Drumming Tips and Drumming Techniques: Drumming Articles

Developing Your Drumming Speed - Speed Drumming Article #1 of 2

My experience with the speed drumming is a strange one. Basically, one October day, 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 used a practice pad for a striking surface with an embedded piezo trigger. The trigger was connected to a counter-timer computer brain that had a count and a timer display. Once the time interval is set, the timer starts counting ONLY AFTER the pad is struck. From then on, every strike is counted until the timer reaches zero.

Watching the other drummers "test themselves" was quite interesting to see. Everyone, was chuckling and having a good time. And of course, eventually I was prodded to "test" my own drumming speed. After playing through the 60-second time interval (which is standard for the International Fastest Drummer Competitions - or WFD competitions) I watched my own form and speed fall away as I played. But it was fun! A sales rep then told me I should enter their "fastest drummer" contest. When I asked him when it was, he said, "THE NEXT NIGHT"! After trying to bow out, I eventually said "okay". Since I've always disliked "musical competitions" I don't know why I agreed? So, I decided I wouldn't tell anyone (including my wife) about it - talk about being insecure!

The "next day" came, and soon it was my turn to see how fast I could play. I did my best and was completely shocked when I ended up winning with a "score" of 905 singles in 60-seconds (with absolutely no practice, and no idea "how or what" I was doing). Nevertheless, winning put me in the northeast regional finals elimination round - 3 weeks later at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. I was informed that Mike Mangini (the world's fastest drummer and record holder "gulp") would be the judge. I was also told that the regional winner would be sent (for free) to winter NAMM for the chance to qualify (again) for the final 10 positions at "World's Fastest Drummer Finals" to be held there. I must say, I liked the idea of a free trip for 2 to California and NAMM in the winter. But I really had no expectations - since I knew essentially nothing about how to improve my drumming technique, speed and endurance.

I searched the Internet (and found essentially nothing of value). I next spoke to the folks at Drumometer - and they were helpful. I also spoke with some other drummer friends, and then began testing various drumming practice techniques on my own. You see, at the time (late 2003), this unique mode of drumming was so new (about 4 years old), that there was very little practice "meat" to go on. And most of the really successful speed drummers obviously did not want to give away ALL their secrets (understandably). So, I did what I could. And 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 were to be part of the regional competition.

BUT, I did win; with a score of 956 beats in 60 seconds! It wasn't my best score up to that point, but at least I was now going to the International Fastest Drummer finals qualifications and NAMM. And I had about 2 months to practice!

A Little About Drumming Speed, Sticking Accuracy, and Endurance;
"My Opinions" and Observations

To "try" and prepare for both the regional finals and the WFD competition, I decided to focus on, a) repeatable hand-wrist positioning (I used small mirrors for this), b) staying as "tension free" as possible, c) balancing my hand-to-hand capabilities, d) ensure a regular breathing pattern, and, e) enhancing my playing endurance. At Berklee, Mike Mangini gave me a couple of private tips as well for the finals (thanks Mike).

From my sports background, I soon realized that to get the most out of speed drumming practices (and to help avoid injury), I had to start by including drumming-specific stretching and warm-up exercises for at least 15 to 30 minutes. I found this was also good to do prior to performing. I discovered too that stretching as part of my warm-up ritual should be included during practice time as well (static vs. dynamic stretching) - especially between longer "speed drumming" endurance runs. I also took many short breaks, and also went through a group of drumming stretches once I had finished practicing. Much later, I spoke with Sports Medicine professionals and an Olympic team trainer who gave me even more "dynamic and static" stretching/warm-up approaches. It's great stuff man. As of now 2008, I've learned so many great muscle stretches for drumming!

Besides integrated stretching and warming up, I found it MOST CRITICAL to use a Drumometer™ along with a metronome. Fortunately, Drumometers now include a metronome. I also used the Drumometer's associated practice pad. Otherwise, there was no way for me to "really" know whether I was improving. The Remo pad used is different than a drum head or a rubber practice pad too - and I needed to get used to it. I still hate Remo practice pads though.

More Drumming Speed, Accuracy, Endurance Exercises and Techniques

Below are some simple 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:

1). After static stretching, I begin playing flat flams for about 15 minutes or so (with a metronome). Then I move on to specific rudimental sticking exercises (also along with a metronome). I always start playing slowly, and then I increase my speed (i.e., to benefit my fast twitch muscle fibers). I use plyometric principles in some drills as well.

2). Next, since YOU CAN ONLY PLAY AS FAST AS YOUR SLOWEST HAND OR FOOT, I make sure to focus on hand (and/or foot) balancing. For the hands, I've found that the two exercises below really help identify and improve your weaker hand. They will work for your feet as well. If you try them, DO NOT "weakly" bounce (with your hands) any of the second and third strokes shown. And keep ALL strokes at the same dynamic level using the same stick height -no more than 3-inches. I concentrate on using the Gladstone technique as well - since the Moeller technique really is not best suited for small-movement "speed drumming".

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

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

AGAIN: USE A METRONOME OR YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO GAUGE AND IMPROVE YOURSELF.

3).  For matched grip (which I mostly use) my thumbs are usually pointing straight upwards (in a French style grip). Although I will vary between American and German style grips when I play the kit live, I find the French style grip provides me with better overall wrist, finger and stick control when playing for "highest speeds". Still, I sometimes switch between German and American-style grips during speed runs to reduce muscle tension and switch the energy load around.

As I mentioned previously, 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 it strikes the playing surface). The Gladstone technique forces you to learn to play with greater efficiency through more focused finger and wrist control. This is the key to why speed development exercises will also help you for your general playing! STILL, I must say that the Moeller technique is an excellent "everyday drumming" methodology that should be mastered!

4). I make sure to concentrate on relaxing my forearms, wrists and finger muscles as I play. Over time, I even noticed that my calves and chest got tight while doing long runs - as well as other muscles. I didn't expect this, but it probably was because I was trying too hard. and it will cost you - since it steals overall energy from you. As one sports star says, "When you need more speed, try easier!". It's true. Large amounts of tension in any muscle group is your ENEMY when trying to play clean, fast and for a long period of time.

Yet, in order to gain stamina and speed some degree of muscle tension and fatigue IS INEVITABLE over 60-seconds of drumming. And if anyone tells you otherwise, they just don't know what this mode of drumming is about! Jim Chapin sat down with me at NAMM 2004 and told me personally that the Moeller technique was not the way to optimize speed for this type of drumming. I agreed. He then suggested that I concentrate on always keeping the sticks loose enough in my hands so that another person could pull the sticks from them easily. This way, I would always be working to minimize tension. This was a VERY wise suggestion, and one I now always use (thanks Jim).

5). Rebound height: If you rebound to heights above about 3-inches, you'll likely be using too much wrist and/or arm in your stroke. So you won't be observing optimum "conservation of energy" for optimum speed (you'll also be risking injury). Some drummers can get away with this for a time. BUT ultimately, using higher rebounds WILL limit your individual speed. It's simple physics (and physiology). Think about; if you have to cover a greater distance between strokes (up and down), more power is needed to achieve the results you could otherwise achieve by using rebound energy and the lowest possible stick height. So, this is where the Gladstone technique (and other disciplines) come to play.

It's important to note that it will get harder and harder to maintain clean sticking at lower rebound heights (i.e., as you increase speed). If you have trouble playing fast with more fingers than wrist, then try playing at lower heights AND at slower metronome speeds for awhile. A good way to do this is to play 16th note repetitions at metronome settings around 100 bpm for 30-90 minutes, 5 times a week (for about 5 weeks). Yes, it's a pain. But try doing it while watching TV at night... And this approach is really great for all kinds of muscle memory work on the kit too. Mike Mangini swears by it!

6). Post warmup: After my integrated warm-up/stretching exercises, I do a series of long endurance runs - followed by many other types of exercises. Then I do a series of special long and short runs. After these, I set the Drumometer timer for 1, 2, 5, 10, 15, 30, and then 45 second intervals (i.e., before I ever run the WFD interval of 60 seconds).  I do this to benchmark my capabilities and to see where I am falling off. I then focus on the areas where I'm beginning to drop off in speed. The argument that it's not goo to practice using intervals less than the 60 second competition interval is not correct. This is because only a small part of your overall "speed drumming" practice regimen uses this technique. Furthermore, 100-200 meter sprinters do exactly these types of practice drills for their training. So, it's no big deal.

7). I recorded my practice results each practice, and noted any changes to my routine - as well as how I felt. Every week, I would then take a look to see how I was doing. Don't get upset if you find that you're dipping in speed for a day, or even a week or two!  From my discussions with other drummers in WFD events, this is normal. However, if you see no upward movement for more than 2 weeks then you may be practicing too intensely and/or incorrectly, and you may need to take a week off. You may also have reached your personal limit! So please respect whatever your body is telling you because speed isn't everything in drumming. Playing with great meter, feel (groove), and to be able to add tasteful fills is MORE important! Also, not everyone has the same ratio of fast twitch to long twitch muscle fiber in their bodies, and you can't change this! Right now, for example, I work ONLY on optimizing my speed for playing intervals that are more representative of real playing situations - from 2-20 seconds.

8). I found it a good idea to break from my "speed drumming" routine occasionally. When I did, I enjoyed 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.

For a "Time vs. Speed Improvement Reference, Consider My Developmental History:

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 (with my personal best being 975 bpm). Two months later, in the finals qualifying round at NAMM, I scored 998 bpm (with a personal high up to that point of 1024). My personal high (a couple months after the finals was 1069), and that's when I stopped training for long-term speed. So, in slightly less than 3-months time, I picked up 160 beats per minute by devising and utilizing mainly my own warm-up/stretching and practice techniques. Things moved more slowly after that.

Since 2004, other practice approaches have been presented. So, if you want to try your "hand" at WFD-mode drumming, then seek the information out there and have fun. But, playing for this mode requires a lot of time, effort and care (of your hands and/or feet). I know first-hand since I ending up hurting myself initially using some of my own "experimental" techniques" (tendonitis). I wish I hadn't, but I learned the hard way. Now, you don't need to.

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