Any drummers here?

[cosine]

I want to learn to play the snare drum. Am I asking for trouble if I attempt to make a go of it myself without any formal instruction?

[tubwompus]

Howdy, bud.
It all depends on what and how you want to be able to play.
If you just want to kinda knock around and have fun and progress on your own time, then just have at it.
More often than not, we reach a point where we've taken it as far as we can on our own. Once again, it depends on what you want to do.

I would wholeheartedly suggest learning to read basic music (takes 10 minutes) then pick up a copy of The Rudiments (the "scales" of snare drum) and Benjamin Podemski's snare drum method book. That book's older than dirt but it's full of solid guidance and it's easy to read if you're just starting out. After a while with that stuff, you might want to try a copy of the NARD book. It's full of real short snare drum solos and it's a blast to play after you've had some rudimental practice.

Bottom line is only do it for as long as it's fun and not a second longer.

Good luck!

[cosine]

Firstly, welcome to APS!

Howdy, bud.
It all depends on what and how you want to be able to play.
If you just want to kinda knock around and have fun and progress on your own time, then just have at it.
More often than not, we reach a point where we've taken it as far as we can on our own. Once again, it depends on what you want to do.

Yeah, for a while I just want to (para)diddle  around and have fun with it.

I would wholeheartedly suggest learning to read basic music (takes 10 minutes) then pick up a copy of The Rudiments (the "scales" of snare drum) and Benjamin Podemski's snare drum method book. That book's older than dirt but it's full of solid guidance and it's easy to read if you're just starting out. After a while with that stuff, you might want to try a copy of the NARD book. It's full of real short snare drum solos and it's a blast to play after you've had some rudimental practice.

I already know how to read music; I've been playing music for over 12 years, playing the piano since I was six, and the clarinet and guitar since my early teens. Thanks for the recommendations on the books; I'll look 'em up.

Bottom line is only do it for as long as it's fun and not a second longer.

Good luck!

It'll be fun for a long time. Heck, I've played other instruments for quite some time.

[Strings]

just remember bro': eventually, you reach a point of overdoing music. I catch myself playing guitar parts on the mandolin, and vice-versa...

[Monkeyleg]

Bill, why do I have this impression that, if the subject were "any musical instruments,"  you'd come back with the aonga Puoro?

You're weird, man. Just weird.

[Strings]

Heh... I play mandolin and bouzouki in the shop at Bristol. Rules are, no modern music...

 One day, I irritated my sister my playing the opening lines of Dixie: she yelled at me. Then I launched into Iron Man... she thought that sounded pretty...

Yeah... I'm different. Feel free to sue: my lawyer can beat yours up! :neener:

BTW Dick: sorry I missed the get-together this weekend. I'll get those sketches to whomever ASAP...

[gunsmith]

what do you call a drummer with no girlfriend?
homeless!

[tubwompus]

Oh yeah, Cosine, I forgot to warn you that all of the drummer jokes are based in fact.

-How do you get a drummer off of your porch?
Pay for the pizza

-What's the difference between a drummer and mutual funds?
Eventually, mutual funds mature and start making money.

-What's the difference between a drummer and a large pizza?
The pizza can feed a family of 4.

-How can you tell if the stage is level?
If the drummer's drooling out of both sides of his mouth.

Why do bass players carry drumsticks in their cars?
So they can park in the handicapped spaces.

There are many more, but here's my favorite:

-What did the drummer get on his IQ test?
Saliva.

As for all you mandolin guys:

-What's one thing that you'll never hear in Nashville?
"Will the mandolin player please move his Lexus?"

Did you hear about the guitar player that was so outta tune that the steel player noticed?

Thanx for the welcome BTW.

[Bogie]

How do drummers score groupies?
 
They tell 'em they're a roadie.
 

[Harold Tuttle]

Why did God give drummers one more IQ point than a horse?

So you don't have to shovel up after them, when the parades over.

Snares are fun,
I play an old wooden marching snare
I recently bought a Remo Djembe on ebay

[wingnutx]

What do you call guys that like to hang out with musicians?

Drummers!

[cosine]

You guys are so mean.

[JimMarch]

You know, if our former vice president learned to play he'd automatically be a computer programmer.

Sure.

An AlGoreRythm...