MusicRadar

Rehearsals await... © ABM/Corbis

Practice, as they say, makes perfect. So what better way to kick-off MusicRadar's brand new series of quick and easy tips for improving sticksman (courtesy of the drumming experts at Rhythm Magazine) than with a guide to rehearsing…

10 quick tips: rehearsals

1. Take notes

Make notes of what needs working on for the next rehearsal - before you go down the pub and forget it all.

2. Change positions

As a band try setting up in different positions. If you always sit in a circle and aim the amps in, you'll just get louder and louder...

3. Go solo

Fly solo and book a rehearsal room on your own. You will find that rehearsal spots sometimes do special deals for drummers, take advantage of them.

© Ant Strack/Corbis

4. Love your bassist

Take along your bass player and try out all those smart grooves the songwriters will never let you play!

5. Share your grooves

Get some groove ideas for songs together and take them along to the next rehearsal with the 'proper' musicians.

Next page: tempo, style and getting paid