The Ten Best Instructional Books for Beginner Drummers (2024)
What are the best books for beginners to teach yourself how to play drums?
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Learning to play drums is exciting, but it’s vital to start building the right habits, learning the essential basics and learning from the masters. Diving into a good beginner drum set book is a great way to start, and continue, learning drums.
In this guide we take a look at the 10 best books for teaching yourself to play drums. These include basic drumming books and some that go slightly further into intermediate concepts. Ultimately we believe these are the best beginner drum books.
We also have a guide of the best books for learning to play jazz jazz drums if you’re looking to dive further into the jazz tradition, and a list of the best books about drummers if you’re looking for stories and inspiration.
1. Hal Leonard Drumset Method by Kennan Wylie and Gregg Bissonette
Drumset Method is a comprehensive basic drum book for beginners by a master of drumming, Gregg Bissonette, that covers everything you need to know to start playing.
Topics covered by this primer include how to set up, tune and maintain the drum set; how to hold drum sticks, read drum music, ket techniques, beats, fills and more.
This is one of the best beginner books for learning drum set, covering basics for teaching yourself at home.
2. Stick Control for the Snare Drummer by George Lawrence Stone
Stick Control is an essential book that many drummers you speak to will have studied at some point, from beginners to advanced drummers.
It is still the best beginner snare drum book, but the techniques can be applied across a whole drum set.
It covers several patterns that you can play on drums or on a pad if you can’t get to a drum kit.
The idea is to build your strength, control, flexibility, touch, coordination and more by exercising different patterns using different stickings.
Working through this book will help develop your technique to apply effortlessly as your drumming journey progresses.
3. FastTrack Drums Method by Blake Neely
The "Fast Track Drum Method" by Blake Neely is a highly regarded resource for beginner drummers looking to accelerate their learning process.
Neely's method is renowned for its effectiveness in providing a structured and comprehensive approach to drumming, making it accessible for beginners and intermediate players alike.
This method offers a step-by-step guide, with a focus on building essential drumming skills, rhythm, and technique. With clear and concise instructions, as well as accompanying audio and visual materials, the "Fast Track Drum Method" equips drummers with the tools they need to master their craft and progress rapidly in their drumming journey.
Blake Neely's expertise and engaging teaching style make this method an invaluable resource for those looking to learn and improve their drumming skills efficiently.
4. The Drummer's Bible: How to Play Every Drum Style from Afro-Cuban to Zydeco by Mick Berry and Jason Gianni:
This comprehensive guide, written by Mick Berry and Jason Gianni, is one of the best beginner drum books for those who want to explore various drumming styles.
This book, written by accomplished percussionist and educator Mick Berry, provides drummers with an in-depth guide to mastering a multitude of rhythmic traditions from around the world.
The book covers diverse genres, including Afro-Cuban, Zydeco, jazz, rock, and many more, making it an indispensable tool for drummers looking to expand their repertoire and versatility.
With detailed explanations, notation, and performance tips, "The Drummer's Bible" equips drummers with the knowledge and skills necessary to adapt and excel in various musical contexts.
This book is a valuable reference for both beginner and experienced drummers who are eager to diversify their drumming expertise.
5. The New Breed by Gary Chester
"New Breed" by Gary Chester is a seminal drumming book that has left an indelible mark on the world of percussion education. Published in the 1960s, it remains a must-have resource for drummers of all skill levels.
Gary Chester's innovative approach to drumming focuses on developing limb independence and coordination, emphasizing the concept of "splitting the hands and feet." This groundbreaking technique, accompanied by a vast array of rhythmic patterns and exercises, helps drummers master complex rhythms and grooves.
"New Breed" challenges drummers to break free from traditional paradigms and push the boundaries of their rhythmic capabilities, making it a pivotal and enduring work in the realm of drum education.
6. "Realistic Rock" by Carmine Appice:
"Realistic Rock" by the legendary Carmine Appice is a great book for novice drummers interested in rock drumming.
Appice's approach is clear and approachable, offering straightforward explanations and exercises that lay the groundwork for rock and pop drumming.
This timeless resource is ideal for drummers of all levels, providing a comprehensive and structured approach to drumming.
Appice's clear and engaging teaching style, along with his emphasis on fundamental techniques, makes it an excellent choice for beginners looking to build a strong foundation.
With a wealth of rhythmic exercises, play-along tracks, and practical guidance, "Realistic Rock" remains a go-to reference for drummers aiming to master the essentials and express themselves confidently behind the drum kit.
7. Groove Essentials: The Play-Along by Tommy Igoe:
Hudson Music's 'Groove Essentials' by drumming virtuoso Tommy Igoe is an exceptional resource that has become a standard in the world of drumming education.
This comprehensive collection provides drummers with an extensive range of essential grooves and patterns across various musical styles, making it a versatile and indispensable tool for players of all levels.
Igoe's teaching method is clear and accessible, making complex rhythms easy to understand and execute.
The book enables drummers to not only read the grooves but also see and hear them in action, enhancing the learning experience.
'Groove Essentials' is a vital reference for drummers seeking to sharpen their groove, timing, and musicality, ensuring they can perform confidently in a variety of musical settings.
8. A Fresh Approach to the Drum Set by Mark Wessels:
"A Fresh Approach to the Drum Kit" by Mark Wessels is a fantastic resource that takes a modern and comprehensive approach to drumming education.
Wessels combines innovative teaching techniques with a focus on building a solid foundation of drumming skills.
The book's structured format and gradual progression make it an excellent choice for beginners, helping them establish proper hand and foot techniques while learning to read drum notation.
With a blend of traditional and contemporary rhythms and a wealth of accompanying audio and video resources, "A Fresh Approach to the Drum Kit" is an invaluable tool for drummers looking to enhance their skills and explore the exciting world of drumming.
9. A Funky Primer for the Rock Drummer by Charles Dowd
"Funky Primer for the Rock Drummer" is a fantastic resource tailored for beginners who want to delve into the exciting world of rock drumming.
Authored by Charles Dowd, this book provides a user-friendly and approachable introduction to drumming, with a focus on grooves and rhythms commonly found in rock music.
The primer is well-structured, taking learners through essential techniques and patterns step by step making it a great book for teaching yourself to play rock drums.
Dowd's clear and concise explanations, along with a variety of exercises and play-along tracks, ensure that beginners can develop their drumming skills and understand the core principles of playing in a rock context.
"Funky Primer for the Rock Drummer" is an ideal starting point for novice drummers, setting them on the path to becoming proficient rock percussionists while keeping the learning process enjoyable and engaging.
10. Realistic Rock for Kids by Carmine Appice
"Realistic Rock for Kids" by Carmine Appice is a fantastic drumming book designed to introduce young aspiring drummers to the world of rhythm and percussion in an engaging and accessible manner.
This kid-friendly adaptation of the classic "Realistic Rock" series takes into consideration the unique needs of younger learners.
Carmine Appice's teaching style is clear and motivating, making it easy for children to grasp fundamental drumming techniques and groove concepts.
The book also includes fun play-along tracks that encourage young drummers to practice while having a great time.
"Realistic Rock for Kids" is an ideal resource for parents and teachers looking to nurture the next generation of drummers, providing a solid foundation for musical growth and exploration in a playful and educational way.
That concludes our round up of the best beginner drum books for teaching yourself at home.
We hope you enjoy these books and feel your skills developing as you work through them.
Also take a look at our guide to the best books for learning jazz drums, and the best books about drummers’ lives for more inspiration.
Happy reading!
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