Play Drums to Music!

I have been spending some time doing drum covers, that is where I play along to a song and take video of it to post to Youtube/MarkZDrums.

I remember how I learned some basic drumming skills by playing along to songs that I loved growing up! It has never been easier to put on a pair of headphones and play to music. We have access to millions upon millions of songs that are literally at our fingertips. Not to mention how much fun it is! When I was little, I would imagine myself onstage with my favorite bands sweating up a storm and having a blast getting stronger as a drummer and timekeeper.

Playing along to recorded music will improve your timing, develop your feel, and bring you joy!

Music is recorded using a timekeeping device called a metronome. A metronome produces a sound on a regular interval set by the user. Think of a ticking clock only with variable intervals that can be set to less than a second or more than a second and anywhere in between. In recording studios, a click track is used to deliver the sound of the metronome to the musicians, usually the drummers, who are recording the music.

Because of this method of recording, the timing of the finished product is, for the most part, solid and on time. There are always exceptions. So if you are playing along and hitting right with the drums on the record you can be sure that your timing is pretty good and going to improve. So we can confidently say that playing along to music will improve your timing on the drums.

Playing to music can also help you to improve your groove. Pick songs that you like, songs that make you move. If you are moving to the song then you like its groove. Pick songs that are recorded to a metronome or at least sound like they are and get to it! Playing along to songs that you love will increase your practice time and enjoyment.

So play drums to music!!

Mark Zapata

Mark Z Drums