The best apps for learning drums are not just for beginners. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced player looking for new drum fills, beats and grooves to practice, these apps can help you learn how to play drums faster. Drumeo offers free lessons and progressions so even beginners can start playing the drums today.
Table of Contents
Best Apps For Learning Drums
Table of Contents [show]
1) Drumeo (IOS/Android)
If you’re a drummer and haven’t heard of the learning platform Drumeo, you must be living under a rock. Drumeo is by far the biggest and best online lesson platform available to drummers, both new and experienced.
Drumeo App
The Drumeo member’s area
The Edge learning system features a step-by-step learning curriculum that includes 1,000+ songs and practice tools. Live support is also provided by some of our favorite drum heros. As I write this, legendary Drum Corps percussionist John Wooton is live and interacting in a members only format.
The Drumeo app syncs with the web version, allowing you to complete lessons either with your computer or your mobile device.
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If you’re just starting out on the drums and want a little structured guidance to learning, I can’t recommend the app more. It is a rather hefty annual subscription cost ($290/yr), but if you’re serious, you won’t find anything better online.
Readers of Drumming Review get a free 30-day trial to Drumeo Edge, so be sure to give it a try if you’re serious about learning drums and percussion. If you’re not ready to commit to a subscription yet, be sure to check out their YouTube channel to see TONS of amazing, free content.
Drumeo Edge
The best online lesson app for learning drums and percussion taught by industry pros and drumming icons.
Try Drumeo Edge for 30 Days
2) Drumeo Kids (IOS/Android)
Drumeo Kids Landing Page
Drumeo Kids, as the name implies, is an app perfect for introducing young ones to the world of drumming through entertaining shows. Drumeo Edge members have full access to Kids, so if you’re already a member, you’re all set.
Any parents reading—I assume a lot of you want to teach your children how to play the drums. This app provides a perfect way to get them excited about music and drumming in addition to your instruction.
Each video episode highlights a different genre of music—everything from hip hop to reggae, disco, rock, salsa, funk, and more.
3) DrumKnee 3D (IOS)
Best Drum App
DrumKnee 3D is one of the only apps allowing you to play the bass drum with your foot.
Yes, I am starting the list off with a finger-drum app, but I promise this will be the only one.
DrumKnee 3D is unique and revolutionary for an app because it allows you to play the bass drum with your foot.
I haven’t seen any drumming app prior to this that had this functionality.
Functionality
By placing the phone on your knee, you’re able to kick your foot (as if it was on a bass drum pedal) and the phone will register a kick sound.
I have no idea how this works, but it must have something to do with the shake functionality inside of new smartphones.
Every other drumming app I’ve used requires you to play the bass drum with your fingers. Not anymore.
Cymbals are also chokable by holding your finger on them when played: a very nice feature.
In the default kit configuration, you have a kick drum, snare drum, three toms, hi-hat, two crashes, a ride, a china, a cowbell, and a tambourine.
Now, it’s not a totally useful drumming app, but it is pretty cool.
There is a full version you can download for $4.99 that includes all drum set packs, all skin packs, custom drum sets, and no ads.
With the free version of the app, you’ll be served a video advertisement anytime you try to use menus or functions within the app, which is a little annoying
(I sincerely apologize for the ads on my site, there’s hosting fees — I hope you understand).
The Sounds
For a drumming app, the default kit sounds surprisingly good. The cymbals sound real and the tone of the drums is not bad at all.
Not a bad choice for a free drum app.
DK Music is another feature included in the app.
This service is a separate monthly fee that allows you to download drumless tracks directly to the app to play along with.
See it in action below:
DrumKnee3D is a perfect app for children who may be interested in playing the drums — for those who are, parents, don’t miss my roundup of the best drum sets for kids.
2) Drumtune PRO (IOS / Android)
The best drum tuning application available
Let’s face it, tuning drums isn’t everyone’s favorite activity. While you may insist on using your ear exclusively, I wouldn’t shy away from helpful tools.
Drumtune PRO is an application for iOS and Android that revolutionizes the way we tune our drums. The app can help you tune based off either the center overall tone or individual edge frequencies. Saving presets is no problem, either.
The user interface is sleek, clean, and very easy to use. The $8.99 spent on the app is well worth it, in my opinion, and you shouldn’t struggle with tuning ever again.
Check out Drumtune PRO
IOS
ANDROID
3) Soundbrenner Metronome (IOS / Android)
Best Metronome for iPhone
Soundbrenner’s Metronome app is by far the best metronome app I have ever used on my iPhone.
It has such a simple design and works so easy.
Every drummer needs to use a metronome when they practice (if they aren’t already playing along to popular music).
Functionality
From the top, we have the ‘Compose’ section. This area is what I would consider to be your basic digital metronome, complete with tempo, time signatures, subdivision variation, song duration, and tap tempo.
Metronome Pitch
Soundbrenner’s Metronome makes it easy to create custom metronome patterns.
Metronome Pitch
There are four square icons that are fractioned into three parts. Depending on which level (0, 1, 2, or 3) is set determines what pitch the count will beep at.
For example, If you set them all to position 1, the click track will be one constant low tone. Here’s the break down of each position:
0: no click will be played
1: a low-pitched click sound is played
2: a medium-pitched click sound is played
3: a high-pitched click sound is played
This feature is useful in situations where you only want the metronome on certain beats or if you want different accents throughout the bar.
Now, this feature is not only limited to 4/4, as you can change the time signature underneath the Soundbrenner logo in the middle.
Integration With The Soundbrenner Pulse
The vibrating watch metronome from Soundbrenner.
For those into futuristic tech, look no further than the Pulse.
It’s a wearable metronome that vibrates (aka pulse) to the beat. The device also connects with the app, making it easy to change tempo, time signature, and more.
It reminds me of the Apple Watch, but round (I wonder if this thing has a clock, would be nice).
I don’t have too much knowledge on it, other than the connectivity is supposed to be great.
Of course, you don’t actually have to use the Pulse, the app works perfectly without the device.
4) TouchOSC (IOS / Android)
TouchOSC Review
TouchOSC is a fantastic app for anyone looking control a DAW remotely.
Many drummers these days play along to backing tracks with their respective bands.
One of the biggest issues of these setups is starting the show.
If the band happens to use a digital audio workstation (like Ableton Live) to run their tracks, the show can be started off-stage using a handy app known as TouchOSC.
TouchOSC is a MIDI control surface that connects to your digital audio workstation via WiFi.
I’ve been touring for about six years. In that time, we decided to add a playback system to help reinforce the music we play live.
Certain things like auxiliary percussion and extra synthesizer parts are just some of the things backing tracks can help with.
In that time, I haven’t found any app that is more reliable than TouchOSC.
Not only does it control the start of the show, but it also is used by our keyboard player to change patches during the show.
Despite your thoughts on backing tracks, this is a great app to use if you are in this situation.
I can tell you from experience that if you’re hired as a touring drummer for a pop or rock group these days, chances are you will be working with backing tracks.
TouchOSC is also great for those using drum VST software. The app functions as a wireless MIDI controller, allowing you to control any MIDI-compatible software.
While most will control virtual instruments, it is possible to control hardware instruments like drum machines with the correct routing.
Functionality
TouchOSC does many things, but the concept is simple: control a DAW remotely over WiFi. Here are some things you can do:
Create a custom MIDI control surface
Use pre-made templates to send MIDI data wirelessly
Control any MIDI parameter inside your DAW of choice
While this app isn’t specific to drummers, I see the utility in using this app for many drummers as we are the ones primarily who control a playback setup.
5) Steve Reich’s ClappingMusic (IOS)
Clapping Music Game Reich
Play along with Reich’s seminal work, “Clapping Music”
One of my favorite composers of all time happens to be Steve Reich. Whether it’s Electric Counterpoint or Music For 18 Musicians, I can’t get enough of it.
In fact, I’m listening to Octet as I write this right now. I recently saw there was a Steve Reich app, and I had to try it.
ClappingMusic is a very challenging and fun take on Reich’s piece, Clapping Music.
This is one of his more well-known pieces and despite is familiarity, I don’t think I can listen to this piece for fun. That being said, playing it is a different story.
The idea behind Clapping Music is simple: two performers play the same pattern, while one player slowly offsets it one beat at a time. It’s similar to Piano Phase, without the phasing.
The app teaches the player how to play along to the piece. My best score was 6872. The app is not forgiving on hard mode.
6) Mike Johnston’s Groove Freedom (IPad)
Mike Johnston is one of my favorite drummers and his videos were some of the first resources I watched on YouTube.
His goal with Groove Freedom was to create an app that was very interactive for those learning drums, and it is.
Unfortunately, the app is only available for iPad but it still is an extremely valuable resource.
Mike created this resource not only for his students but for himself. It’s a fantastic resource for drummers of all skill levels. Some groove topics covered include:
Bass drum freedom chapter
Snare drum freedom chapter
Three-way ostinato patterns
Bonus “dense” ostinato chapter
The app is very interactive, and you can slow down each phrase you’re working on to internalize it and build up the necessary muscle memory to conquer it.
You can isolate each part of the groove, as well.
7) StagePlot Guru
While, not necessarily an app targeted specifically at drummers, StagePlot Guru is useful for drummers in bands. The app lets you create a plot of your bands gear with ease.
Most venues will request a stage plot before you show up for a gig. Stage plots give the venue a basic layout of what your band needs, so they can be prepared before the show date.
8) Drum School (IOS And Android)
Drum School is an advanced drum learning app that walks you through the basics of drumming. Those who have less experience with reading music notation will have no problems adapting to using Drum School.
The app is just $9 and features tons of genres like rock, jazz, swing, bluegrass, heavy metal, blues, and more.
What are your favorite drumming apps? Did we miss any of your go tos? Let us know in the comments down below. We’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for reading.
learn to play drums app free
- Drum School (iOS and Android: Paid, Free Trial)
Screenshot of itunes.apple.com
Get on the App Store
Get on Google Play
Here is a neat “Drum School” for tech-savvy drummers created by a musician, Ferenc Nemet. Whether you are a professional player or just a beginner, there is always something new to learn.
The app has four sections that include Grooves, Techniques, Hits, and Practice. In the “Groove” section, there are about 260 beats of a different genre to master. In Techniques, there are twelve videos that demonstrate how to handle the drums and sticks properly with your hand and feet.
In the Hits section, you can access lessons that will teach you exactly what you are looking for. Then comes the Practice section, which has over 133 exercises.
The app is available on iOS and Android devices for $5.99. There is a free version of Drum School for iOS as well, with a limited number of exercises.
- Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer (iOS: Paid)
Screenshot of itunes.apple.com
Get on the App Store
Can you read the music fast enough? Can you keep up the pace, or you lag behind? Rhythm Sight Reading Trainer is an iOS app available for $2.99 on the App Store.
It is a nifty educational tool that teaches you to stay on a beat as you practice. Through its various levels, from beginner to professional, you can get better at sight reading, accurately manage your pace and timing, and train at rhythm reading.
The test options allow you to analyze your drumming skills and help you improve over a period of time.
- Drums! (iOS: Paid)
Screenshot of itunes.apple.com
Get on the App Store
For those of you who don’t have a drum kit yet, Cinnamon Jelly Ltd. has brought you an ergonomic app that will allow you to beat the drums on your smartphone like the real deal.
Whether you are right-handed or left-handed, you can configure and rearrange the drums according to your style. The app features three kinds of kits that cover all musical styles and grooves. It is available on iOS platforms for $0.99.
- Skills & Fills (iOS and Android: Paid, Free Trial)
Screenshot of itunes.apple.com
Get on the App Store
Get on Google Play
This specialized app is based on an eBook of the same name by Dennis Tideman. The app is ideal for both beginners and pros.
From improving your vocabulary to mastering new skills, Skills & Fills is all about drum fills.
The app claims that, unlike the book, there is less talking and more drumming. There are numerous video demonstrations and 80 audio examples with sections dedicated to single and double strokes, bass drum, double-handed fills, power fills, and linear fills.
Each lesson teaches you from scratch with the help of small screen texts. It is available on both iOS and Android devices for $8.99. If you want to give it a try first, you can try out the free trial.
- Garage Band (iOS: Free)
Screenshot of itunes.apple.com
Get on the App Store
You have most probably heard of this cool digital studio by Apple Inc. The free Apple Inc. app is an audio workstation that allows budding musicians to create musical tracks and podcasts with a huge sound library, pre-made MIDI keyboards, pre-made loops, a large number of instrumental effects, and a variety of voice recordings.
Through Garage Band, drummers can whip up their virtual drummer track by choosing a drummer from an array of genres.
Every drummer has its drum kit and a distinct playing style which can be modified in the Editing section. Get it for free on the App Store!
- Knock Box Metronome (iOS: Paid)
Get on the App Store
Calling itself your “personal metronome trainer,” Knock Box is a basic app designed to perfect your timing.
The app has quite a simple interface that is easy to navigate and configure. However, don’t be fooled by its simplicity. Knock Box promises to hone your drumming skills, and it does deliver the result effectively. The app has two to sixteen measure phrases to choose from that will help you build your internal time.
Once you press the “Play” button, the metronome will keep playing, and you will have to keep up with it. Over a period of time, Knock Box will help you improve your internal sense of time. The app is created by a drummer named Daren Pfeifer.
Currently, it is only available for iOS devices. You can purchase it for $0.99 only from the App Store.
- The Drum Beats+ (iOS and Android: Paid)
Screenshot of itunes.apple.com
Get on the App Store
The Drum Beats+ wants you to jam at your pace in a completely stress-free environment. Forget the chords you haven’t mastered yet and focus on having fun.
Designed by Ninebuzz, this drum machine app is a perfect tool when you just want to enjoy the drums and practice in a casual manner. The app has a vast collection of drum loops, songwriting options, more than 100 groovy beats, tempo changes, counts, hit packs, a randomizer button, a multitasking option, and plenty more fun built-in features.
The best thing about the application is its creativity and ease of use. Even if you are an amateur who is just getting started on the drums, you will find it convenient to navigate. You can buy the app on the App Store.
- Music Maker Jam (iOS & Android: Free)
Screenshot of play.google.com
Get on the App Store
Get on Google Play
Music Maker Jam is a great app for musicians who are eager to produce tracks for the purpose of practicing and performing.
You can make your own beats and grooves in an array of genres that include pop, blues, hip-hop, rock, and much more. To build a track, you can use premade loops or your own recordings. The app allows you to fine-tune your tracks. Once it is done, you can share it on different social media apps, text, and emails.
What is the best part? It is absolutely free and available on Android and iOS platforms.
- Reflow Score Writer (iOS: Paid)
Screenshot of itunes.apple.com
Get on the App Store
Reflow Score Writer is a music notation app that allows you to build your own tablatures and sheet music as well as access and read pre-existing files.
The app is geared towards all sorts of instruments, including piano, guitar, banjo, bass, and, of course, drums. Reflow Score Writer automatically saves your files on iCloud and Dropbox, so you don’t have to worry about losing them.
There are options to import files from your phone and play them in addition to several clever features. Reflow Score Writer is definitely worth the money if you like to write your own music. It is only available on iOS currently.
- The Drum Dictionary (iOS: Free)
Screenshot of itunes.apple.com
Get on the App Store
Are you always on the go and worried about losing your music sheet? Forget about crumpled-up papers and carry it on The Drum Dictionary.
The smartphone application is perfect for drummers who have to travel a lot. Users can easily save their practice regimes on the app and divide them into different categories.
Along with written instructions, the application also has a number of audio demonstrations. It is available for a free on the App Store.
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