Are you excited about playing the drums but haven't bought a drum kit yet? Maybe you're wondering if you can learn the drums on a practice pad, before investing in a kit.
The drum pad is a great tool for beginners that are trying to get their chops together. Pads are especially helpful if you want to keep practicing at home without disturbing the neighbors.
You can learn drumming hand techniques on a practice pad, but can be limiting when you’re trying to learn full beats. The pad doesn't provide the elements you need to coordinate all four limbs to create a beat.
But what types of pads are best to use and what are some useful tips when starting? The article below answers all your questions.
What can you learn on a practice pad?
Unless you are buying a practice pad that includes several pieces that imitate a real drum set, you'll be left focusing on technique, accuracy, and timing when using your pad.
These exercises focus on the rudiments of drumming and will be best for improving your skills without a full drum set. The single stroke roll is a foundational tool you can keep practicing using a pad. Start off playing slow and then increase your speed a little at a time, but make sure every hit is accurate and clean.
Other helpful exercises are the double stroke roll, the paradiddle, and the paradiddle diddle. When playing, you should focus on correct technique and accuracy, but if you want to work on your timing, use a metronome.
What type of practice pads are there?
Every practice pad is going to have its own unique style and design. Rubber is the most common surface material used but you can also find mesh pads.
They even have electronic drum pads you can purchase that have a variety of features the standard models do not have. You can challenge yourself with speed, accuracy, and technique using programmed settings that keep track of your pad hits.
Most of the electronic versions include a time-keeping metronome, so you don't have to worry about getting offbeat.
The best types of practice pads will imitate the feel and look of a real drumhead so when you hit it, you will feel the same rebound as if you were on a real kit.
Some practice pads can be tuned, just like a real drumhead. Remo have a range of tunable pads ranging in size from 6”-10”. You can tension them to get the exact rebound you want.
How long should you practice on a pad
How long you practice on a pad will really depend on the type of results you are looking to get. Oftentimes, having momentum is more important than how long you practice for. For example, spending 10 minutes practicing on your pad for six days is more effective than practicing for one hour every week. This is because your body has a chance to learn muscle memory, so repeating the same actions becomes easier with time.
The length of time you practice will also depend on if you have a real drum kit, if you are traveling, and what your goals are. If you are entering a drum competition that is only focusing on timing and accuracy, you should give as much time as possible to practice those skills using a pad.
If you are playing a big concert in a week and need to focus on full beats instead of technique, give your pad a visit every few days to stay sharp.
How expensive are practice pads?
You can find cheap practice pads for under $20 but these will only include the pad itself and no other features. They are still great for perfecting techniques, but they won't help you stay on time or challenge you to be more accurate.
For these features, you'd need an electronic practice pad that can keep up with your growth. These simple pads with an innovative twist start off above $20 and are as high as $150 depending on what type you want. The more features that come with the electronic practice pad, the more expensive it will be.
There are also drum pads that have several pieces included which emulate an entire drum set. These start off at $60 for a set of two pads that come with stands, but if you want several high-quality pads, you'll be looking at a price tag of around $200.
More doesn't always equal better with drum pads. You have to keep in mind what your drum goals are to determine if you need a simple one-piece pad or if you want an entire 4-piece practice setup.
Does a practice pad with a stand help?
The practice pad is meant to be portable, so anywhere you go, the pad is able to go with you. The only problem is you have to find some kind of surface for the pad to rest on. You can rest the pad on your legs for a simple solution, but it can be tiring trying to hold your legs in the same position for a long period of time. Alternatively, you can play it on a table.
If you eventually want to be playing a real drum kit, you want to find a stand that can attach to the pad and hold it up at a height even with your lower torso. Right where a snare drum would be when you are actually playing a kit.
Stands can be just as portable as the practice pad itself and it takes up a small amount of space when traveling. The stand will typically be held up by three different legs, but when you fold them up they gather near the central pole and condense into an easily transportable tool.
You don't technically need a stand with your practice pad to continue learning your skills, but having one makes your practice that much more authentic.
Should you get a practice pad?
Practice pads are essential tools for drummers of any level to continue their technique, accuracy, and timing. You can use them to play your foundational rudiments on a practice pad when you are just starting. As you continue to grow, you can use them to perfect your skills on the drums and avoid upsetting your neigbors and family members.