Learn to Play Drums Fast: 13 Easy Songs for Beginners

Energetic drummer playing on a drum set, showcasing rhythm and technique in a music studio.

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Let’s groove, drum enthusiasts! We’re about to embark on a rhythmic adventure, exploring 13 easy drum songs perfect for beginners. These tracks are stepping stones to mastering basic drum beats and patterns, igniting your drumming journey with a fiery passion. So grab your sticks, and let’s get started!

Why Learn Drums with Easy Songs?

Learning to play the drums can seem daunting at first. However, for example, starting with easy drum songs makes the process smoother than a well-tuned tom. These songs provide a comfortable entry point for beginners, allowing us to familiarize ourselves with the drum kit layout and grasp basic rhythms without feeling overwhelmed. Because of this, we build confidence and coordination, one beat at a time!

Benefits of Starting with Simple Drum Patterns

  • Gradual Skill Development: Easy drum songs introduce fundamental drumming techniques progressively. Starting with simple drum patterns allows us to focus on individual skills, such as basic drum beats, before moving on to more complex rhythms and fills. This approach prevents us from feeling overwhelmed and ensures a solid foundation. It’s like building a house – you wouldn’t start with the roof!
  • Improved Coordination: Drumming demands coordination between our hands and feet. Easy drum songs offer a manageable way to develop this coordination. The repetitive nature of simple drum beats helps us synchronize our limbs, building muscle memory and a natural feel for the groove. This is essential for tackling more challenging songs later on.
  • Boosting Confidence: Early success is crucial for motivation. By learning easy drum songs, we experience the satisfaction of playing a complete song early on. This boosts our confidence and encourages us to continue practicing and learning. Plus, it’s way more fun to play something recognizable than endless rudiments!
  • Understanding Drum Notation: Many easy drum songs utilize basic drum notation. Learning these songs can introduce us to reading and interpreting drum notes, which is crucial for expanding our musical vocabulary and learning more complex pieces in the future. Think of it as learning the alphabet of drumming.
  • Exploring Different Styles: Easy drum songs span various genres. From rock and pop to funk and disco, exploring these different musical styles helps us discover our preferences and broaden our rhythmic horizons. It’s like a tasting menu for your ears… and hands!

In addition to these benefits, starting with easy drum songs provides a fun and engaging learning experience. Playing along to our favorite tracks makes practice enjoyable, keeping us motivated and eager to learn more.

Summary: Kicking off your drumming journey with easy drum songs is like laying a solid foundation for a rhythmic empire – simple, effective, and incredibly fun!

13 Easy Drum Songs to Get You Grooving

Ready to hit the skins? We’ve curated a list of 13 easy drum songs, each handpicked for beginner drummers like ourselves. These tracks feature legendary drummers and simple drum patterns, making them perfect for honing our skills. Let’s dive in!

Rock Anthems

  • “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes: This iconic track, featuring the minimalist drumming of Meg White, is a perfect primer for mastering basic rock rhythms. Its straightforward beat provides a solid foundation for beginners.
  • “We Will Rock You” by Queen: Roger Taylor’s stomps and claps make this a unique and engaging song for learning drums. It emphasizes tempo and feel, making it a fun way to develop rhythmic awareness.
  • “Back in Black” by AC/DC: This classic rock anthem, driven by the steady drumming of Phil Rudd, is ideal for practicing rock beats with a consistent tempo. Its driving rhythm provides an excellent workout for our limbs.
  • “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana: Dave Grohl’s powerful drumming provides a simple yet effective introduction to grunge beats. It’s a great way to explore dynamics and build rhythmic intensity.

Pop & Groove Classics

  • “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson: Ndugu Chancler’s steady beat in this pop classic offers an excellent practice ground for consistency and precision. It’s all about locking in the groove.
  • “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen: Another Roger Taylor masterpiece, this song’s simple yet groovy beat is fantastic for practicing timing and developing a feel for funk-infused rock.
  • “Come As You Are” by Nirvana: The slow tempo of this grunge classic allows us to focus on technique and dynamics. Dave Grohl’s drumming showcases the power of simplicity.
  • “Yellow” by Coldplay: Will Champion’s slow and steady rhythm makes this a calming yet effective track for new drummers. It’s perfect for practicing control and precision.
  • “Clocks” by Coldplay: Another Coldplay gem, this song introduces a simple, repetitive rhythmic pattern that’s easy to follow and great for building consistency.
  • “Wonderwall” by Oasis: This classic features Alan White’s simple yet effective drumming, making it perfect for practicing keeping time and developing a solid sense of rhythm.
  • “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie: Tony Thompson’s infectious disco beat is both easy and fun to master. It’s a great way to explore different rhythmic styles.
  • “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars: This modern classic introduces funk rhythms in a beginner-friendly format. It’s a fantastic way to develop a feel for syncopation and groove.

Bonus Track for Motivation

  • “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor: Marc Droubay’s motivating beat makes this a perfect addition to any beginner’s practice playlist. It’s energetic and straightforward, boosting our confidence and making us feel like champions.

Want to learn more about foundational drumming techniques? Check out our guide on Essential Drumming Techniques for Beginners. Similarly, our article on How to Hold Drum Sticks covers grip techniques for better control and injury prevention.

Summary: From rock anthems to pop classics, these 13 easy drum songs offer diverse rhythms and grooves for beginner drummers.

Tips and Tools for Learning Drums

Want to accelerate your drumming journey? Here are a few tips and tools to help you learn drums quickly and effectively:

Practicing Efficiently

  • Metronome Magic: Playing with a metronome, like the one in Drum Notes, is essential for developing rock-solid timing. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you improve.
  • Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Use practice tools or apps to slow down songs, allowing you to focus on accuracy and technique.
  • Record and Review: Recording your practice sessions helps identify areas for improvement and track your progress.
  • Practice Pads for Quiet Practice: Practice pads are perfect for quiet practice sessions, especially in apartments or shared spaces. For guidance, check out our article on how to practice with your drum pad.

Utilizing Drum Notes: Your Rhythmic Companion

Upbeat Studio, a drumming-education startup, developed Drum Notes to help aspiring drummers like us. With its interactive features and extensive library, Drum Notes is more than just an app; it’s a personalized drum coach in your pocket. Dive into our interview with the Drum Notes developers to learn more about their vision and how Drum Notes helps people learn to play drums.

  • Play-Along Feature: Drum Notes lets us play along with our favorite songs, providing a fun and interactive learning experience. It’s like jamming with a virtual band!
  • Personalized Feedback: The app’s feedback system helps us identify timing issues and improve our rhythm accuracy.
  • Progress Tracking: Drum Notes monitors our progress, motivating us to stay consistent and celebrate our achievements.
  • Vast Library of Rhythms and Samples: With over 150,000 drum samples and rhythms, Drum Notes provides endless inspiration for creating our own beats and exploring different genres.

Pro tip: Consider taking drum lessons for beginners to supplement your practice and receive personalized guidance from an experienced instructor.

Summary: Utilizing effective practice techniques and leveraging the power of Drum Notes will transform your learning process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I learn to play drums fast?

While there’s no magic shortcut, consistent practice with easy drum songs and focusing on basic drum beats is the fastest way to build a solid foundation.

What are the easiest drum beats for beginners?

Simple rock beats, like the one in “Seven Nation Army,” and basic 4/4 patterns are great starting points. Check out our article on basic drum patterns for more information.

What are some good drum lessons for beginners?

Many online resources and apps offer excellent drum lessons for beginners. In-person lessons with a qualified drum instructor can provide personalized feedback and guidance. See our guide on online drum lessons for a helpful breakdown.

What are some basic drum patterns for beginners?

Basic drum patterns usually involve a combination of the bass drum, snare drum, and hi-hat. Start with simple rock beats and gradually progress to more complex patterns.

Where can I find drum classes for beginners?

Local music schools, community centers, and online platforms offer drum classes for beginners. Choosing the right learning environment depends on your preferences and learning style.

References

Drum Coach offers drumming exercises tailored for at all levels.
With Drum Coach you get:

Drums lessons crafted by Mariano Steimberg, professional drummer, and professor at Berklee Collegeof Music.

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