Silent Drumming: 7 Ways to Practice Drums Quietly
One issue drummers often face is how loud their instrument is. Acoustic drums can be ear-piercingly loud and not always enjoyable for those around us. Fortunately, there are several options for drummers to practice while maintaining a reasonable volume and achieving a realistic drum feel.
This article covers 7 ways to reduce drum volume and explores alternative methods for practicing drumming without an acoustic drum kit. Multiple silent drumming techniques can be used simultaneously to reduce overall volume and enhance technique and musicality.
Bamboo Multirod Sticks
Bamboo multi-rod sticks, such as the Stinger Foam Core Bamboo Multirods by Headhunters, are an immediate, low-cost way to cut your drum volume by at least half. These innovative sticks feature a foam core that reduces overall volume, resulting in a quiet operation sound when struck.
The bamboo rods provide a responsive bounce and serve as a great alternative to traditional drumsticks, allowing you to maintain your playing dynamics while keeping the noise level down. They're perfect for quiet drumming in an apartment, condo or townhouse.
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Bass Pedal Practice Pad
Something often overlooked when drummers practice with pads is their foot pedal technique. Instead of stomping on the ground as most drummers do, a bass pedal practice pad, such as the RealFeel Folding Bass Pedal Pad by Evans, will help you develop proper technique and improve your playing.
A bass pedal practice pad paired with a practice pad set is a great way to ensure your drumming technique improves, even without an acoustic drum kit. Your bass drum technique is just as important as your hand technique, and this tool ensures balanced development between both body parts.
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Practice Pad Set
A great option for silent drumming is a practice pad set configured to match your acoustic drum kit, making it easier to transition between setups. Drummers who tour or travel often use practice drum pad sets, such as the Go Anywhere Practice Pad Set, to warm up before performances with reduced noise.
These practice pad sets are an excellent way to build muscle memory and practice sticking patterns around the kit. You'll maintain your spatial awareness and coordination without the volume of a full acoustic setup.
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Drum and Cymbal Mutes
Using drum and cymbal mutes is an effective way to significantly reduce overall volume while maintaining a realistic drum feel and look. Drum and cymbal mutes come in a range of sizes and are easy to apply and remove.
Mutes are always a good idea when drilling licks or exercises, helping to reduce strain on your ears. Mutes are especially effective for repetitive exercises, technical drills, and extended practice sessions where ear fatigue is a concern. This solution is perfect to practice on your actual drum kit without the full acoustic volume.
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Electronic Drum Kits
Electronic drum kits are one of the best ways to practice drumming without disturbing everyone around you. When used with headphones, electronic drum kits can sound and feel like a loud acoustic drum kit without the volume of traditional drums.
For example, the Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit provides mesh heads for realistic rebound, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB recording—making it equally suitable for practice, recording, and skill development.
Key Benefits of Electronic Drums:
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Multiple sounds: Most electronic drum kits offer multiple drum kit sounds in one module, giving you the ability to switch drum kits on the fly. You could be playing a loud stadium rock drum kit one second and a soft jazz kit the next with the push of a single button.
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Easy recording: Recording drums has never been easier, with most kits offering direct recording in the module, and recordings can be saved to a USB drive.
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Built-in learning tools: Most electronic drum kits come with lessons built into them, a metronome, and drumless tracks you can jam along to.
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Practice Pads
The most common tool drummers use to warm up and practice rudiments is a practice pad. Practice pads come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, providing quiet, efficient ways for drummers to practice. For example, this rubberized practice pad from Granite Percussion is available in 8" and 12" sizes.
Practice pads offer excellent rebound and help develop hand technique essential to all drumming styles. Smaller practice pads require more precision and technique, helping you develop a more accurate drum stroke. In comparison, larger practice pads can be used to learn new exercises or rudiments and offer a more forgiving surface area.
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Low Volume Cymbals
Anyone who has played an acoustic drum kit knows how loud and high-pitched regular cymbals can be.
Low-volume cymbals, such as Zildjian's Low Volume Family, are an excellent way to address this problem. Not only do they significantly reduce volume, but they also eliminate the long ring associated with cymbals and provide a quick decay.
Low-volume cymbals, paired with a practice pad kit or drum mutes, provide a quiet, noise-reducing solution, allowing you to play and practice the drums without causing noise complaints from neighbours.
Shop: Low Volume Cymbals & Cymbal Accessories
Combine Solutions for Maximum Quietness
The beauty of silent drumming solutions is that they can be combined for even better results. Try drumming setups by pairing low-volume cymbals with drum mutes, or use bamboo multirod sticks with a practice pad set. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your living situation and practice goals.
Whether you're a beginner learning the basics or an experienced drummer, these silent drumming solutions ensure you can practice anytime, anywhere without disturbing those around you.
Ready to set up your quiet practice space? Browse our full selection of drums and percussion products at Long & McQuade.
