How to practise with an electronic drum kit
An electronic drum kit can tell a computer exactly when and how hard you hit each pad, so you can practise with feedback on every stroke. Connect the kit to a computer or tablet with a USB cable, open a MIDI practice app in Chrome or Edge, calibrate the latency once, and practise notated exercises that are scored as you play.
Connecting the kit
Almost every e-kit from Roland, Yamaha, Alesis, EFNOTE or Simmons sends MIDI over USB. Plug the module into your computer, open Groove Coach in Chrome or Edge and it finds the kit. Unusual pad layouts can be mapped in a few hits with "Learn pads".
Calibrate the latency
Sound cards, Bluetooth headphones and the module add a small delay. Run a short calibration once (play along with a few clicks), so that timing feedback measures your playing and not your equipment.
What feedback you get
- Timing: early, on time or late for each note, with the average offset in milliseconds
- Accuracy: missed notes and extra hits
- Dynamics: whether ghost notes stayed quiet and accents were strong (from MIDI velocity)
- A score for each pass, and the session average
Use wait mode for hard bars
In wait mode the app stops on the next note and waits until you hit the right drum. You can learn a difficult bar without tempo pressure, then play it with the metronome.
Acoustic kit? Use the microphone
Without an e-kit, a phone or laptop microphone can score your timing and dynamics on an acoustic kit. With Sensory Percussion triggers on an acoustic kit you get the same detailed feedback as on an e-kit.
Frequently asked questions
Which electronic drum kits work with practice apps?
Any kit with USB MIDI or a MIDI interface, for example Roland, Yamaha, Alesis, EFNOTE and Simmons. In the browser, MIDI works in Chrome and Edge (not Safari).
Is practising on an e-kit as good as an acoustic kit?
For timing, coordination and learning patterns, yes, and the feedback makes it more efficient. Play an acoustic kit regularly as well, for dynamics, touch and sound.
Why does my timing feedback seem late?
Usually it is the latency of the audio output or Bluetooth headphones. Run the latency calibration once and the app subtracts the delay.
Can I use my e-kit with EZdrummer or Superior Drummer at the same time?
Yes. Groove Coach can send MIDI out to a drum plugin, so you hear its sounds while the app scores your playing.