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How To: Flawless Timing on Drums

Flawless timing on the drums will be achieved when you have developed proper technique and spent the required time practicing with a metronome. Without a metronome, you will not be able to develop a sense for accurate time. Regardless of your level of talent, drummers must practice with a metronome if they are to develop a strong sense of beat. The hours spent practicing with a metronome will pay off when you can act as the ensembles foundation and rhythmic support.

Things You'll Need

  • Metronome
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set your metronome to 72 beats per minute. Begin a basic drum stroke alternating between left and right hand strikes on each click. Concentrate on playing only on the beat.

    • 2

      Slow the metronome by two clicks at a time until you reach 40 beats per minute. Playing slowly can be more difficult than playing fast and will improve your ability to anticipate the beat.

    • 3

      Play a single paradiddle with the metronome set to 40 beats per minute. A single paradiddle alternates with the following hand movements: RLRR -- LRLL, with each set equaling one beat. The R and L stand for right-hand and left-hand, respectively.

    • 4

      Increase the speed of your playing until you can play in time at a beat of 120 beats per minute. Practice daily by increasing the metronome speed by two to four clicks per day.

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