The 7 most common mistakes made by beginner drummers and how to avoid them
Why does the drumming seem so fluid when you listen to it, yet sometimes so complicated when you play it? The rythm there, as is the desire. However, from the very first sessions, something resists: the tempo shifts, movements become tense, and coordination requires more effort than expected.
This is a very common experience when starting to play the drums. Not because you're doing it wrong, but because certain mistakes tend to occur almost systematically when you're first learning. They creep in without you noticing, and can slow down your progress if you don't take the time to understand them.
Discover the most common mistakes made by beginner drummers and the right habits to adopt in order to lay a solid foundation and make progress from the very first sessions.
Key points to remember
Going too fast slows down progress: precision and groove are built slowly.
Good posture makes playing easier and prevents unnecessary fatigue and tension.
Playing more softly allows you to gain control, nuance, and endurance.
Regular drum practice sessions are more important than complexity.
Hand-foot coordination must be worked on gradually, with patience.
A structured approach and clear objectives make each session more effective.
Listening to other musicians is essential for playing in tune... and in time.
1. Wanting to play too fast, too soon
When you start playing the drums, the urge to go fast comes almost immediately. You recognize a rythm, you tell yourself it's within reach of your sticks, so you speed up. A little. Then a little more. Until the tempo collapses, the beats become blurred, and pleasure gives way to frustration.
This mistake is very common, and understandable. Speed gives the impression of progress. In reality, it often masks a fragile foundation: poorly executed movements, poor coordination, and a lack of consistency. The result: the faster you go, the more tense your game becomes, and the more difficult it is to maintain control.
The right approach is to do exactly the opposite. Working slowly allows the body to integrate the movements, improve the precision of the strokes, and stabilize the tempo. It is at this speed that the groove really builds.
The right reflexes to adopt
Start each exercise at a comfortable tempo, even if it seems very slow.
Use a metronome to check your regularity, not to "challenge yourself."
Focus on the quality of the movement rather than the speed of execution.
Increase the tempo gradually, only when the game remains fluid and relaxed.
2. Neglecting posture and ergonomics
At first, posture is rarely a priority. You sit down, adjust the seat "roughly," place the drum kit as it comes, and play. At the time, everything seems to work. But very quickly, fatigue sets in, movements become less fluid, and certain pains appear.
A seat that is too low or too high, a poorly positioned snare drum, cymbals that are too far away: these small, approximate adjustments complicate playing without us really being aware of it. They force the body to constantly compensate, which affects precision and endurance.
Good ergonomics, on the other hand , allow you to play in a more relaxed manner, for longer periods of time, and with better control. They also facilitate coordination and reduce unnecessary tension, particularly in the back, shoulders, and wrists.
The right reflexes to adopt
Adjust the seat height so that your thighs are slightly tilted downward.
Sit up straight, without leaning forward or slouching.
Place the snare drum at a comfortable height, without straining your wrists.
Arrange toms and cymbals within natural reach, without having to stretch your arms
Check your posture regularly during play, especially during repetitive passages.
Discover all the tips you need to get started on the drums!
3. Playing too hard instead of playing right
When you start playing drums, playing loudly often gives the impression that you are playing well. The sound is there, the energy is there, and the drums "respond." However, hitting too hard is one of the most common mistakes and one of the most counterproductive in the long run.
When playing constantly at high intensity, control diminishes. The sticks bounce less well, movements become tense, and the precision of the strikes suffers. Playing becomes tiring, sometimes sloppy, and it becomes difficult to nuance or adapt to other musicians.
The drum kit isn't just about power. Above all, it's an instrument of control and nuance. Knowing how to control your strike allows you to better control the sound, play longer without getting tired, and improve the overall quality of the groove.
Learning to play more softly often means learning to play better. By developing control from the outset, drummers gain finesse, endurance, and expressiveness.
The right reflexes to adopt
Work at a moderate volume to focus on accuracy.
Let the bat bounce rather than forcing the hit
Test different intensity levels at the same rythm
Listen to the balance between the elements of the kit (snare drum, cymbals, bass drum)
Think in terms of musicality rather than volume
4. Forget tempo and groove
At first, all attention is often focused on movements: hands, feet, coordination. As a result, tempo sometimes takes a back seat. You start off well, then, without realizing it, the rythm , slows down, or fluctuates slightly.
This is a common mistake among beginner drummers. The drums are the rhythmic foundation of the band. If the tempo isn't steady, everything else falters. Even a rythm can lose its effectiveness if it lacks consistency and groove.
Working on tempo doesn't mean playing rigidly. On the contrary, it means learning to establish a solid framework within which the music can breathe. Groove comes from this stability, but also from listening: listening to your own playing, but also to what the other instruments are doing.
A good drummer isn't the one who plays the most notes, but the one everyone can rely on.
The right reflexes to adopt
Work regularly with a metronome, on simple rhythms.
Focus on consistency rather than complexity
Count internally to maintain a stable reference point
Playing along to songs to get a feel for rhythmic placement
Record your sessions to identify tempo variations
Learn how to work with a metronome on the drums!
5. Focus solely on the hands
When you start playing the drums, your hands naturally take up all the space. They play the snare drum, the cymbals, the toms... Meanwhile, your feet follow as best they can. This incomplete dissociation is a classic mistake among beginner drummers.
The problem is that the drums are played with the whole body. The bass drum and hi-hat are not secondary elements: they play a full part in the groove and rhythmic stability.
Hand-foot coordination takes time. It does not happen by chance, but through gradual, structured work. Trying to rush this process often leads to poor habits that are difficult to correct later on.
The right reflexes to adopt
Work on the hands and feet separately before combining them.
Start with simple, repetitive rhythms.
Stabilize the bass drum before adding variations
Work slowly to allow the body to integrate the movements.
Repeat the same exercises regularly to reinforce automatic responses.
All of DrumTime's tips for coordinating your feet and hands on the drums!
6. Working without a clear method or objective
At first, playing the drums often boils down to playing rhythms, trying out fills, and replaying your favorite songs. It's motivating, but without a specific framework, progress can quickly stagnate. You play a lot, but you don't always know what you're actually improving.
This lack of method is a common mistake. Without a goal, it is difficult to measure your progress, identify your weaknesses, or structure your work time. As a result, certain difficulties keep coming back, while other aspects of the game are completely neglected.
Establishing a routine allows you to see your progress over the course of the sessions.
The right reflexes to adopt
Set a specific goal for each session (tempo, coordination, groove, etc.)
Alternate between technical exercises and playing songs you enjoy.
Work on one specific point rather than everything at once.
Note down any difficulties so you can come back to them later.
Keep track of your work to monitor your progress
7. Playing alone, without really listening
When you start playing drums, you spend a lot of time alone behind the kit. That's normal. But if you only practice solo, you can develop a bad habit: playing without really listening to the music around you.
The drums are not an isolated instrument. They are in constant dialogue with the others: the bass, the guitar, the vocals. Without this awareness, playing can become mechanical, even if it is technically correct. The rythm there, but something is missing: the connection with the music.
Getting used to playing the drums alone too early can also complicate your first experiences playing in a band. It can be difficult to find your place, adapt, and breathe with the other musicians. However, it is often during these moments that you make the most progress.
The right reflexes to adopt
Play regularly on pieces, not just on exercises.
Listen carefully to the bass to understand the rhythmic placement.
Vary styles to develop different sensations
Play with other musicians as soon as possible, even at a beginner level.
Focus on listening as much as on execution
To take your practice further
Reading sheet music, working on tempo, structured rehearsals, playing complete pieces: having reliable support allows you to focus on the essentials, without losing sight of the balance between technique and musicality.
With Newzik, centralize your digital sheet music, organize your sessions, annotate your songs, and work more calmly, alone or in a group.
FAQ – Batteries: frequently asked questions for beginners
How long does it take to get a good tempo on the drums?
There is no universal timeframe. Tempo is built up gradually, with regular and attentive practice. A few minutes of focused work at each session can be enough to significantly improve rhythmic stability in the long term. The key is not to go fast, but to remain consistent.
Is it absolutely necessary to work with a metronome when you're just starting out?
The metronome is a very useful tool, but it should not become a constraint. It helps you become aware of the tempo and identify rhythmic deviations. Ideally, you should use it in sequences, alternating between working with and without the metronome, to develop both precision and feel.
Is it normal to get tired quickly when you start playing the drums?
Yes, that's perfectly normal. Drumming uses your whole body and requires movements that aren't automatic at first. Poor posture or hitting too hard can increase fatigue. Over time, better ergonomics and a more relaxed playing style will significantly improve your endurance.
Can you improve your drumming skills by practicing alone?
It is possible to progress on your own, especially at the beginning, provided you structure your practice and remain mindful of your playing habits. Playing along to songs, recording yourself, and, as soon as possible, playing with other musicians will help you avoid certain obstacles and enrich your musicality.
What should you do when you feel like you're stuck in a rut?
Stagnation is part of learning. It often occurs when certain basics have not yet been consolidated. Returning to simple exercises, slowing down the tempo, reviewing posture, or changing the angle of work often helps to restart progress.
