Want to learn drums by yourself? Follow this step-by-step beginner’s guide to develop your first beats, coordination and timing, learn drum notation and start playing real songs.
Ready to play drums with other musicians? Learn how to find a band, prepare for rehearsals, keep a steady tempo, listen to the other instruments and develop the skills every drummer needs when playing in a group.
From the blues clubs of England to the world’s largest stages, Aynsley Dunbar consistently proved that great drumming is about more than speed or volume—it is about serving the music while bringing personality and artistry to every performance.
Discover 15 new drum sheets, from deep soul and funk to enduring rock and pop—plus 24 format additions to existing songs. A new season is the perfect time to sharpen your playing. Start with Part 13 of Drum Beats for Beginners, exploring…
Frank Beard’s career remains an extraordinary example of how feel, consistency, and musical instinct can become a drummer’s greatest signature.
Discover every part of a song, from the intro, verse and chorus to the bridge, solo, instrumental and outro. A clear and complete beginner’s guide to understanding song structure.
Learn how to soundcheck drums before a live show: drum setup, line check, microphones, stage monitors, in-ear monitors and communication with the sound engineer for a great live drum sound.
Learn how to change your tom drumheads step by step: removing the old head, cleaning the shell, installing the new head, cross-pattern tightening and basic tuning.
What size bass drum, snare or tom do you need? Discover common drum shell sizes in inches and centimeters, learn how to measure your drums correctly and choose the right drumheads.
Learn how to read drum sheet music step by step: staff, measures, time signatures, note values, rests, drum symbols, repeat signs and song structure.
Learn how to record acoustic drums at home: microphone choice and placement, audio interface, gain staging, phase, DAW setup and essential drum mixing tips.
Discover the essential role of the drummer in a band: shaping the song structure, keeping time, choosing the right beat, supporting the musicians and creating groove.
Discover drum kit anatomy and learn to identify every part of an acoustic drum kit: bass drum, snare, toms, cymbals, pedals and hardware.
What is rhythm in music? Learn the essential concepts of pulse, tempo, rhythmic note values, binary and ternary subdivisions, accents and syncopation with audio examples.
Learn the most common rhythmic note values in music: whole notes, half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, triplets, sextuplets and more, with visual examples and snare drum video demonstrations.
How do you say snare drum, hi-hat or batter head in French? Learn 97 essential terms arranged by topic, with practical explanations, useful sentences and notes on British and American usage.
Just bought a new or used drum kit? Learn how to set up your acoustic drums step by step for a stable, comfortable and ergonomic playing position.
Learn how to position yourself correctly behind the drums and adjust every part of your kit for greater comfort, precision and freedom of movement.
Ollie E. Brown’s extraordinary adaptability allowed him to work with artists spanning multiple genres, while his impeccable timing and musical sensitivity made him one of the most respected session drummers of his generation.
Discover 16 new songs across beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, plus eight format additions to existing favourites. Keep your summer routine moving with focused practice, fresh repertoire and time to refine the details.



















