I can now hold the basic rock beat. Which is good as it covers 90% of all modern music. I’ve found out several key aspects to drumming:

1. Limb separation: (no you don’t need a saw for that), just being able to have your limbs work separately. That is not having to ‘think’ about when to strike the snare, it just happens without you thinking about it. So your brain just becomes a metronome, making sure that the beat doesn’t slip.
2. Muscle memory: To be able to do this you need to practice and develop your muscle memory. Basically practice, practice, practice.
3. Holding the beat: You also need to be able to hold a beat. Practice with a metronome. Once you have the basic rock beat under control, practice along with some music. Remember the drummer is supposed to drive the beat — so it’s important. At the moment I’m practicing along to some early Cold Chisel songs. Pretty basic beats and fills.
4. Practice: Did I mention that? You need to practice, and when you’ve finished practicing, practice again. I’ve found that consistant practice, (and this doesn’t just apply to drums), every day is much better than the occasional 1 hour every week or couple of days.

I learnt the violin and piano for many years, so have good grounding in music. Sax is pretty good, and I’ve wanted to learn that for some time now. However, I came across a drum kit that was looking for a new home. So I started up learning drums.

Some good sites to start off with drums:

• The best site I’ve come across so far for the basics.
• Lessons for beginners and intermediate.
• Polyrhythms? Heck this guy is good — A goal to reach?
• Another good site. Lot’s of info for beginners, intermediate and advanced. Info on technique, styles. Heck it’s got everything.
• The sister site to the drumsdatabase.
• Couple more good lessons.