Improving your speed on drums, especially to play like Stewart Copeland, requires a combination of practice, technique development, and dedication. Stewart Copeland, the drummer of The Police, is known for his fast and intricate playing style, which incorporates elements of punk, reggae, and rock.
Here are some tips to help you work on your speed and drumming skills:
Develop a Solid Foundation: Before focusing on speed, make sure you have a strong foundation in basic drumming techniques. Work on proper hand and foot positioning, grip, and stick control. A solid foundation will serve as the basis for building speed and precision.
Use a Metronome: Practicing with a metronome is crucial for developing consistent timing and speed. Start at a comfortable tempo and gradually increase the speed over time as you get more comfortable.
Practice Rudiments: Rudiments are fundamental drumming patterns that help build speed, control, and coordination. Focus on essential rudiments like single strokes, double strokes, paradiddles, and flam rudiments. Practice them slowly and gradually increase the tempo.
Play with Control: It's essential to play with control even when working on speed. Avoid sacrificing accuracy for speed. Practice at a speed where you can maintain control and gradually push yourself to go faster while maintaining precision.
Isolate Challenging Patterns: Identify specific patterns or fills that challenge your speed and work on them in isolation. Break them down into smaller parts, practice them slowly, and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable.
Use the Moeller Technique: The Moeller technique is a drumming technique that utilizes wrist, finger, and forearm movements to achieve speed and control. It's particularly useful for fast and powerful drumming styles like Stewart Copeland's. Research and practice this technique to improve your speed.
Play Along with Songs: Play along with Stewart Copeland's drum parts in The Police's songs. This will help you understand his style, feel the groove, and adapt to his drumming approach.
Build Endurance: Drumming at high speeds requires physical endurance. Incorporate exercises and routines that challenge your stamina and help you play at high speeds for extended periods.
Seek Guidance: Consider taking lessons from a drumming instructor who can provide personalized feedback and guidance on improving your speed and overall drumming technique.
Be Patient and Persistent: Developing speed on the drums takes time and consistent practice. Be patient with yourself, stay persistent, and celebrate your progress along the way.
Remember that speed is just one aspect of drumming, and it's essential to balance it with other aspects like groove, dynamics, and musicality. As you work on your speed, also focus on developing a well-rounded drumming style that complements your overall musicality.