Some Drum Questions From A Beginner…?
Hey guys. For years I have known that I wanted to start playing the drums, but it took me until this year to get the courage and willpower to start playing. As of now, I DO NOT own a drum kit, but I plan on getting a job this summer and saving up for a cheap one (Somewhere between $300-500). I am at a point where I can play simple AC/DC songs, if that helps show my “position”. I am looking to start playing simple classic rock songs, and then much later moving onto my favorite genre of music: Classic Metal.

But I have a lot of questions. The more you can answer, the better.

1. What are some simple beats I can help me become a better drummer?

2. Where and how can I learn to read drumming composition? It seems many sites show drum beats in this manner, and I have no idea how to read it!

3. Are there any sites that show how to play the drums to certain songs? I always see websites giving the guitar notes to play songs on guitar, but never on drums.

4. My right hand is superb for drum playing, when compared to most other beginners. However, my left hand is just terrible! My right hand is very quick, and when I play something quickly, it hits the same spot almost every time. But with my left hand, the drum stick is flailing all over the place, more like hitting random spots, and it has a much harder time staying at that speed. What can I do to equal my hands up? Please give detail

5. Would it be good to invest in a practice drum pad? Here are 2 I am looking at:

http://cgi.ebay.com/VIC-FIRTH-6-DRUM-PRA…

http://cgi.ebay.com/10-DRUMMERS-PRACTICE…

6. I can’t seem to do a drum roll. Everytime I try it just frustrates me because I can’t seem to do the whole RRLLRRLLRRLL beat. Anyway I can learn in a less frustrating, more educational way?

7. I was given 2 drum sticks by my friend. I just discovered though that they make 2 different sounds! One makes a higher pitched “clunk” then the other, and I am wondering if this may confuse me when doing rudiments. Is this a problem?

8. I probably should have asked this question first, sorry for the confusion. But where should I start? I don’t have the money or the time to start drum lessons, so I plan on teaching myself, along with help from people online, online lessons and websites, and my 2 friends who are expert drummers. I am just unsure of where I should start practicing. Should I start by playing along to simple songs? Or should I play without music to rudiments and paradiddles? Or a combination of both?

Thanks guys, I appreciate the help.

Sorry guys, just one more question. Would you reccomend buying a drum set online or from a local shop? Thanks
1 Final Question: I am not sure exactly where I can stick my drum set. There is no room on the first or second floor, only in my finished basement. However, there are no walls or doors in the basement, so I wouldn’t have much privacy, and the sound would probably echo through the entire house! Where should I stick my drums? In the attic? Haha