If you’re a music lover who wants to get started playing drums, you probably feel overwhelmed by all the different types of equipment on the market. But with drumming, you don’t need to splurge on a lot of gear: you just need the essentials to enhance your skills.
Here’s a list of the seven types of equipment you actually need to start playing and building your sound.
Drumsticks
Obviously, you need drumsticks if you plan to start drumming, but which size and type are best for a beginner?
When you’re just starting out, you can get away with just about any pair that fits comfortably in your hands and works well for the type of drum set you have.
With your pair of sticks, also purchase an inexpensive stick bag to bring them to and from lessons. In the beginning, you only need a small one. As you get more advanced, you may want to opt for a larger size so you can carry an array of mallets like marimba mallets, timpani mallets, cymbal mallets, and more.
A Drum Throne
A comfortable throne is essential for a drummer’s creativity and ability to play high-quality music. Here are some of the benefits you can derive from a good throne and sitting form:
- The ability to play more complex patterns that require good posture.
- An even distribution of weight which improves your timing and tempo
- Cheap seats will squeak, which distracts you from playing.
Finding the best drum thrones can be tricky, so make sure you do your research. When you shop for a drum throne, look for a model with the following features:
- Height adjustability
- Durable build
- Large surface area
- Foldability for travel
A Practice Pad
A practice pad isn’t necessary if you’re okay with beating your furniture or pillows. Purchasing a practice pad is more convenient because it will prevent damage to your belongings.
You can mount some pads on a stand, while others are meant to be laid on a flat surface. Mounting it is a better option because you can adjust the pad’s height and practice in the most comfortable position.
Drum Key
All drums need tuning or a drum head replacement. To do this, you need a drum key. Drum keys are used to adjust the drum head’s tension by tightening or loosening tension rods.
Tension rods have a bolt head with four sides. Every drum uses the same size of tension rod besides timpani drums.
Drum keys usually come with snare drum kits. You don’t need to spend big money to get a high-quality drum key, but you’ll find plenty of styles online. Whatever style you choose, always have it on hand.
Ear Plugs
Earplugs are a great tool when playing the drums. Drummers have to deal with ear fatigue, and if you don’t protect your ears, you could suffer from hearing loss and tinnitus, or a constant ringing noise.
Tinnitus isn’t curable, so once you develop it, you’re stuck with it.
Cymbals
Cymbals are a common percussion instrument made of rounded plates composed of various alloys.
Standard cymbal sets come with a ride cymbal, two hi-hat cymbals, and a crash cymbal. Some beginner-level drum sets come with cymbals.
A Metronome
Metronomes produce a clicking sound at a steady tempo, allowing musicians to reference the music’s speed. Using one of these devices while you practice will help you train and play a steady beat.
This tool might not seem like a necessity, but it’s definitely worth it for beginners. You’ll improve your ear for keeping a beat, which is a drummer’s biggest asset.
