say it ain't so (i'm not too old to start, right?)

primemover · Not So Newbie Joined: 20 Jul 2008 Posts: 9

Well, in my wildest dreams I never thought I'd be posting to a forum such as this, yet here I am!

Where should I start?

I had always wanted to learn to play the guitar (yes, I KNOW this is a drum forum) and had recently picked up a used acoustic. Around the same time, I was visiting my sister's house and her son (~14 years old) was tinkering around with a drum machine (a DD55 Yamaha - he has a full drum kit as well and has been taking lessons for ~1 year). My son (~9) and I thought that the drum machine was neat so I decided to buy a used one from e-bay.

The guitar was in the house for ~1 week prior to the arrival of the drum machine and I spent a few minutes a day trying to build up some calluses (tinkering here and there, trying my best to reach the proper strings, etc) and was, for the most part, having a good time. I can even feel the embryonic beginnings of calluses on my index, middle and ring fingers.

The drum machine then arrived and both my son and I were eager to open it up and start playing with this "expensive toy". We both tinkered with it that first evening and we had a real blast. I then spent a little time with it myself and, well, I really have not picked up the guitar since!

Even though I had always wanted to play the guitar, I feel as though I have always been playing the drums! While I was growing up my parents would often yell at me for tapping my foot at the dinner table (my poor wife has that roll now) and I had always tapped along with music in the car (or just tapped out some kind of beat while passing the time). Heck, over the last few days I've found myself tapping out a 4/4 beat (if I know what I'm talking about) just to pass the time (sans drum machine). However, prior to the arrival of the DD55 I was NOT finding myself strumming an air guitar or practicing my "fingering." Striking the pads on the DD55 however seems so natural to me (unlike trying to coordinate fingering for forming a chord) and actually making music that sounds right is so much more accessible than with a guitar (at least for this neophyte).
Looking back now, I'm perplexed about why I had never pursued this before! But that is water under the bridge and I can only move forward from here.

So here I am at 42 years old, thinking that I'm going to learn how to play the drums! My daughter thinks that am going through some kind of "mid-life crisis," but I do not subscribe to such a theory. It is more so that fact that since my children are older (and do not need me as much) and my job situation is pretty secure, I have a little more spare time on my hands (not sure if that pun was intended or not!) and am typically not some one to "sit still" (I'd rather be riding my motorcycle than playing a game of golf!).

Indeed, at this stage in my life I have NO plans to join a band or anything, it is just that after having this drum machine for only ~5-6 days and spending at least 30 mins a day with it (and thoroughly enjoying tapping out some beats), I think I need to give myself a fair shot at learning how to play it right.

Of course some of you might suggest that it is better for me to skip the drum machine thing all together and move right to a full kit, however, without having the space in the house to dedicate to such an endeavor, nor the extra money to buy a full and proper kit (without really knowing if I'll gain any real proficiency) I think, at least for me, the drum machine might be the first best step in a new life long process!

At this juncture, I'd like to ask a few simple questions:

Is it too late? (please say no!)

Have others started out with a drum machine (and did the acquired skills transfer easily to a full kit)?

Anyone out there is the same boat (i.e., just starting at somewhat of a more "senior" age)?

I look forward to tapping into the wealth of information and expertise that I'm CERTAIN exists within the confines of this site.

Thanks in advance!

Best Wishes,

Primemover

sbowman128675 · Lion King Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 1072

never to late to start.

welcome to our planet.
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styles2281 · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2008 5:24 am Post subject:

1 - It's never too late to start.

2. To start out, I would get sticks and a pad and work rudiments, or if you want something 'more' or would prefer to be more finger oriented, look at joing a drum circle. Drum Machines are fun to play with, but I don't think they give you the proper skills needed, but they CAN help you learn TIME, and can do some neat programming things. I suppose its all in what you want to get out of it.

3. If you DO end up deciding to buy a kit, look on ebay or craigslist, there's usually great deals there.

4. If you decide that you like electronic percussion, but want to save space, look at KAT drums (www.alternatemode.com)

5. Are you a Rush fan? (noting the Prime Mover name)

6. Beyond that, have fun with your new hobby!
_________________
"I'm not dumb, I just have a command of thoroughly useless information" - Calvin of Bill Waterson's "Calvin and Hobbes"

primemover · Not So Newbie Joined: 20 Jul 2008 Posts: 9

1 - It's never too late to start.
>> thanks... that's what i needed to hear...

2. To start out, I would get sticks and a pad and work rudiments,
>> am doing that (re: rudiments - no pad yet)... but thanks for the tip

or if you want something 'more' or would prefer to be more finger oriented, look at joing a drum circle.
>> not sure what that is (but i'll look it up)

Drum Machines are fun to play with, but I don't think they give you the proper skills needed,
>> i suspected as much, but as a first step, this might be the best i can do for now...

but they CAN help you learn TIME,
>> indeed, just really working on keeping proper time (playing here and there as well)

5. Are you a Rush fan? (noting the Prime Mover name)
>> you caught me! when i have more time, i'll give a bit more on that... a few neat little stories to tell, but for another day!

Smile

bytor · Admin Joined: 12 Aug 2003 Posts: 5306 Location: Kansas

Another Rush fan, eh? Welcome aboard, primemover. Enjoy the site.

primemover · Not So Newbie Joined: 20 Jul 2008 Posts: 9

indeed i'm "Russian" (did you see Colbert Report?!)

How long have you been playing? Me? ~15 minutes! and really am enjoying it! As i listed, i have a dd-55 and i know it is only pseudo useful.... but i'm at least trying to keep some time...

been a big fan since ~1980, and i'm still perplexed why i never considered picking up drum sticks before!

i have a pretty neat "Rush" story to tell someday.... stay tuned!

drummerb0y25 · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 9:59 am Post subject:

It's never to late to learn how to play an instrument. It may be too late to become the next "big thing" appealing to 15 year olds though Wink

1. buy a drum pad
2. get a pro drum instructor
3. take at least 5 lessons covering the basics
4. create for yourself, with the instructors know-how, a productive practice routine you can do daily for at least 15-30 minutes.

This should keep you going for your first 6 months to a year or so. There is no need for a full drum-set at this point. everything you need to learn is the "boring, tedious" stuff ; mostly technique and rudimentry, and this is what your instructor should be able to guide you through. It's important you get the first period of your drumming lifetime practicing perfectly, thus the time with the instructor.
_________________
"The more control you have of the instrument, the more confidence you will get and the more you will be able to express your ideas; Technique is only good if you can use it musically." -J.M.

bytor · Admin Joined: 12 Aug 2003 Posts: 5306 Location: Kansas

styles2281 · Posted: Tue Jul 29, 2008 12:13 pm Post subject:

primemover · Not So Newbie Joined: 20 Jul 2008 Posts: 9

i thought that (re: names) was the funniest thing! was great to hear NEP talk on camera in an interview.... i think it shows how much he has, well, if not moved on, at least come to grips/coped with his situation...