Drum Tips and Techniques - Articles

An Interesting Thing Happened While at the Music Store...

In October of 2003, while picking up some drum sticks at a local music store, I noticed drummers using a device called a "Drumometer™. This "drumming speed" measurement device consists of a Remo™ practice pad (or equivalent) along with an embedded piezo trigger. This is all connected to a counter-timer brain; where a given time interval is set. After the unit is "set", the timer starts as soon as the pad is struck, and every strike is counted.

I found that watching other drummers "testing" themselves was quite interesting. Everyone, was chuckling and having a good time. Eventually, I was prodded to "test" my own speed. After playing through the 60 second interval being used (with poor form), the sales reps convinced me to enter their "fastest drummer" contest. I asked when it was, and they said, "THE NEXT NIGHT" - Yikes. After trying to bow out, I eventually said "OK". But, I decided not to tell anyone (including my wife); talk about being insecure!

Eventually the next day came, and it was my turn to see how fast I could play. I did my thing and was completely shocked when I ended up winning with a "score" of 905 singles in 60-seconds. I was now in the final elimination round to be held 3-weeks later at the Berklee College of Music in Boston! I was further informed that Mike Mangini (gulp) would be the judge, and that the regional winner would be sent (for free) to NAMM in order to qualify (again) for the 10 positions available for The World's Fastest Drummer Finals (at the 2004 winter NAMM show in Anaheim, CA). Wow..

Since I knew essentially nothing about how to improve my technique for speed over 60-seconds, I searched the Internet, spoke with other drummers, and began testing various techniques on my own. After spending 3 weeks (1-2 hours per session, 4-6 days per week), I managed to improve my speed by about 60-70 beats per minute. I really didn't expect to win though; since several of Mike Mangini's Berklee students would be part of the competition. BUT... I did win; with a score of 956 beats in 60 seconds! I was now going to NAMM for the final qualifications for the International Fastest Drummer finals - and I had about 2 months to practice!

A Little About Drumming Speed, Sticking Accuracy, and Endurance

To prepare for the regional finals, and the WFD competition, I decided that I had to, a) focus on repeatable hand-wrist positioning, b) learn to stay as relaxed as possible, c) balance my hand-to-hand capabilities, and, d) enhance my playing endurance.

I also found out that to get the most out of practices, I had to warm-up for at least 30 minutes (a wise idea to do before performing too). I also found it VERY important to include a stretching regime within my warm-up ritual. I found it was also important to stretch in between exercises and after practice was through. I found it to be MOST CRITICAL to use a metronome, practice pad, and a Drumometer™. Otherwise, there was no way for me to know whether I was improving.

Drumming Speed, Accuracy, Endurance Exercises and Techniques

Below are some exercises and techniques I use to optimize my practices and increase my sticking speed, accuracy and endurance. These aren't nearly all of the exercises I do, but they're a start I suppose:

1). After stretching, and warming up, I begin playing flat flams - and then move on to specific rudimental sticking exercises (along with a metronome). I always start playing slowly, and then I increase my speed (i.e., to benefit my fast twitch muscle fibers). Next, since YOU CAN ONLY PLAY AS FAST AS YOUR SLOWEST HAND OR FOOT, I focus on hand/foot balancing drills. For hands, the two exercises below really help me identify and then improve the weak limb. If you try them, DO NOT "weakly" bounce any of the second and third strokes shown, and also keep every stroke at the same dynamic level (i.e., stick height).

a) RRL RRL RRL RRL RRL | LLR LLR LLR LLR LLR

b) RRRL RRRL RRRL RRRL RRRL | LLLR LLLR LLLR LLLR LLLR

NOTE: USE A METRONOME TO GAUGE YOURSELF.

2).  For matched grip (which I mostly use) my thumbs are mainly pointing upwards (in a French style grip). For me, it provides better overall finger and stick control when trying to play fast. However, I do sometimes use a German style grip to reduce muscle tension during a long run. I also concentrate on the principles behind the Gladstone technique (which is based on having your fingers work against the natural rebound of the stick after striking the playing surface). I find that the Moeller technique is not as valuable at the low stick heights needed for playing fast. But the Gladstone technique forces you to learn to play with great efficiency with more fingers. If you use it correctly (with French grip), your arms and wrists will pivot slightly around your thumbs as your speed increases (note: on the right hand only for traditional grip users).
3). I constantly concentrate on relaxing forearms, wrists and finger muscles as I play. A large amount of tension is your ENEMY whenever you're trying to play clean and fast. But some muscle tension and fatigue IS required in order to gain stamina and speed. And if anyone tells you otherwise, they're just flat crazy! As Jim Chapin says, "No pain, no gain." And he's and old pro and top drum teacher. Anyway, I ultimately try to keep my stick rebounds to no more than 3.0 inches in height (and I even try for 2-inches). If you have rebounds higher than this, you'll be using too much wrist and/or arm in your stroke, and you will not be observing "conservation of energy". NOW.. some people can get away with this.. BUT, ultimately by using higher rebounds you WILL limit your individual speed. It's just simple physics. Stop and think for a moment; when you have to cover greater distances (up and down) with each stick over time, more power is needed to compensate for the same results possible when playing "off of" lower rebounds. However, it's important to note that it is harder to maintain cleaner sticking at lower rebound heights.
4). After my warm-up/stretching period, I do a series of long endurance runs and several other types of exercises. Then I set the Drumometer timer for 1, 6, 15, 30, and then 45 second intervals before I run at an interval of 60 seconds.  I do this to benchmark my capabilities and to see where I am falling off. The argument that practicing using intervals less than 60 seconds is not correct. This is because this "drill" should only be a small part of your overall practice regimen anyway. Therefore, your muscle memory will not be negatively effected.
5). I record results from each practice, and note any changes to my routine. Then, every week, I take a look to see how I'm doing. You shouldn't get upset if you notice that you are dipping in speed for a day, or even a week or two.  This is normal. However, if you see no upward movement for more than 2 weeks then you may be practicing incorrectly. You also may have reached your personal limit. Or, you may need to take a week off. Respect what your body is telling you in any case. Most importantly, speed isn't everything in drumming. Great meter and "feel", and creative and tasteful grooves and fills are!
6). I break from my routine occasionally. When I do, I enjoy a lower-body dominant sport like biking (if I have been working my hands). If you've been working your feet, then enjoy an upper-body dominant sport.

I am currently producing a drum DVD that includes my latest practice techniques for optimizing drumming hand/foot speed along with how theses various exercises can help you improve your hand and foot technique, your time, feel/groove, fills and solos. If you're interested in previewing/purchasing this DVD, then please CONTACT US!

NOTE: For reference; at my first competition (with no practice), I scored 905 bpm. Three weeks later, I scored 956 bpm (with limited knowledge of proper practicing techniques). In the finals qualifying round at NAMM, I scored 998 bpm (while a personal high up to that point of 1024). So, in slightly less than 3-months time, I picked up nearly 120 beats per minute by devising and utilizing specialized practicing techniques. I did waste some time through trial and effort, But that's life..

Click Here to Read Speed Drumming Tip #2

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