Cymbals Direct

Extreme Drumming
"Being in an extreme style of music is very demanding in terms of physical endurance. Using all of your limbs is necessary at all times, so I basically
couldn't touch a skateboard if my life depended on it."
Kevin Lane (White Chapel)

Life on the road
"Keeping my chops up having things to help get away from the daily life of touring is essential to getting through a tour without killing a band member ...at least for me."
Derek Roddy


More on extreme drumming
Extreme drumming also refers to the mental side of playing. Technicality, odd meters, unusual fills, and cymbal phrasings are some extreme steps to master.
Romain Goulon (Necrophagist)


About drumming posture
"It's important to learn to sit with good posture at the drums from the beginning. Needless to say, good posture should not only be practiced on the drums, but should be practiced in everyday lifestyle.

As far as posture at the drums is concerned, it's important to sit in a comfortable position with your thighs parallel to the floor, back straight up, and arms as relaxed as possible. Any leaning/hunching over is going to cause stress on your back. It's also important to have each leg at a 45 degree angle in order to comfortably master the "heel up/heal down" technique.
Always stay conscious/aware of your breathing when playing a musical instrument. Stay relaxed as possible and breath normally.

Another factor with good technique is choosing a good quality/comfortable drum throne. Believe it or not, this is a big deal when it comes to sitting for long periods of time. I recommend the Roc N Soc saddle throne. Great support all around.

Lastly, I would like to stress how important it is to keep in good physical shape. Not only will muscle strengthening/cardiovascular/stretching/etc. optimize your overall health, but it will optimize your performance on the drum kit."
Darcy Macrae, drummer for the National Tour of the Broadway Musical "Wicked,"

Labels: Tips for Drummers