techniques of our beginner level drum lessons, you can move to the next level to continue your drum learning.

Drum lessons: Free drum tutorials

Yooplay gives you the opportunity to learn drums online for free right from home. We offer you learning tools that match your level and style of music so that you learn to play the drums while having fun. Our teaching method is intended to be fun and personalized. Our free beginner drum lessons are complete, intuitive and very easy to use. So that you can learn and progress in the best conditions from your computer, we provide you with free tutorials, free videos, exercises as well as course materials developed by music professionals (teachers, musicians, etc.).

Drum lessons: Beginner drum lessons – First lesson!

Via our free beginner drum lessons and our pedagogy, you will study your first binary and ternary rhythm (basic rhythm in 4/4 and basic rhythm in 12/8). We also offer you simple variations (bass drum or snare variations) of these two rhythms so that you can adapt to different pieces, and so that you understand the concept of variation. All aspects of the battery will be explained to you. Whether for example the groove, the cymbals, the sixteenth notes, the right hand or even the hand...all this will no longer have any secrets for you!

On our site, you can also find well-known songs with cult beats to play on the drums for total fun throughout your learning!

Drum lessons: Our easy free online drum lessons

Learning the drums is not that complicated. Our free online drum lessons for beginners are ideal for acquiring the fundamental basics of this instrument and for being able to play along to the music tracks (beginner version) available on our site. They also constitute a real springboard towards the “initiated/Intermediate” courses. In summary, our free beginner drum lessons are essential to your progress!

Here is a summary of the key points to assimilate when you are a beginner and want to learn drums online for free:

1. RHYTHMS (BEGINNERS):
   work on the 1st binary rhythm and the 1st ternary rhythm to better understand the beginner level.

1. FUNDAMENTAL TECHNIQUE (BEGINNERS):
   in particular the “frisé” technique to understand and execute rhythms and/or breaks

1. RHYTHMIC SOLFÈGE AND APPLICATIONS (BEGINNERS):
   to apply the fundamental technique to rhythms and breaks, to discover the notions of rhythmic music theory and their applications in breaks.

1. CHARLESTON OPENING (BEGINNER/INSIDER):
   to learn the concept of coordination.

In conclusion, if you want to learn drums for free, trust Yooplay! Indeed, our free beginner drum lessons are simple and very complete so that you learn, progress and become a real drummer without paying anything!

Drums lessons: Free drum lessons and methods, but not only that!

Furthermore, you may also note that it is not uncommon to be interested in more than one musical instrument! This is why at Yooplay our music teachers offer you other music and instrument lessons! Namely, if you like drums, it is likely that you are not also interested in bass guitar. Indeed, bass and drums are an integral part of well-paced music with bass sounds. In this case, if you really like bass, we suggest you learn this instrument with free bass lessons which will complement your free beginner drum lessons.

Drums lessons: Learn hi-hat openings for beginners

At Yooplay we do everything we can to make you a master of chopsticks! So, if you're new to drumming, don't hesitate to use our free online drum lessons. As a result, they are a godsend for simply discovering drums when you are a beginner! So with our lessons, you will discover your first hi-hat openings, an essential technique for a drummer. In addition, working on your hi-hat openings will allow you to begin to understand the notion of coordination (independence between your left foot and your right foot). Furthermore, our drum coordination lessons and videos will help you progress faster! In addition, this notion will be more in-depth in the course “Rhythms (Initiate/Intermediate)”.

Drum lessons: Drum rhythms

First of all, regular training and putting your theoretical lessons into practice are the key to progress quickly. But another point is essential to your learning: mastery of rhythmic music theory. Thus, the reasons for this mastery are simple: rhythmic music theory allows you to visualize and write rhythms, to read and write a drum score, to note down a rhythmic composition. Also, you will have understood: our free beginner drum lessons in rhythmic music theory will be very useful to you in your learning of the drums.

Drums lessons: Example of technique

In addition, the “frisé” technique will be discussed in particular. This rudiment is fundamental for setting up your first drum breaks. Indeed, these breaks will allow you to create transitions between the different parts of a song. Indeed, we can also use them to introduce or end a song. So in the “Rhythmic music theory and applications” section, you will find a large number of examples to work on. In addition, you will learn different rhythmic figures to ultimately create the breaks you want. You will also practice varying your break starts to avoid getting lost and getting back into your rhythm correctly.

Drum lessons: Is it difficult to learn to play the drums?

The drums are one of the oldest instruments known to mankind. It constitutes an important part of all musical genres. Playing the drums is quite exciting and fun. However, if you are a beginner, you will certainly encounter some difficulties. Consider taking lessons and take Yooplay drum lessons. Besides, here are some tips so that you can learn to play the drums effortlessly.

Drums lessons: Plan a schedule

You must either exercise self-discipline or establish a consistent training schedule that is in your best interest. There's no denying the fact that working out for half an hour a day is better than doing it for three hours a week. However, at the same time, you should not set unrealistic goals for yourself, otherwise you will end up disappointed. Four to five workouts per week will prove sufficient if you are consistent. Keep motivating yourself to achieve better results.

Drum class: Prepare your practice space

Drums are an activity that will not allow you to establish a good relationship with your neighbors. Therefore, when planning your practice space, you need to consider everything it takes to produce less noise. You will find some solutions cost-effective, while others may be time-consuming and require a lot of effort. For example, you may choose to purchase a set of training pads or invest a significant amount of money in electronic drum kits.

Drums lessons: Practice the correct position

After you've created the perfect workout space, you should focus on getting into good form. It would be helpful for you to practice the sit-down style, in case you are a beginner drummer. Drummers generally sit upright, with the drum throne at a higher level, so that when they put their legs on the pedals, it makes a 90-degree angle. This eliminates unnecessary tension from your body and also allows you to produce good sound.

Drum lessons: Take professional drum lessons

You can find many online courses on Youtube. I advise you to look for a course structure from a professional structure. The teachers know your skills, and they also know your strengths and weaknesses. So, the Yooplay lessons available online are ideal and can be a plus even if you already have a teacher.

Drum lessons: Practice with a metronome

A drummer must always keep track of time when playing. Practicing with a metronome will help you keep a regular rhythm and not slip up. If you're a drummer and you can't drive on time or play a solid drum beat, how are you going to lead a band?

Drums lessons: Watch professional drummers

Not all lessons are learned in classrooms. Just like you can improve your math and calculations at any time, even at the grocery store, you can improve your drumming skills by watching professional drummers. Try taking inspiration from their styles and techniques, and it will make you wonders.

Drum lessons: Stick to one learning method

High heel and low heel are two standard techniques followed by drummers. In the heel-down technique, the entire bottom of your foot remains on the pedal board while your lower leg and ankle push down. This technique helps produce a more resonant bass sound. In the high heel technique, your heel rises slightly above the pedal, and the ball of your foot stays in the same place. This technique uses the large muscles in your hips and upper legs and can also deliver powerful punches.

Drum lessons: Learn the basic rhythms of the drums

You can choose to check out our drum tutorials for beginners which will help you learn drum techniques. It is crucial to acquire the right foundations to be able to perfect your skills. A great first step is to learn how to hold your chopsticks. Working with the sticks is what you should do when playing the drums. You will learn to play basic rhythms, and it will be rewarding because after learning them, playing the drums will become easy for you. At first, playing the drums may seem daunting. You may have problems coordinating your limbs together, but constant practice will help you do the process well.

Drum lessons: Learn the basics of drum notation

This fact may seem boring to you, but one of the essential elements of learning drums is actually the ability to read drum sheet music. The majority of experienced drummers know at least the basics of drum notation. After learning the basics, you can take any drum sheet and start playing.

Drum lessons: How to read drum scores?

Like the English language, drum notation is read from left to right. The staff consists of five lines and four spaces, but notes can also be placed above or below the staff. Notes are placed on the staff based on which part of the drums is to be played at any given time. Note below that the bass drum is in a different position on the staff than the snare drum or ride cymbal. Drums are noted with dots, while cymbals are noted with an “x.” These symbols are generally associated with “stems”, which help explain how to count the time indicated.

There are several symbols that musicians should know when beginning to read drum notation, especially if they are starting with a four or five piece drum set.

basic drum notation tablature

1 – Bass drum:

The bass drum notation is between the 1st and 2nd lines from the bottom. The bass drum is generally the largest drum in the drum set and usually produces the lowest note. It is used with a pedal and is often called a “bass drum”.

2 – Bass Tom:

The notation for the bass tom is between the 2nd and 3rd lines from the bottom. The floor tom (or floor tom) is generally the next lowest note on the drum set. It is often called a floor tom because it can rest on the ground using feet.

3 – Tom 1 and Tom 2:

The high tom is inscribed between the 1st and 2nd line from the top. The medium Tom is located on the 2nd line from the top. Sometimes called the floor tom, this drum generally produces a higher note than the floor tom and bass drum. Many drum fills are started on this drum, and many drum sets have more than one tom.

4 – Snare drum:

The snare drum is often considered the main drum of the drum kit. Its notation is located between the 3rd and 4th line from the top. Many drum rhythms are based on the pattern between the kick drum and the snare drum. It gets its famous snare sound from the snare wires that are attached to the bottom head of the drum (the snare).

5 – Ride:

This cymbal is often the largest in a drum kit and is used for many different purposes. The ride cymbal is often tapped with the end of the stick to create a “ride” feeling, but it can also be used as a crash cymbal. On the staff, it is located on the 1st highest line.

6 – Charleston:

Hi-hat notation is found above the top line of the staff and is often a primary tool in timing. The hi-hat is a pair of cymbals used with a unique type of stand that contains a pedal. Drummers can control the type of note produced by pressing the hi-hat pedal and squeezing the two cymbals together and then hitting them, which is called a closed hi-hat, or letting them bounce slightly off each other. on the other by releasing the pressure with the foot, which is called open hi-hat.

7 – Crash 1 and crash 2:

A crash cymbal is a large, very loud cymbal that is often used to accentuate different rhythms in music. Crash cymbals vary in size and tone and contain a large number of different styles and sounds. This cymbal differs from others on the drum set because it is often struck hard and can help elevate the dynamic movements of a piece of music. Its notation is located above the hi-hat, above the top line of the staff. On drums with two crash cymbals, the second crash will be noted in the space above the first crash.

How to learn drums alone?

First of all, Drummers, welcome to drum lessons for all levels!

Whatever your level, you will find exercises here that will allow you to approach pieces more calmly. Thus, you will approach notions of rhythmic music theory applied directly to rhythms and breaks so that you more easily understand the songs you want to work on. Whether you're working on your first piece or you're advanced, our song videos are perfect for you. It notably consists of backing tracks as well as a drumless version.

Drum lessons: Is it difficult to learn to play drums online?

Are you wondering if the drums are an easy or difficult musical instrument to learn?

You can learn a familiar song or rhythm on the drums in about 30 minutes. It often takes 2 years to gain a detailed understanding of drums. If you want to become a professional drummer, it usually takes 7 to 8 years, but it can be faster if you practice more.

Drum lessons: Take lessons and courses

Rhythm is such a natural part of our being.

Many people think that you have to be born with the ability to keep up. The more students practice, the more they develop a natural, fluid ability to keep time.

It's true that everyone starts at a different level, but that's not the most important thing to become a great drummer.

I have found time and time again that the students who are the most passionate and practice the most are the best.

Therefore, it is time to get rid of the old myth that only certain people can play the drums and I invite you to make this extraordinary instrument your own.

Drums course: Playing drums online with our method

So, the video exercises in our online drum lessons are shown to you at 50 bpm for the most part.

Furthermore, I advise you to start at this speed when you tackle something new (rhythms, breaks, technique), then increase your metronome preferably 2 in 2.

So, in fact you will be more precise! In addition, if you are a beginner, I invite you to work on the lessons in the order offered to you.

Drums lessons: How to work on your rhythm without drums?

Buy yourself a practice pad and a pair of drumsticks. Find an online video method like yooplay and/take lessons in real life with a drum teacher. If your teacher is a Yooplay affiliate, you will be able to find your lesson content at home!

Drum lessons: Buy yourself a practice pad and a pair of drumsticks

If I'm not going to buy a drum kit, what musical instrument will I play? All the professional drummers I know have a high quality practice. It's the foundation of good drumming and a perfect way to start learning to play. A practice pad is a thin, circular board that allows you to develop excellent technique, good timing and muscle memory. You can take them anywhere, making them a favorite tool for many drummers. I always use one to warm up before a concert as well as in my daily practice.

Drum lessons: The advantages of a practice pad

Much cheaper than a battery. Lightweight and portable. Develops a high level of muscular strength. Used by master drummers around the world. The quickest way to start learning drums. Quiet and respectful of neighbors (especially when using conditioning inserts).

Drum lessons: Which practice pad should I choose?

It's better to invest in a high-quality pad than to buy a cheap one, as it will help you develop better muscle strength, technique and control, allowing you to get the most out of your practical. The laminated surface represents the feel of a marching snare drum, while the conditioning surface (the quietest pad surface I've found so far) is brilliant for developing the strength needed to play toms. Toms.

Drum lessons: Which drumsticks should I buy?

Once you've got yourself a great practice set, you'll need a pair of drumsticks. There are a wide variety of options available, but generally you'll want to go with a 5A wand. The 5A drumstick is the classic drumstick used by drummers of almost every genre of music. It is a medium weight stick that is suitable for most musical situations. Many great drummers of the past relied on 5A drumsticks and you should too! Like practice pads, not all drumsticks are created equal.

Drum lessons: Practice your basics daily

There are many sets of patterns that drummers can learn to become more developed players. These patterns, called rudiments, can form an important part of a drummer's daily practice if they choose to focus on them. You'll start with the simplest rudiment, simple strokes, until you can play advanced and complex rhythms.

Drum lessons: Further develop your rhythm and independence

Two essential skills for drummers are timing and independence. If you've been practicing on the pad, you've already started working on these key skills.

Drum lessons: The rhythm and regularity of your tempo

Rhythm is the most important skill a drummer can possess. The drummer is the rock at the center of the group who allows all the musicians to play together and in rhythm. Many people say that only talented musicians are good at rhythm, but did you know that it's a skill you can develop? Working on your sense of rhythm is essential to developing as a drummer. When playing basic or common drum rhythms, drummers often use metronomes to avoid speeding up or slowing down.

Drum lessons: Metronome, drum machine for playing drums without drums

A metronome produces a series of clicks in perfect time to help musicians play consistently. Next time you practice your drums, try playing with an online metronome! It's difficult at first, but once you get the hang of it, it will do wonders for your game.

Drum class: Independence

Wondering how Vinnie from our previous story was able to eat his noodles while working out on his pad? It's often said that playing the drums is like rubbing your stomach while tapping your head. In fact, there's twice as much going on! Drummers use all four limbs to play rhythms on the drums. This means they have to multitask, playing different rhythms with different members at the same time. As you become a more and more skilled drummer, your brain will develop so that you can multitask without even having to think about it. The best way to start developing your independence game. Play basic rhythms with your feet while you practice on your pad.

Drum lesson: Example of playing

Start by playing a rudiment of your choice on your pad following a metronome. When you feel comfortable, see if you can tap your right foot on each beat while still playing the rudiment. If you play a rudiment with two hands, adding your right foot, you have already developed three-handed coordination! Then see if you can do the same thing with your left foot. Finally, see if you can change feet on each beat (playing your right foot on beats 1 and 3, and your left foot on beats 2 and 4).

Drum lessons: Switch to an electronic drum kit

Once you start to feel comfortable on the pad, you should definitely consider investing in an electronic drum kit. They represent an incredible advancement for drummers who cannot practice with a drum kit at full volume. Simply put, electronic drum kits are a quiet way to experience the pleasure of drumming.

Drum lessons: The advantages of an electronic drum kit

Helps develop four-handed coordination. This musical instrument looks exactly like a real drum kit: snare drum, toms, kick, cymbals and hi-hat. Does not disturb neighbors (may not be suitable for apartments due to pedal vibrations). A variety of different sounds and drum kits, depending on the style you want to play. Takes up less space than an acoustic drum kit. One of the problems with acoustic drum kits is that it can be very difficult to listen to music and play it at the same time. The music in your headphones needs to be very loud and without the right setup, you often don't hear the subtleties of each song you're playing.

Drums lessons: How to work on your drums?

It's natural to want to excel on the drums. You listen to the grown-ups and you want to be like them. You want to be able to play complex rhythms and patterns with ease. However, to achieve this goal, you have to practice. You often wonder how long you have to train before you become a big one. A beginner drummer should practice at least 30 minutes a day, and an advanced drummer should practice at least an hour a day.

Drum Lessons: How many hours a day should a drummer practice to become great?

If drummers practice these amounts of hours per day, they will progress steadily and, over time, become proficient at their craft. Drum practice isn't limited to the time you spend behind your kit. You must be consistent with your practice and you must practice the right techniques without rushing. Read on to find out how practice can make you a great drummer and more.

Drum lessons: How often should you practice your drums?

It's natural to want to be perfect and excel immediately. You may see the training schedule for your drums and think you can rush to do it, but that's not the case. You have to be patient. Training is not a race. Every drummer is different. The time you should spend training should be between 30 minutes and an hour, but it can fluctuate depending on several factors. Factors such as: Your schedule. Many people have busy schedules that can make practicing difficult. However, if you want to become proficient at playing the drums, you need to find the time when you can. If you're determined to workout for at least 30 minutes, consider splitting it into two 15-minute chunks during the day.

Drums Course: A drum training plan

You must have a drum training plan. Having a plan will allow you to define your goals, organize your exercises and calculate the time you need to devote to each element. For example, if you're a beginner and you have to practice 30 minutes a day, you won't spend all 30 minutes just playing along to songs you know. You won't progress this way. Instead, you'll break up the 30 minutes with different exercises. All great drummers have put in a lot of time and effort to get to where they are. You can experience greatness, but you have to take your time. So what do you need to know to become great? As mentioned, there are certain exercises you should focus on, but that's not all.

Drum lessons: Drum technique and musicality

Your drumming practice should have a balance between the technicality of drumming and the creative side of drumming. At the end of your workouts, leave a few minutes to create your own patterns and grooves. This will help you apply everything you have practiced in a concrete way. But what else do you need to know to become a great drummer? Remember that the amount of time you spend training per day isn't everything. You need a few other things: Equipment. Commitment. A detailed and varied plan. Each of these elements is important to your success. If you take the time to review each of them, it will be much easier to implement them into your program.

Drum lessons: The right equipment for the drummer

There are certain pieces of equipment that are important to invest in if you want to be great. Of course, equipment doesn't make a drummer great. It's how the drummer uses the equipment he has that matters. However, there are benefits to using certain types of equipment. You should play with a metronome. This will help you improve your timing. Remember that timing is crucial for a drummer, and a metronome will allow you to practice at different tempos. This will help make you a well-rounded drummer.

Drum lessons: Practice mats and pads

If you live in a small apartment, or if you live with other people, exercise pads are a very important piece of equipment to have with you. They allow you to practice techniques and patterns without making noise. Practice pads essentially allow you to practice anywhere and anytime.

Drums lessons: Speakers or headphones.

Part of your practice should be playing along with songs, whether they are well-known or not. While it shouldn't make up the majority of your practice, it's important to know how different genres use drumming to better suit your craft. If you don't have these pieces of equipment, don't worry. If all you can afford right now is your main drum kit and a few drumsticks, that's enough to get you where you need to be. However, you must remain dedicated to improving your skills every day.

Drum Lessons: Dedication to Becoming a Better Drummer

Part of becoming a great drummer is having the dedication to make it happen. Are you a self-taught drummer or did you take a drum teacher? There will be hard days and easy days, but it's about persevering. This is where having a clear idea of the goals you want to achieve will help you. The time you spend training each day requires a lot of dedication on your part. If you create a plan that promotes motivation, you'll be more likely to stick with your workout routine. If you don't dedicate some time each day to practice, you won't progress as quickly as you would like.

Drum lessons: A detailed and varied training plan for your playing

If you have the will to become a great drummer, you will succeed. To be successful, you also need a detailed and varied plan for your training sessions. As we mentioned earlier, a drum schedule is an important aspect of your plan, but it's not the only one. Your plan should include: All your goals. Before you start, you need to have a list of your goals. These can be big, general goals, and it can include your shorter-term goals. This creates a sort of road map to success. Once you know your goals, you'll be more likely to stay on track. All the exercises you need. Make a list of all the exercises you need to achieve your goals, whether they are foot exercises or basics, write them down and plan them accordingly.

Your weaknesses

Everyone has weaknesses, even the most seasoned drummer. Take note of your weaknesses. Focus on these weaknesses to turn them into strengths.

Your strong points

Likewise, you should also list your strengths. Having a positive attitude is an essential part of becoming a great drummer. Celebrate the strengths you have and those you have acquired. This will keep you motivated and eager to get to the next level. A way to track your progress. You need to track your progress. Having a detailed plan helps you do this. You will see what you have just practiced and what you will practice soon. Your plan will help you stay motivated and focused and allow you to achieve each of the goals you set before you started. If you need help making a plan, you can look for structured drum lessons like those offered by Drumeo Edge.

Drum lessons: Monitor your progress on your instrument

Having a way to track your progress will keep you on track to achieve your goals. But how can you track your progress with your plan? Tracking your progress is simple. Using a regular notebook, you can track your progress with each workout. During each training session, you must write down what exactly you did. This can include all your exercises, basics and play-alongs.

Drums lessons: Note your evolution and progress

You should also write down next to each item how you felt. Write if you noticed an improvement compared to the previous session. If you do this every day, you will see progress build up slowly. It's natural to want to see an immediate change in your skill level, but the fact is that it takes quite a bit of time to develop your skill. If you don't track your progress, it can be difficult to see progress. If you improve, even just a little each day or each week, you are on the right track. Additionally, if you track your progress, you can refer to previous sessions. You'll see your grades and be able to identify your weaknesses more definitively, which will help your future training sessions.

Drums lessons: A varied plan

A detailed plan is important, but so is a varied plan. You need to have variety in what you practice. If you don't vary your exercises or your sessions in general, you risk falling into a monotonous routine. Monotony can kill momentum. It can also hinder your motivation. You want to stay motivated so you can continue to progress. Mix up your schedule. For example, you could practice playing different genres two days a week. You would look forward to these days because these two days have something different that you don't have the rest of the time.

Drums course: Creativity

Don't forget the creative aspect of drumming either. Although most of your time will be spent practicing tempo, patterns, posture, stick holding, and other similar exercises, you should still spend some time creating your own patterns . If you spend a little time each week creating your own designs, you give yourself a goal to achieve. For example, if you learned a certain polyrhythm at the beginning of the week, you can try creating something with it at the end of the week. This way you put your newly acquired skills into practice.

Drums course: Consistency

While the hours you dedicate each day to practicing drums are important, consistency is arguably more important. It's consistency that will allow you to continue to improve your skill level. Without consistency, your practice will be of no use to you. You have to train every day. You must not skip a day. One wasted day can have a big impact on your next practice. If you keep missing days, you'll find that you can get rusty quickly. Don't worry about how much time you spend training each day, at least not at first. Focus on making sure you practice every day.

Drums course: Drum practice

Practice is here to help you create lasting habits and muscle memory. By practicing every day, you allow your brain to stay up to date with certain techniques. It's like learning a language. If you don't use the language, it can get foggy. The same is true with drums and with music as a whole. Part of how you reach a high level as a drummer is to continually practice the skills you've already learned. It's not just about learning new skills. Consistency will bring you the following benefits:

Drum lessons: Improve skills.

If you've already mastered a skill, you want to make sure it stays at a high level. Practicing these skills consistently will help you maintain their strength in your drumming arsenal.

Create habits.

Everything you do while playing the drums can be considered a habit. For example, holding chopsticks correctly is a habit. You want to hold them correctly every time you play. Consistency keeps you on track and focused on good habits.

Avoid bad habits.

Likewise, if you miss workouts, you risk developing bad habits. For example, if there's a groove that you struggled with but eventually perfected, but took a few days off, returning to the groove, you're more likely to make that old mistake again. Build muscle memory. Once you get to a high level of drumming, most of what you do becomes second nature. But it didn’t become second nature by not being consistent.

Drums lessons: Constance

Your muscle memory is important and can only be improved and maintained through constant practice. The benefits of consistency speak for themselves. If you're serious about taking your drumming to the next level, you need to be diligent. Spend 30 minutes a day practicing your art. Over time, you will see the results you are looking for. With patience, you will achieve your goals faster than you think.