Learn to play Drums with José Cortijo: A Master’s Guide for Beginners

José Cortijo, a talented drummer and percussionist, performing on stage surrounded by his instruments.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Passion is Your Foundation: The process of learning drums for beginners starts not with gear, but with a spark. Master percussionist José Cortijo’s journey began with a Santana record that lit a fire. Before you worry about practice pads or rudiments, find the music and rhythms that genuinely excite you. This passion will be the unstoppable driving force behind every practice session and the fuel that helps you overcome any challenge as you learn to play drums.
  • Define Your Goal Before You Begin: A clear objective is the most important roadmap in music. “I want to learn to play drums” is a great start, but get specific. Do you want to join a band, play at church, or just jam along to your favorite songs? Cortijo emphasizes that your specific goal determines your practice regimen and even helps you choose the best beginner drum set for your needs, ensuring your efforts are always focused and effective.
  • Choose Your First Instrument Wisely: When it’s time to choose your instrument, think about your goals. For versatile pop percussion, Cortijo suggests congas. However, if your dream is to play a full kit, the quest for the best beginner drum set involves choosing between acoustic and electronic options. Electronic kits offer quiet practice and sound versatility, while acoustic kits provide authentic feel and dynamic response, both of which are excellent for learning drums for beginners.

Welcome to the pocket! If you’ve ever felt the magnetic pull of a great beat, you know the calling. The journey of learning drums for beginners is one of the most exciting musical adventures you can embark on. Today, we’re getting a masterclass from a true rhythmic titan, José Cortijo, whose story and wisdom provide the perfect guide for anyone ready to learn to play drums. We’ll explore his path from inspired fan to celebrated pro and unpack his core advice on how to start your rhythmic journey off on the right foot.

A Maestro’s Origin Story: The Santana Spark

Every legend has an origin story, and José Cortijo’s is a testament to the unpredictable magic of music. Hailing from Barcelona, Spain, and moving to Germany in 1981, his path wasn’t laid out in a conservatory. It began with a birthday gift. “At 15, I received a Santana record from my grandmother,” he recalls. “The rhythm, the energy… it was magnetic.” In an era before YouTube tutorials and endless online courses, that record became his first teacher. It was a raw, unfiltered education in groove, proving that the most important starting point for any musician is a genuine, electrifying connection to the sound. He absorbed the rhythms note by note, building a foundation of passion that would support his entire career.

“That record, despite my grandmother’s unfamiliarity with such music, became my percussion primer in an era devoid of resources like YouTube or instructional books.”

José Cortijo

This humble beginning underscores a vital lesson for every aspiring drummer: your journey is uniquely yours, so embrace your personal connection to the rhythm. This is the first step on your path.

How to Learn to Play Drums: José’s Top Tips

Ready to stop dreaming and start playing? José’s advice is practical, powerful, and straight to the point. Here’s how you can build a solid foundation today, turning your ambition into action.

1. Find Your Passion and Define Your Goals

Before you hit a single drum, hit your browser. “If you’re passionate about a particular percussion instrument, pursue it,” he advises. “The internet is flooded with tutorials and apps to guide you.” This “why” is the most critical part of learning drums for beginners. Your passion is your compass. Then, get specific with your goals. A hobbyist who wants to join a weekend drum circle has very different practice needs than an aspiring professional aiming for a Berklee audition. Clear, measurable goals provide direction and a powerful sense of accomplishment as you tick them off your list.

2. Choosing the Best Beginner Drum Set or Instrument

For those interested in the versatile world of pop percussion, Cortijo has a specific recommendation: “Start with the conga and tambourine.” But what if your goal requires a full kit? Finding the best beginner drum set is a key step. Consider an electronic drum kit if you need to practice quietly or want access to a variety of sounds. They are fantastic tools for learning. An acoustic set offers an unbeatable feel and dynamic range, teaching you nuances that translate to any playing situation. The “best” set is the one that aligns with your goals and your living situation, and makes you excited to sit down and play.

3. Blend Tradition with Modern Tools

Great drumming is built on timeless fundamentals, but modern technology can put your progress on the fast track. “If you’re not preparing, you’re not teaching right,” Cortijo asserts, and this applies to leveraging every tool available. Apps like Drum Notes are powerful partners in your journey. They aren’t just for notation; they are dynamic learning environments that help you visualize rhythms, organize your practice, and explore a universe of sounds. Combining classic technique with digital tools makes the process to learn to play drums more efficient and fun.

Pro tip: Use the Drum Notes app to slow down complex beats you hear in songs. Deconstructing a professional’s groove note-by-note is an incredible exercise for any beginner.

FAQ: Your Drumming Questions Answered

What is the best beginner drum set to buy?

The best beginner drum set depends on your budget and noise constraints. An electronic drum kit (like an Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit) is often recommended for beginners because of its headphone jack for quiet practice and built-in metronome and training tools. An all-in-one acoustic starter drum set (from brands like Pearl or DW) provides a more authentic feel and teaches stick response and tuning, which are crucial skills. Don’t overspend; a good starter drum set is one that’s reliable and enjoyable to play.

How long does it take to learn to play drums?

This depends on your consistency and goals. With focused practice for 30-60 minutes a day, most people learning drums for beginners can play basic beats along to songs within a few months. Becoming a technically proficient drummer is a lifelong journey, but the key is consistent practice. Every moment you practice is a direct investment in your skills and your personal expression on the instrument.

What is the most common mistake beginners make?

One of the most common mistakes is focusing on speed over groove. Many beginners rush to play fast, complicated fills but neglect the foundation: holding a steady, solid tempo. A drummer’s primary job is to be the backbone of the band. Practice with a metronome relentlessly. Learn to love the click! A simple beat played perfectly in time is infinitely more powerful and professional than a sloppy, fast fill.

Beginner Instrument Quick Guide

Instrument TypeBest ForKey Skill Developed
Electronic Drum SetQuiet practice, sound variety, structured learning.Timing, limb independence, song structure.
Acoustic Drum SetAuthentic feel, dynamic expression, band practice.Stick control, tuning, acoustic nuances.
Congas / BongosPop, Latin, Funk, Jam BandsHand technique, groove, and rhythmic flow.
Practice PadAll Drummers (Essential)Stick control, speed, rudiments, and muscle memory.
A summary of first instrument options for those learning to play drums.

Ready to write your own rhythm? With over 150,000 drum samples in Drum Notes, plus powerful tools to create and share your beats, your journey to mastery starts now. Let’s make some noise!

References


Updated June 23, 2025

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