New from the makers of Rhythm, Guitarist, Total Guitar and Guitar Techniques: Musician's Handbook: Drums! It's the ultimate drums special: Everything you need in one 132-page manual: How to choose a kit, a guide to maintenance, your first lessons, how to record… Everything you need to be a better player FAST. INCLUDES download of video to accompany the lessons inside (see page 5 for instructions). Don't miss it!

MUSICIAN’S HAND BOOK [DRUMS]

GETTING STARTED

ANATOMY OF YOUR DRUM KIT • Understand the ins and outs of your drum gear

BUYER’S GUIDE • ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS ON HOW TO BUY THE GEAR THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

DRUM KITS

SNARE DRUMS

CYMBALS

PLUS…

ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES • So you’ve got a new kit. But how are you going to get it to your first gig, or fix it if it breaks down? Here are the accessories every drummer needs. Time to go shopping (again)...

HOW TO TUNE DRUMS • FOLLOW OUR STEP-BY-STEP TUNING GUIDE TO GET YOUR DRUMS SOUNDING THEIR VERY BEST

HOW TO TUNE YOUR BASS DRUM

HOW TO TUNE YOUR TOMS

HOW TO TUNE YOUR SNARE DRUM

MAKE YOUR SET-UP WORK FOR YOU • Some of the do’s and don’ts of playing posture

LESSONS

DRUMMING ESSENTIALS • So, your new kit is set up and you’re ready to begin your drumming journey. But where do you start? Right here! Over the next five pages we’ll show you everything you need to get drumming today

KEY DRUMMING TERMS • Get to know what these mean, you’ll be hearing them a lot!

YOUR FIRST DRUM LESSONS • Master the basics of rock, jazz, funk and more

HOW TO READ DRUM NOTATION • Reading notation is an excellent skill for any drummer to learn

LEARN THE 40 DRUM RUDIMENTS • Essential tools to kickstart your playing and expand your drumming vocabulary

MAXIMISE YOUR PRACTICE • UK session star Craig Blundell shares 10 tips to supercharge your practice regime

HOW TO WARM-UP • TRY THIS SIMPLE ROUTINE TO PREPARE FOR EVERY PRACTICE SESSION

EXERCISES FOR YOUR HANDS AND FEET

TRAVIS BARKER • The Blink-182 superstar discusses his approach to learning drums

30 DAY DRUM WORKOUT • Take key areas of your drumming to the next level in just one month. Ready for the 30 day challenge? Let’s get to work...

BEFORE YOU START

PERIOD 1

A WORD ON NUTRITION

PERIOD 2

9 GREAT PRACTICE TOOLS • When playing your kit at home isn’t an option, here are some useful tools to help keep your hand in without disturbing the neighbours

APP-Y DRUMMING • Harness the power of your smartphone with the best apps to help boost your practice

PERIOD 3

SHARPEN YOUR FOCUS WITH SLEEP

PERIOD 4

PLAY BETTER WITH H2O

PERIOD 5

GEAR

MOT YOUR DRUM KIT • Say goodbye to tired drums and get your kit back into shape with our easy to follow maintenance guide

CLEANING THE KIT

CLEANING YOUR CYMBALS

CLEAN AND INSPECT YOUR HARDWARE

CUSTOMISE YOUR SET-UP

HOW TO SERVICE YOUR BASS DRUM PEDAL • Your bass drum pedal is a vital element of your drum kit, but if neglected it will quickly become unresponsive and a chore to play. Here’s how to keep your pedal in A1 condition...

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR SNARE WIRES • Snare wires are often neglected and can begin to effect the sound of your snare drum. Here we guide you through ten easy steps to change your snare wires for shiny new ones

CUT A HOLE IN YOUR BASS DRUM HEAD • Cutting a hole or ‘port’ in your resonant bass drum head will affect the feel of a kick and, most importantly, the sound. It’s also useful for miking up your kick. Here’s how to do it!

NEIL PEART • After almost 40 years with Rush, this prog drumming...