5 Mistakes Most Finger Drummers Make (And How To Fix Them)

Summary

In this instructional video, finger drumming instructor Dragon outlines common mistakes made by finger drummers and offers solutions to enhance their skills. He emphasizes the importance of a proper pad layout for realistic drumming, maintaining a consistent layout to develop muscle memory, and avoiding fixed velocity sensitivity to control dynamics. Additionally, he advises on the significance of consistent fingering positions and the pitfalls of trying to learn too many techniques at once. Dragon invites viewers to his free starter course for a comprehensive guide to finger drumming, aiming to build a solid foundation for aspiring drummers.

Takeaways

• 🎶 Dragon, a finger drumming instructor with over 10 years of experience, emphasizes that finger drumming is a legitimate musical instrument that should be treated with the same respect as traditional drums.
• 🎵 The importance of having a proper pad layout for finger drumming is highlighted, as it can greatly affect the efficiency and realism of drumming on pads.
• 🔄 Avoiding the 'mirror layout' is suggested for those aiming for realistic drumming, as it does not accurately reflect the hand isolation techniques used in traditional drumming.
• 📐 Dragon offers a free finger drumming starter course that includes a full pad layout breakdown and setup, which is crucial for beginners to establish a solid foundation.
• 🚫 Changing pad layouts too often is discouraged as it can hinder the development of muscle memory and the consistency needed for proficient finger drumming.
• 🔨 The pitfalls of using fixed velocity sensitivity are discussed, noting that it can lead to a lack of dynamic control in one's playing.
• 👆 Inconsistency in fingering, or the positioning of fingers on the pads, is identified as a common mistake that can impede the development of muscle memory and efficient drumming.
• 📚 Learning finger drumming should start with mastering the basics and gradually building up, rather than trying to learn too many complex techniques at once.
• 🛠️ Dragon's Foundation course is recommended for those looking to develop a comprehensive set of finger drumming skills in a structured and progressive manner.
• 💡 The script encourages viewers to focus on learning good habits early on to facilitate faster progress and avoid the need for correcting bad habits later.
• ✅ Lastly, the video script invites viewers to share any other common mistakes they've observed among finger drummers, fostering a community of learning and improvement.

Q & A

What is the name of the finger drumming instructor mentioned in the script?

The name of the finger drumming instructor is Dragon.

How long has Dragon been playing finger drums according to the script?

Dragon has been playing finger drums for over 10 years.

What is Dragon's mission in teaching finger drumming?

Dragon's mission is to help teach people how to play finger drums like a real drummer.

What does Dragon consider finger drumming to be in terms of musical legitimacy?

Dragon considers finger drumming to be a legitimate way to play drums, treating it as a real musical instrument.

What is the first major mistake Dragon discusses that finger drummers often make?

The first major mistake Dragon discusses is having the wrong pad layout for finger drumming.

Why is having a standardized pad layout important for finger drumming, according to Dragon?

Having a standardized pad layout is important for finger drumming because it optimizes the setup of the drums, making them easier to play and allowing for more styles of drumming in one setup.

What is the mirror layout mentioned by Dragon, and why is it not the best for realistic drumming?

The mirror layout is a popular pad setup where the pads are split in half and the hands alternate to hit all drum hits. It is not the best for realistic drumming because it does not effectively mimic the way drummers isolate their hands on an acoustic drum kit.

What is the issue with changing the pad layout too often when learning finger drumming?

Changing the pad layout too often inhibits the development of muscle memory, as it is crucial to have a basic standard in place to develop consistent muscle memory when learning a new instrument.

What is fixed velocity sensitivity, and why is it a mistake to use it when learning finger drumming?

Fixed velocity sensitivity is a setting where the pad controller gives the same level of output regardless of how hard the pad is hit. It is a mistake to use it when learning because it trains the muscles to ignore the power of the hits, leading to a lack of control over dynamics.

What is the significance of consistent fingering in finger drumming, as explained in the script?

Consistent fingering is significant in finger drumming because it provides a standardized central position from which to play the drums more effectively, aiding in the development of muscle memory and skill in each finger.

What is the final mistake Dragon identifies that finger drummers often make, and how can it be addressed?

The final mistake Dragon identifies is trying to learn too many things at once. It can be addressed by starting with the basics and gradually building up skills one step at a time, following a structured learning path.

What does Dragon recommend for those who want to learn realistic finger drumming?

Dragon recommends checking out his free finger drumming starter course for setup and basics, and then his Foundation course for a complete set of finger drumming skills.