Ahead of a solo gig, virtuoso drummer Gino Banks gives us the basic lowdown on playing the instrument
Gino Banks
If some people are born with a silver spoon in their mouth, Gino Banks was probably born with a drum stick in hand. But his father, the legendary Louiz Banks, had first introduced him to his own instrument — the piano. "That didn't work out, though. So when I was about seven, I was sent to a person called Cawas Lord, who played percussions for SD and RD Burman, among others. And that's how my journey as a drummer began," Gino shares.
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Snare Drums
That journey has now culminated in the 35-year-old gearing up to play a gig showcasing his solo album, Logically Speaking. It involves him navigating his way dexterously through a massive drum kit, with a laptop as his only musical companion. But ahead of the performance, we had a chat with Gino to get an idea about the basics of his craft. And here's what we gleaned from it, in case you, too, want to beat your own drum, literally of course.
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Sound Advice
If there's one song that's best suited to learning basic beats, it's We Will Rock You by Queen. "It's the first song I teach my students, and they usually pick it up in 10 to 15 minutes. Rock and pop music on the whole involve simple beats, actually. So, getting that initial start isn't difficult at all. Reaching the next stage, though, involves hard work and practice," Gino tells us, adding that knowing how to read drum sheets is as important as listening to a lot of music and learning by the ear.
Buying the kit
Firstly, it's a better idea to buy a mid-level kit ('30,000 approximately) than a cheap one. "The sound will inspire you to practise more," Gino says. Secondly, buy an acoustic kit only if your house is insulated enough. For, if you feel that the sound of your kit will be matched by the sound of angry neighbours banging on your door, get an electric set. As for the drum sticks, the right ones depend almost entirely on the shape of your hands. "But there are three basic sizes — 5A, which is a medium one; a slightly thicker 5B; and 7A, the thinnest of the lot," Gino explains.
Balance and exercise
Now, Gino, admittedly, has concentrated mostly on the music, "and food". "But I have come to understand that stretching and free-hand exercises are really important, because it warms up your body and strengthens your muscles," he explains. Also, making your way around a kit with 10 to 12 drums involves a lot of movement. So, adjust the seat according to the height that suits you best; make sure you are centred; and develop strong buttocks so that your core is stable.
The right guidance
We live in an age of YouTube tutorials, from playing musical instruments to (and we are not making this up) giving a possum a proper massage. So, does it still mean that a flesh-and-bones drums tutor remains beneficial? Definitely. "A private tutor helps make a bigger difference at a faster rate. Also, the inspiration you get from them will only make you hungry to improve all the time. But make sure you choose someone who teaches you the right technique," he advises, adding that the person's reputation should precede them.
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