

This pad is great for practicing in places where it’d be inconvenient to use a kit, and it’s much more portable than pads that require stands. The first example that springs to mind is the Vic Firth Quadropad, which is a designed similarly to the upper portion of a kit (including spaces for cymbals and floor toms). Lastly, there are a few practice pads that offer a happy medium between the two extremes.

Even better, most practice pads are only going to set you back about $20. They can easily be rolled up and placed into a bag or case, and while they may not be quite as good for practicing they are great for warming up. The downside to these is that they don’t really replicate the spacing of a drum set, but they are much more portable. The other main type is simply a pad, which can be used however you see fit. It’s nice to have them because they’re still a great way to warm up silently, but because they’re not very portable and they’re not exactly cheap an electronic set might be a better option for silent practice. These sets will set you back around $200, and they offer a bit less utility than just a pad. There are those that imitate the spacing of a drum kit, including stands and pedals. There are also a couple of different types of practice pads. This makes them a great fit for everything from practicing techniques late at night to warming up backstage before a show. The best part about this is that by design a lot of practice pads are incredibly portable in addition to being extremely quiet. Essentially, it’s a drum head that doesn’t resonate.
