To the untrained ear, playing the drums may seem like nothing more than banging loudly on an instrument.

But, drumming actually requires quite a bit of skill and intelligence. In fact, studies actually show that successful drummers tend to be highly intelligent and that their minds work differently than the average human being.

So, are you looking to show the world what you’re made of and improve your drumming skills?

While improving your drumming skills often requires just going for it, there are still some major mistakes you need to avoid along the way.

Check out this guide to learn the most common drumming mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Going Too Fast

When learning a new drumming sequence, most drummers have the tendency to try and learn at the pace they are going to play at — in other words, very fast.

But, when you’re just learning a new song, no matter how simple or complex it is, you’re guaranteed to have an easier time learning it if you just slow things down a bit.

So, instead of rushing through the song and correcting mistakes along the way, play it slowly from the start. This will really help you break down the song and zone in on the parts that are difficult for you.

2. Playing With the Wrong Drumsticks

Playing with the wrong drumsticks is like running in a pair of shoes that are way too big or way too small — you may be able to finish the race in them but isn’t going to be pretty.

But believe it or not, a lot of drummers play with drumsticks that aren’t the right size, with the most common excuse being that “I feel the most comfortable with this size.”

Of course, it’s important to feel comfortable holding your drumsticks, but it’s also important to choose a size that will allow you to play your best.

Drumsticks that are too heavy will consume your energy and slow down your tempo, while drumsticks that are too light won’t allow you to draw out a good sound.

In general, a size 5A is good for children and a 5B is good for adults. However, the best thing to do is to go to your local shop to get fitted for the right pair.

3. Not Hitting the Middle of the Drum

Getting into the habit of hitting the middle of the drum is very important, yet so many drummers fail to instill this habit in themselves early on.

If you’re not focusing on the basic fundamental of hitting the middle of the drum every time, you’re going to be in trouble down the road.

Hitting the edge of the drum produces a weak and shrill sound, making it very apparent that you’re messing up. Therefore, when you’re first starting to learn the drums, don’t let yourself move onto tougher sequences until you nail this fundamental skill.

You may even want to consider buying a custom basehead that will make locating the center of the drum super easy.

Drumming Mistakes: Are You Ready to Improve Your Drumming Skills?

By avoiding these drumming mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to becoming the next legendary drummer.

If you have any questions about improving your drumming skills, please comment below.

And, be sure to check out these top tips on caring for your drumset.