Beginning Zendrum 101

contributed by Steve Burgess

When my Zendrum arrived several years ago, I knew I was going to be in for a fun ride. As a drummer for many years, the question to me became, "Where do I start?" I then came up with some ideas I would like to share with anyone playing the Zendrum for the first time. These ideas are subjective and not absolute so try them and see if they will work for you.

  1. Be a little forward thinking. This is NOT a drum set and you won't be using sticks. Don't start thinking, "I can't do this like I could on a "real" drum set".
  2. The first thing I started doing was to try and copy beats I played on my drum set. Rather than say I can't play like I normally would, I started thinking of what I COULD do differently.
  3. I then started to move the sounds around to pads I felt comfortable with. Play on them for a few weeks to get used to them. Keep experimenting. Maybe move them again.
  4. My Hi hat playing changed. I don't play as much Hi hat as I normally would with a drum set. Playing a busy hi hat part can really make your fingers tired. By changing you're hi hat technique, you can free up your hands and fingers to do other things like percussion.
  5. Don't burn yourself out or get frustrated. You are learning a "new" instrument. Take your time and enjoy.
  6. I do some things different on a Zendrum than I would on a drum set and vise versa. If it doesn't work for you, then don't do it. Remember, you are not playing a drum set so you don't have to play exactly the same way.
  7. Set up a practice routine just like you would on drum set. Try and learn some new things and build up speed and endurance. Always use a metronome. I try to practice a half hour a day. Separate practice time from playing time. They are not the same.
  8. Rudiments? Sure why not? Okay maybe not a buzz roll. Start with your index and middle fingers (each hand) Index finger is left and middle finger is right. Find a book and go for it. Then try it with both hands at the same time. This exercise will keep you busy for a long time.
  9. Happy Zenning. Play, Play, Play.