Speed is one of the most sought-after skills in drumming. Whether you're playing blazing double strokes, lightning-fast fills, or rapid-fire blast beats, there's no denying the allure of speed behind the kit. But for many drummers, especially beginners and intermediates, chasing speed can come at a high cost: sloppy execution, uneven strokes, and poor control. The truth is, speed without control is noise, not music.

In this guide, we'll break down how to build speed methodically and sustainably—without ever sacrificing control. Whether you're aiming to shred on your snare or rip through a double kick pattern, the following techniques and insights will help you level up your drumming the right way.

🧠 Step 1: Understand What Speed Really Is

Speed in drumming isn’t just about moving your hands or feet faster. It’s a combination of:

• Muscle memory

• Economy of motion

• Relaxation

• Accurate timing

• Gradual conditioning

Many drummers confuse effort with intensity—they grip harder, hit harder, and end up tensing their muscles. Ironically, that’s the opposite of what builds speed. The best drummers make speed look effortless. Why? Because it is—once the technique is correct.

🛠️ Step 2: Master the Fundamentals Slowly

It might sound counterintuitive, but the best way to build speed is to slow down. If you can't play something perfectly at 60 BPM, you'll never play it cleanly at 160 BPM. Slow practice lets your brain form the correct muscle memory and ensures your technique is solid.

Practice Method:

1. Start at a tempo where you can play the pattern effortlessly and evenly.

2. Use a metronome—non-negotiable. Speed without time is useless.

3. Focus on even note spacing, stick height, and sound consistency.

4. Only increase the tempo once you’ve achieved perfect execution.

🪞 Step 3: Record & Observe Yourself

Use your phone or a camera to record your practice. Watch your hand movement, wrist angles, finger technique, and overall posture.

Ask yourself:

• Are my strokes symmetrical?

• Am I relying on arm movement instead of wrists and fingers?

• Do I look tense?

Visual feedback often reveals flaws we can’t feel while playing. Just 5–10 minutes of video analysis per week can drastically refine your technique and efficiency.

💨 Step 4: Use the “Burst” Method

The “Burst” method is a fantastic training tool that helps your nervous system get comfortable with short bursts of speed while keeping control intact.

Here’s how it works:

1. Choose a rudiment or groove (e.g., single strokes, double strokes, paradiddles).

2. Play 4–8 bars at a slow tempo.

3. Play 1 bar at top speed (controlled burst).

4. Return to slow tempo immediately.

Repeat this cycle multiple times.

This builds both speed and dynamic control. Over time, the fast burst becomes easier, and you’ll be able to expand its length gradually.

🧘 Step 5: Relaxation Is Power

Tension is your enemy. Stiff muscles slow you down, burn out your endurance, and ruin your groove. Fast players look relaxed because they are.

Tips to stay relaxed:

• Loosen your grip: Hold the sticks like you're shaking someone’s hand, not crushing a soda can.

• Use rebound: Let the stick do the work—don’t force it back up.

• Check your shoulders: Tension often hides here. Keep them low and relaxed.

In your practice breaks, shake out your hands and shoulders. A relaxed body = faster hands.

🧠 Step 6: Train the Brain First

Speed isn’t only physical—it’s neurological. You’re building new neural pathways, and they need time to solidify. Practicing at a moderate, controlled pace allows your brain to automate movement patterns.

Try this:

• Pick a sticking pattern.

• Practice mentally rehearsing it without your sticks—visualize your hands moving in time with a metronome.

• Do it during your commute or while walking.

Mental practice sharpens your internal timing and motor coordination, reinforcing the pathways even when you’re away from the kit.

🦶 Step 7: Don’t Neglect the Feet

Drummers often focus on hand speed while neglecting the feet. But your bass drum work matters just as much, especially in metal, funk, and gospel chops.

For double kick or fast foot patterns:

• Practice heel-down for control and heel-up for power.

• Use a practice pad or pillow to build muscle strength.

• Start with subdivided rhythms (16th notes, triplets) and work with a metronome.

Consider investing time in tools like the “Slide technique”, “Heel-Toe method,” or “Swivel technique” to increase speed and endurance on pedals.

🔁 Step 8: Make It Musical

Speed is only impressive when it’s musical. Practicing blazing singles is fun, but if you can’t drop that into a groove or fill tastefully, it won’t serve your audience or bandmates.

Try this:

• Build fills or licks that start slow and ramp into speed.

• Work on grooves that include 16th or 32nd-note hi-hat flourishes.

• Learn fast fills from real songs to study context and musicality.

Remember: Serve the music first. Speed is just another tool in your toolbox—not the final goal.

🧱 Step 9: Add Resistance for Strength

Advanced tip: Add light resistance to your practice (sparingly) to build muscle and endurance.

• Use thicker sticks (e.g., marching sticks or pad sticks) on a pad.

• Practice on a pillow or towel to reduce rebound.

• Do low-stick height workouts to increase control and finesse.

Always return to your normal sticks to test progress. Don’t overdo this—1–2 sessions per week is plenty.

📊 Step 10: Track Your Progress

Finally, measure what matters. Keep a drumming journal or spreadsheet where you:

• Log your practice tempos

• Track how long you can play a pattern without breaking form

• Note when you feel improvement

Celebrating small wins helps keep you motivated. Speed takes time—acknowledging progress helps you stick with it.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Speed is exciting, but control is what makes speed impressive. Anyone can flail their limbs at top velocity, but only the pros sound like a machine and groove like a human. If you want to be that kind of player, adopt a deliberate, relaxed, and intelligent approach to building speed.

Take your time. Stay consistent. Practice slow. Speed will come.