If you are just starting to learn to play the drums, and you do not have a drum set yet, you can begin by tapping your hands on a hard surface; simply improvise and use the available resources around you. But if you can spare around thirty dollars, get a pair of drumsticks and a practice pad.

The value of a complete drum set can be anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, depending on the type, brand, and quality, so even if you don't have the money to invest in a complete drum set yet, you can simply practice your drumming, so that when you have the instrument ready, you at least know how to play basic rhythms.

In choosing your first pair of drum sticks, the thickness "2B" is usually recommended for beginners. You can ask your local music store about it. It is important to note that there are different kinds of sticks - they are not all created equal! Your stick choice should be dependent on your style of music. For example, in rock or heavy metal music, you would need heavier sticks.

Drum practice pads are widely available on the market and on the internet. Some practice pads even have decorative patterns, and some come in 5-piece kits. You also have the choice whether to get a practice pad stand to go along with your pad and your "throne". Your throne should ideally be cushioned and adjustable. For professional drummers, a regular chair simply won't do, but since you are just beginning, improvising is still advisable-- just make sure that you are comfortable as you're sitting.

When your equipment is ready, you can start with some stick exercises; a good one for beginners is "snap-ups". This exercise teaches you how to let your sticks naturally bounce off a drum. You should let your wrist bend with each stroke of your sticks. Your arms should only move with the movement of the wrist. While you play, your hand should stay parallel to the floor. It is important that you stay relaxed, and that your elbows are kept close to your body. Only the tips of the drum sticks should hit the center of the practice pad. You can practice in front of a mirror so that you can watch your movements and whether or not your sticks are moving straight up and down.

You can improvise and practice with whatever is the available resource, so learning how to play the drums should not be limited to those who have the instrument; after all, it is better that you know how to play an instrument even without it, than to have an instrument without knowing how to play it. Happy drumming!