How to Become a Drummer | A Self-Study Roadmap and How to Determine Your Level of Skill for Band Playing

1. What you realize when you search for "I want to be a drummer"

If you search for "how to become a drummer," you'll notice something a little strange. While there are plenty of articles explaining "how bands find drummers," there are surprisingly few articles written from the perspective of "someone who wants to become a drummer themselves." Our blog has previously published articles about the reality of the drummer shortage and how to find band members for each part , but these were articles from the perspective of "how bands find drummers." This article, however, is written from the other side—from the perspective of "you, who want to start playing drums and be able to play in a band."

This pattern of shifting perspectives is something I've covered in previous articles, such as "How to Become a Keyboardist" and "An Introductory Guide to Choosing an Instrument ." I believe that information about instruments and bands only comes full circle when both articles from the perspective of those recruiting and those from the perspective of those who want to become instruments are included. Drums, in particular, have a large gap between their low barrier to entry ("you can make a sound just by hitting it") and the difficulty of acquiring the rhythm-keeping skills necessary to be effective in a band. In this article, I will explain as concretely as possible a roadmap for complete beginners to start learning drums on their own, and how to determine "at what level you can be effective in a band."

Membo , the service we operate, allows you to search across information from multiple Japanese band member recruitment sites. When you look at the recruitment conditions gathered there, you'll notice that there are surprisingly many phrases like "Experienced drummers welcome" and "Beginners welcome, those who want to grow while practicing are welcome." In other words, once you've followed the roadmap outlined in this article, there are far more entry points available to you than you might imagine.

2. An overview of the equipment you should know before starting to play drums

Before starting to learn on your own, the first thing you need to consider is choosing the right equipment. While we often refer to it simply as "drums," there are actually several options with different characteristics. A drum set is an instrument that combines multiple percussion instruments—such as a bass drum, snare drum, tom-toms, floor tom, hi-hat cymbal, crash cymbal, and ride cymbal—to allow one person to play. The development of a pedal-operated kick bass drum and hi-hat is considered a revolutionary invention in its creation.

Considering the home environment, an electronic drum set is a realistic first instrument for many beginners. Models like Roland's electronic drum series are available from various manufacturers, allowing you to practice at night without disturbing neighbors by using headphones. Models with mesh heads offer a feel closer to acoustic drums, and the elastic feel compared to rubber pads is also an advantage. On the other hand, as is true for all percussion instruments , drums are fundamentally simple instruments that "make a sound when hit," and there are aspects of volume and tuning that can only be acquired through repeated practice in a studio with a real acoustic drum set. A gradual approach is to start by building a foundation with practice pads or electronic drums, and then move on to acoustic drums when you rent a studio .

3. Self-Study Roadmap Step 1 | Building a Rhythmic Foundation with a Metronome and 8-Beat Beats

When learning drums on your own, the first hurdle is "maintaining a consistent tempo without breaking it." Unlike melodic instruments, drums don't have a single correct pitch, so the accuracy of your rhythm directly impacts the persuasiveness of your performance. The first thing you should tackle is basic practice using a metronome . The metronome was originally invented by the Dutch inventor Dietrich Nikolaus Winkel, and in 1816, Johann Maelzel of Germany obtained a patent and popularized it. For over 200 years since then, it has supported musicians in keeping tempo.

The following order is recommended for a specific procedure:

• Learn the basic forms of the hi-hat, snare, and bass drum : First, internalize the basic "8-beat" rhythm by playing eighth notes on the hi-hat with your right hand, the snare drum on the second and fourth beats with your left hand, and the bass drum on the first and third beats with your right foot.
• Set the metronome to a slow tempo of around 60-80 BPM and keep it ticking without any deviation : Prioritize "consistency" over speed.
• Gradually increase the tempo : Increase the tempo by 10 BPM at a time, and if you fall behind, return to the previous tempo. This is a painstaking and repetitive process.
• Focus on the independence of each hand and foot : Practice breaking down the movement into individual parts until you become accustomed to the feeling of each of your four limbs keeping a different rhythm.
• Try copying the drum patterns of simple songs : Choose simple songs with a focus on 8-beat rhythms, like those introduced in the guide on how to choose easy songs for your first band practice, and incorporate them into your practice.

The estimated practice period is approximately 1 to 2 months, assuming you consistently practice for 20 to 30 minutes a day. Of course, there are individual differences, but once your fingers and feet become accustomed to the feeling of "being able to keep an 8-beat rhythm without breaking it," you can consider Step 1 a signal that you are ready to move on to the next stage. There is absolutely no need to rush into difficult patterns. This seemingly simple repetition is the foundation for the entire roadmap that follows.

4. Self-Study Roadmap Step 2 | Mastering Fill-ins and Dynamics

Once you can consistently play an 8-beat rhythm at a steady tempo, the next hurdles are "fill-ins" and "dynamics" (volume and volume). A fill-in is a short, embellishing phrase inserted just before a change in the song's structure, and it adds emphasis to the transitions between sections. Much of the skill required of a drummer in a band actually boils down to this "ability to create variation."

As for practice methods, it's practical to start with small changes, such as replacing just the last beat of a measure with a simple fill-in using a tom or snare drum. Once you get used to it, gradually expand the range to two beats, and then to a full measure of fill-ins. At the same time, you should also be mindful of dynamics. Being able to control the volume according to the development of the song, such as playing louder in the chorus and more subdued in the verse, will add depth to the overall sound of the band. As a guideline, imagine practicing for another 1-2 months after completing Step 1 until you are comfortable using simple fill-ins and differentiating between them and dynamics. As introduced in the first band practice roadmap , it's sufficient to gradually improve your level of perfection in line with the band's overall practice schedule.

5. Self-Study Roadmap Step 3 | Becoming able to play songs

Once you can play a steady 8-beat rhythm and easily incorporate simple fills, the final big step towards reaching a "band-ready level" is the ability to play an entire song without faltering. Even if you can play perfectly in practice, many beginner drummers experience the hurdle of rushing or slowing down in the middle of a song due to the pressure of a performance or fluctuations in the band's overall tempo.

At this stage, it's important to consciously increase the amount of practice you do playing an entire song from start to finish, rather than just repeating short phrases. The feeling of playing through a song from the intro to the outro while considering your energy distribution cannot be acquired through practicing only parts. As mentioned in the guide to the costs of band activities , studio practice does incur some costs, but the experience of playing in a real-world volume and sound pressure environment provides insights that cannot be gained through self-study alone. Once you can play through a song without falling apart, it's finally time to start playing with other parts. As a guideline, if you continue practicing for another 2 to 4 months after completing Step 2, you will often feel confident that you can keep up without falling apart during your first band practice.

6. Securing a Practice Environment | Soundproofing Issues for Home Practice and How to Use Studio Practice

One major difference between learning drums on your own and learning keyboards or guitars is the issue of "volume." If you play acoustic drums at home, it can easily lead to neighborly disputes, not only in apartment buildings but even in detached houses. Many self-learners practice the basics at home using electronic drums or practice pads, and then supplement their experience of playing at actual volume by renting a practice studio .

Our guide to choosing a practice studio provides detailed explanations on how to book a studio and how to use the equipment, especially for first-time users. Since drum sets are usually provided, one advantage of using a studio is that you can practice hands-free, simply by bringing your drumsticks. For individual practice, aiming for relatively inexpensive times, such as weekday afternoons, allows you to keep costs down while regularly getting used to playing live drums. If you're already in a band, consider combining individual and band practice effectively, taking into account tips for efficient band practice . Even if you haven't yet formed a band, browsing bands that welcome experienced drummers on Membo can help you get a concrete idea of what level you should aim for.

7. How to choose practice apps and materials for self-study

In recent years, there are many learning materials available to support self-study, such as practice apps for smartphones and tablets, performance tutorial channels on YouTube, and instructional books available in bookstores. Many electronic drums are equipped with built-in metronome functions and coach modes for practice, and an increasing number of models allow you to check the accuracy of your tempo keeping numerically on the spot. By actively utilizing these functions, you can move beyond the vague feeling of "I think I'm playing it okay" and proceed with your practice based on objective indicators.

While these materials are excellent for developing basic form and rhythm, they don't teach you how to listen to other parts and adjust your tempo within a band setting. It's best to view these materials as merely tools to improve the efficiency of basic practice, and once you feel you've made some progress, it's recommended to quickly transition into jam sessions or actual band practice. Ultimately, the skills needed to succeed in a band can only be honed through the experience of playing with real people.

8. The limitations of self-study and when to consider school lessons.

Self-study has its limitations. Especially with drums, it's difficult to notice bad habits in your technique, and continuing to play incorrectly can lead to wrist and shoulder pain. If you notice any of the following signs, it might be time to consider taking a single lesson or enrolling in a drum school.

• No matter how much I practice a particular phrase, my arm and leg movements become completely disjointed.
• I started to feel pain and discomfort in the way I held the stick and the way I sat.
• I can no longer judge what's wrong with my playing just by using video tutorials.
• I've lost sight of my goal and don't know what to practice next.

Music schools and private lessons offer significant value compared to self-study, as they provide objective feedback on your form. You don't need to rely entirely on schools; a combination of self-study for the basics and lessons for form checks can be very effective. Instead of sticking to one method, choosing the approach that best suits your progress, while seemingly a roundabout way, is actually the most efficient path to success. Continuing lessons while simultaneously looking for session partners or bands on Membo is another way to maintain motivation.

9. Learn from world-renowned drummers in Japan and around the world.

When you get lost while continuing to learn on your own, the journeys of drummers who have actually been active in bands can be a great source of inspiration. Here, we introduce some real-life performers whose careers can be verified.

In Japan, YOSHIKI of X JAPAN is one of the prime examples. As the band's drummer and pianist, he serves as the leader and is also central to songwriting. His style of combining hard rock sounds with piano and orchestral arrangements is considered one of the defining elements of X JAPAN's musicality. Another example is Akira Jimbo , known as the drummer of the fusion band CASIOPEA. He joined CASIOPEA in 1980 while still in university and earned such high praise for his exceptional skill that he was called "the Kannon with ten arms." He is also known for pioneering the "one-man orchestra" style, in which he uses drum triggers to play melody, bass, and drums simultaneously by himself.

Looking overseas, John Bonham of Led Zeppelin joined the band in 1968 after being discovered by Jimmy Page, and became an iconic figure symbolizing the band's musical style with his powerful and unique drumming. His drum solos on their signature song "Moby Dick" often lasted up to 20 minutes during live performances, and in 2016, Rolling Stone magazine named him "the greatest drummer of all time." In the world of progressive rock, Neil Peart of Rush served as the band's drummer and lyricist for over 45 years since joining in 1974, and his exceptional skill earned him induction into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame at the young age of 30. What they have in common is their attitude of not being limited to existing "drumming techniques," but rather pioneering their own unique role as an instrument within the band structure.

10. 7 Checklist Items to Determine "Band-Ready Level"

Many people who continue to learn on their own worry whether they are ready to join a band. There is absolutely no need to aim for perfection, but try using the following seven items as a checklist as a guideline.

• Even with the metronome turned off, does the tempo remain stable throughout the song, neither speeding up nor slowing down significantly?
• Can you maintain an 8-beat rhythm without breaking it until you run out of energy?
• Can you add simple fills in accordance with the song's structure (verse, chorus, etc.)?
• Can you play a song from beginning to end without stopping?
• Can they maintain the tempo without panicking, even if the vocals or guitar sound falter a little?
• Can you communicate your requests regarding volume balance and PA system requirements in concise language?
• Can we create a song in a rehearsal format after just a few sessions, even with members we've just met?

You don't need to meet all the requirements. In fact, these are skills you can develop after joining a band. By referring to the guide on how to rent a practice studio and gaining experience playing with a band in a studio, you will naturally acquire many of these skills. What's important is not waiting until you can play perfectly, but having the courage to take the plunge once you can do about half of the seven requirements.

I've spoken to many band members, and I've found that most bands waiting for a drummer aren't looking for virtuoso technique from the start. What I hear far more often is, "As long as they can keep the tempo, that's enough," or "We want someone who can help us develop the sound together." This 7-item checklist isn't meant to measure perfection, but rather to be a map to see where you stand right now.

11. Common points of frustration and how to overcome them

There are several typical points where people get discouraged when learning drums on their own. Here, we'll introduce three of the most common ones and how to overcome them.

① A wall that separates limbs

When you first learn the basic 8-beat rhythm, many people get confused by the feeling of their right hand, left hand, and right foot each playing different rhythms. This is not unusual; everyone goes through this stage. Don't rush. Take your time, practice one part at a time, and once you're comfortable, combine it with the other parts. By thoroughly practicing this breakdown method, you will definitely overcome it, even if it takes time.

② The loneliness of practicing alone

Unlike other instruments, drums are one where the results of practice are only truly complete when combined with other sounds. Spending long periods silently hitting the pads alone can make it difficult to maintain motivation. To overcome this hurdle, it's effective to start early by referring to beginner-friendly band participation guides and joining actual practice sessions.

③ A period of stagnation where progress feels stagnant

Even self-learners experience periods of stagnation where they feel like they're not improving despite practicing. At times like these, changing your perspective—for example, altering your practice routine, recording yourself playing to gain an objective perspective, or even taking a lesson—can be the key to breaking through. Often, a period of stagnation isn't a sign of stagnant growth, but rather a time of preparation for future progress.

12. Taking a step beyond self-study | Joining a studio session band

Once you've followed a certain roadmap, it's time to dive into the real world. For anxieties and how to proceed when joining a band for the first time, our guide for beginners to join a band explains everything in detail. If you're joining an existing band midway through, refer to our guide on how to write a self-introduction statement and specifically explain what kind of practice you've done and what kind of songs you can play to put the band at ease. If you want to form a band from scratch, we recommend starting with our guide on how to start a cover band and gradually working your way up to creating original songs .

If you're struggling to write a self-introduction as a drummer, the following approach might be helpful.

• For a self-taught beginner : "I've been playing drums for X months, and I've been practicing 8-beat rhythms and metronome exercises on my own. I'm now able to play through a song while incorporating simple fills. I'm still inexperienced, but I want to continue practicing and expand my versatility."
• If you have made some progress through self-study : "I have been playing drums for about X years through self-study, and I can handle basic 8-beat and 16-beat patterns and fills. I am also used to the volume levels in a studio and can handle sight-reading cover songs to some extent. I would love to participate, even if it's just for practice once or twice a month."

Rather than listing your perfect playing skills, being honest about "what level you're at now and how often you can practice" will be more reassuring for the band. Once the band is established, you might want to look into ways to promote your activities and announce live shows on social media .

Drums, along with keyboards, bass, and vocals, are one of the parts that bands often lack. When you read about how to find a bassist , vocalist, or keyboardist , you'll see that the same "searching" problems exist for other parts as well. In other words, if you can play the drums, you are a rare and sought-after member by many bands. Using a band member recruitment service like Membo , you can find a band that matches your skill level and desired musical style on a nationwide scale.

13. How foreign drummers can enter the Japanese band scene

It's not uncommon for foreign musicians who can play drums to join Japanese bands. However, they often struggle with communication in Japanese and the studio booking system. This article introduces practical tips for finding band members, overcoming language barriers when foreigners and Japanese people form a band . For foreign musicians who want to start a band while living in Japan, please also refer to the Complete Guide to Forming a Band in Japan (Practical Edition for Foreign Musicians) .

Membo 's commitment to supporting eight languages stems from its desire to lower language barriers as much as possible. Even if you're not familiar with Japanese studio booking or band terminology, being able to check recruitment information in your native language and start communicating using translated text significantly lowers the barrier to participating in the Japanese band scene. No matter where you live in Japan, using Membo , which supports all 47 prefectures , expands your chances of finding bands looking for drummers. If you want to learn more about the Japanese music scene itself, you can also refer to "What is the Music Scene? A Complete Guide to the Japanese Band Scene Map and How to Get In ." If you're still unsure about which instrument to choose, we recommend starting with our guide on choosing an instrument based on your personality and lifestyle .

14. Summary | From "being able to hit" to "being able to create together"

This article directly addresses the search intent of "How to become a drummer," presenting a self-taught roadmap—three steps: building a rhythmic foundation with a metronome and 8-beat rhythms, mastering fills and dynamics, and being able to play through songs—along with a seven-item checklist to determine if you're at a "band-ready level." We also looked at the paths of real-life drummers such as YOSHIKI, Akira Jimbo, John Bonham, and Neil Peart. They, too, started from the stage of simply being able to "play," and honed their rhythm within the context of a band.

The low barrier to entry—simply "you can make a sound by hitting the drums"—and the distance required to acquire "rhythmic keeping skills that are useful in a band"—the gap mentioned at the beginning of this article is, conversely, a great opportunity. If you can keep a steady tempo with a metronome, add expression to songs with fills, and play through songs from beginning to end, you will become an indispensable member for many bands. From the goal of "being able to hit the drums" to the goal of "being able to play rhythm together," when you are ready to take that first step, try searching for bands looking for a drummer on Membo . If you have any problems, be sure to check out Membo's help page , Membo user guide , app usage page , Membo announcements page , and author information page.