If you're like me, when you first started playing
the drums you may have been a little concerned that your neighbors would call
the police on you. Or worse, your family would stone you to death!
Some people just can't handle the volume, but don't worry, if you're just
starting out, your dreams of becoming a great drummer can still come true.
There are some quick fixes to help keep your family, friends, and neighbors at
peace while still allowing you to drum. Just follow these four solid drum
tips...
1. Communicate
Typically, your family and neighbors are
the ones who are most affected by your choice to drum. So, the considerate, and
smart thing to do is have a little talk with these people and work out a way for
everyone to agree.
Find out if there are better and worse times for
you to practice your drums. Just never assume anything! Sometimes people can get
really agitated about something, but just never speak up about it. You don't
want any "silent enemies." These kind tend to talk behind your back!
2.
Invest in Drum and Cymbal Mutes
Personally, I have a full shag carpet in
my practice room. I even have it going half way up the walls. It does a great
job of keeping the sound right there in my room.
But, if you're not
interested in a shag carpet for whatever reason, consider investing in practice
pads for your drumset. These drum accessories significantly reduce the amount of
sound your drums and cymbals send out.
I'll be the first to admit
that playing with pads isn't near as much fun as playing without them, but they
sure make you appreciate the sound of your drumset when it's not muted.
3. Soundproof Your Practice Room
You really don't have to spend a lot of
money soundproofing your practice room. like professional drummers do.
You can easily create your own soundproof room with some carpet scraps. I have
already mentioned that I have a shag carpet on my floor and walls and it does an
excellent job. The only time my neighbors hear me drum is if I open my windows,
which I do sometimes on a rare occasion if I'm feeling a little assertive.
Anyway, carpet scraps provide excellent soundproofing! Go to your local carpet
store and ask for some free scraps. Then, apply them on the walls and ceiling of
your drum practice room. If these carpet scraps are really thin, then layer
them.
4. Play Electronic Drums
An electronic drumset is not for
everybody. In fact, some drummers just hate them because they say they are not
really drums. The theory is, drums are supposed to be an acoustic instrument,
and by plugging something in to an electrical outlet, it is no longer acoustic.
Whatever your theory is, if you live in a small space and have really no other
way to keep your volume low enough to please everyone, an electronic drumset may
be the best solution.
With the option to adjust the volume in your
headphones, you can actually drum as loud as you want. It's just that you are
the only one who can hear it.
Conclusion
The only thing louder
than you on your drums are the people who are screaming at you to knock it off.
People will try to steal your fun on the drumset because they just can't handle
the volume, which is understandable. Don't let anyone steal your fun! Bang on
your drums all day, but bang on them using some consideration, and you can then
bang in peace.
About the Author
Dan Brown has been drumming since 1976.
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