How to relax when drumming is something a TON of drummers struggle with. With the drums, it’s a lot more common to have issues with this, especially over any other instrument because there is so much movement.
Table of Contents
No headings found
Relax And Drum Now!
There are different ways to stay relaxed when drumming. One of the easiest ways is to breathe in and out deeply when you’re playing. This oxygenates your blood which helps you stay relaxed while drumming.
Another couple ways is by proper posture and having a loose stick grip, but your grip should be well-balanced so the sticks don’t fly out of your hands.
One other way is by stretching. Stretching has all kinds of benefits such as relaxing your muscles, which will ultimately only help you stay loose while drumming.
**Warming Up Your Muscles Should Be On This List** ^^^ Oops.
It Takes Some Time
Stress and tension are awful, especially because drums are so fun to play. Learning relaxation techniques can greatly benefit drummers, as it allows them to play more efficiently, feel more comfortable, and ultimately improve their performance.
Mastering the art of relaxation when drumming can not only enhance one’s skill and musicality but also contribute to extending your drumming career!
How To Relax When Drumming – Deep Dive
Quick Notes:
Implementing relaxation techniques while drumming can significantly reduce stress levels, as it focuses on mindful breathing and loosening muscle tension.
Drummers who are in a relaxed state can better respond to the demands of their instrument and environment.
By maintaining a calm demeanor during practice or performance, drummers can avoid burnout, frustration, and potential injuries caused by excessive strain.
Speak Up Tension
Understanding and incorporating relaxation techniques into your drumming routine may take some time and dedication, but the results are worth the effort.
It is essential for drummers to recognize and address moments of tension as they arise, consciously integrating relaxation methods into their playing to create a harmonious balance between body and music.
Through practice and perseverance, relaxation can become second nature, allowing drummers to express themselves more freely and reach their full potential.
Stick Control and Technique
When learning how to relax when drumming, stick control is often overlooked! Stick control is the core of effective drumming and can significantly impact a drummer’s sound and technique.
Proper drum stick grip and efficient motion management will lead to the desired control over your drumming. There are two popular grips for holding drum sticks:
Traditional grip: This grip involves holding the stick between the thumb and index finger while resting it on the ring finger, popular among jazz drummers.
Matched grip: In this grip, both hands hold the sticks in the same manner, with the thumb and index finger creating a fulcrum and the other fingers wrapped around for support. For an even more relaxed fulcrum, use your middle finger instead of your index!
A good technique shares significant importance with stick control in drumming.
To maximize stick control, focus on utilizing the correct muscles in your hands, wrists, and fingers. Avoid excessive tension and remain as relaxed as possible while still maintaining control (remembering to breathe deeply).
Fast tempos usually can create stress and tension in your drumming, unless you are breathing deeply and focused on how your body reacts to increasing tempo. We’ve all done it, especially when you get faster with your drum fills and tense WAY up.
Understanding and applying proper technique is an essential aspect of drumming, allowing a drummer to play more smoothly and effortlessly.
As you progress in your drumming journey, applying these fundamentals of drum set components and stick control techniques will contribute to a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Preparation and Mindset
Combatting Stage Fright
Stage fright is a common issue for many drummers, regardless of their skill level. The first step to combat stage fright is to be well-prepared both technically and mentally.
The best way to achieve this is by developing a consistent and effective practice routine. It doesn’t even have to be more than a half hour! Every bit counts.
One good way to reduce anxiety is to practice visualization. Before a performance, try to imagine yourself playing confidently and effortlessly.
Remember to breathe deeply and take breaks to calm your nervous system. It’s also beneficial to have some relaxation techniques in your arsenal, such as deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation we’ve talked about.
Another essential aspect of overcoming stage fright is to accept and embrace the feelings of nervousness. Remind yourself that these feelings are normal and that many successful musicians have experienced, and continue to experience, stage fright.
Developing a Regular Practice Schedule
A regular practice schedule not only helps to improve your drumming skills but also plays a significant role in creating the proper mindset for stress-free performances. Consistency is key. Try to follow these guidelines when setting up your practice routine:
Set clear goals: Define what you want to achieve in your practice sessions, and break it down into smaller, manageable tasks.
Be realistic: Consider your daily commitments and available time. Set a schedule that is achievable and won’t cause additional stress.
Divide your practice time: Allocate yourself a perfect time to work on technique, learning new songs, and improvisation! This ensures a well-rounded practice routine.
Track your progress: Write down your accomplishments and areas that need improvement. This helps you tailor your practice sessions to maximize effectiveness.
Stay motivated: Find ways to keep yourself inspired, such as listening to new music, attending concerts, or watching tutorials.
Following these tips will lead to a more productive practice schedule, helping you cultivate a relaxed and confident mindset when performing.
Remember, consistency and dedication are the driving forces in becoming a confident drummer, ready to tackle any stage.
Effective Relaxation Techniques for Drummers
Physical Relaxation and Posture
Good posture is the first thing a drummer should focus on to achieve relaxation while playing. Maintaining a proper posture allows for good control over the movements and prevents strain.
It’s so easy to fall into the pit of bad posture! Here are a few suggestions for maintaining good posture:
Sit on a drum throne at a comfortable height, with your feet flat on the ground or on the pedals.
Keep your back straight, but not tense. Relax your shoulders and avoid hunching over.
Hold your drumsticks with a relaxed grip, allowing for fluid motion without exerting excess pressure.
In addition to posture, incorporating stretching exercises before and after playing can help alleviate muscle tension:
Wrist circles: Rotate your wrists in both directions.
Arm stretches: Reach your arm across your body and gently pull it with the other arm.
Shoulder rolls: Rotate your shoulders forward and backward.
Mental Relaxation Strategies
While physical relaxation is crucial, mental relaxation strategies can help drummers focus on the music and prevent stress. Consider the following mental relaxation techniques:
Breathing exercises: Focus on slow, deep breaths. Inhale for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, and exhale for a count of four.
Visualization: Close your eyes and imagine a calm, serene environment. Envision yourself playing the drums effortlessly, allowing the music to flow naturally.
Mindfulness: Be present in the moment while playing. Pay attention to the sensations and emotions you experience, but avoid judgment or analysis.
Drummers who practice these effective relaxation techniques will likely find themselves more at ease during performances, leading to a more enjoyable and successful drumming experience.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Dealing With Physical Discomfort
Backache: Establish a comfortable drumming posture to prevent backaches. Set your drum throne height so that your thighs are parallel to the floor (or angled downward), and your feet touch the ground firmly. It also helps to do some stretches and warm-up exercises before playing.
Bad habits: Be mindful of these habits that may cause physical discomfort:
Gripping the sticks too tightly
Hunching your shoulders
Overextending your arms
Make a conscious effort to correct these habits and maintain a comfortable position while playing.
Addressing Psychological Blocks
Memory loss: Forgetting drumming patterns and fills is a common challenge. When learning how to relax when drumming, this may cause stress. Use the following strategies to aid your memory:
Break complex patterns into smaller sections
Practice regularly and consistently
Visualize and mentally rehearse the patterns
Stage fright: Overcoming stage fright requires building confidence in your abilities. Here are some tips:
Build a solid practice routine
Perform in front of people. It can be a small, supportive audience before a big show. The more you perform in front of people, the more relaxed you’ll become.
Use deep breathing and mindfulness techniques to keep calm
By addressing these physical and psychological challenges, you can ensure a more relaxing and enjoyable drumming experience.
Using any of these methods are a great way for learning how to relax when drumming. Breathing, Stretching, and physical exercises would have to be my takeaway for how to successful relax.
Relax And Drum On My Friends!
Do you have trouble relaxing when you drum? Let me know in the comments below and if any of this stuff helps you out!
Want FREE drum hacks to help your drum chops foundation and get you on the right track?
Hi there, I'm Evan and I love drums.. Also, I love music! I've been playing drums for most of my life and nothing beats the thrill I get from it. I hope to be able to provide you with insightful tips and reviews on things within the drum and music world!
{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}
Join The Drum Bloc And Get FREE Drum Hacks, Tips, Plus More!