How to Hold the Drum Stick in the Right Hand

When you hold the drumstick in your right hand, you'll find that one important aspect of the grip is maintaining two fulcrum points: one at the front of your hand and another at the back of your hand. This grip is a little more complicated than the traditional left hand grip, but once you master it, you'll find it comfortable and easy to do. Get started learning how to hold the drumstick in your right hand.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Extend the pointer finger of your right hand and place the drumstick, point facing in the same direction as your thumb, in between your first and second knuckle. About four or more inches of the drumstick's base will extend toward the rest of the fingers of your right hand.

2. Pinch the drumstick between your right thumb and pointer finger by placing the ball of your thumb against the back of the drumstick while curling your right pointer finger down. Anchor the drumstick between the first and second knuckles by this joining of the thumb and pointer finger. This completes the first or front fulcrum of your drumstick hold.

3. Wrap the bottom three fingers of your right hand around the bottom of the drumstick. John Antonelli describes this as being a "graceful" hold which is relaxed and not too tight.

4. Create the bottom fulcrum with the pinkie of your right hand as you hold the drumstick. This last fulcrum will combine with the first to help you consistently control the drumstick as you play it with your right hand.

5. Practice holding the drumstick in your right hand in the manner described above until it feels natural. Keeping Antonelli's description of "graceful" in your mind will help you to maintain a controlled, yet relaxed hold of the drumstick.

Resources

• Antonelli demonstrates