Complete Idiot's Guide to Playing Drums

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: I got the Dummies title first, which is usually the case. However, it was very disappointing. I then checked out the Idiot's Guide title. It was just what I was looking for.

It has all the necessary information and is not too sparse or too thick on any areas. Definitely recommended for people wanting to get started in drumming.

Rating:
Summary: You'd be an idiot NOT to buy this book.
Review: Of course, there's no arguing that the best way to learn how to play a musical instrument of any kind is through direct instruction from a teacher (even the author of this book admits so right from the start!) But that may not be possible (or affordable) for everyone, and besides, it never hurts to have instruction and reading material from many unique sources to be exposed to different styles and points of view.

This book is an excellent source for a beginning drummer, or someone who hasn't even yet purchased a set of sticks but is contemplating learning more about the drums. Miller takes the reader through selecting and setting up equipment, different kinds of percussion instruments, and points out drummers to listen to before starting in on the basics. He even recommends against diving into buying a full kit at first and instead starting solely with a good snare drum, in order to learn basics of stick control, rhythms and rudiments. Then he slowly adds in cymbal and bass patterns to develop independence and basic kinds of rhythms. Later chapters illustrate beats for rock, jazz, r&b, country, and odd time signatures, then begin to cover more advanced topics such as fills and solos.

I learned a lot about the basics of playing through this book (having a background in playing musical instruments but never the drums). I do agree with other reviewers to take his promoting of certain brands of drums with a grain of salt. You should take the time to explore different kits on your own and read other reviews before sinking your cash into any one brand. Also, one area I wish was covered here which I find the most difficult in playing is how to develop not just a drum *pattern* but an entire song. Even just some more hints on using fills or other "effects" to transition from one phrase of a song to the next would be good, instead of mostly sticking to repetitive 2-bar patterns. Also, a cd of the included drum patterns and beats would be useful--I know I had some trouble figuring out how some of the rudiments should sound just from reading this book, and had to search around elsewhere for sound samples to clear up my confusion.

Still, there is plenty of ground covered in this book already, and more than enough to recommend it for anyone looking to solidify their basics.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent guide for beginners and experts alike
Review: The decision to actually pick up the sticks and sit behind your very own drum kit is a big step to say the least. What seems like an easy instrument to learn becomes one of the most complex and physically demanding instruments ever. But don't let this introduction mislead you, drums have become my life, and if you dedicate the time and get going you'll soon realize the same. Now when I first started there were a few things I was never without, my sticks, my snare drum and "The Complete Idiots Guide To: Playing Drums", yes this book was (and still is) that important to me.

Like I mentioned, the life of a drummer is a tough and often confusing one, but this book seems to sort everything out for you. Michael Miller's writing is not only extremely helpful but an entertaining read as well because he's always throwing in little jokes here and there. The guide itself is broken down very simple, with every chapter you learn more more such as what drums to buy, what sticks to look at, how to maintain and tune your kit, and all the key terms necessary for a successful drummer. In the later chapters you're slowly introduced to drum sheet music, all of the 26 percussion rudiments, and page after of drum tabs and sheet music. Also covered are the different drumming styles such as rock, jazz, blues and more. Miller always stresses (as do I) the importance of having a teacher, and how they can expand your understanding more than anything.

I only actually had one small problem with the book, well to tell you the truth it's more with the author himself. Miller refers to Drum Works drums as the "top of the line" and "the best you can get". Yes, Drum Works do make incredibly impressive drums, but to call them the best would be unfair, so for all those new drummers out there don't Mr. Miller's love afair with Drum Works confuse you, there are many companies out there who make drums just as good or even better than Drum Works. Overall however, this isn't a complaint about the book, but more of an observation so take it for what it's worth.

So, if you're seriously considering becoming a drummer make sure to have "The Complete Idiots Guide To: Playing Drums" by your side, it will help you like no other book can.

Rating:
Summary: Great, and Complete Book. But the DW plugs get old.
Review: This book covers a lot of things you won't find in other drum books (Eg. head selection, overview of major drum brands, etc) and is a very useful resource for any drummer. The biggest problem is Mr. Miller's over-the-top plugging of DW drums as the "Mercedes of drums..." etc. In my opinion, hyping a brand isn't appropriate in a book, especially when I have a feeling the author is a paid endorser of such brand.

Rating:
Summary: 4 stars for awesome info minus 1 for the bad music pages
Review: this book gives you some awesome info for reading if you are a beganning drummer, but the music in the book that the author provides is not. it's better to learn music with a professional teacher, then from a book. if you want some good reading for your beginning drummer then get this book it has everything from: buying your first set, cleaning your set, taking care of it, changing heads, it covers other parts of the percussion family besides drumset ect. get this today you won't be sorry.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful book for beginning to intermediate drummers.
Review: This is a well written book with great advice. Having been a drummer for a few years, I thought this book would be a joke but was pleasantly surprised. Not only does the author cover the technical aspects of percussion (i.e. standard rudiments, rock and jazz grooves, tuning tips, etc..) but the interviews are wonderful too. It's a treat to get advice from a legendary drummer such as Hal Blain. Don't pass this little gem up. Michael Miller did his homework and offers great advice for the novice (I'm not a novice and learned a thing or two). Enjoy!