Beginning drums
 

So I recently became interested in starting to learn how to play drums, I haven't got the slightest clue about anything music related, I'm fourteen years old, I was just wondering about the difficulty of drums, if there is particular types of drums which are different to learn as I'm into pop punk, and if fourteen is a bit late to start learning?

I play Ludwig and Yamaha. Basic setup--snare, kick, hi tom, floor tom, hi-hat, ride cymbal, crash cymbal, drum teacher.

So, would fourteen be a good age to pick something like this up?

Why wouldn't it be?

drum patterns are always basically the same

snare + kick + hi-hat or ride

It's a perfect age to start. Lots of information available out there too. So, get going already!

You're never too old or too young to pick up an instrument.

Get a cheap-ish basic 5 piece kit I'd say. My brothers first kit was about £100, and took him through several bands. As he got better, he ended up with a £3000 Premier kit. He had an affinity for it though, not everyone does.

But there's no harm in trying, you may like it, you may not, you might think it's too much hard work, or you might find yourself determined to be better at something you can't quite grasp.

Try it and find out!

Difficulty is a perception, because you can build a kit however you like, and you would arrange it so that it is comfortable for you.

As you learn, you will discover different types of drums, and tunings, that are better suited to certain types of music. When/if you form your own, you'll find that knowing about these differences will help you create your own sound for the band.

P.S. Drums are fun.

My first Kit was a Session Pro, Cost about £300. My last kit (Before I had a disagreement with my lead guitarist and it ended up being sledgehammered) was a £1200 Pearl in Blue...The only thing I saved was my Piccalo Snare. Basic Setup i Snare, Kick, Hi tom, Mid Tom, Floor tom, Crash, Ride and Hi-hat. I taught myself using DVD's, Online tutorials and LOTS of practice. Once you get the basics down it's allk up to you on expanding and trying setup's.

The best advice I got was from Ed Graham at an autograph session who told me, "Your arms and leg's aren't playing different beat's, They are playing certain part's of the same beat"

As stated before, Its never too late to start!! Id recommend getting a good teacher and learning the basics (rudiments, grips etc) thoroughly! Also listen to as much music as possible and when you listen try to figure out why the drummer played what he played more so than what he actually played. Good luck with your drumming!!

Maybe it's also good to look at some electronic drums. Sometimes it can be hard to play drums when you want. I'm speaking about the soundproduction right now... :P

Good luck with starting up. And...you'll never be too young to start something!