Starting your drumming journey is a thrilling adventure, whether you’re prepping your child for their first lessons or jumping into a new hobby yourself! Choosing the right drum equipment for beginners is key to starting strong. Here’s a simple guide to help you get started, covering the essentials plus a few useful extras.
1. Best Drumsticks for Beginners 🥢
The first thing you’ll need is a pair of good drumsticks. For adults, 5A sticks are a great all-rounder, and for younger players, 7A sticks are slightly lighter and easier to handle. Brands like Vic Firth and Vater are solid choices for beginners and beyond. Check out my YouTube video where I explain everything about choosing the right drumsticks: What Drumsticks Do I Need?
2. Choosing the Right Drum Kit for Beginners 🥁
- Acoustic Drum Kit: If you want the full, traditional experience, an acoustic drum kit is the way to go. Most basic kits come with a bass drum, snare, toms, hi-hat, and cymbals. Great beginner brands include Pearl, Mapex, and Ludwig.
- Electronic Drum Kit: Ideal for quiet practice or if space is tight. Kits from Roland, Alesis or Yamaha come with drum pads and a module that produces a range of sounds. Many even have built-in metronomes and practice modes!
Highly Recommended: For in-person shopping, check out Graham Russell Drum Shop in Fareham, Hampshire, the UK’s largest drum store with super-friendly service – perfect for everyone from beginners to professionals!
For online purchases, I highly recommend Gear4Music, a reliable site with a wide selection of drum equipment for beginners.
3. Music Stand 🎶
While it might seem like a small detail, a music stand is super helpful for keeping your sheet music or lesson notes organised and easy to read. It’s one of those handy extras that makes practice much smoother.
4. Choosing a Drum Throne for Beginners 💺.
A good drum throne (seat) is essential for comfort and posture. Make sure it’s adjustable, so it suits your height. Brands like PDP and Gibraltar offer reliable options at reasonable prices.
5. Practice Pad 🛑
If you’re practising at home or need something quieter, a practice pad is a must. It simulates the feel of a drum without all the noise. Remo, Evans, and Meinl all make excellent pads for beginner drummers.
6. Drumsticks Bag 👜
A drumsticks bag keeps everything organised and stops you from losing sticks between lessons. Look for one with a few compartments for extra accessories too.
7. Metronome ⏱️
Keeping time is crucial for any drummer, and a metronome will help with this. Some electronic kits come with one built-in, or you can easily download an app like Pro Metronome. Even Google has one!
8. Drum Kit Accessories 🛠️
- Drumsticks Holder: Super handy! This holder clips to your kit and keeps your sticks nearby during practice.
- Drum Key: You’ll need this to tune your drums. Most kits come with one, but having a spare can be a lifesaver.
- Cymbal Stands and Hardware: Make sure your cymbals have sturdy stands to avoid wobbles!
9. Drum Kit Maintenance 🧽
Keeping your kit in top shape is important. Regular cleaning and checking for loose screws will keep everything sounding and working its best. A drum maintenance kit can be a great investment too.
10. Soundproofing and Ear Protection 🔇
- Ear Protection: Drumming can be loud! Protect your hearing with some good-quality, drum-specific earplugs.
- Soundproofing: If you’re using an acoustic kit at home, you might want to soundproof your space. Drum mats and wall padding can make a big difference in reducing noise.
11. Optional Extras 🌟
- Drum Lessons: Having professional guidance is invaluable. Whether it’s in-person or online, lessons can help fast-track your progress. If you’re curious about how drumming can benefit your health, take a look at our blog post on the 10 Unexpected Health Benefits of Drumming.
- Drum Books and Resources: If you’re keen to dive deeper, consider picking up the Rockschool (RSL) Drums Method Book to help you get started. You can grab a copy here: Rockschool Drums Method Book
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right drum equipment for beginners makes the learning process smoother and more enjoyable. Whether it’s choosing the perfect sticks or setting up your kit just right, each bit of equipment plays a part in your progress. Happy drumming! 🥁✨
Best wishes,
Alex
Drum With Alex