How long is a piece of string?
There is no structured time frame or "one size fits all" formula. People learn and develop at different rates. One guy may take a couple of weeks, another takes a couple of years. Suffice it to say that if you put in the work, invest the time and keep at it, you'll be better next month than you are now. But there is no way anyone can possibly say how long it's gonna take you as an individual, to develop the necessary timing, skillset and confidence to play in a band.
How "good" we are is more often than not determined by those that choose to play with us.....not ourselves.
When you can lay down steady time, know a few variations on basic 4/4 grooves, can add a few fills and are generally able to hold it all together.....throw yourself out there. The individual band will soon let you know if your standards meet their standards.
+1..Spot on.I have met over the year,many a drummer that had what they thought was a natural apptitude for the instrument,but eventually ,hit a wall and became disillusioned with playing,and sold their instrument,without taking a single lesson.HUGE mistake.
There is no timeline for skill building.I've met "natural guitar "players that were amazing after having only picked up a giuitar after a years time..
To each their own.There are plenty of pros out there who will confess to never being able to play a certain fill or beat and who can't solo worth worth a damn.But take the same guy,and stick him is a drum chair in a band,and magic happens.
Natural ability will only take you so far,and a good teacher is necessary to show you proper technique,BEFORE you develop the bad habits that won't let you get any better....no matter how hard you practice.
Practice means a lot.....proper practice means ...EVERYTHING.
Stck your ego in your back pocket,get some lessons or at least an evaluation by a good teacher,and head for the woodshed.Slow down.play EVERYTHING slow,speed up gradually and learn to play everything ....at different volume levels.
That gives you lots of comtrol.
'Speed IS NOT the be all and all of drumming.It's the guy who can lay down a solid four on the floor,play just enough,and have BIG ears ,who will get the gig.
If you look at album credits,you'll see monster players who just lay down the perfect groove,and the well placed tasty fill,that get all the work.The young gums who come in and want to play 128 BPM blast beats will usually be on the outside looking in.
Best of luck.
Steve B