For many aspiring musicians, the dream of mastering an instrument often feels just out of reach. Such was the case for me when it came to the drums. My early attempts at various instruments during school were met with limited success, and the drums, in particular, seemed like an insurmountable challenge. Factors such as coordination issues and hypermobility led to discouraging feedback that I would never be able to play rhythmically. Yet, my passion for music persisted, even if my drumming aspirations lay dormant.
A few years ago, a friend introduced me to an electronic drum kit, or ekit, and taught me a basic beat. It was a revelation; I realized that playing the drums was indeed possible. However, the constraints of space in my home meant that a traditional drum kit was out of the question. This prompted me to explore electric drum kits and accompanying software. It was during this search that I discovered YARG, a rhythm game that offers a unique approach to drumming, allowing players to engage with the instrument in a fun and interactive way.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-getting-started”>Getting started
YARG is designed to mimic the experience of real drumming, especially for beginners. It connects seamlessly with ekits via MIDI, which typically connects through USB, allowing for a customizable setup that doesn’t require a hefty investment in professional equipment. After thorough research, I opted for the Donner DED-200, a budget-friendly kit featuring four drum pads and three cymbals, along with kick and hi-hat pedals. While the kit has its limitations, particularly in terms of build quality, it has proven to be a solid entry point for my drumming journey.
Setting up the ekit was reminiscent of assembling DIY furniture—manageable and straightforward. I arranged the components to suit my comfort, prioritizing the placement of the high-hat, snare, and kick positions to facilitate longer practice sessions without discomfort. Each sensor connects to the control panel, and while some cable management is necessary, the process is relatively foolproof.
The control panel features essential ports for power, aux, and MIDI out, enabling connections for headphones or speakers. This setup has been invaluable for practice, allowing me to hear my drumming alongside the music, which enhances my learning experience. Initially, I played without this configuration, but integrating it has significantly improved my skills.
To get started with YARG, connecting the MIDI to USB cable to my PC and powering on the kit was all it took. The game recognizes the kit, and I could easily set my bindings. As a beginner, I opted for the four-lane drum setup, which felt more intuitive and realistic than the five-lane option. This adaptability allowed me to experiment with different configurations and find what worked best for me.
- Red Pad (First) – Snare and Rim
- Yellow Pad (Second) – Tom 1
- Blue Pad (Third) – Tom 2
- Green Pad (Fourth) – Floor Tom
- Yellow Cymbal (Second) – Hi-hat
- Blue Cymbal (Third) – Crash
- Green Cymbal (Fourth) – Ride
- Kick Pedal – Bass drum
I even customized my kit with paint and RGB lighting, creating an immersive environment that responds to my drumming. The visual effects enhance the experience, making practice sessions feel lively and engaging.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-let-s-play”>Let’s play
YARG offers a wide selection of songs, including those compatible with Clone Hero and various Rockband and Guitar Hero titles. The game categorizes songs by difficulty, allowing players to choose from easy to expert levels. As I progressed, I found myself moving from medium to hard difficulty, which introduced new patterns and challenges that pushed my limits. Despite my initial struggles with coordination and stamina, I began to notice tangible improvements in my drumming abilities.
The combination of gameplay and practice has been instrumental in motivating me to dedicate time to drumming each day. While I initially supplemented my learning with YouTube tutorials, I aimed to rely more on YARG to gauge my progress. After a few weeks, I found myself comfortably playing at a higher difficulty, which felt like a significant achievement.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-did-it-make-me-a-better-drummer-for-real”>Did it make me a better drummer, for real?
After two months of consistent practice, I sought a real-life assessment of my skills. I connected with Max Paterson from Maximum Drumming, an experienced instructor who was intrigued by my journey. Our session began with a discussion about the differences between playing an ekit and a traditional drum kit. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my ekit practice had equipped me with a solid foundation, allowing me to adapt quickly to the real kit.
Max’s assessment revealed that my musical background played a crucial role in my understanding of rhythm and time signatures. He noted that my coordination and limb independence had developed more than he anticipated for someone with my level of experience. This validation reinforced my belief that YARG had indeed contributed to my growth as a drummer.
As I continue my lessons with Max, I remain committed to my practice with YARG. The game has transformed my approach to drumming, making it enjoyable and rewarding. While I still face challenges due to my hypermobility, I am determined to persevere. Perhaps I can now consider myself a drummer, and I am confident that my journey with YARG has made me a better one than I would have been otherwise.
