Learn drums without a teacher?

[ChristopherS]

Just wanted to get some opinions: Can you learn drums well without a teacher?

I've bought myself some sticks, getting started on rudiments. But I feel a bit guilty for not even taking an initial lesson or two with a real-life instructor!

With so much tuition material online these days, do you still need that real-world guidance? Can you learn good form and technique just by sitting in front of a screen?

What's the split here between people who learned with 1-on-1 tuition and those who taught themselves?

[Rocker]

I think the simple answer to your question is no. There are certain basics that need to be learned, a real person beside you will point these out to you. When you arrive at a certain level of competence, by all means go solo - with or without on-line help.

My cents worth.

[thereformant]

I learned drums on my own. Now admittedly as a guitarist i've been around drummers a lot and I've always written drum parts so I knew what I was going for before I actually learned to play.

I'm sure it's easier and faster with a teacher though.

FWIW I'd defer rudiments at first and get some basic grooves down as first priority.

[ChristopherS]

Thanks. Very useful perspectives to hear.

I'm enjoying practising rudiments, and it feels like it won't be wasted effort even if it isn't ideal.

I guess I'm reluctant to shell out for in-person lessons until I own a kit to practice on... and reluctant to buy the kit til I've achieved some degree of competency! A silly chicken-and-egg attitude :/

Incorporating some grooves is definitely a good idea. I've started practising the classic 4/4 rock beat (getting my foot to behave is taking some concentration!) - any suggestions for finding good beginner grooves to practise?

[thebeagle]

Although I taught myself and I'm quite happy with my level of playing, I'd always recommend at least a couple of lessons with a more experienced player (not even necessarily a teacher, but one would obviously be better) to make sure that your technique is something like - drumming more than almost any other instrument is VERY easy to pick up bad habits with in terms of grip, posture, movement and even kit setup, and it's a lot harder to unlearn bad habits than to get rid of them and re-learn.

[amberlamps]

taught myself, had a cheapo leccy kit that I didnt really use and couldnt be bothered to learn at that time.. got some Roland V Drums for my 40th March this year and I can now do this...

http://soundcloud.com/david-lefley/fall

http://soundcloud.com/david-lefley/c...ve-another-day

and I am pretty much learning something new every time I sit down at them whether tightning up my playing, stamina or a new little ditty.. its really satisfying when you 'get it'

[monquixote]

You can learn without a teacher, but having one will significantly accelerate your progress.

[guitarfishbay]

I agree with thebeagle.

It is possible to teach yourself most musical instruments but as a general rule it is best to learn good technique first time round. Once you've committed technique to memory it is very hard to unlearn. You can read as much as you like about technique but a teacher or experienced friend will be much faster and likely better at diagnosing and rectifying any errors in technique than yourself + a book/the internet.

I think you'd need to be very self critical and also quite talented to learn good technique just from watching others. If you don't know you're doing something wrong the internet can't help you, but a teacher could spot it and help you sort it out.

You could consider only having one or two lessons a month to keep things reasonable cost-wise. Don't ever feel pressured to have weekly lessons if you don't want them or can't afford them.