The Characteristics of Great Drummers

We know that there are many good drummers out there. But then there are the truly great drummers, those who just seem to have that little "extra-something", who work their magic on percussion drums and stand out from the crowd. So what are the main characteristics of great drummers?


1. Great drummers know their potential and limits

They are self-confident when it comes to the techniques they master and at the same time aware about their limitations (if any). They are always sure they can play percussion drums with confidence and within their abilities, but are at the same time not afraid to explore new horizons.


2. Great drummers are humble

They have the ability to listen to constructive criticism and learn from others' feed-back and suggestions. No one is perfect and great drummers also know that. A suggestion made by a third party for using different drum accessories, for instance, can save a drummer many months of research to come to the same conclusion.


3. Great drummers share their knowledge and help others

They are not possessive about their acquired techniques and are willing to share them with others. They actively contact other drummers (yes, also those who don't play percussion drums as well as they do), are not afraid to share their ideas and give others good advice and support.


4. Great drummers are ambitious

They know that they can always improve their skills and work hard on their drum sets to achieve that goal. They always want more. This has nothing to do with arrogance, it's a natural inner thrive to be a better drummer.


5. Great drummers don't show off

The truth is they can't afford to. They know that they earn respect and show what they are worth by playing, not by bragging. In a band, you sometimes have a hard time identifying a wrong note played by a guitar, keyboard or any other melodic instrument. Or, if you do spot a wrong note, you might think that it's part of the music. Percussion drums, however, know no mercy. A wrong stroke is more easily identifiable, so a drummer has less room for mistakes. They also don't go for the looks only. They know that there is no point in buying 20-piece drum sets just because it will make them look "powerful", if in the end all they play on are the 5 standard drums. Hell, many great drummers even play on 3-piece drum sets!