How to Play Drums More Musically: Tips for Beginners and Intermediate Drummers

When you’re learning to play the drums, it’s easy to focus only on keeping the beat. While that’s an important part of drumming, great drummers go beyond just hitting the right notes at the right time. They play musically, which means they use techniques like volume control, dynamics, and self-mixing to add emotion and energy to the music. Whether you’re just starting or playing drums for a while, here are some tips to help you become a more musical drummer.

Control Your Volume

Drummers can easily drown out other instruments because the drums are naturally loud. To play musically, learn to control your volume. Start by practicing playing softly, or what drummers call "playing with a low dynamic." Use a light touch with your sticks, especially on the snare and cymbals. If you’re in a band, listen carefully to the other players and adjust your volume so that you’re blending in, not overpowering.

A great way to practice this is by playing along with recordings at different volumes. Try to match the level of the drums in the song and pay attention to how loud you are compared to the music. This skill will help you sound polished and professional in any setting.

Practice Dynamics

Dynamics are the differences in volume within a song. Playing musically means using dynamics to make the song more exciting and emotional. For example, you might play softly during a verse to let the singer shine, then build up to a louder chorus to add energy. A good example of this is the song In the Air Tonight, where Phil Collins uses dynamics to enhance the emotional impact of the music.

Practice this by adding crescendos (gradually getting louder) and decrescendos (gradually getting softer) to your drumming. You can also try ghost notes, which are soft, subtle hits on the snare that add texture without being too loud. These small changes make a big difference in how musical your drumming sounds.

Think Like a Mixer

Self-mixing means balancing the volume of your different drums and cymbals as you play. For example, your hi-hat might be too loud compared to your bass drum, or your crash cymbal could overwhelm the rest of the kit.

To improve your self-mixing, record yourself playing and listen back. Pay attention to how each part of the kit sounds together. Are any drums too loud or too soft? Adjust your playing to create a balanced sound. You can also experiment with stick techniques, like using the tip of the stick for a quieter sound or the shoulder for more power.

Listen to the Song

Being a musical drummer means serving the song. Ask yourself, “What does the song need from the drums?” Sometimes, it might need a simple groove that keeps the beat steady. Other times, it might need fills or accents to add excitement.

Listen to the other instruments and think about how your drumming fits in. Avoid overplaying—sometimes less is more. A simple beat played with good dynamics and feel can sound much better than a complicated one that doesn’t match the song’s mood.

Play With Feel

Feel is what makes drumming special. It’s about how you hit the drums and the groove you create. A drummer with good feel can make even a simple beat sound amazing. To improve your feel, practice with a metronome to develop your timing, but also try playing along with songs. Focus on staying in the pocket, which means locking in with the rhythm of the other instruments.

You can also practice swinging the beat slightly, which creates a looser, more natural feel. Listen to drummers like Steve Gadd, John Bonham, and Anderson .Paak, who are masters of feel, and try to imitate their grooves.

Experiment and Have Fun

The most musical drummers are creative and open to trying new things. Experiment with different stickings, drum placements, or even unusual percussion instruments to add variety to your playing. The joy of experimenting is what keeps drumming exciting and adventurous. The more you explore, the more tools you’ll have to express yourself musically.

Remember, drumming is not just about hitting things—it’s about making music. Keep practicing, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Over time, you’ll develop your own unique sound that makes your drumming stand out. This journey of self-discovery will empower you and boost your confidence as a drummer.

Lastly, playing musically takes practice, but it’s worth the effort. Not only will you sound better, but you’ll also enjoy playing even more. Keep pushing yourself, and most importantly, have fun behind the kit! Remember, the key to musicality is not just technique but also the joy and relaxation of playing. You’ve got this. Happy drumming!