How to Practice (Without a Drum Set)

No kit? No problem. What are the best exercises to practice away from the drumset? What's the best use of time when no drums are available? Here are 7 tips & exercises I've benefited from over the years.

Instagram:

[ShawnCrowder]

This was filmed in November 2020. All rules & guidelines were strictly followed before, during and after the session (quarantine, testing, masks, distancing, etc). Check local regulations before traveling (or better yet, avoid it completely). But if you're gonna travel, follow the rules -- and hope these practice tips help!

[bpf]

Me, a drummer who plays on his legs all the time:
“Now’s my time to shine”

[eugenefender]

Shawn's just over there, having a better drumming technique on a fkn PILLOW than I will ever have on an actual kit, and also being fluent in German. And Japanese. What a legend.

[danielgardner]

Amazing, now I can send this to all of my students so they stop looking at me like I'm mad when I suggest they do this xD

[ultrarocker]

Dude, I use my legs to work out rhythms I’ve heard in songs or even just from sounds in life to work them out in my head. And I always try to visualize and use my hands/feet before I play something. Even the drumming I do during driving helps. It works wonders and I’m glad you’re bringing it to attention, most people just think that if someone is tapping or “drumming” on something or their legs then it’s just weird or fidgety. It can be useful.

[kanenewman]

I’ve played guitar for 12 years and have always wanted to learn drums. I’ve been practicing rudiments and technique with the sticks I have but still don’t have a kit. This video is super helpful

[Iamwrathster]

Awesome suggestion and tips. Thanks for the video. I felt there was one important, but potentially too obvious, approach missing from your list: Listening to music.

[Gsyncro]

Aside from playing drums, I do a lot of CAD work at a computer on a daily basis... I use this "dead time" to practice (annoy co-workers at the office) while working. I actually got a spare throne so I can work with the same posture as my playing position. Whenever I get into a session, it's quite easy for me to feel good because it's pretty much my daily routine!!

[louisnadeau]

From what i've learn at university is that researches on visualization show that it works! The brain don't really understand the difference between the visualization of a practice session and the real practice session. That's something really weird but so cool at the same time!

[AidanMmusic]

I find it very helpful to learn rhythms while out for walks. I had to learn a 5:6 polyrhythm for a recital piece (which got Covid-cancelled), which I learned with my hands as the 6 against the pace of my feet. Though, I've definitely fallen into the trap of not practicing when I don't have access to instruments, thanks Shawn for reminding me of the possibilities!

[ndykman_pdx]

There have been some studies that show visualization can help learn a skill. One just had a bunch of students do free throw shots. Then, split into three groups. One control group did no practice. Another group did a set amount of actual free throw practice. And the third group visualized making free throws for a set amount of time. The second group did the best, but the third group also significantly improved compared to the control.

[OnlyARide]

I love the subdivision exercise, it's actually fun! I've been doing it for years.

[famitory]

I've got a weird thing where because I "no kit" drum all the time, my foot time has gotten worse because heel down foot tapping is sort of "instant" whereas a kick pedal has a delay between beginning the motion and the beater hitting the skin, so as a side effect my kick drum notes tend to be late when I record

[kirjian]

My main qualm with practicing feet technique drumless is that it's hard to tell how precise you are, and so you may accidentally train a bad habit. You think this is a huge issue?


Sidenote: a few months back you advised me to switch to playing righty since I'm a beginner, so I did it. It's not all documented in my channel, but after a month or so of practice I did get to a decent enough level that allowed me to play at a live event. I'll keep practicing this way. Thank you!

[vollqesstv]

Guy on the next room:
Wow this dude has STAMINAA

[brandonszczech]

You are so cool man! You seem really down to earth, you actually teach us how to do the stuff you do, and you are really talented! Keep it up 😁

[PostInquiry]

Haven't had access to a kit in years. Relearned Bembe and practicing my rudiments at work, coordination exercise is a great suggestion to focus on.

[bodhicoelho]

THANK YOU! I've been needing this so much!

[teconnolly]

Some great tips here, Shawn. Reminds me of the 'Barehand/Barefoot' routine I learned from Travis Orbin which has been really effective for my playing when I'm away from the kit or need to warm up without a pad/sticks. We can do a lot without our instrument, listening is a crucial one!

[deepsolar]

I didn't know you speak German! That's awesome!