How to Play Drums for a Church Band

Last Updated: March 18, 2021

Drumming for a contemporary worship group is, in essence, similar to playing drums (or electronic drums) in any other musical realm, but church drummers should especially be aware of their physical environment and musical function in their band. This article explains the church drummer's primary duty as a servant, not a performer.

Steps

1
Be familiar with the music you'll be playing. This may involve popular contemporary worship artists such as Chris Tomlin and Hillsong United. To gain experience in worship music, listen and practice to it on your own time.
2
Decide which groove is most appropriate for each song. You may feel that your band is strong enough to duplicate the song's original studio track and proceed to copy the official drum groove, or you may want to adjust or change it for the sake of your audience's worship experience.
3
Consider your worship team's musical and physical environment. If you're playing with more professional musicians in a large church for example, feel free to play louder and imitate the original song in your drumming - not only will the song feel more familiar to the other musicians and the congregation, but you'll look like a better drummer. If you're in a closer environment or a small youth group, for example, don't beat the drums too hard - perhaps only play what is necessary to keep the backbone for the guitarists, vocalists and other musicians who follow your lead.
4
Keep impeccable timing. The drums are the "backbone" the musical body and hold everything together. While the pianist or vocalists may like to take the lead in worship music, make sure they're keeping up with you so that the whole band stays together.
- Regardless of the original drum part, good church drummers typically restrain their playing to basic rock grooves with smooth fills and crash cymbals to distinct verses from choruses and so on, unless changing this style enhances the overall worship experience for the audience.
5
Focus on maintaining worship for the congregation. Play what you're confident with, and don't put on too much of a show, as this draws away from the lyrics and worship atmosphere you're trying to provide the church.
6
Consider using Drumtee mutes on the drums. A Drumtee mute will quiet the drums without sacrificing the underlying tone of the drum. They are ideal for church settings.
7
Practice, practice, practice!

Community Q&A

Question

Do you usually have music to play with?

Community Answer

That depends on your question. If you're asking whether or not there will be accompanying musicians, it depends on what the church decides. If you're asking whether you'll have sheet music or not, that also depends on the church, but you could always download and bring your own sheet music.
Question

My husband is the church drummer, but the choir director lets random people play without his knowledge. What should he do?

Community Answer

If it's his personal drum set, let the director know that that's not acceptable. If it persists, I'd recommend removing your personal equipment and letting the director know that your instruments are not toys for others to jam on in their free time. If it's not his personal set, then you don't have a choice, as it's not his property (or responsibility).
Question

My church band leader doesn't know how to play drums, but he says that my drumming is too loud when accompanying his keyboard playing. What should I do?

Community Answer

Good drummers can play very softly to accompany what is going on around them. For a church band, softer drumming may be more appropriate. If your church leader is telling you to play more softly, then try to respect him and do what he asks.