🥁 10 Mistakes Beginner Drummers Make (and How to Fix Them)
🥁 10 Mistakes Beginner Drummers Make (and How to Fix Them)
Drumming is fun and exciting—but when you're just starting out, it's easy to develop bad habits that slow your progress. The good news? Every mistake on this list is fixable with awareness and focused practice.
Here are 10 of the most common beginner drummer mistakes — and how to correct them.
❌ 1. Poor Stick Grip
The Fix:
Start by learning a relaxed matched grip. Don’t choke the stick near the middle or let it slide too far back.
👉 Try this in combination with Rudiment Practice Routine – Part 11
❌ 2. Slouching or Sitting Too High/Low
The Fix:
Your throne height should let your thighs angle slightly downward. Good posture = better balance and endurance.
👉 Related: How to Set Up a Drum Kit
❌ 3. Playing Too Fast Too Soon
The Fix:
Slow, accurate reps with a metronome are key. Build speed later.
👉 Refining Timing with a Metronome – Part 26
❌ 4. Forgetting to Warm Up
The Fix:
Always start with a few minutes of single strokes, doubles, and rudiments.
👉 Daily Drum Warm-Up Routine – Part 25
❌ 5. Not Practicing with a Metronome
The Fix:
Develop internal time by practicing with a metronome regularly — even on the practice pad.
👉 Practicing Drums with a Metronome – Part 9
❌ 6. Overplaying the Crash
The Fix:
Use crashes for accents — not every bar. Learn to “ride” hi-hats or the ride cymbal for consistency.
❌ 7. Forgetting the Feet
The Fix:
Don’t ignore your bass drum or hi-hat foot! Make footwork a part of every practice session.
👉 Foot Speed & Bass Control – Part 12
❌ 8. Ignoring Dynamics
The Fix:
Practice soft to loud and focus on accents. Ghost notes, rimshots, and dynamic range make your playing musical.
👉 Ghost Notes & Dynamics – Part 17
❌ 9. Only Playing What You Know
The Fix:
Challenge yourself with fills, new time signatures, or a new genre.
👉 Time Signature Transitions – Part 24
❌ 10. Not Listening to Music
The Fix:
Study the greats. Play along with your favorite songs. Pay attention to groove, feel, and space.
👉 Practice Learning Songs – Part 16
🎯 Takeaway
Mistakes are part of learning — but the sooner you recognize and correct them, the faster you'll improve. That’s why I build these fundamentals into every in-home lesson.
📍 In-Home Drum Lessons Available In:
Redondo Beach • Torrance • Gardena • Manhattan Beach • Palos Verdes
📞 Contact Info:
In-Home Drum Lessons by David Montoya
📞 310-502-4413
🌐 www.drumlessonsinhome.com
