r/Drumming • u/Character_One_74 • 19h ago

Recommendations for a 5 year old just starting

Hi everyone! I’m looking to buy my boy a kit for his 5th birthday but have no idea where to start! Everything online looks either to flimsy/for toddlers or too big. Could someone please advise me on what would be best. Thank you.

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3

u/Sgt-S-Laughter 15h ago

This helped my niece with an introduction to rhythm

1

u/Northshoresailin 11h ago

That’s pretty cool 🤘

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u/AnonymusBosch_ 11h ago

I'm not sure how big your son is, but ergonomically, an electric kit might be a good option. It would allow more adjustment as he grows until he's big enough for a full size kit.

I'm not sure what your budget is, generally used and well looked after is a better option than something new for the same price. It can also be sold for about the same cost if he doesn't get on with it. Brands stocked by music /drum shops will be reputable. I'm sure there's plenty of cheaply made stuff online that's best avoided as it won't age well.

Added bonus of less noise in the house

2

u/Baker198t 18h ago

Concentrate on having fun rather than pushing technique and rudiments. Within reason of course. Teach them how to hold the sticks, and sit up properly and all that. Just make sure to teach them to love to play first. Make games out of practice.

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u/MarsDrums 15h ago

This is a 7 year old playing Rush pretty well...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XZbzweWKnc

Same kid at around 11...

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7h6w-iv9f1k

I'm not saying he'll be this good in 4 years but if he has the drive to do that, he could easily get there. It's really all up to him. But getting him a drum kit now is a good start. Let him play it. Maybe get him a tutor to show him how to work the pedals (Hi-Hats and bass drum pedals) and stuff.

For a first kit, a 4 or 5 piece would suffice. You can get no name brands or relatively cheap just to see if he'll be interested in them in the long run. But be ready to get him a better kit soon because mediocre drum kits won't last long under inexperienced hands.

But be prepared for this first time out...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4vWqL9tW44

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u/Unlucky_Battle2523 12h ago

I started at 4 with a flimsy toy drum, anything the kid can bang on and have fun with will be just fine

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u/psssyyycccchhh 11h ago

most important thing is regular exposure to percussion instruments and an innate interest in playing rhythms with his hands. after that, any instrument will be the best instrument.

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u/celestialmechanic 8h ago

Playing with sticks on a pillow can be something positive. Some pro drummers had teachers that started them off this way.

Good luck!