Drumming Tips and Drumming Techniques: Drumming Articles

Drumming Speed Development Article #2 of 2

This is a continuation of some of the speed drumming tips found in developing drumming speed (fast drumming tips and techniques), part #1. In this article, I discussed how, by sheer chance, I tried a Drumometer™ at a music store and ended up winning a competition that sent me to the finals of the" World's Fastest Drummer" finals at the 2004 winter NAMM, and placed third. I also discussed my experiences in trying to improve myself in this drumming discipline  and I came to realize that there is much more to developing "drumming speed" then one would initially assume; namely, overall drum kit playing improvement...

Why? Well, using the practicing techniques for increasing hand/foot speed improves your sticking accuracy. Also, because you must use a metronome, this improved accuracy equates to better time and feel (groove) on the kit. Better still, you will reduce your chances of injury.

Subsequent to the NAMM competition - and still today - many of the musicians I have performed with have said, "Steve, it seems like your playing differently? You seem to be grooving and filling better? What are you doing?" Well, hearing this is great - and the key to it was simply following many of the warm up and drum practicing exercises designed to increase hand/foot accuracy, endurance, and speed. And even now, though I'm not working for WFD-style speed, I still focus on optimizing my "work to reward" ratio and us many of my speed development practice techniques.

Because I was asked by many drummers after they read part #1, I've included some additional practicing tips and techniques that focus on improving WFD-level speed and endurance - while still improving your overall playing capabilities:

1). If you are using a "thumbs-up" matched grip (i.e., a French style grip), try practicing hitting the pad and controlling the rebound with ONLY your index finger and thumb. This is a good exercise because these two fingers are your primary lever point for this type of grip. When doing this, remain in a playing position that allows you to add in your fingers without changing your wrist position. Leave your remaining fingers cocked - but not in contact with your sticks. You can add and remove your other fingers as you run through your exercise. Mike Mangini gave me the basics of this drumming speed tip early on - and I forgot about it in lieu of figuring out other practice issues. I should have paid closer attention earlier on.
2). Use a mirror as you play to establish, verify and maintain proper hand, wrist and finger positioning of both hands (this goes for your feet as well). I recommend having a mirror in front of you, and one on each side (initially). Eventually, you won't need a mirror, but it's amazing to see how much more position-consistent (and aware) you will become as you really work on the fine points. Jotan Afanodar (the world's 2nd fastest drummer) provided this insight (thank you Jotan).
3). Make sure that one of your warm-up exercises includes unison strikes (called flat flams). Turn on your metronome but cover the setting initially. Let your hands/feet tell YOU where they want to start (i.e., just below the tension point). After 5 minutes, try to adjust the tempo upwards a little. Adjust upwards, if it feels okay, and continue for 15-30 minutes. And remember, this drumming exercise is JUST for warming up! STAY LOOSE AND INCREASE METRONOME SPEED SLOWLY OVER TIME. This tip was given to me by Art Verdi. Thanks Art!
4). Try to play as loosely as possible - especially when playing fast (as a sprinter once said, "Try easier". Although there is no such thing as "tension-free" playing throughout an entire 60-second speed run, you still should strive to play with as little tension as possible. Concentrate more on the Gladstone technique than the Moeller technique (for THIS mode of drumming especially). Why? Because you need to stay at rebound heights of 3-inches or less. This is perfect for the Gladstone technique. Most importantly, playing with tension over long periods of time will only lead to repetitive stress injury - especially "De Quervain's Tenosynovitis" especially if you use the French grip (SEE BELOW).

The motion test above indicates whether you may have De Quervain's Tenosynovitis

Besides the potential for moderate to serious injury, playing with tension also restricts blood flow to your muscles in hand-wrist or foot-calve regions (which need all the oxygen they can get in order to function optimally). So, be sure you are always as loose as possible (whether playing for speed or not). In fact, a person next to you should easily be able to pull either stick out of your hand while you're playing - truly ! This was pointed out to me by Jim Chapin; an awesome drummer and instructor who's been around a long time and KNOWS.
5). Find out which hand (or foot) is your slowest, and then concentrate on it as you gain speed. This is because you can only play as fast as your slowest hand or foot! Note: I list exercises to help you balance your hands and/or feet in part 1.

FINAL COMMENTS

Based on reviewing Jotan Afanodar's and Mike Mangini's playing history in WFD competitions which has spanned about 6 years (BTW: They got involved with Drumometer even before there was a formal WFD competition at NAMM), after they broke the 900 beat per minute threshold, it took a year or more to gain another 150+ beats per minute. It then took them about another year to break the 1100 bpm barrier. This is because flawless technique and great endurance is needed to play even much over 1000 bpm. It took Mike Mangini about another 1.5 YEARS to break 1200.

Think about it for a moment; 20 beats/second (=1200 bpm) and 18.4 beats/second (~1100 bpm). This is a BIG jump from 15 beats/second (900 beats per minute). Even 17 beats/second (1020 beats per minute) is quite a large jump from 15 beats/second (900 beats per minute) for that matter - let alone 1100-1200 bpm!

If you want to try the WFD speed drumming route that's cool. But I believe that no matter how fast you end up being, don't forget that you really should still concentrate mostly on, 1) balancing the sticking accuracy and speed of both your hands or/and feet, 2) using your speed work so it translates into becoming a more time-and-feel conscious drummer, and, 3) developing your OVERALL drumming skills.

Regarding point point #3, if you're just learning to play the drums, I firmly believe that you need proper professional instruction and need to follow the 9 key elements to become a well-rounded drummer. Then you can try for speed. The words "PROPER INSTRUCTION" are key here too! Make sure you learn your basic rudiments (at least) as well as the Gladstone and Moeller techniques. They are invaluable for everyday drumming.

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