How to Learn Songs on Drums More Effectively – Drum Practice Routine (Part 29)
Learning songs on drums can be one of the most fun and rewarding parts of becoming a drummer. But without a plan, it can also become frustrating—especially if you're stuck replaying sections without improvement. In Part 29 of our Drum Practice Routine Series, we’re focusing on informal, practical ways to make learning full songs easier, smoother, and more enjoyable.
If you missed it, we covered the fundamentals in Part 5 and added a full step-by-step song strategy in Part 16. This time, it's all about real-world advice and common-sense practice habits that make a huge difference over time.
🕒 30-Minute Realistic Song Practice Routine
1. Pick a Song You Love (2 min)
Seems simple, but picking a song you're genuinely excited about will keep you more motivated than anything else. If you can hum the beat in your head already, that’s a great place to start.
2. Listen With Intent (5 min)
Listen to the full track and follow along with a notebook or chart. Write down each section: Intro, Verse, Chorus, etc. You don’t need to be fancy—a few scribbles go a long way. Try clapping along or air-drumming to connect physically with the rhythm.
3. Focus on Just the Groove (5 min)
You don’t have to nail every fill right away. Instead, get the core groove of the verse or chorus locked in by itself. Practice it slowly with a metronome, then play along with the actual track.
4. Break It Into Chunks (10 min)
Rather than trying to play the whole song, work on one section at a time. Struggling with the transition from verse to chorus? Loop it. Slow it down. Try air-drumming it first.
5. Record Yourself Playing the Whole Song (8 min)
Even if it’s messy, you’ll learn so much by listening back. You’ll hear where you're ahead or behind the beat and where your dynamics could use tweaking.
🔊 Real Talk: It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect
Learning songs isn’t about playing every note exactly like the record. It’s about getting comfortable with the feel and being able to flow from start to finish. If you're playing for fun, you can simplify fills or ignore ghost notes entirely at first.
📅 Weekly Song Challenge
Pick one song per week and follow this format. At the end of the week, record it. You’ll be shocked at how much tighter you sound after just a few tries.
🌍 Tools I Recommend:
Moises app: Mute drums or slow them down
YouTube speed controls
Songsterr or DrumTabs for visual breakdowns
📍 In-Home Drum Lessons Available In:
Redondo Beach
Torrance
Gardena
Manhattan Beach
Palos Verdes
Book a lesson today and get personalized guidance on learning songs, improving your timing, and making every note count.
📞 Contact Info:
IN-HOME DRUM LESSONS BY DAVID MONTOYA
📞 310-502-4413
🌐 WWW.DRUMLESSONSINHOME.COM
