Electric Drums for Beginners – The Ultimate Guide on how to choose them

Electric Drums for Beginners: A Comprehensive Buyer’s Guide

Embarking on the journey of learning to play the drums is an exciting venture, and choosing the right drum set can significantly impact your musical journey. For beginners, electric drums offer a versatile and convenient option, allowing for practice at any time without disturbing the peace. However, navigating the world of electric drum sets can be daunting for newcomers. This guide will walk you through the essential aspects to consider, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your level and budget.

1. Key Features to Look for in Electric Drum Sets

For beginners, stepping into the world of drumming with an electric drum set can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Here’s a more detailed look at the key features novices should prioritize:

Realistic Feel and Response: One of the most critical aspects for beginners is that the drum set should closely mimic the feel of playing an acoustic drum set. This is crucial for developing proper technique and comfort from the start.

• Mesh vs. Rubber Pads: Mesh heads offer a more realistic feel and are generally preferred for their responsiveness and quieter operation. Rubber pads, while more affordable, may provide a different bounce and are usually louder.
• Pedal Response: The kick pedal and hi-hat controller should respond similarly to their acoustic counterparts. Some electric sets offer a real pedal feel, which can be invaluable for developing foot technique.

Sound Quality and Variety: The sound module (the brain of your electric drum set) plays a crucial role in your practice and performance by offering a range of sounds.

• High-Quality Sounds: Look for sets that offer high-quality, realistic drum and percussion sounds. This feature will make practice more enjoyable and rewarding.
• Variety of Kits: Beginner sets should include a wide selection of preset drum kits, allowing you to experiment with different genres and sounds, from rock and jazz to electronic music.

Check out our guide on How to Select Your Perfect Drum Stick – The Anatomy of Drum Stick Sizes and don’t miss our Playlist for the Top 10 Easy drum Songs for Beginners

Module Features: The drum module should be beginner-friendly, offering intuitive navigation and essential features that enhance learning.

• Built-In Learning Tools: Features like metronomes for timing, play-along tracks for practicing music, and recording capabilities for self-assessment are incredibly beneficial for beginners.
• Connectivity Options: USB/MIDI connectivity allows you to connect the drum set to computers and mobile devices for additional learning software, recording your performances, or even using virtual instruments.

Expandability: While starting, you might not need a complex setup, but having the option to add more elements to your practice pads or cymbals later on is a feature that ensures your drum set can grow with you as your skills advance.

Durability: Beginners will spend many hours practicing, so it’s essential to choose the best drum pad for beginners and the set that can withstand regular use. Look for sets that are built well and can handle consistent playing as you develop your skills.

Size and Space: Electric drum sets are advantageous for their compact size compared to acoustic sets. Ensure the set you choose fits comfortably in your available space, allowing you to practice without constraints.

2. Top Electric Drum Brands for Beginners

When venturing into the realm of electric drum sets, especially as a beginner, the overwhelming variety of brands can make the decision process quite daunting. However, certain names stand out from the crowd, consistently earning the respect and admiration of drummers worldwide. Brands like Roland, Alesis, and Yamaha have become synonymous with quality, innovation, and reliability in the electric drumming space.

These manufacturers have dedicated extensive research and development efforts to create drum sets that not only mimic the authentic feel and sound of acoustic drums but also incorporate advanced technology to enhance the learning and playing experience. Their products are designed with the end-user in mind, ensuring that drummers of all levels, particularly beginners, have access to instruments that are intuitive to use, feature-rich, and capable of growing with them as they progress.

By choosing one of these esteemed brands, beginners can rest assured that they are investing in a tool that will faithfully serve their musical journey, making these brands the most valued among budding and seasoned drummers alike.

Roland: Known for their mesh-head V-Drums, Roland sets the standard for quality and realism in electronic drumming, suitable for beginners to pros.

Alesis: Offers affordable options for beginners without compromising on quality, making it a great entry point for new drummers.

Yamaha: With its DTX series, Yamaha provides durable and responsive drum kits celebrated for their sound quality.

These brands offer a range of products tailored to beginners, ensuring a balance between quality and affordability.

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3. Comparing Acoustic and Electric Drums: What’s Best for You?

Space and Noise: Electric drums are compact and can be used with headphones, making them apartment-friendly. Acoustic drums take up more space and are significantly louder.

Maintenance and Versatility: Electric drums require less maintenance and allow you to experiment with different sounds. Acoustic drums offer a traditional experience but are less versatile in sound.

Cost: Initially, electric drums might seem more expensive, but considering the cost of additional acoustic drums hardware and soundproofing, electric drums can be more cost-effective.

Assess your living situation, musical aspirations, and practical considerations to determine which type suits you best.

4. Budgeting for Your First Electric Drum Set

Electric drum sets range from affordable entry-level options to high-end professional kits. A decent beginner set can cost between $300 to $700, providing a good balance between quality and affordability. Consider purchasing a bundle that includes headphones, a drum throne, and sticks to save on initial costs. Remember, investing a bit more upfront can lead to savings in the long run by avoiding early upgrades.

5. Integrating Electric Drums into Your Practice Routine

Electric drums can be an excellent tool for beginners, offering features that facilitate learning:

• Headphone Use: Practice at any hour without disturbing others.
• Play-Along Tracks: Improve your timing and musicality.
• Recording: Listen back to your playing for self-assessment.

Incorporate these features into your daily practice to maximize your progress and keep your practice sessions engaging and productive.

Conclusion

Choosing your first electric drum set is a thrilling step towards mastering the drums. By focusing on key features, selecting a reputable brand, understanding the differences between acoustic and electric sets, budgeting wisely, and effectively integrating the set into your practice routine, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a proficient drummer. Embrace the journey ahead with confidence, knowing you have the tools to succeed.

Remember, the best electric drum set is the one that meets your unique needs, fuels your passion for drumming, and fits within your budget. Happy drumming!

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Get ready to take your drumming to the next level. Get expert tips on coordination, drumming techniques, improvisation and more in the post titled “Charting Your Drumming Journey”. / Written by: Raul Rodrigues: CEO of Drumap, Drummer, Music School Director and Mariano Steimberg: Drum Professor at Berklee College of Music, Valencia Campus.