BlueSky
Member
Okay, as I have previously stated, I am new, only had my kit for officially 7 days and never hit anything with a stick before that....so please bear that in mind when I ask these questions.
( I was supposed to have my first lesson on Wednesday, but my instructor is horribly sick, and I don't know when we will be able to reschedule. In the meantime, I am using a book with CD to try to get the rudiments.)
1. My kit has a crash/ride cymbal. I am not at the point where I am using it as a crash, so how do I set it up as a ride only - meaning how tight should it be and should it be at a certain angle? I don't know if this makes any difference, but its 13 inches. Right now it tends to resonate like a crash, even if I tap it lightly. (It doesn't sound like the example on the CD)
2. Having trouble playing the a basic combo at 4/4 with 1/8 on the ride, with the snare and bass added in. I can easily do combos at 4/4 with quarters only, its once those 1/8 are added in that the trouble begins. I used Uncle Larry's suggestion (thanks, by the way) about practicing at 40 BPM quarters for 20 minutes. Not easy, I found that if I counted 1-2-3-4 I was okay, but if I tried counting 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 I was screwed. Kept at it for 45 minutes until I wanted to throw the sticks. Every time I got into a solid rhythm for more than a few bars I would start dropping beats. Is this something all beginners face, or am I that untalented?
3. On that note, can anyone suggest websites with (printable) timing drills or a good book?
4. Also on that subject, I have been using a metronome app on a tablet, and It doesn't get nearly loud enough, and I don't like using headphones while practicing (4 young kids, they would tear up the house if I couldn't hear what they were doing) SO, any suggestions for a relatively inexpensive metronome? Preferable digital, I don't think a traditional one would last long in my house.
5. Is there a thread on here with a glossary of drummer lingo or shorthands used in posts? (Sometimes there are words or abbreviations I just can't figure out...)
( I was supposed to have my first lesson on Wednesday, but my instructor is horribly sick, and I don't know when we will be able to reschedule. In the meantime, I am using a book with CD to try to get the rudiments.)
1. My kit has a crash/ride cymbal. I am not at the point where I am using it as a crash, so how do I set it up as a ride only - meaning how tight should it be and should it be at a certain angle? I don't know if this makes any difference, but its 13 inches. Right now it tends to resonate like a crash, even if I tap it lightly. (It doesn't sound like the example on the CD)
2. Having trouble playing the a basic combo at 4/4 with 1/8 on the ride, with the snare and bass added in. I can easily do combos at 4/4 with quarters only, its once those 1/8 are added in that the trouble begins. I used Uncle Larry's suggestion (thanks, by the way) about practicing at 40 BPM quarters for 20 minutes. Not easy, I found that if I counted 1-2-3-4 I was okay, but if I tried counting 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 I was screwed. Kept at it for 45 minutes until I wanted to throw the sticks. Every time I got into a solid rhythm for more than a few bars I would start dropping beats. Is this something all beginners face, or am I that untalented?
3. On that note, can anyone suggest websites with (printable) timing drills or a good book?
4. Also on that subject, I have been using a metronome app on a tablet, and It doesn't get nearly loud enough, and I don't like using headphones while practicing (4 young kids, they would tear up the house if I couldn't hear what they were doing) SO, any suggestions for a relatively inexpensive metronome? Preferable digital, I don't think a traditional one would last long in my house.
5. Is there a thread on here with a glossary of drummer lingo or shorthands used in posts? (Sometimes there are words or abbreviations I just can't figure out...)