How to Build a Basic Practice Routine

If you're a drummer but don’t have a practice routine, it’s easy to sit down at the kit, play whatever comes to mind, and walk away feeling like you didn’t make progress. Without a plan, your skills may develop unevenly, leaving gaps in your playing.

Creating a basic practice routine doesn’t have to be complicated. The goal is to give yourself structure so you can improve efficiently while still having fun. This guide will help you set up a simple routine to get better at drumming without feeling overwhelmed.

Step 1: Set a Simple Goal

Before you start practicing, think about what you want to improve. Your goals don’t have to be overly detailed—just pick something clear and manageable, such as:

Playing a basic beat smoothly
Improving stick control
Adding fills to your playing

Once you have a goal, write it down or say it out loud before each practice session to remind yourself what you’re working on.

Step 2: Create a Loose Practice Plan

A good practice routine doesn’t have to be rigid. The key is to balance structure with flexibility so you stay engaged. A simple plan might look like this:

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Play single strokes and double strokes on a pad or snare.
Loosen up by playing simple patterns at a slow tempo.

2. Work on a Specific Skill (10 minutes)

If your goal is stick control, practice rudiments like paradiddles.
If your goal is timing, play along with a metronome.
If your goal is adding fills, practice moving around the kit smoothly.

3. Play for Fun (5-10 minutes)

Play along to a song you enjoy.
Experiment with new beats or grooves.
Try incorporating what you just practiced into a jam session.

This keeps your practice effective without feeling like a chore.

Step 3: Keep Track of Your Progress

Even a simple practice routine works better when you track your progress. You don’t need a complicated journal—just make a note of what you worked on and any small improvements you noticed. You could:

Record a quick video of your drumming.
Jot down your thoughts in a notebook.
Keep a checklist of skills you’re improving.

Over time, this will help you see how far you’ve come and keep you motivated.

Step 4: Be Consistent, But Stay Flexible

Practicing a little bit every day is far more effective than playing for hours once a week. Even 10-15 minutes a day can lead to noticeable progress.

However, don’t be too strict with yourself. Some days you’ll feel inspired to play longer, while other days you might just want to warm up and jam. The key is to stay consistent while keeping it fun.

Remember: Have Fun!

A basic practice routine should be simple, enjoyable, and effective.

By setting a goal, following a loose plan, and staying consistent, you’ll see steady improvements in your drumming over time. Now, grab your sticks and start making progress!