7 Essential Drum Accessories Every Drummer Needs
Have you ever wondered what separates the good drummers from the great ones? Sure, talent and practice play a huge role, but having the right gear at the right time can make a world of difference. As a drummer with over three decades of experience, I’ve learned that certain accessories should be with you at all times. Did you know that using a metronome during practice can improve your timing by up to 30%? That’s right! Today, we’re diving into the 7 essential drum accessories that every drummer needs in their arsenal.
1. Hearing Protection: Preserving Your Most Valuable Asset
Hearing protection for drummers is of paramount importance, and it’s best to learn this before it’s too late! I can’t stress this enough: your hearing is precious, and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.
What exactly happens when you’re exposed to high sound levels for long periods? Well, inside your ears are these tiny hair cells that help you hear. When you’re exposed to loud noises, these cells can get damaged or even die off. And here’s the kicker – they don’t grow back. Once they’re gone, they’re gone for good. This can lead to hearing loss, annoying tinnitus, and even hypersensitivity to sound.
So let’s talk about the different types of hearing protection out there. You’ve got your basic foam earplugs, which are cheap and easy to find. They’re better than nothing, but they tend to muffle the sound quite a bit. These are fine in a pinch, or if you go clubbing, or mow the lawn, but they’re not so great for musos.
Then there are musician’s earplugs, which are designed to lower the volume without distorting the sound too much. These are a big step up in my opinion, and these are what I use most of the time.
Pro Tip: I play the first few song or two with nothing, and THEN I put the Hearos Musician’s Earplugs in. This allows me to get a feel for the sound on stage and the mix of all the instruments first before I put the earplugs in and experience the filtered version for the rest of the gig.
In-ear monitors are another option, and they’re pretty cool. They not only protect your hearing but also give you a clearer mix of your sound. But they can be pretty pricey. I use an affordable pair of Shure SE215.
Then you’ve got noise-canceling headphones. These are great for practice sessions, especially if you’re using an electronic kit. They block out external noise while letting you hear your playing clearly. I use these for electric drums and acoustic drums.
So, how do you choose the right protection for your needs? It really depends on your situation. If you’re just starting out and on a budget, musician’s earplugs are a good way to go. Look for ones with a noise reduction rating (NRR) of about 20-25 decibels. That’ll cut down the volume without completely muffling the sound.
If you’re gigging regularly or recording, in-ear monitors might be worth the investment. They give you the best of both worlds – protection and sound quality. Plus, they can help you hear yourself better on stage, which is always a plus.
For practice sessions, I like to use over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. They’re comfortable for long sessions and give me good sound isolation. Just make sure you don’t crank the volume too high – that defeats the purpose of protection!
Now, here’s the tricky part – balancing sound quality and ear protection. It’s tempting to skimp on protection so you can hear every nuance of your playing. But trust me, it’s not worth the risk. Start by using your chosen protection consistently, even if it feels weird at first. Your ears will adjust, and you’ll start to appreciate the clearer, less fatiguing sound.
Remember, hearing damage is cumulative. It’s not just about those loud gigs – even regular practice sessions can take their toll over time. So don’t wait until you notice problems to start protecting your ears.
Pro Tip: get your hearing checked regularly to stay on top of any changes.
Look, I know it’s not the coolest topic. Hearing protection isn’t exactly rock ‘n’ roll, is it? But neither is struggling to hear your bandmates or missing out on conversations because of hearing loss. Your future self will thank you for taking care of your ears now.
So go on, invest in some good hearing protection. Your ears are your most valuable asset as a musician. Treat ’em right, and they’ll serve you well for years to come. Rock on, but rock on safely! 🤘
2. Metronome: The Heartbeat of Precision
Ah, the metronome – my old friend and occasional nemesis. Let me tell you, developing a strong internal clock hasn’t been an easy journey, but it’s been worth every frustrating minute.
But here’s the thing – that frustration was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Over time, I learned to embrace the metronome as a tool for improvement rather than a judgmental little box. And let me tell you, the difference in my playing now is night and day.
Developing a strong internal clock isn’t just about playing to a click, though. It’s about internalizing that steady pulse so deeply that it becomes a part of you. These days, I can often feel when I’m slightly off, even without a metronome. It’s like my body has become its own timekeeping device.
Once you get into the studio to record, you’ll often have to do so with a click track, so getting used to playing with one early on will be of great benefit later!
Now, let’s talk about the different types of metronomes out there. Back in the day, we had those classic pyramid-shaped ones with the swinging arm. They were cool, but not exactly portable. These days, we’ve got so many options it can make your head spin.
Digital metronomes are super convenient. Many of them come with built-in rhythms and subdivisions, which can be great for more complex practice sessions. For drummers, I think the Tama Rhythm Watch Metronome is an excellent choice. I switched to it after my old Boss one died.
Then there’s the world of metronome apps. Holy moly, there are tons of them! Some are basic click machines, while others have all sorts of bells and whistles. I’ve tried a bunch, and while they’re handy in a pinch, I still prefer having a dedicated device.
Okay, let’s get into some exercises to improve your timing. One of my favorites is the ‘disappearing click’ drill. Start with a basic beat and the metronome on all four beats. Then, mute every other click, then every third, and finally just have it on the downbeat. It’s trickier than it sounds!
Another fun one is playing along with the metronome set to weird subdivisions. Try setting it to play only on the ‘e’ of each beat, or only on the ‘a’. It’ll mess with your head at first, but it’s great for developing that internal sense of time.
Also, practice with the metronome at different volumes. Sometimes, crank it up loud. Other times, make it just barely audible. It’ll help you stay locked in without becoming dependent on hearing every click.
Now, as for top-rated metronomes for drummers, there are some pretty cool options out there. The Boss DB-90 is still a favorite among many pros. It’s got a ton of features and is built like a tank.
At the end of the day, though, the best metronome is the one you’ll actually use. Whether it’s a fancy gadget or a simple app, consistency is key. Your future self will thank you for putting in the time with that steady click.
Remember, developing solid timing isn’t about being a robot. It’s about having such a strong foundation that you can play around with the time and always find your way back home. So don’t get discouraged if it feels tough at first. Stick with it.
3. Portable Practice Pad: Essential Drum Accessories
Alright, let me tell you about practice pads – they’re seriously a drummer’s best friend. For the first two years of my drumming career, all I had was a pair of sticks and a practice pad. That’s it!
So, why are practice pads so awesome for developing your skills? Well, first off, they’re quiet. Like, really quiet. You can practice your rudiments at 2 AM without waking up the whole neighborhood. But more importantly, practice pads help you focus on your technique without all the distractions of a full kit.
I’ve found that using a practice pad regularly has really improved my stick control and precision. It’s all about developing that muscle memory, you know? When you’re not worried about hitting different drums and cymbals, you can really zero in on your hand movements and timing. Plus, it’s way easier to spot inconsistencies in your playing on a practice pad.
Let’s talk about the different types of practice pads out there. You’ve got your rubber pads, which are great for most situations. They’re portable and pretty much indestructible and will last a long time!
Then there’s electronic practice pads! These bad boys are like having a mini drum machine at your fingertips. Some of them come with built-in metronomes and different sound options.
So, how do you incorporate practice pads into your routine? Well, I like to start my practice sessions with about 15 minutes on the pad. It’s a great way to warm up your hands and get into the groove. I’ll usually run through some basic rudiments – singles, doubles, paradiddles, you name it. Then I’ll move on to more complex patterns or try to match the rhythm of a song I’m learning.
At the end of the day, the best practice pad is the one you’ll actually use. I’ve seen too many drummers buy fancy equipment and then let it gather dust. The key is consistency. Even 10 minutes a day on a basic pad will do wonders for your playing.
So there you have it – practice pads in a nutshell. They might not be as exciting as a shiny new cymbal, but they’re worth their weight in gold when it comes to improving your drumming skills. Now go forth and paradiddle-diddle! 🥁
4. Drum Rug: Keeping Your Kit in Place
On certain surfaces such as wooden stages, having a drum rug is crucial to stop your bass drum and hi-hat stand running away from you. It’s almost as if they don’t like me…
Anyway… they’re absolutely essential for keeping your kit stable, especially if you’re a heavy hitter like me. Without a good rug, your drums can start to wander all over the place, throwing off your groove and making you look like a newbie.
Now, when it comes to materials, you’ve got options. Personally, I’m a big fan of heavy-duty nylon rugs. They’re durable as heck and can take a beating. I’ve had mine for years, and it’s still going strong. This one is a rubber-backed rug for extra grip, which can be great if you’re playing on super slick surfaces.
Pro Tip: avoid anything too plush or shaggy. Turns out, they just make it harder to get your hardware to sit right. You want something with a low pile that won’t interfere with your pedals or stands, and doesn’t throw up heaps of dust which will get into all the bearings of your kick pedals. Yuck!
Choosing the right size can be a bit tricky. You want a rug that’s big enough to accommodate your entire kit, with a little extra room around the edges. As a general rule, I’d say go for something at least 5×7 feet for a standard five-piece kit. I find that if all of the legs of the throne don’t fit on the rug it’s no big deal. The kit is most important.
Oh, and don’t forget to consider the shape of your kit. If you’re rocking a big double bass setup or lots of toms, you might want to look into specially designed drum rugs with cut-out sections that accommodate larger kits.
At the end of the day, a good drum rug is an investment in your playing and your peace of mind. After all, you should be concentrating on the music, and not having to chase your hardware all around the stage.
5. Drum Keys and Tuning Tools: Fine-Tuning Your Sound
So, what are the essential tools for keeping your drums in tip-top shape? Well, first and foremost, you need a good drum key. This little gadget is like the Swiss Army knife of drum maintenance. It’s used for everything from changing heads to adjusting tension rods. You’ll want to keep one of these in your stick bag at all times.
Okay, let’s talk basic drum tuning for the newbies out there. First things first, make sure your drums are clean and the rims are seated properly. Then, start by finger-tightening all the lugs. This gives you a good baseline to work from. Next, use your drum key to tighten each lug in a star pattern. This helps distribute the tension evenly across the head.
Pro Tip: don’t try to get it perfect on the first pass. Go around the drum a few times, making small adjustments. And always tune to the lowest lug. If one lug is lower than the others, bring the rest down to match it, then start over. It takes patience, but it’s worth it.
Another nifty tool is the DrumDial. It measures the tension of the head itself as you place it touching the rim next to each lug. This can be really helpful for getting an even tension across the whole drumhead.
Oh, and let’s not forget about muffling tools! These aren’t strictly for tuning, but they can have a big impact on your sound. Moongel or drum honey are great, as they can stick on your drumhead to control overtones. They’re like magic for getting rid of that annoying ring. Need a cheaper option? Just use a piece of gaff tape!
6. Stick Bag
Investing in a decent stickbag is a really wise decision. You might start with a small one and then progress to a larger model as you need to carry around more stuff.
So, what should you keep in your stick bag? Well, obviously, sticks! I always carry at least three pairs. You never know when you might break one (or two). But don’t just bring identical pairs. I like to have a variety – maybe a heavier pair for rock gigs and a lighter pair for jazz. It’s all about options.
But a stick bag ain’t just for sticks. I always keep a pair of brushes in there too. You never know when you might need to switch up your sound mid-gig. And don’t forget about mallets! They’re great for getting those sweet, mellow tones on your cymbals.
Now, let’s talk about some non-stick essentials. First up, earplugs. Your ears are your most important instrument, so protect ’em!
I also keep a small multi-tool in my bag. It’s come in handy more times than I can count for quick adjustments or repairs.
Don’t forget the gaff tape! This stuff is magical, I tell ya. It’s like duct tape’s cooler, more versatile cousin. I always keep a small roll in my stick bag.
But gaff tape isn’t just for dampening drums. It’s great for quick fixes too. I’ve used it to secure loose cables, patch up a torn drum head (temporary fix, but it’ll get you through a gig), and even to mark my spot on stage for quick set-ups.
Here’s a neat trick I learned: use small pieces of gaff tape to mark your pedal position on your drum rug. That way, you can quickly get back to your perfect setup next time.
One word of caution though – be careful when using gaff tape on your drums. It can leave a residue if left on too long. Not a problem on an old drum head, but don’t stick it on the shells if you can help it.
A well-stocked stick bag and a roll of gaff tape can save your bacon in all sorts of situations. They might not be the most exciting pieces of gear, but they’re essential when you need them. So do yourself a favor and get yourself set up with these basics.
7. Just In Case Pocket Just In Case
So what else should you carry in your stick bag? Well here’s mine right now:
Here’s a list:
- Multiple pairs of drumsticks (I have three SD1‘s for jazz and one STL for heavy stuff)
- Rods
- Mallets
- Brushes
- An extra, upside-down mallet in the middle, which I hang my brushes on
- Earplugs x 3
- Drum keys x 3
- Spare hi-hat clutch (I’ve had one fail on me mid-gig. Never again!)
- A small wrench
- Pencils for marking charts
- Egg shaker
- Gaff tape
I also carry a battery pack and cable (not pictured) to emergency charge my iPad which I have scanned sheet music on for performances. Of course, my iPad is 100% charged before I leave home, but I’m always prepared!
So there you have it, the 7 (plus heaps more) essential drum accessories that’ll take your drumming to the next level! From the humble practice pad to legendary gaff tape, each of these tools plays a crucial role in developing your skills and enhancing your performance.
Once again – protect those ears! After all, they’re your ticket to a lifetime of musical enjoyment. Now, get out there and make some noise… responsibly, of course! 🙉
Drum kits come in many different forms and variations. Check out these articles for help on choosing a drum kit, the best drum sets for beginners, and the best electronic kits if you need to keep the noise down.
