Proper technique is an essential skill for all musical instruments. Bad habits and bad technique are a common trap that plagues many musicians, drummers included, making it difficult to play the instrument proficiently. Good posture is essential for drummers because drummers use their whole body to play the drums. Sitting straight and at the right height makes drumming much easier. Your hands, wrists, and elbows should all be relaxed. Holding the drumsticks properly is also important. Rock drummers tend to hold the sticks in a "matched grip." The sticks are held the same in the left and right hand with the palm facing downwards. In the traditional grip used by jazz drummers, the drum stick rests in the palm of the left hand with the palm facing upwards. The stick is secured between the thumb, index and middle fingers. The drumstick lays in the palm of the right hand with the palm angled upwards. The drumstick is held in place with the fingers and thumb of the right hand. The trick in both the matched grip and traditional grip is to not hold the drumsticks too tightly. Keeping the sticks loose makes it possible to play faster and have more control and response.
The drummer's primary responsibility is to function as the timekeeper for the other musicians. If the drummer speeds up or slows down or loses the beat, the song quickly becomes a train wreck. Drummers should be able to play in different time signatures without a problem. 4/4 time is the most common time signature, but 6/8 and 3/4 are quite common as well. Jazz drummers are often expected to play in more difficult time signatures such as 5/4. Rhythm exercises are a good way to improve timing skills. Drummers work on various rhythm exercises and practice playing eighth notes, triplets and sixteenth notes. A second way to improve timing skills and deepen your understanding of time signatures is to learn how to read drum music. Most drummers play by ear, however, drum music allows drummers to study the music more closely. More intricate drum patterns that contain difficult timing problems can be written down and analyzed.
One of the worst mistakes a drummer can make is inattentiveness to the other musicians. Playing in a group situation requires carefully listening to and playing with the other players. A good drummer knows when to accent a vocalist or other musician and when to lay back. The drummer has the responsibility of driving the beat and pulling it back. This is only achieved by carefully listening to the other players.
Since the drummer is the anchor of the band, she needs to play with confidence and authority. A timid drummer is a liability for a band. A drummer's confidence is developed from study, practice and experience. Recording your performances and practice sessions is a painful but very helpful way of improving your skills and confidence level. Critically listen to your drumming and pay attention to the mistakes as well as the good points about your playing. Another way to develop confidence in your drumming chops is to play with musicians, especially bass guitarists, who make you perform at the top of your game. Don't be offended by constructive criticism. Constructive criticism can be an invaluable aid in developing your skills.