So, you’ve got your hands on an electronic drum set and now you’re ready to unbox it, set it up, and start drumming.
But wait!
Before you get started, check out some of these helpful tips for making your electronic drum experience something totally awesome.
Get to Know Your Drum Kit
First things first, familiarize yourself with your new electric drum kit.
Be patient and give yourself plenty of time to get to know your electronic drum kit inside-out and upside-down.
Remove everything from your packaging, and make sure that you have all necessary parts.
Lay all the parts out into separate spaces on the floor so that you have a sense of organization and grab your user manual so you can start the next step – construction.
Build Your Drum Kit
Now, you’re ready to start setting up your beginner electronic drum set.
Approach this step with patience, making sure you follow each step carefully to avoid mistakes.
As a rule, you’ll start with the rack first, then work your way to positioning the drum and cymbal pads, placing the module, and connecting the cables.
While you put the electric drum kit together, make sure your drumheads aren’t touching each other, as this can cause damage
Once construction is completed, don’t throw away your user manual. You’ll want to keep it around to refer to if you have any questions or need to make any readjustments later.
Set the Stage
Now that your electric drum kit is built, it’s time to set up your area.
While electronic drum sets are far quieter than their acoustic counterparts, the vibrations of the pedals and the drumsticks against the drumheads can produce some sound that can quickly make an enemy of your neighbors.
If possible, place your kit in the basement, where the sound will be less likely to disturb others, and position away from any walls, which can cause louder reverberations.
Investing in a quality drum rug will further help quiet the sound, while also providing a comfortable, nonslip surface for keeping your drum kit stable.
If you’re planning on using your electric drum kit in addition to your acoustic kit, make sure to mimic your acoustic kit’s setup as much as possible. This will make it easier to switch back and forth between the two.
Once your setup is complete, it’s time to get everything wired. As you get everything connected and plugged in, make sure to keep everything tidy to avoid unruly wires that may become a trip hazard.
Finally, invest in a phone stand to keep the music nearby while you play.
Connect to Audio
Since electronic drum kits don’t have built-in speakers, you’ll need a pair of studio-quality headphones or a portable PA speaker.
When it comes to choosing headphones, make sure they’re comfortable, feature a closed-back design and sound-isolating technology.
If you’re playing for a crowd, you can’t go wrong with a quality PA speaker. If you’re performing live, you’ll want to plug into a full PA system. Remember, the bigger the speaker, the bigger your drums will sound.
Do You Need Anything Else?
Finally, consider any other accessories you might need to complete your electric drum kit setup.
If your set doesn’t include a drum throne, you may want to consider purchasing one, so you can sit comfortably while you play.
Most beginner electronic drum sets come with drumsticks, but you may want to purchase a second pair, so you can use one for your acoustic drum set and one for your electronic. We recommend purchasing a pair of nylon-tip drumsticks, as these will produce the most realistic sound against mesh drumheads.
Start Playing
And just like that, you’re ready to start playing!
As you play, don’t forget to focus on these key points:
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Utilize Built-in Features
Most electronic drum kits come with features like metronomes, recording options, and built-in songs. Use the metronome to improve your timing, record your sessions, and play along with pre-programmed tracks to work on your versatility. -
Experiment with Sounds
Electric drum sets let you switch between a wide range of sounds, from acoustic to electric. Don’t be afraid to march to your own beat and experiment with different sounds to expand your drumming skills and explore new genres. -
Practice Dynamics
Work on your ability to play with varied intensity by adjusting the sensitivity on your drum pads and practicing soft and loud strokes. -
Focus on Stick Control
Since electric drum kits typically have different rebound compared to acoustic kits, focus on improving your stick control. Practice basics like paradiddles and rolls to ensure clean execution on both electronic and acoustic kits. -
Set Realistic Goals and Have Fun!
Establish clear, achievable goals for each practice session, but remember the most important thing is to have fun! Focus on specific techniques, rhythms, and songs, and you’ll be on your way to pro drumming in no time.
Conclusion
Mastering your electronic drum kit is all about patience, practice, and experimentation.
By taking the time to properly set up your kit, utilizing its built-in features, and honing essential drumming techniques, you’ll unlock a world of creative possibilities.
Whether you’re jamming solo or playing with a band, electric drum kits offer versatility and customization that can take your drumming to the next level.
So, stick to your practice routine, keep exploring new sounds, and, most importantly, enjoy the journey of becoming a better drummer!
