Need Advice!

[damica]

I have been playing the drums for 40 years, and through out those 40 years have taken lesson's from 3 different instructors for a total of about 6 years formal training.

I no longer play out in the public and I don't wish to. What I am trying to do now is learn better technique and build my speed. I practice 45 minutes everyday and twice on sunday.

I am trying to follow the 40 rudiments from Vic Firths web site. The rudiments are easy enough however to gain the speed they show on some of them just seems to be impossible. Example: the Drag Paradiddle #1 (Diamond Rating is 110 bpm), I am at 94 bpm and I must say I don't see how I can ever get to 110. I realize speed is not everything but I am doing this for ME, I really want to be a faster drummer.

I would be thankful for any tips someone may offer.

[Wavelength]

If you can't get faster than 94 bpm no matter how much you work on it, get back to, say, 47 bpm and start cleaning all the "grit" from your execution. Be patient with it, as good technique takes time to develop, and speed comes from relaxed, consistent and accurate technique.. Once you get your drag paradiddle back up to speed, you'll probably be able to play it faster than before.

[That Guy]

I practice 45 minutes everyday and twice on sunday.

I don't know why.. but that made me laugh.

Hi, damica. I agree with Wavelength. Go back to the basics. You might find your problems back in the webs of your learning. Speed doesn't come from constantly pushing... it's a natural progression from "relaxed and consistent technique" as Wavelength said.

I would even suggest going as far as dropping the bpm's to the point where it's almost uncomfortable to play cuz its so slow. Dust off that old metronome and turn the dial way down. You might find more than your bargained for.

Keep us informed and welcome to the forum.

[Erik Lund]

(Paraphrased, but pretty spot on)

Student says to Alan Dawson: "I'm frustrated! I've been at this tempo for 2 months! I can't seem to get faster!"

Alan Dawson replies: "I've been at the same tempo for 5 years"

[Derek Matthews]

Try playing other rudiments and leave that one alone for awhile. When you get back to it you'll be more fresh... it may be the key you needed.

[a1DrummerT]

I don't know why.. but that made me laugh.

Hi, damica. I agree with Wavelength. Go back to the basics. You might find your problems back in the webs of your learning. Speed doesn't come from constantly pushing... it's a natural progression from "relaxed and consistent technique" as Wavelength said.

I would even suggest going as far as dropping the bpm's to the point where it's almost uncomfortable to play cuz its so slow. Dust off that old metronome and turn the dial way down. You might find more than your bargained for.

Keep us informed and welcome to the forum.

ive talked to alot of drummers that have been playing for quite awhile and say go back to the basics and just keep moving up and perfecting it at each speed.